Duraplug connectors in box. Red, black and white flat carboard box containing flat, black electrical rubber connectors. Made by Haffenden-Richborough Ltd, Sandwich, Kent

Part of the Bob Gray collection of electrical objects.

Connectors like this can be used for extension leads. They are made of two parts, a male and a female, which connect together with the female socket always being the mains supply and the male being the appliance. These connectors became very popular on electric lawn-mowers after the invention of the electric hover mower in 1964. The growth of plastics, fibreglass and lightweight electrical technology made the electric lawn-mower a popular alternative to heavy, hand-operated or petrol-driven machines. A common problem, however, was that people would mow through the extension lead. These connectors could be used to make a high-quality repair, although most people just used insulation tape.