Electrical Plug Materials: Understanding Phenolic Resin

The most common type of plastic used to make electrical plugs is a thermoset polymer called a phenolic resin. Thermoset plastics, rather than thermoplastic, are used due to their good electrical insulation properties, high strength, fire resistance, and low water absorption. Phenolic resins are made from a reaction between phenol and formaldehyde and a number of other reagents.