Could it be to protect the rest of the item from getting scratched by the prongs? Especially a screen, or some soft/glossy plastic case that would be prone to scratches.
Comment on What is the purpose of this plastic piece?
Pogogunner@sopuli.xyz 2 years ago
I believe it’s to protect the prongs from getting damaged during shipping - and if the container gets rained on or something, it could provide some protection from that
bcgm3@lemmy.world 2 years ago
Kraven_the_Hunter@lemmy.dbzer0.com 2 years ago
I’ve been buying electrical and electronic things for years (okay decades), and the toys and computers I got as a kid never had these. The cords are always nicely cooked in their own cavity of the box too, so already protected well enough.
All in all it just seems like a solution to a non-existent problem.
lemmyng@lemmy.ca 2 years ago
It could be to protect the cord from being damaged by the prongs - the plastic cover would be softer and less sharp.
otter@lemmy.ca 2 years ago
It looks very easy to produce, what if it’s for the illusion of higher quality? In which case the small overhead increase is worth it for better sales (or allows for a higher price on the item).
Same idea as the unnecessary packaging on fruits at the store
themeatbridge@lemmy.world 2 years ago
It may also protect against accidental contact. Like if the prongs lay across something metal with a voltage differential, it could be a problem.
Kraven_the_Hunter@lemmy.dbzer0.com 2 years ago
That’s a reasonable guess, but it suggests that (a lot) of people are unpacking new electronics over bare live electrical wire.
7EP6vuI@feddit.org 2 years ago
but a simple plastic bag would be enough for that?
assembly@lemmy.world 2 years ago
I’m of the opinion that it’s just to improve the perception of package quality. I don’t see those cheap plastic pieces as keeping the prongs from accidentally warping or bending but I guess they could keep moisture away. I’ve never received a corroded set of prongs before their use though so my theory stands as they are upping the packaging visual aesthetics.
Kraven_the_Hunter@lemmy.dbzer0.com 2 years ago
Yeah this is probably the most likely. We do love to put plastic on everything.