m_a_a_ (asker) Feb 11, 2017:

Actually, @transphy and @Vassilis, the links that Vassilis pointed me to are terming the item "3 Way Outlet Wall Plug Adapter (T Shaped Wall Tap)", so there's hardly anything to argue about. Transphy is right as to the colloquial use of the word "adapter/adaptor", whereas Vassilis is right as to the overall term he is suggesting.<br><br>As far as my understanding goes, a "ταφ" is merely an odd-looking multi-socket, as Peter Close suggested I'd translate "πολύπριζο" (see my other question), which happens to have a distinct name in Greece, because of its shape. Calling it an "adapter" seems to me, as a rough colloquialism, that would be misinformative, if entered in a product catalogue, next to actual adapters/adaptors (in Wikipedia's sense).<br><br>Nick's reference, on the other hand, was a Dutch museum. They may have seeked verbal precision, but they may as well have resorted to some improvisation to achieve it. Vassilis' reference is a list of Google search results, consisting of Amazon, eBay, Walmart, Youtube and more... I believe such "giants" utilize well-established phraseology. So, Vassilis, you get the points.

transphy Feb 10, 2017:

You are right!. BUT, that's another type of adaptor. AND, you had not read my 'discussion', just before you started your discussion. Read it again, please!
(The Americans write it as 'adapter')

Vasileios Paraskevas Feb 10, 2017:

I rest my case... https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Adapter

transphy Feb 10, 2017:

The URL given, http://www.dimakplast.gr/images/stories/virtuemart/product/T... shows me a fitting which in the UK we call an 'adaptor'. In Greece you can call it 'Ταφ', because it's like a 'T'. In the UK we do NOT call it 'T'. We call it 'three way plug adaptor', certainly NOT a 'T'. You stick to your explanation I will stick to mine.

Vasileios Paraskevas Feb 10, 2017:

OMG Please tell me we aren't going to have to discuss the difference between an adaptor, a transformer, a wall tap and a power strip now...

transphy Feb 10, 2017:

Of course it is an 'adaptor' You input from one point and you distribute it to 3 outlets.
That's what an 'adaptor', where I live is.

Vasileios Paraskevas Feb 10, 2017:

definitely NOT an adaptor ... because there is nothing to adapt. m_a_a's device has same pin setup in input and output.

transphy Feb 10, 2017:

We call that an 'adaptor' which can be from one 'plug' you can have 2 or more 'plugs' coming out of it, or an 'adaptor'( again) one can convert a Continental 2-pin plug into an 'English' 3-pin plug, and visa- versa.

m_a_a_ (asker) Feb 10, 2017:

@transphy I need a name for the item you see on the first link:
http://www.dimakplast.gr/images/stories/virtuemart/product/T...

transphy Feb 9, 2017:

@ Paraskevas:-
You may disagree, but have a look what m-a-a wrote, ''
Not sure there's some equally common alternative in the UK or US, and from what I've seen on the Internet, speaking of "T-shaped plugs" may be slightly misleading, since it often refers to the way the actual pins are arranged in, i.e:
https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/f/f1/13A_Plug...''
'....the actual pins are arranged.....''

transphy Feb 9, 2017:

You gave this URL( your 3rd. example'

Speaking of \"T-shaped connectors\" on the other hand seem to be more common for plumbers than for electricians, e.g:

http://www.rct-online.de/media/image/thumbnail/G302696_a1_72...

That's got nothing to do with Electrics. Your example is pipe connector in the shape of a 'T'. We, in fact call it a 'T' connector, or just a 'T'.

On the other hand, a 'T' connector, as used by an electrician is a PIPE 'T' connector, for the conduits(pipes) electricians use to house the wires. Which one do you need? The pipe 'T' connector or the 3-pin plug?