Why do some 2 pole brake switches have a plastic prong?

[sugarwood]

Like this.
https://gowesty.com/cdn/shop/products/full_9442e2f914b89536080109952b3b22c7.jpg?v=164729 1843


Just 2 prongs
https://socalautoparts.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/113945515HGR.jpg

[EC900]

If these are both the same Part # in a current PET there’s a letter code for interchangeability.

The last 2 digits would reflect the latest version, changed to meet another change in the socket. The part # can be compared to an older PET…for example: part## 911.111.111.00 being the original rendition and say 911.111.111.03 being the latest.

The plastic center spade may be there so it will not insert into an older socket or vice versa. The socket will also have a new two digit suffix on part #.
It could also be for import models that may have a multi brand application across other models from Audi to VW.

My 2˘.

[WMichelsen]

I ran into this very problem. My '87 needs the one without the plastic center excluder. I ordered the correct part number, but received the one with the plastic divider. I simply cut it out, and it works fine.
To your question: Not sure why there are 2 versions.

[proporsche]

the plastic is a actually guide for the original connector

Ivan

[sugarwood]

Originally Posted by proporsche

the plastic is a actually guide for the original connector

Ivan

But the original connector on many cars does not have that 3rd guide slot

[75 911s]

On my original harness on my 75 it's just spade connectors, no plastic guide. My guess is it's just a safety design. On the early cars, the MC is down near the road. If somehow debris hit the wires there and made them touch, it would turn on the brake warning light in the dash. This little plastic guide prevents that from happening.

[Johnr352]

Mine had the plastic, I just cut them off. Easy to do and then they worked just fine.

[sugarwood]

Originally Posted by Johnr352

Mine had the plastic, I just cut them off. Easy to do and then they worked just fine.

Yea, but why do they have the plastic?
Which cars years have the plastic 3rd pole slot?