Strange but true

[ffutures]

One of the apps I got free for my iPad shows which electrical plugs are used in which countries. I've occasionally found it useful, but for obvious reasons never looked at the UK 13A plug... until today. I always thought it was more or less unique; turns out it's used in fifty countries. Considering its flaws I'm amazed...

Comments

[ckd]

The IEC Type G plug and socket are quite well designed, except for the problem of being ludicrously huge, which has been worked on.

The list of other countries that use it has a significant overlap with those that had various "ties" (IYKWIM) to the United Kingdom/British Empire during the time when electricity was becoming a Thing. (Ranging from Ireland, which is fairly obvious, to the United Arab Emirates which were formerly the Trucial States.)

[ffutures.livejournal.com]

As you say - too big, too heavy, and the square pins damage the socket too easily if anyone pulls on the cable.