Our plugs in the UK are by far the best design.

thevillagechief 2 hours ago | parent | next [-]

I used to think this, but I've been in the US just long enough to start rethinking it. The one thing I still prefer though is that each outlet has an off switch, no need to unplug your cable. Also, three prong cables are 90 degrees offset so it's easier to fit behind furniture.

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nullisland00 3 hours ago | parent | prev | next [-]

They’re a great caltrop design. In my experience they’re too large and this causes problems with lead management.

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cmiles8 3 hours ago | parent | prev | next [-]

I would agree the plugs are well designed, but it’s also a space pen when you needed a pencil. Using that massive plug and 240V to charge a phone or power a light bulb is just comical.

The US system sensibly uses 110-120V for most uses and then 240V where it really matters.

	▲	jimnotgym 2 hours ago \| parent [-]
		Well, you don't need to use that 'massive' plug to charge your phone....usb sockets are a thing. And the lights in my house don't have any plugs on them. And... the plug really isn't that big at all.

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ginko an hour ago | parent | prev | next [-]

IMO they're completely overengineered. There's nothing useful they can do that schuko can't. (the built-in fuse and fixed polarity aren't useful)

	▲	Symbiote an hour ago \| parent [-]
		Fuses in plugs protect powerstrips (their cables) from being overloaded, e.g. using a powerstrip adequate only for a few lights to run a heater. E.g. [1] is a "Max 10A" power strip, so the cable would heat and potentially melt if a 15-16A load is connected. [1] https://www.silvan.dk/produkt/stikdaase-m-ledning-4-udtag-u_...

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Markoff 4 hours ago | parent | prev [-]

they are, except connectors are extremely bulky, but at least they are compatible with EU outlets as I learned in Malaysia, all you need is pen