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I wish we could move to a universal AC mains socket standard so that we don't have to stress over travel adapters. Using IEC 60320 sockets (like for computers

by nayuki 4y ago

I wish we could move to a universal AC mains socket standard so that we don't have to stress over travel adapters. Using IEC 60320 sockets (like for computers and kettles) would be great ( https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/IEC_60320 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/IEC_60320 ). Failing that, my second choice would be the Australian socket (also used in China) ( https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/AS/NZS_3112 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/AS/NZS_3112 ). I wouldn't prefer continental European sockets because while the hot and neutral pins are somewhat standardized, the ground pin and overall shape are wildly different per country (e.g. https://www.plugsocketmuseum.nl/EuropePlugsSockets.html https://www.plugsocketmuseum.nl/EuropePlugsSockets.html ). I also wouldn't prefer the British socket because it's too big. North American plugs have safety problems due to easily accessible live pins.

teraflop 4y ago
Standardizing outlets is a tempting idea, but there are a lot of 120V devices that are not designed to tolerate 240V and would create extreme safety hazards if they were plugged into the wrong voltage. So I think you would need to design a new system with at least two different kinds of outlets, and three different kinds of plugs: one for 120V only, one for 240V only, and one for "universal" devices (like switched-mode power supplies) that can be plugged into either. And of course, once you replace all the outlets with the new standards, everybody would need to get the appropriate adapters for their old devices.
- russdill 4y ago
  I think you'd just make the sockets and plugs keyed. A 120v only plug can only plug in a 120v outlet. A dual voltage plug can plug into either socket. Bonus points for providing some simple signal that indicates the voltage for dumb appliances like hair dryers. The other option would just be to require all appliances to be dual voltage. This would add several dollars to many devices but they cost would go down over time. It's academic anyway, a switchover isn't happening any time soon. The only way I can see it happening is if we switch to a system similar to EV charging where all connections are negotiated. Nothing is hot until required and anything operating over current can be immediately identified and disabled. Appliances could even limit their consumption to a lower setting if insufficient capacity was available on their circuit. Such a change could occur due to future regulation and hopefully at a time where the cost of the technology has gone down significantly.
asddubs 4y ago
standardizing plugs is more important than sockets. the schuko plug works in a lot of countries across different socket systems.
- Akronymus 4y ago
  The shuko os such a good plug design.
  - ars 4y ago
    No it is not. It's way too big and it has a fuse inside the plug because of historical copper shortages during war. If I were designing a global plug it would not be based on that. I like the layout of Switzerland, but it needs to be smaller - there's no need for that much space around the plug. Something the size of a US plug, with the Switzerland layout, and shielded prongs instead of a recessed outlet.
    - gattilorenz 4y ago
      > it has a fuse inside the plug because of historical copper shortages during war That’s the UK plug, Shuko doesn’t have a fuse I still prefer the Italian plug design due to compact size tho
      - asddubs 4y ago
        the italian plug is nice, and you can rotate it 180°. Some people don't like that because it makes it ambiguous which lead is neutral, but IMO in the real world you can't rely on stuff like that anyway because as long as it works both ways, people will wire outlets inconsistently
        gattilorenz 4y ago
        I agree about relying on rotation and not trusting sockets. The only thing I dislike is that there are actually two sizes, with different current ratings, and while most receptacles will accept both, some (or some extension cord) won’t. This is a safety feature, sure, but still annoying. The Shuko plugs are also ok, easier to insert without looking, but very bulky. It’s in theory nice that they have “bent” (i.e. the cable protrudes at a 90 deg angle) and “straight” plugs, but in practice in most cases you can’t choose which plug to use where.

by nayuki 4y ago

teraflop 4y ago

Standardizing outlets is a tempting idea, but there are a lot of 120V devices that are not designed to tolerate 240V and would create extreme safety hazards if they were plugged into the wrong voltage. So I think you would need to design a new system with at least two different kinds of outlets, and three different kinds of plugs: one for 120V only, one for 240V only, and one for "universal" devices (like switched-mode power supplies) that can be plugged into either. And of course, once you replace all the outlets with the new standards, everybody would need to get the appropriate adapters for their old devices.

russdill 4y ago
I think you'd just make the sockets and plugs keyed. A 120v only plug can only plug in a 120v outlet. A dual voltage plug can plug into either socket. Bonus points for providing some simple signal that indicates the voltage for dumb appliances like hair dryers. The other option would just be to require all appliances to be dual voltage. This would add several dollars to many devices but they cost would go down over time. It's academic anyway, a switchover isn't happening any time soon. The only way I can see it happening is if we switch to a system similar to EV charging where all connections are negotiated. Nothing is hot until required and anything operating over current can be immediately identified and disabled. Appliances could even limit their consumption to a lower setting if insufficient capacity was available on their circuit. Such a change could occur due to future regulation and hopefully at a time where the cost of the technology has gone down significantly.

asddubs 4y ago

standardizing plugs is more important than sockets. the schuko plug works in a lot of countries across different socket systems.

Akronymus 4y ago
The shuko os such a good plug design.
- ars 4y ago
  No it is not. It's way too big and it has a fuse inside the plug because of historical copper shortages during war. If I were designing a global plug it would not be based on that. I like the layout of Switzerland, but it needs to be smaller - there's no need for that much space around the plug. Something the size of a US plug, with the Switzerland layout, and shielded prongs instead of a recessed outlet.
  - gattilorenz 4y ago
    > it has a fuse inside the plug because of historical copper shortages during war That’s the UK plug, Shuko doesn’t have a fuse I still prefer the Italian plug design due to compact size tho
    - asddubs 4y ago
      the italian plug is nice, and you can rotate it 180°. Some people don't like that because it makes it ambiguous which lead is neutral, but IMO in the real world you can't rely on stuff like that anyway because as long as it works both ways, people will wire outlets inconsistently
      - gattilorenz 4y ago
        I agree about relying on rotation and not trusting sockets. The only thing I dislike is that there are actually two sizes, with different current ratings, and while most receptacles will accept both, some (or some extension cord) won’t. This is a safety feature, sure, but still annoying. The Shuko plugs are also ok, easier to insert without looking, but very bulky. It’s in theory nice that they have “bent” (i.e. the cable protrudes at a 90 deg angle) and “straight” plugs, but in practice in most cases you can’t choose which plug to use where.