3 ms·
But we already kind of have this problem. If I order a microwave from the UK and ship it to my other European country, then I'm already dealing with a power plu
by Aerroon 3y ago
But we already kind of have this problem. If I order a microwave from the UK and ship it to my other European country, then I'm already dealing with a power plug that is incompatible. This also means that the power plugs can't be optimal (ie there's room to improve), because all the different variants can't all be optimal at the same time.
And yet, actually ever improving the power plug design is probably never going to happen.
- Symbiote 3y agoWithin the EU, if you order a microwave from France to be delivered to Ireland it should be provided with the correct plug. Generally, something larger like a microwave or TV would come with an alternative power cord. Something smaller comes with a 2-prong European plug and a semi-permanent UK/Ireland adapter. (Incidentally, the EU considered changing to a single mains plug, but wisely decided it wasn't worth the hassle.)
- crote 3y agoUnfortunately the UK is no longer in the European Union, so their plug is never going to be unified. The EU seriously considered unifying wall sockets, but in the end it turned out to not really be worth the effort. Most devices have either a Europlug or CEE 7/7 plug, which are compatible with virtually all wall sockets in the EU. Italy and Denmark are slowly switching their proprietary wall sockets to the more common Schuko variant, if I recall correctly, so improving it isn't impossible!