Things I Like About America: Plugs
In which I flap on about things I like about America. Today? Plugs mate.
Simple thing plugs. You... (wait for it) ...plug them in and behold, the magic and brilliance of electricity can be yours for the use thereof. But not all plugs are created equally. Some are, in fact, better than others.
In America, plugs are really quite tiny. Which is good. I like that. The kind you get is entirely dependent on whether your gadget requires grounding. If it doesn't then a simple two prong whatsit is all that you'll need.
If it does require grounding then you'll get a slightly larger plug with a third grounding prong thingy. Both plug into the same wall socket. Which is nice.
So let's recap. American plugs are small. And I like small. So that works out rather well doesn't it.
Now, the British design is somewhat different. Somewhat larger lets say. In fact, compared to its American counterpart, it's an absolute giant among plugs. A giant I tell you.
Just look at that thing. Three giant prong doodlies, so large you could have someone's eye out with those things. I believe the British plugs are closely modeled on medieval battlefield weapons.
They're full of fuses, wires, nooks for small animals to live in, and a place where electricians like to keep their bacon. Which I feel is bordering on the ridiculous. Electricians don't even eat bacon.
So, size does matter kids. Smaller is better. After having used both types of plugs for many years, the American plug is far easier to carry around. Just a little less handy for beating up a burglar with.
Oh yeah... whenever I head over the pond and have to pack one of those big-ass plug adapters I curse all of Britain. Twice! But then I have an egg and fire-roasted tomato sandwich for breakfast at Pret, and all is forgiven!
The UK plug is designed to accommodate a fuse to protect the cable and reduce the risk of fire (adding to its bulk). The plug also has to be safe with the high-voltage AND high current that the British electrical ring-mains circuits allow. The high density of the larger plug provides for more internal insulation around the pins and contacts - to prevent shorts and arcing.
The plug used to be user-serviceable (ie: anyone could wire a plug) so the design also had to accommodate reasonably sized terminals on the three pins for ease of maintenance. This is something of a moot point today since, due to our overbearing Health and Safety regulations, plugs are now sealed units and are not user-serviceable.
Having said all that, the plug is often inconvenient because of its size. It's particular awkward when travelling as it doesn't pack easily.
New designs are starting to appear though. I would really like to see this one get CE approval - because it's freaking awesome.
I like our plugs, they create the illusion of being safer, and sturdy. Which, taking one apart, is complete bullshit, they are all, virtually all, plastic. The rest of the world seems to have a plug akin to the American one, thinner prongs, smaller case. Guess we had to be different. And don't get me started on our electrical regulations, they are bullshit too.
You silly, naive boy. Of course they hide bacon in the plugs! Everyone knows if you get hungry in Britain, you find the nearest lamp and go to town! It's in all the travel guides!
dave... the last time I went back to England and had to plug something in I was like "oh good lord these plugs are huge". Never bothered me growing up of course.
jonathan... ha ha, yeah I understand the design decisions were centered around safety. Thank goodness new designs are on the way though.
spd... do you remember when plugs didn't even come with the gadget you were buying? A power cord sure, but no bloody plug - you had to go buy one and wire it up yourself. You don't still have to do that nowadays do you?
kapgar... ah yes, I think you're right. I believe the little bacon fairies go around at night and restock those lamps actually. Nothing worse than stale bacon right?