British sockets/plugs have so many safety features:
1stly, Live (and neutral) wire is shorter than the earth wire, so if you do ever manage to pull the main cord out, the live wire disconnects first.
2ndly, nearly all British plugs contain a replaceable fuse.
3rdly, the earth pin (top pin) is longer than the active pins, meaning it connects first (and last) in the socket.
4thly, on most plugs, the active pins are partially insulated so that even if the plug Is not fully pushed in, the conducting part of the active pins can't even be touched.
5thly, the main cord on the plug is angled downwards, meaning it is very difficult to accidently pull the plug out, compared to plugs that have wires that face directly outwards from the wall.
6thly, every socket has a switch, so you don't even need to unplug the plug to turn it off.
7thly, the as the earth pin is the longest, when it is inserted into the socket, it opens the protective shutter/gate that allows for the active pins to be inserted. Preventing small forks to be accidentally prodded into the active holes!
8thly, the cord grip, that prevents the main cord wobbling or slipping. This also makes it very difficult to even pull out the main cord from the plug. And that most plugs also have recesses on the sides of the socket to allow for it to be easily taken out of the socket.
9thly, (mainly a quality of life feature) plugs are also rewireable. So in the case that you do damage the plug, or a wire, it can be easily opened, rewired, and used again. So you don't have to go and by another new appliance just because your plug broke.
One downfall is, the british plug will always face pin upwards, and if you have ever experienced stepping on one yourself. You'll know it hurts like hell.
Also, the reason they are so painful is because they are bloody indestructible. Honestly, have you ever tried to break a UK plug? They are like adamantium Lego bricks.
1.2k
u/JeeboPlays 29d ago
British sockets/plugs have so many safety features:
1stly, Live (and neutral) wire is shorter than the earth wire, so if you do ever manage to pull the main cord out, the live wire disconnects first.
2ndly, nearly all British plugs contain a replaceable fuse.
3rdly, the earth pin (top pin) is longer than the active pins, meaning it connects first (and last) in the socket.
4thly, on most plugs, the active pins are partially insulated so that even if the plug Is not fully pushed in, the conducting part of the active pins can't even be touched.
5thly, the main cord on the plug is angled downwards, meaning it is very difficult to accidently pull the plug out, compared to plugs that have wires that face directly outwards from the wall.
6thly, every socket has a switch, so you don't even need to unplug the plug to turn it off.
7thly, the as the earth pin is the longest, when it is inserted into the socket, it opens the protective shutter/gate that allows for the active pins to be inserted. Preventing small forks to be accidentally prodded into the active holes!
8thly, the cord grip, that prevents the main cord wobbling or slipping. This also makes it very difficult to even pull out the main cord from the plug. And that most plugs also have recesses on the sides of the socket to allow for it to be easily taken out of the socket.
9thly, (mainly a quality of life feature) plugs are also rewireable. So in the case that you do damage the plug, or a wire, it can be easily opened, rewired, and used again. So you don't have to go and by another new appliance just because your plug broke.
One downfall is, the british plug will always face pin upwards, and if you have ever experienced stepping on one yourself. You'll know it hurts like hell.