this post was submitted on 27 Jun 2025
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I'm not able to find the link right now, but Technology Connections did a fantastic breakdown of the designs for U.S. plugs/outlets compared to those in (I think) the U.K.
Unsurprisingly, our outlets in the U.S. feature several braindead design choices that make them more dangerous.
the fact that old sockets can't handle the weight of a plug means the design was brain-dead from the beginning
The sockets were adequately designed for the plugs of the time. Then we started cramming transformers, capacitors and regulators into them to convert ~high voltage AC to low voltage DC.
The plugs changed, but the sockets took forever to barely catch up, if you can even say that much.
The more concerning thing is how they leave exposed live metal that you could touch while inserting/removing if you're not careful.
I really like where some countries have the prongs partly insulated so you can’t electrocute yourself as easily. It seems like it could be cheaply and easily done in the US as well, if we cared to do so
We could just flip our outlet upside down and be sort of safer, but we don't because the little face 😮
Funny thing is, the outlets in my house are installed with the ground prong up, unless they're installed horizontally.
That's probably because that's the recommended way to install them for safety, and that's why they're installed that way in hospitals, but people install them upside down in houses because they like the face
Wel no fire code or even electrical safety standards mention the orientation of plug. Hospital codes are the one exception
Chicago--a city very paranoid about fire--has some relatively unique fire codes, like all electrical wiring in a structure must run through conduit, and outlets are either typically, or are required to be, installed horizontally.
I can see why Chicago might be.
The city that famously burned down that one time? There's an outside chance that has something to do with it.
Tom Scott once upon a time made a video about why the UK plug is the superior overall design, here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UEfP1OKKz_Q
At this point you can get gfi plugs, abd chil proof plugs that block the live outlet. At this point all wr can add is plastic wrap at the base of the prongs