I thought this subject would elicit some good discussion and highlight some common practices and habits across the globe.

Addressing classicsat first, the UK receptacles/outlets/sockets are flush fitting unlike the Euro types that are recessed. I can see why they are recessed – keeping fingers away from the pins and for support – but coming as I do from countries where outlets are flush with the wall (UK, South Africa, USA) the recessed types look – how can I say it? – ugly. The French Euro sockets with their pin sticking out are even more so – I suppose it’s what you’re used to. When I discussed 230V for domestic America, my tongue was stuck firmly in my cheek and I was referring to a system with 230V potential between a single phase and ground (à la Europe), hence my references to polarization. I know that present NEC/CEC 230V systems are Edison Circuits and are thus inherently non-polarized.

This brings me to SvenNYC’s and C-H’s comments regarding polarization. The non-French Euro plug is totally un-polarized even with a grounded plug. Even the French type appears to accept the common thin two pin un-grounded Euro plug. It seems common across the Continent that polarization is a non-issue - yet most switching on equipment will be single pole. I would much prefer to switch the phase/live/active conductor, than the neutral/grounded one. I refer to lyledunn’s tragic observation above – though mis-wiring appears to be a contributory factor in that fatality (I must say that not removing the plug was the main one). Is this lack of Continental sensitivity to polarization due to electric history? – were your early 220V circuits all Edison Circuits like North America or taps from 3-phase 127V and therefore non polar by their very nature.

PaulUK has made the observation in the past that the French, whilst having a semi-polarized system are not too fazed which way round they wire their sockets! I know that there is a lot of equipment out there that really doesn’t care which way round it is wired but there are some things (bedside/coffee table lamps) where - for safety’s sake - the live wire should be switched, especially those Edison Screw type bulbs that are common on the Continent. Childrens’ deaths have been reported from here in the US due to touching the live shell of an old un-polarized lamp on 115V. These lamps are often not grounded – so it’s not a grounding issue; which brings me to C-H’s point (7) – could you clarify this for me please.

If the IEC 60906-1 system includes two pin plugs there is still no polarization, hence my liking for the Australia/New Zealand approach. C-H the blades of these are solid brass and quite sturdy. I have not managed to casually bend one, unlike the common NEMA 5-15! Interesting C-H that you say this is the world standard for 115V systems.

Trumpy - a dedicated 240V 20A circuit and receptacle. The plug is a 240V 15A one which, in case you are unaware, has its phase/active pins horizontal rather than vertical (its 115V counterpart). Could you describe please your 15A socket and plug. I have only seen 10A ones in my wanderings round your neighbour’s part of the world. I noted at the time of my visit the lower maximum wattage on the kettles.

Coming back to the question of the cord exit direction, I see the Swiss plug has it coming straight out the back. I am not keen on this even though this is the rule rather than the exception here in the States. The IEC 60906-1 one, I see, is similar but can have it coming out sideways (but not down apparently). I must confess to not being in favour of pulling a plug out by its cord and most equipment instructions one reads discourage it. As I have said in these forums before, as a child in the UK these “no-pull” instructions always confused me, because with UK plugs this was nearly, physically impossible! [Linked Image]