I have never understood why the EU doesn't simply mandate that all appliances be fitted with IEC 60906-1 plugs http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/IEC_60906-1.

Then produce a design for a system of adaptors which provide the same level of safety as a normal plug/socket arrangement, but are snap-on (semi-permanent). These could be used with Schuko or BS1363 outlets without any major fuss.

Also, the IEC 60906 socket allows for the 2-pin Europlugs to be polarised, by slightly changing their body shape so that they only fit in one way into the IEC 60906 recessed outlets. They would remain non-polarised when used with schuko, but would be polarised with the new sockets thus complying with any countries which require polarisation e.g the UK and Ireland.

Such a system would mean that appliances like laptops, mobiles etc could be carried in a case and used with a single powerstrip in the UK, thus avoiding the need for all these slimed down plugs and other workarounds.

You'd only have to carry a single BS1363 plug.

Actually, I know one guy who bought laptop cables in Italy and uses an Italian powerstrip when traveling to avoid bulk!

British/Irish:

[Linked Image from blogcdn.com]

Italian:
[Linked Image from shopdolce.com]

He just picked up the italian version of his laptop cable and the rest are standard 2-pin Europlug.

Last edited by djk; 08/31/09 08:48 AM.