Still, the pin size and spacing is quite some example of overengineering.
It is indeed, but then the old BS546 round-pin plugs were similar. The 5 and 15-amp ratings are
very conservative. I'd bet that BS546 connectors would probably carry at least double those currents safely.
Actually, I find it kind of ironic that a large proportion of electrical equipment in homes now doesn't need the hefty 13A plugs. BS546 5A would have provided adequate capacity for all smaller appliances in a neater package.
The widespread use of angle plugs (well, that should rather read "exclusive") makes for nice foot traps walking barefoot in dark rooms... lightly stepped on a BS 1363 plug once, no thanks.
I've stepped on them quite heavily more than once. It hurts!
