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Multi-standard sockets |
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Multi-standard sockets |
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The museum defines multi-standard sockets as devices that can be used for more than one type of plug*. Such sockets make sense in countries that have adopted more than one standard, but there are more reasons for offering combinations of outlets. * a strict definition of 'multi-standard' would also include French, Schuko, Israeli, Swiss, Danish and Italian sockets that also accept Europlugs, or NEMA 5-20R sockets suitable for both 5-15 and 5-20 plugs. These combinations are not included in the survey below. |
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| 1 | Probably
the most
well-known type of multi-standard sockets that can be found in all
corners of the world. Left outlet for 115V shavers with flat blades and
round pins. Slightly oval slots at right are meant for 230V shavers
with Europlug and British shavers that have a BS 4573 plug. A variant
exists that also
allows the use of Australasian plugs. Made for Homebase, a British DIY
market. |
| 2 | Italian VIMAR
type 'universale' sockets, suitable for Italian 10A
and 16A plugs (indicated with I), Schuko plugs (D), NEMA 1-15P (USA)
and British BS
4573
shaver plugs (GB). This Mascot series socket has a 220V label, that can
be replaced by a 110, 127, 160 or 240 Volt label. With respect to flat blade plugs it has to be noted that only plugs with a total width of 30 mm or less can be inserted. The Schuko earth clips obstruct larger plugs. {MSt} |
| 3 | Multi-standard socket are commonly found in Thailand, Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam. Accepts (non-) earthed 15A flat blade plugs (220V), Europlugs and Thai TIS 166-2549 standard earthed round pin plugs. |
| 4 | Chinese socket
for flat blade plugs (220V), Europlugs and Australasian plugs*, the
most commonly used plugs in China (PRC). * Chinese GB 2099-1 standard on plugs and socket-outlets for household and similar purposes. |
| 5 | Argentinian socket suitable for plugs with angled power pins (IRAM 2073 standard) and Europlugs. Australian and New Zealand standard plugs can be used in Argentina, vice versa. However, wiring in Argentina differs from AU and NZ. The line and neutral poles are reversed. The multi-standard socket is rated for 10A, 250V. {AvS} |
| 6 | Peruvian socket
which has separate slots for
flat blade (NEMA 1-15P plugs; green arrows) and round pin Europlugs
(blue arrows). A copper strip connects both line poles and ditto for the neutral poles. It is therefore not possible to wire the two types of outlets individually for respectively 120V and 220-240 Volt. {PO} |
| 7 | 10A socket,
manufactured by T&J Electric (Singapore); complies with Thai Industrial Standard TIS 824-2531. Suitable for the following plug standards: NEMA (North America), AS/NZS 3112 (Australasian), BS 546. BS 1363 (only 5A), CEE 7/4* (Schuko), CEE 7/6-7/7* (French), CEE 7/16 (Europlug), CEE 7/17, SI 32 (Israeli) and TIS 166-2549. * no earthing, only power pins (N and L) make contact. {DC} Serious warning In theory this type of universal socket may look convenient, but in practice they are unsafe. Important shortcomings are among others: (1) no possibility to differentiate between voltages, (2) there might be a polarity conflict because of differences between standards, (3) there is a serious risk of touching line parts, (4) poor contacts and insufficient mechanical stability. Safety issues are explained in detail on the fatallyflawed.org.uk website a recommended site ! |
| 8 | Socket that accepts both 6A and 16A IS1293 plugs. This Indian Standard is essentially identical to British BS 546 (5A - 15A). Manufacturer: Anchor Electricals, Mumbai, India;. Founded in 1963, from 2009 wholly owned subsidiary of the Japanese Panasonic Corporation. |
note |
Multi-socket nos. 2, 3, 4, 6 and 7 have slots for North American and Japanese 15A flat blade plugs, but the outlets do not offer 100-120V, 60Hz. Only devices that can handle 100-240V and 50-60Hz - for example most chargers for cell phone, tablets or digital camera batteries - can be used safely. A transformer is needed for other 100-120V equipment. Note also that polarized NEMA 1-15P plugs that have a wider neutral pin than line pin (see NEMA standards) cannot be used in any of the multi-sockets shown above. |
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