XPost: uk.tech.broadcast, uk.tech.digital-tv, uk.rec.audio   
   XPost: sci.electronics.repair   
   From: gsm@mendelson.com   
      
   David Looser wrote:   
      
   > I agree, the BS1363 plug is not my favourite design. Some years ago there   
   > was a serious attempt to introduce a EU standard plug & socket, an attempt   
   > that failed because of the NIH (not-invented-here) factor. I rather like the   
   > German 'Shucko' socket and would be happy to see it replace the BS1363   
   > socket here, but can you image the reaction of the Daily Mail readers? :-)   
      
   Shucko plugs have grounding problems. They rely on the plug being all the   
   way in (ground is connected AFTER the mains) and an easily bent spring in   
   the outlet.   
      
   Much better is a 230 volt version of the US 3 prong plug, two round pins   
   like the standard EU ungrounded plug, with a slightly longer ground pin   
   in the center and below them like  this:   
      
          O     O   
             O	   
      
   The advantage is that unless you work at it, the ground pin makes contact   
   first.   
      
   For "double insulated" devices that do not come with a ground pin, the standard   
   EU 2 pin plug fits fine.   
      
   There is no reason that the outlets could not be sold with shutters and or   
   fuses, or the fuse holders built into the plug body.   
      
   Geoff.   
      
   --   
   Geoffrey S. Mendelson,  N3OWJ/4X1GM   
   My high blood pressure medicine reduces my midichlorian count. :-(   
      
   --- SoupGate-Win32 v1.05   
    * Origin: you cannot sedate... all the things you hate (1:229/2)