Unsure if I should downvote for not following the script or upvote because a good recursion is an even better xkcd reference...
take those 17 bobcats instead
Better yet, make a knob that controls voltage. That way it can cover any future standards too. And while we are at it, let's see how high we can make that knob go.
American 240V circuits use split-phase, where there are two hot wires that are out of sync with each other.
Other 240V systems are single phase, with a hot and a neutral.
In general, a device for either should work on both, but there can be pretty big safety concerns with running a device designed for single phase on split phase.
Note that for example a CEE 7/7 plug may fit into both a Type E and Type F socket, but the polarization is only guaranteed in the French Type E, but not the German Type F sockets and while it will fit into Danish Type K sockets it will not be grounded.
A CEE 7/16 aka Europlug will fit into just about any outlet in the civilised world, but provides no grounding or polarization.
The europlug has ground strips in the top and bottom, flush with the surface. The problem is where I live, Spain, you can get extensions and such that are just the two pins on a flat plug, and because we don't use the superior type g plug, there's nothing to prevent you from plugging in a metal-bodied appliance into them.
It works OK as a travel adapter, but it doesn't grip the plug very well because there are so many holes. Especially if what you're plugging in is an American two-prong plug, you have to be careful to keep it seated.
I have this big 8.5"x11" slide rule cardboard thing that has a few hundred options on it. Voltage, amps, phases, ground or not, etc. I think its was made by Leviton.
Yeah, looking at just NEMA you have dozens more to take into consideration depending on voltage and amperage. This also doesn't account for IEC 60320 (appliance couplers, e.g. the C13/C14 coupler that is extremely common on computers), nor does it cover IEC 60309 "Pin and Sleeve" plugs for higher voltage or higher current use cases.
I'm Italian, the L type actually includes two incompatible variants and in this comic only the 10A one is indicated, the 16A variant could theoretically fit (phase and neutral in holes M and earth in hole B).
Anyway, the 16A variant is now only found in power strips, extension cords, and Schuko adapters. In end devices, is mostly used the Europlug (C with thin prongs) for low-power devices without grounding, otherwise Schuko (E+F) is used. Europlug fit 10A variant outlet, Schuko instead requires a suitable outlet for safety reason (hehehe), not everyone has this at home, so in many cases we resort to adapters, which are rated for 1500W MAX (hehehe x2).
15?! ridiculous! we need to develop one universal standard that covers everyone’s use cases
16?! ridiculous! we need to develop one universal standard that covers everyone's use cases
17?! ridiculous! we need to develop one universal standard that covers everyone's use cases
18?! Ridiculous! We need to develop one universal standard that covers everyone’s use cases.
19?! Ridiculous! We need to develop one universal standard that covers everyone’s use cases.
20?! Ridiculous! We need to develop one universal standard that covers everyone’s use cases.
21?! Ridiculous! We need to develop one universal standard that covers everyone’s use cases.
22?! Ridiculous! We need to develop one universal standard that covers everyone’s use cases.
23?! Ridiculous! We need to develop one universal standard that covers everyone’s use cases.
24?! Ridiculous! We need to develop one universal standard that covers everyone’s use cases.
Unsure if I should downvote for not following the script or upvote because a good recursion is an even better xkcd reference... take those 17 bobcats instead
“Would not buy again”
Problem: there are now 16 competing standards
Yes, also because No protective Earth for "E" & "F" in the picture & most plugs will shock you ...
one for 200V-240V (like the IEC plug that´s similar to Switzerland & Brazil)
& one different for 100V-127V (not the USA crap plug) (don't use the same plug for all voltages like Brazil does)
with recessed outlets that can not shock you
They're referring to Standards. Congratulations!
At some point, just get rid of the wall socket and have 3 alligator clamps hanging from the drywall.
Yeah but your alligator clamps will need to be compatible with crocodile clips....
Two alligator clamps. The third one is for chickens.
Also supply both 110 and 220 volts.
Better yet, make a knob that controls voltage. That way it can cover any future standards too. And while we are at it, let's see how high we can make that knob go.
11, perhaps?
For 10k ill make it go to 12
Let's do the Sumerian compromise and go to 60
User flair checks out
Hopefully not. It'd support neither 110 nor 220 if it only goes up to that.
not if it's 11 kv
This person metrics. But if we factorial, we could make it go to 11!. 39916800V should be enough for anyone. 😉
Or we could go logarithmic and support a flux capacitor at 0.11A
Including a 16A variac in all outlets would be quite handy
Dont forget frequency!
Also phase
It's not a phase, mom!
sorry to noob but : why do you need phase on a not tryphased outlet ?
I mean I thought the phase was the delay between to sines ?
I'm gonna go check wiki
American 240V circuits use split-phase, where there are two hot wires that are out of sync with each other.
Other 240V systems are single phase, with a hot and a neutral.
In general, a device for either should work on both, but there can be pretty big safety concerns with running a device designed for single phase on split phase.
thank you very much
Now I am wondering if anything these days cares about 50 vs 60hz?
Many devices with asynchronous motors, e.g. my fan does.
Switch mode power supplies NO. Motors Yes.
So 330 Volt? Got it.
330 volts is good, but for frequency, you need to find the least common denominator of 50 and 60, which is 300.
330v @ 300 Hz
That's a bargain for Hz/volt
And for 220 (really more like 240), it needs to supply it as either split phase or not for safety!
And high speed data!
Mobile Version!
Direct image link: Truly Universal Outlet
Bat text: Building Inspectors HATE This One Weird Trick
Don't get it? explain xkcd
Note that for example a CEE 7/7 plug may fit into both a Type E and Type F socket, but the polarization is only guaranteed in the French Type E, but not the German Type F sockets and while it will fit into Danish Type K sockets it will not be grounded.
A CEE 7/16 aka Europlug will fit into just about any outlet in the civilised world, but provides no grounding or polarization.
Europlug Map
These things are complicated.
The thing I love about xkcd is that it attracts readers like you, who know far too much about this strange stuff and tell others.
That may be the greatest compliment ever given to another person.
The europlug has ground strips in the top and bottom, flush with the surface. The problem is where I live, Spain, you can get extensions and such that are just the two pins on a flat plug, and because we don't use the superior type g plug, there's nothing to prevent you from plugging in a metal-bodied appliance into them.
I think you're thinking of German Schuko plugs. Europlugs are the flat two-pin plugs.
The Europlug does not have any grounding contacts. Are you thinking of the Schuko (type F) plug or the hybrid CEE 7/7 plug?
It kinda looks like a seated toddler with mittens
Not the Mama!
Airplanes do this (even though it's non-compliant) and I'm impressed that it hasn't caused any major issues.
I own some travel adapters that do this on both sides as well... The socket side looks exactly like Randall's image
Yea. I was gonna say that I have this plug.
It works OK as a travel adapter, but it doesn't grip the plug very well because there are so many holes. Especially if what you're plugging in is an American two-prong plug, you have to be careful to keep it seated.
where do i plug in a three phase plug????
There is way more than 15.
I have this big 8.5"x11" slide rule cardboard thing that has a few hundred options on it. Voltage, amps, phases, ground or not, etc. I think its was made by Leviton.
Edit: Ah, IEC. I was thinking NEC/NEMA.
Yeah, looking at just NEMA you have dozens more to take into consideration depending on voltage and amperage. This also doesn't account for IEC 60320 (appliance couplers, e.g. the C13/C14 coupler that is extremely common on computers), nor does it cover IEC 60309 "Pin and Sleeve" plugs for higher voltage or higher current use cases.
Rorschach would be proud.
Be not afraid,
it looks like my parents fighting
I'm Italian, the L type actually includes two incompatible variants and in this comic only the 10A one is indicated, the 16A variant could theoretically fit (phase and neutral in holes M and earth in hole B).
Anyway, the 16A variant is now only found in power strips, extension cords, and Schuko adapters. In end devices, is mostly used the Europlug (C with thin prongs) for low-power devices without grounding, otherwise Schuko (E+F) is used. Europlug fit 10A variant outlet, Schuko instead requires a suitable outlet for safety reason (hehehe), not everyone has this at home, so in many cases we resort to adapters, which are rated for 1500W MAX (hehehe x2).
Can’t wait for the Technology Connections about this plug.
Now do all ANSI standard outlets!
Where are the grounding pins for the F type? And the grounding prong for the E type, seems like there's a hole instead.
Just make a hole in the wall at that point
We should all use the Danish plug. It's the happiest power outlet in the world.
Would this work? Or would it just be a fire hazard?
So where do I plug my USB C to C charge cable?
So, a Linux plug
The fun part is wiring the different voltage and hertz.
"Looks like ya got a critter problem here."
I thought it was an overhead map of buildings on a campus at first.
Oh, also, an anonymous user on Explain Xkcd made a GIF showing the different shapes in different colors. https://filebin.net/ehv155pyjeib5qkk
https://i.imgur.com/nzc0DLR.gif
How to use this thing without being electrocuted... uh oh
I don't get it, it's just a picture of my parents fighting
China uses A, C, and I. https://www.power-plugs-sockets.com/china/ The resulting outlets look not unlike this mess.