This was commented about some time ago here, but the design of the three-pin UK plug has finally gone slim-line.
Telegraph clicky

Mark

Look, just get them in the shops already. I'd buy about a dozen of them.

+1

I'm sure I read about these almost 2 or 3 years ago.

Why are they not in the shops?

I first saw these last year...

Yes - they were doing the rounds a lot then.

Can't say I have a size problem with the normal multi-socket travel plugs.

Gah! Tried to post a reply but dunno what happened.

Anyway, if the safety and ease of use is there, I'm happy with this solution.

I don't think they're supposed to be travel plugs. They're just plugs. Basically, the plug design we have was thought up at the end of WWII and hasn't changed in any significant way since. Given the number of devices the average person now has to power/charge, it's a design in real need of a rethink. This design is a much more efficient one while still retaining backward compatibility.

Put it this way I can't see why, if this was available, you wouldn't use it rather than the 'standard' plug.

The adapter is very cool also...

http://www.wired.co.uk/wired-magazine/a ... -plug.aspx

LOL, although it appears the person about to plug into the adapter has got it upside down

Although not probable, as the article mentioned the L/N pins can swivel 90 degrees there could be the possibility of the pin being left in the socket on removal of the plug if the swivel broke. Also Johnny Toddler will find it much easier to remove these plugs by hooking a finger through the loop rather than having to be able to grasp the whole plug, as is the case with plugs for the elderly/disabled. JT is going to be more curious about this plug as well.

Slim chances maybe, but more likely than the current setup. I like the plug myself.

Since the vast majority of equipment these days is unearthed, I do wish we had 2 pin plugs like everyone else in the world. It would save a lot of space and hassle and money.

I want European plugs

Although saying that, I wouldn't want French electrics. I do like the ring main system. Unfortunately, it comes with the requirement for fused plugs.

Are we allowed them?

It would be sensible if all of Europe changed to the same pin layout.

We are allowed the plugs, but the only sockets we can have must be fused such as you find in a bathroom or shaver-adapter. There is no reason why you can't use such fused adaptors with European plugs.

Our ring main can deliver very high currents. If a badly worn power cable shorts out, there is a risk of the cable catching fire. The plug fuse is there to protect the power cable.

European sockets are usually star-wired spurs going back to fused outlets at the distribution point, and as such the current is more limited.

Note, the UK system creates redundant paths for the power flow which protects against thermal runaway in a building wiring fault, and the fused plugs provide local protection that is better matched to the connected devices. Over all, the UK system is the safest in the world.

I just don't like the plugs

I use a shaver socket to charge a lot of my hard wired things from Oz whilst I'm in the UK. The others generally have a hi-fi power lead and I've got a few UK plugs with that adapter. Using the shaver socket is a bit of a squeeze suggesting I probably shouldn't do it, but it is low power stuff like a razor anyway. If it had an earth pin I wouldn't be able to do it.

Also I miss having a proper socket in the bathroom.

The adapters are usually fused at 1Amp so anything less than 240Watts should be fine. That covers most things that don't have heating elements or powerful motors; so just don't use your imported hair styling accessories or vacuum cleaner