Why British Plugs Rock
Other countries laugh at our plugs because they are big and that. And this is true, but our plugs are better than yours and here’s why:
- The pins are thick and solid, they won’t bend or break.
- The plug fits extremely well in the socket. It is snug, and secure. It resists removal.
- The pins are rectangular in cross section, and the earth plug is perpendicular to the other two. So you can’t try to insert the plug the wrong round if using an extension lead or whatever might confuse you.
- The live and neutral supplies are shielded until the longer earth pin is inserted into the socket. The earth pin is longer to allow this.
- The live and neutral pins are insulated part the way up, just the right length so that it isn’t possible to get fingers in between the plug and socket and touch live pins.
- The plug itself contains a fuse
- Every plug is earthed
- The socket itself has a switch on it so you can easily isolate any electrical device, even those without on-off switches
- Our supply is 240V throughout, so we can run 3000W heaters anywhere if we like
- Our plugs can carry 13A, and do so safely
There are more, but I can’t think of them now.
Also I realise not all these points counter every plug. Eg continental European plugs are pretty good too. Ours are still better though 
Counter arguments are welcome.
British plugs are bigger then European plugs? Those things were already enormous!
Your surge protectors are huge. Enough said.
Ian January 16th, 2007 at 14:52You say every plug is earthed… does that include plugs in old houses?
If this was true, then admittedly that would put Britain ahead of the curve.
Like only about half of the plugs in my old apartment are earthed.
Ian Monroe January 17th, 2007 at 18:56Yes absolutely. All plugs, no exceptions
Max Howell January 17th, 2007 at 21:57[...] May 4. 2007 Max Howells blogs about how technical excellence doesn’t always win out and why you won’t burn your fingers in Glasgow. In a similar vein, mentioning KPilot always brings [...]
State of KPilot - Bobulate May 4th, 2007 at 22:56I really agree, Im british, and wherever ive been on holiday. The plugs are usually unconventional and pretty silly, But good old british ones make perfect sense and are as safe as can be, The risk of an electrical shock with any equipment is virtually zero unless you tip some water on it!!
Alex April 30th, 2008 at 15:53