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Grumpy rant #783

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TimFox:

--- Quote from: Connecteur on October 13, 2023, 03:25:40 pm ---This is probably the reason there is no world standard. Everybody fights change. I'd hate to see more countries taking the "rubber room" approach to it like the UK.
I'm unhappy enough trying to get my 3-prong bulky laptop power cord into my carrying bag.  I like the newer ones that are powered by USB-C.  I think there's a lot to be gained by adding USB to the existing power outlet standards.  If not for total safety of it alone.

--- End quote ---

Feel free to add USB-type power outlets to existing wall sockets, next to the real ones in the same box.
The next generation can change those USB outlets to later standards without interfering with the real outlets.
In the US, where 120 V plugs are a civilized size (not the ancient flimsy ones to which people object, nor the huge ones needed for 240 V), the standard outlet wall box is 2x4 inch (single) or 4x4 inch (double).
The single box usually holds two thingies above each other (two outlets, two switches, or one of each) or one switch.
The double box that usually holds two to four thingies has enough room next to the real outlets for a USB thingy.
"Thingy" in French is "truc", depending on context.
The original English word "thingamajig" apparently is the source for the formal English word "jig" for a fixture, and the informal word "thingy".

themadhippy:

--- Quote ---ones to which people object, nor the huge ones needed for 240 V), the standard outlet wall box is 2x4 inch (single) or 4x4 inch (double).
--- End quote ---
those huge boxes  (for the far superior systemt   :box:)  aint much bigger, a single box is around 3" x 3" and a  double around 6" x 3"

TimFox:
However, in the US we get more outlets per linear inch of outlet strip, due to the smaller plugs for the safer voltage level of 120 V.

Connecteur:
I don't think I'm alone in who finds excessive caution aggravating.  The driver in front of you who chooses to drive well under the speed limit; the gas station that removes the fuel nozzle latch, so that you are forced to hold the trigger throughout the fill, and countless other purported "safety measures" which do very little or nothing to save lives or prevent injury.  There's always someone trying to outlaw pressure cookers or lower all the speed limits, but that is not risk management, it's "risk avoidance."

I cringe every time I see a clunky UK lug, and I doubt that it saved many lives, at least to the extent that it outweighs the inconvenience.
That's why I think a type of USB could provide both sufficient power for small appliances and total safety from possible electrocution, but a convenient sized plug that won't get in your way.

TimFox:
Again, here in the US we use what I consider to be a sensible-size plug for 120 VAC.
I do not preach to other countries what plugs they should use on their power distribution.
I have considered what small appliances are probably unsuitable for USB-level power connections.
Besides kitchen appliances, we have a hair dryer, a good vacuum cleaner, and a good audio system (not a handheld device for compressed files and earbuds).
TV sets larger than our modest flat-panel can pull from 75 to 120 W when operating, while a reasonable computer monitor draws maybe 55 W.
In the kitchen, a full-size refrigerator pulls 350 to 780 W when running.  With a wall plug, it is easy to replace when needed.
Similarly, a dishwasher pulls over 1 kW when running:  batteries not included.
Also, consider my drill press:  they range from 300 to 1000 W for reasonable sizes.
Furthermore, table saw, and soldering station are examples of plug-in tools.
You may like USB-style connectors:  be sure to make them easy to replace if abused, but remember what else you need to power.

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