Interesting. Are they both 120v?
I assume so.
If you’ve got a phone or laptop charger, then input voltage doesn’t often matter. They’ll work with either 120v or 230v.
And in general, you likely won’t be bringing non-charger electrical stuff with you when travelling.
So if you’re installing this in the US, it makes sense to just wire this with 120v. Peoples’ phone chargers will continue to work just fine.
Yeah, it only matters with things like electric shavers (although those are all battery operated now… so it actually doesn’t matter!), vacuum cleaners, etc. I know if you plug a 120v appliance into 230v it might kill it, but I guess if you plug a 230v appliance into 120v it just won’t turn on or will run slower.
I’ve used that type you see on the left there. They’re awful and dangerous.
It’s better to bring an adapter specifically made for the plug you have and the sockets where you’re headed.
When flat They’re mostly fine, but those “universal” ones have so little grip in them to cater to all plug types, that when wall mounted, the plug usually is left hanging half-inserted, exposing the live conductors.
They also allow you to plug in a grounded Schuko Plug (Its the german one) without connecting the earth, cant get much more dangerous than that. I think the french plug also can be plugged in but it doesnt connect the earth either.
Or more likely, the ones you used had been worn.
Universal sockets are the norm in many places now. I have every outlet with universal. They grip stronger than a standard American outlet and have tamper resistance. But like any receptical they wear out and are only good for so many insertions. If you use G type plugs they seemingly last forever.
Nope. Brand new. Several of them.
Also, the US connector doesn’t grip very well to begin with.
I mostly use F or E, plus the occasional A.
Then you’re buying shit.
I use universal with everything and they grip way stronger than default US outlets. Just a fact. Never have a plug hanging out. Works with grounded and ungrounded. I even replaced every outlet in a few of my US houses with universal, they are that awesome. No issues for many years, at least 15 now, with various inputs including well used ones in a kitchen for example with appliances being plugged and unplugged all the time.
Literally the only thing I like a US plug and socket for, are extension cords. The 5-15 is a great option for a long run. Don’t need a book sized receptacle on one end or a giant cylindrical twisty lock to power a 20W load somewhere.
That would have been a life saver on my last trip 😳
