Ever wondered why is the Indian electrical plug so different?

We adopted most systems from colonial UK (left side driving, parliamentary system etc) so why not something as trivial?

Or even better why dont we have a universal system for electrical plug and sockets globally?

Let's go back to the beginning of the story.

Earlier, the use of electricity was limited to lighting bulbs in houses. The bulbs were screwed into lamp holders.

In 1904, Hubbell invented a plug that allowed non lighting devices to be screwed into lamp sockets. 2nd pic - toaster

This caused safety hazards as voltage/current requirements were non standard. Electrical companies started charging different rates for lighting vs other purposes. Which meant that non lighting electrical appliances must be connected via different connection.

Across the Atlantic ocean, TT Smith had invented a basic 2 pin socket (without earthing). It became popular in UK. Hubbell didn't like the round pins of the plug as they provided less holding strength while inside socket. So he created his own version with flat pins.

Despite a patent, Hubbell's socket was infringed heavily and became extremely popular in US. This was the first point of diversion - UK round plug pins vs US flat pins.

Meanwhile in France , a temporary palace of electricity was erected for an exhibition in 1900. While it demonstrated the uses of electricity, it also showed how badly the voltages and sockets need to be made uniform for it to be useful for masses.

The first attempt to streamline plugs and sockets took place in 1930s in Europe. However Europe was soon torn apart by WW2 and the effort failed.

When electricity was introduced in India, we naturally followed the British socket and plug type which at that time was same as what we currently use in India.

However this system requires two types of wiring across the house - 15Amp for power sockets and 5/6 Amp for normal.

Post WW2, UK needed to rebuild itself. They used the opportunity to come up with a novel concept of plug and socket that would remove the need for two (5A and 15A) wiring systems across house.

They added individual fuses inside each plug! Voila! no need of 2 wiring systems.

Unfortunately UK adopted the new plug system in 1947. India has stuck to the old British system.

So next time you travel abroad and carry a universal adaptor to juggle across different sockets, remember there is always a story behind even the most mundane things.