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The Kettle Plug Logic

Started by yowchuan · 9 months ago

I’ve always been wondering why modern devices’ power cable and adapters comes in so many different shapes and sizes?
Is there a reason why they cannot conform to one standard format? You know, like how they did it with the digital content distribution. When the conten ... Continue reading »

5 comments

  • Pin

    9 months ago

    Slightly not possible, Lee. We have 110 and 240. Notice, when we have 240, we usually have the Earth ping, that makes the plug bigger. Unlike those plugs in US, their wall soket don't have suis, you just plug in your plug to on/and off. I am a 2.97 CGPA electrical enginner, I could be wrong too
    reply
  • KT

    9 months ago

    There are 2 reasons that I can think of.
    1) Safety reason - different plug type to wall outlet prevents user from mistakenly plug in a 110V appliance to a 240V wall outlet. Anyway, this is still not a fool proof solution.

    2) Business / Marketing strategy - Manufacturer like Sony, prefers to have their own unique style / electrical sockets to prevent user from using other brands accessories with their product - ie: camera with unique rechargeable battery. So, the next time you have a faulty accessory, you need to come back to them to get a replacement. It's most of the time the accessory that is damaged and it's expensive too.
    reply
  • yowchuan

    9 months ago

    I see. Shouldn't the adapter be designed in such a way that no matter what voltage the outlet has, it can somehow translate the voltage into something usable to the laptop? I've always thought that's what the adapter is used for :-P

    Yeah, I wouldn't blame manufacturers who wants to profit from these "market inefficiencies", but it's really taking a toll on the life of a consumer. Imagine having to pack for a family trip where everyone in the family is using a different brand of mobile phones, you might just need a luggage bag for handphone chargers!
    reply
  • KT

    9 months ago

    Yeah, you're right. In fact, there are already such adapter (accepts universal input) and I'm using one too :)

    I think it still comes down to the manufacturer's preference and consumer's wise decision.

    P/S: there is also a universal mobile phone battery charger that can charge any type of battery using any type of outlet.
    reply
  • yowchuan

    9 months ago

    Hey KT, any idea where I can get my hands on those "magical" adapters?
    reply

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