Mains Socket

[Eastender]

I saw this mains socket pictured below on a local government new build housing estate. These were small cheap basic starter homes. It looks like it's made to accept various style plugs so I'm wondering...

Will this take a UK plug?

What would this socket imply about the standard of the earthing fitted in such a home?

Is it an indication that Thailand is planning to change standard sockets over the long term future?

Thanks for your help,

Robin.

[Crossy]

Yes, a UK BS1363 plug will fit this 'universal' outlet as will US, Auzzie, Indian (5A) and many others particularly 2-pin plugs, Italian three-in-a-line plugs will not fit. Note that European 'Schuko' plugs will fit and work, but there will be no ground continuity.

A couple of caveats:-

• It is likely not shuttered and the opening is larger than the regular outlet so watch small fingers.
  
• The polarity will be reversed relative to the UK so your BS fuse will be in the neutral.
  
• Because of the complex shape of the contacts the contact area is reduced, no way I'd trust this at a full 13A.
  

These are ideal for hotels where you'll likely get all nationalities, a couple of these in each room (with a "220V' sticker to warn our American friends) will save a fortune in adaptors.

I'm surprised they are in a regular housing development as the normal 3 pin outlets take all the plugs normally fitted to Thai appliances (except the Schuko which should no longer be fitted to a new appliance), they were probably cheap.

It is unlikely that Thailand is going to change basic standards although there is now a standard TIS166-2549 (2006) for appliance plugs, they should now look like this. Originally this was supposed to be a compulsory change, seems that at the last minute it was recinded. They fit the regular grounded outlets that accept round pin plugs.

Edited January 11, 2009 by Crossy

[Eastender]

Thanks very much for your help Crossy.

FYI, house shown below...

[simon43]

Jeez, that's an ugly house....

Simon

[longball53098]

Yeah they are ugly but they fit the need. Low income government subsidized housing.

[dotcom]

Room for TWO motorcycles. !!!!!!!!!!

[mdechgan]

Where is this located. How much did it cost?

It does look wierd however.

It looks clean but as soon as Thai people start living you will see lots more mess like pajamas hanging from the sides and noodle carts, etc.

[trogers]

I would recommend the installation of an ELCB breaker (eg. Safe-T-Cut) at your main fuse box. The new universal sockets do not have any covers over the holes of the live and neutral connections, a danger for families with young ones.