Stackable folding plug system.

[Grumps]

I've seen it somewhere. Didn't take much notice at the time, and now can't find it. Perhaps on Youtube?

Background: Back in (+/-) 2009 Min-Kyu Choi designed a folding plug for which he received a 'Design of the Year award'.

https://www.theguardian.com/artanddesig ... sign-prize

Recently, in the last few weeks, I have seen a system whereby three (or was it four) of these type of plugs, in their folded configuration, could be located into a 'frame' that is plugged into a conventional 3 pin socket.

Can I now find it? Can I boogery.

The reason I'm asking is that TalkTalk have notified me that they will soon be upgrading me, FOC, to full fibre, as in, fibre to the outside wall of my house. Looking at the installation video provided, they explain that 3 sockets will be required for the system to operate.

I know that I could use an extension lead with multiple outlets but what I viewed seemed a far neater solution.

TIA.

[Someone-Else]

There is your problem

a folding plug

From the picture, it's not a folding plug, but rotating pins, the pins rotate 180 degrees so it becomes thin. No where did it say it needs a special socket, so it seems all you do is rotate the pins 180 degrees (to normal position) then plug it into a normal socket, so it will be of no use to you.

[dewaltdisney]

I have a phone charger cable like that, I pull the earth pin up to form the three pins.

DWD

[Grumps]

Thanks for both of your replies. The system with the retractable pins was called a Slimplug. I already have one of those. Great for when carrying with a laptop in a bag.

I'm aware of the rotating pins but what I saw recently was a 'carrier' or 'cartridge' which accepted a number of these 'Choi' type plugs alongside each other, which is then plugged into a socket.

I'll keep searching.

[Grumps]

I've now found a video showing what I am looking for:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qJX2-gi76lw

18 seconds in shows three vertical pin plugs in a carrier. The video is 15 years old and speaks to obtaining regulatory approval but I am sure I have seen something more recent.

[Someone-Else]

They seem to be too thin to have an internal fuse. The 2nd one doesn't.

Sorry to say, but I would not waste time looking for it, reason being if it was that good and passed all the tests, everyone would know about it by now, you would even get coloured ones advertised by JML

[ericmark]

The plugs do not comply with BS1363, however good the idea is, the sizes are laid out so can't be changed.

There are extension leads with the IEC connectors like used with kettles, but again the regulations on shutters over the sockets for installed sockets, means not made as a wall outlet, plus the need for fuses as only rated at 10 amp.

I have seen a few good ideas fall foul of regulations.

[dewaltdisney]

From a laymans point of view I would think that these plugs have wires that have to twist inside the unit as you turn the folding arms out. Regulations would never condone a plug where a live wire could have wear fatigue and break down after use and causing a bad short.

DWD

[Grumps]

Thanks all.

On another video it mentioned that James Dyson took an interest in the development but seemingly, it never made it to market.

The prototype plugs were actually fused. I can't see the rotation being accomplished by wire but I can imagine there being a sliding brass contact arrangement - otherwise the Slimplug would never have been permitted.

[Someone-Else]

Interesting, but if James Dyson took an interest in it, and chose not to follow it, must mean he thought it sucks