"Dave Plowman (News)" wrote:

Eeyore wrote:
"Geoffrey S. Mendelson" wrote:
As late as the 1960's London had FOUR different electrical systems with
different voltages and plugs.

I'd be very surprised about that. I can only think of 2 different plug
standards. What's your source ?

Eh? Even with final circuit rings there were at least three types of
sockets. Normal, D&S (round pins where the live was a removable fuse) and
Walsall gauge. Same as 13 amp but the pins at 90 degrees. The last two
often used by councils on housing estates. Gawd knows why. Some official
with a bee in his bonnet. Or saving pennies.

Then plenty of the old types still in use. 3,5 and 15 amp round pin. In
both 2 and three pin. Then there were some oddities with flat pins.

The 2 and 3 pin 2, 5 and 15A plugs were all part of a single standard.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/BS_546

Never seen any flat pin jobbies.

As for Walsall gauge I've only ever seen that in the tube. Did councils really
fit them ?

Graham