Hello and welcome to my collection of electrical items! This site focuses on documenting electrical installations around the world throughout the years, focusing especially on the physical items used to construct them. There are also pages dedicated to documenting the history of these devices, as well as the principles behind their design and usage.
The collection features items from all over the world (though at the moment most are from Europe), with the eventual goal to cover installations from as many countries as possible.
General informationInformation on this website, as well as a quick overview of electrical installations in Italy
History of the Italian electrical systemA brief history of the evolution of the Italian electrical system
History of electrical safety in ItalyThe evolution of electrical safety practices inside Italy over the years
European non-earthed plugs and socketsClassical 2-pin unearthed plugs as used in Europe back in the day
British plugs and sockets3-pin BS 1636 plugs and sockets used in the UK, Ireland and some other countries
Japanese plugs and socketsExamples of plugs and sockets used in Japan, including some twist-lock sockets
Other plugs and socketsOther styles of plugs and sockets, including Europlugs and CEE industrial plugs
Modern Italian plugs and socketsRewireable plugs and connector sockets commonly used in Italy nowadays
Vintage Italian plugs and socketsOld examples of Italian plugs and sockets, as well as vintage types of adaptors
Vintage Italian sockets and lightswitchesThe evolution of electrical accessories in Italy, from ceramic items to modern wall boxes
BTicino "Magic" safety plugsAn overview of the failed Italian "Magic" polarised safety plugs, created in the 60s by BTicino
European electrical itemsLight switches and other electrical accessories seen in European electrical installations
North American electrical itemsSwitches, fuses and breakers commonly found in North American electrical installations
European fuses and vintage breakersFuses (Diazed, Neozed, etc.) and breakers as used in most Continental European countries
Vintage Italian fuse and breaker panelsExamples of old fuses and breakers formerly used in installations in Italy
Wiring and power distributionA general overview of wiring and power distribution practices around the world
Power meters and cutoutsMeters used for measuring electrical energy, plus fuses used to protect the incoming supply
Other/unusual itemsDevices present in the collection that don't fit into any of the other categories
Travel adaptorsAdaptors that convert one type of plug into another, and the dangers they can often pose
Image galleryComparison photos of electrical items of different types, produced in different countries and years
Recent updates:
- Added power strip with Bipasso sockets [info]
- Added dual-use Italian plug (fits both types of sockets) [info]
- Added Neozed fuses [info]
- Added Italian 3-way adaptor with switch [info]
- Added modern Legrand non-earthed socket [info]
- Added Perilex socket and French 20A plug [info]
- Added Swiss multiway adaptor [info]
- New European electrical accessories page
External resources:
- The excellent Museum of Plugs and Sockets
- Museum of Old Electrical Items (for UK electrical items)
- AC power plugs and sockets - Wikipedia
- Electrical wiring - Wikipedia