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This page is dedicated to showcasing more detailed pictures of certain electrical items in the collection, primarily comparing items of the same type but differing in some way.

Comparison between American and European sockets

Front view of a Schuko socket, on the left, and a standard American duplex one on the right. Both are coloured beige. The American socket is taller than the Schuko one, though the width is roughly the same. Rear view of the sockets. View of the sockets with the faceplates removed. The wire terminals are visible.

Comparison between American and European light switches

Front view of a European light switch, on the left, and an American one on the right. The American light switch has a large cover plate, but only a small part of it is used for the switch itself. Rear view of the light switches. View of the light switches with the faceplates removed.

Comparison between screwless and non-screwless Schuko sockets

Comparison view of a socket with screw connections, on the left, and one with push-in connections, on the right. View of the terminals on the push-in socket. Plastic levers are used to remove the wires. The levers also provide protection from the live parts. View of the terminals on the socket with screws.

Comparison between different types of wire terminals

Wire terminals on a US socket. The wire is bent around on the screws. Wire terminals on a European socket using screws. The screw pushes on a clamp which holds the wire. Push-in terminals on a European socket. The wire is held with an internal spring. A lever is used to remove the wire.

Comparison between Vimar Mascot and standard UK socket

Comparison view of an Italian Bipasso socket from the Vimar Mascot series, on the left, and a one-gang UK socket on the right. Both are single-block devices, with mounting screws at the front. Rear view of the sockets. The Italian socket uses claws to hold onto the wall box, while the British one uses screws. Rear view from another angle. The British socket is considerably thinner than the Italian one, due to thinner wall boxes being in use.