In a nutshell, plugs and sockets differ from region to region and even country to country because, at the time they were being developed, no one really saw any reason to make them all the same ...

Here’s why the Foval power adapter is one travel editor’s favorite travel power adapter for trips to Europe. It’s small, costs less than $25 and has three US plugs and five USB ports.

It’s called the Shelly Plug US because it’s the U.S. version of its previous Shelly Plug S, which is designed for European sockets. Design-wise, the plug offers only minor variations on a well ...

THE BRITISH plug is a marvel of design. Its insulated prongs make electric shocks nigh on impossible, even if it is hanging out of the socket. Shutters cover the live holes on the socket until the ...