Long the bane of worldwide travelers, the problem of electrical plug adapters seems to be a thing of the past according to electrical product manufacturer, Wonpro in Xiamen, Fujian, China.

Wonpro reports that it has obtained patents on a new type of plug socket from 50 other countries and that it will accept more than 20 different types of plugs from every corner of the globe. They are currently producing the new plug socket style in standard two access home size units, industrial units, power strip series, and travel adapters.

While it may appear to be counterproductive to still have to have a travel adapter, at least with Wonpro’s design, you will only need one. Travelers to varied locations often had to buy a myriad of adapters depending on whether they were traveling to Europe, Australia or the Orient.

The Chinese manufacturer also claims that their universal plug socket is designed in such a way as to ensure a secure connection for all types of electronic and electrical devices. Whether it is your computer, cell phone charger, a refrigerator or curling iron, all these items will enjoy a hassle-free connection wherever you are.

No doubt this highly charged conflict of connections was spurred on to resolution after Hong Kong became part of China in 1997. Having two different systems did not lend to the level of efficiency so well known in mainland China.

With this new break-through, it appears that voyagers will no longer need to tote a full range of electrical components which should help lighten the carry-on a bit.

While in the past each country or continent seemed to delight in creating an access point to their power grid so unique that foreigners were virtually assured of having to buy an adapter exclusive to their area. And there was no shortage of creative arrangements. The number of pins varied as well as the shape – flat or rounded – and the placement – straight, angular, slanting. The configurations were endless. Some were quite similar but spaced just differently enough to preclude any universal use.

Many modern day electrical experts and engineers claim the original dispute arose from the difference of opinion over Alternating Current (AC) or Direct Current (DC). Thomas Edison and George Westinghouse each had viable theories about how to supply electrical current in an efficient manner.

Electrical engineers from each country came down on one side of the argument or the other. As each tried to promote their own point of view, electrical parts manufacturers seemed to strive to design plugs and sockets that could not be used anywhere else. That also insured that makers of various appliances were assured a closed market, free from import competition.

The division of attitudes and applications has continued until now. With an ever increasingly mobile society, travelers have had enough.

No more wrestling with plug connections that are outright dangerous; the ones that allow parts of the metal plug itself to be visible during use. Or the extremely loose connections that emit eerie snapping noises or worse yet, sparks. Not only were these types of connections dangerous to the user, but they put your expensive electronic gadgets at risk as well.

Now the only challenge is to adapt to a universal voltage system. Systems around the globe deliver current at various voltages from 100 to 240 volts and at either 50 or 60 Hz frequency.

The plug may fit but that doesn’t mean the appliance will work.

Fortunately for most vacationers or expats moving to Costa Rica, the system here mimics that of the U.S. ruling out the need for those annoying adapters.

Source: BBC