American sockets in the UK... ever?

[SparkyTris]

see attached illustrations, from what is a *very* English children's book.
the illustrations appear to be drawn by someone who knows of what they paint/draw.

the plug socket appears to be similar to a Type A "american" but it's not identical...
is this a recognised pattern anywhere or is it just fanciful?
ditto the wire colours in the mousehole scene?

this book was published in UK in 1972.

 

[ban-all-sheds]

American sockets in the UK... ever?

I've heard tell of houses built for US servicemen having US sockets and 120/240 split phase supplies so that they could use US appliances.

see attached illustrations, from what is a *very* English children's book.

Is it? Written by and published by whom?

the illustrations appear to be drawn by someone who knows of what they paint/draw.

Is there a "not" missing somewhere?

 

[SparkyTris]

The Church Mouse, by Graham Oakley.

 

[SparkyTris]

Is there a "not" missing somewhere?

look at the detail in the pictures, the grain of the wood, the lost head nails in the floorboards, the saddled staple cable clips... you dont have the benefit of seeing the rest of the artwork in the book but it's good, it looks like it is done by somebody with not only an eye but a knowledge of how it's put together as well.
everything in the artwork is unmistakably and authentically provincially English.
Graham Oakley is still on the go so perhaps I shall write to him. And apologise for the flagrant breach of the copyright which I have just committed, which (no doubt) will be pointed out to me many times in the ensuing replies and probably eclipse the point of this post.

 

[SparkyTris]

I've heard tell of houses built for US servicemen having US sockets and 120/240 split phase supplies so that they could use US appliances.

That could be it.
wiring is odd though. colours are vaguely reminiscent of the heavy wiring on the tunnel walls that you see from the carriage in the London tube.

 

[Nozzle]

Perhaps the author insisted the illustrator "Americanised" the pictures in order for the book to appeal to the Yank market, they're a very inward looking bunch. Therefore, the most instantly recognisable non-American thing in those images, the obvious candidate to change, would be the "archaic" British wall socket.

Nozzle

 

[Diver Fred]

I've heard tell of houses built for US servicemen having US sockets and 120/240 split phase supplies so that they could use US appliances.


>>snip<<

'Tis true; the first house I lived in when I left my parents was built for the US AAF. had a 240 ring and most high rated electrical appliances (1KW +) where on that ring or permanently wired, made shifting the washing machine (and dishwasher) shall we say 'interesting', all other appliances under 1KW where in the 110v ring (20amp transformer in the boiler house (sorry 'Furnace' room), that transformer was center tapped on the output to be 55v on each 'hot leg' with center tap to earth.
Worked in the states and those houses where the same so was used to the electric set-ups.

TBH - if I had young children I'd wire my present place the same way on safety grounds.

 

[Nozzle]

And all the motors ran a little slower than intended? (Anything synchronous/induction)

Nozzle

 

[bernardgreen]

Like wise for some USA military housing in Germany. US style sockets and supply voltages in the houses on the US "settlements" for military and dependents. The 50Hz frquency was a problem for some appliances with motors overheating. Clocks that use mains frequency as their time base had to be replaced. I was told that some settlements had 60Hz supplies provided.

 

[ericmark]

In Hong Kong where the book was printed there are every type of plug you can think of with sockets similar to these

were common with USA type sockets but 240 volt, 15A old UK and 13A so I expect the illustrator was from Hong Kong where it was printed.

 

[winston1]

In Hong Kong where the book was printed there are every type of plug you can think of with sockets similar to these

were common with USA type sockets but 240 volt, 15A old UK and 13A so I expect the illustrator was from Hong Kong where it was printed.

I've been to Hong Kong many times and never seen those nasty abominations. In the 70's they mostly used BS546 5a types and the voltage was 200v at 50Hz. Now a days BS1363 13a sockets are the norm with a voltage of 220v at 50Hz. The voltage increase was done with no checking of appliances or compensation.

 

[FrodoOne]

US socket outlets are usually double/twin without built-in switches - and (usually) mounted vertically.

 

[EFLImpudence]

I think it is quite simply a drawing to fit that plug to represent the danger.

American switches would be up for on.

 

[ericmark]

I lived in Hong Kong and will admit did not have USB outlet, however the fit all plugs socket was common both as wall mounted and with extension leads which had the BS marking. When one bought items they could have all sorts of plugs fitted to, not talking about hotels and other public building but private flats, nearly said houses but they were rate only the super rich had houses.

There were two street markets held every week day running parallel to each other one full or electric and electronic goods the other cloths with the Golden Computer centre at one end sure you can guess what they sold.

However unlike the UK there were particular as to who they sold stuff to, to buy my FT50R two way radio I had to produce my radio licence first. Or a not residents Passport to show for export.

 

[EFLImpudence]

and will admit did not have USB outlet,

That's nothing to be ashamed of.