A useful source:
https://worldofsockets.com/
this post was submitted on 29 Jul 2025
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I like the USA type-A plug. That's probably not a popular answer since I see lots of comments about safety features in the other plugs, but my focus is on convenience.
The plugs are small, making it much easier to design folding-plug devices like this one. It also means that cords don't have a bulky knob on the end, and splitters and power strips can be smaller than other plugs - much smaller than Schuko type-C or UK type-G.
The most common objection is that it's possible for live pins to be exposed when a device is partially plugged in. That's true, and most people who grew up around them has been shocked that way once. Few have been shocked twice, as the lesson to be careful with electricity usually forms a lasting memory.
The US uses 120V getting shocked by that once or twice can't be fun. But, the vast majority of the world uses 230V getting shocked by that would be a lot less fun.
Depending what you're into of course
I've been shocked with both. I can confirm 230V hurts more. Neither is likely to result in a medically significant injury with this kind of shock though - just momentary discomfort.
Ehhh that depends entirely on the manner of the shock. Both are more than capable of stopping your heart or going in to afib if the path gets too near your heart.
These shocks are almost always to a single finger.
The shocks people walk away from, sure.
Growing up in the U.S. Ive never been able to shock myself plugging in a type A or B connection. 35 years in and never met someone in person who had ever complained about doing so. Now dryer plugs annoy me. They are the 220/240v, and I know there are at least 3 different types. So I've had to swap the power cords on the dryer in every place I've lived in. (I just keep the old ones). But if you rent a place built in 1970, 1985, and 2010 (random dates). They will all likely have different outlets.
Usually it's from a lack of maintenence causing the receptacle to loosen leaving part of the plug exposed.
I think that type A plug would be greatly improved in terms of safety and mechanically if it was put in a grounded metal shroud, in style of DIN connector https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/DIN_connector it still would be compact, smaller than type F