Is there some hidden logic in the way triple sockets work?

Daily Life, Swiss News and General Topics
1
When I first saw the triple socket configuration common in Switzerland, I thought is was very clever.

Then I realized that the ground pins on all 3 sockets go towards the center, and every grounded device or cord that doesn't go straight out from the wall instead angles toward the ground side, meaning that you can almost never actually use more than one of the sockets (because the cord or the body of the device covers the other sockets)... So of course I've ended up buying power strips to let me use multiple sockets, but I can't help but wonder why on earth things are set up this way.

Am I missing some hidden logic here?

It also doesn't help that my (altbau) apartment has T12 sockets everywhere. I was kind of hopingto find some kind of T12 to T13 Zwischenstecker (I.e. something without the collar that could plug flat into a triple T12 and expose a triple T13 socket), but such things seem not to exist.

2
Just glanced at the socket in my wall. All three sockets used. I've got one with 4 sockets.

I guess you mean that it doesn't work well with chargers and the like?

3
Yeah the only work well if you just have the standard shape Swiss plug. Anything bulkier doesn’t work.

4
They're out-of-date.

A better solution is a face-plate with two sockets, one above the other, or sockets with built-in USB sockets.

5
Rather than extension cables or power bars I bought a product from Steffen with 3 extra outlets and you can flip the direction you place the main plug in the wall socket.

6
You are correct and it drives me mad everytime as I still fall for it .. bought s "flat" plug as looks nicer but now partially covers the other outlets ... Not sure who invented this 🤬

7
I always though the idea was to prevent you from branching with more than one 3-way plug. Not sure it makes sense as you can always find a work around.

8
so I can charge with the amazing 12W that they provide? thank you, no thank you.

9

It's really very easy to find a work around.......

10
OP, try these:

https://www.hornbach.ch/shop/Dreh-Wi...6/artikel.html

11
I also have the same "issue", although I got convinced that the problem is in the electrical devices and not on the sockets. If the body of a device is big enough to cover more plugs there is no way you can have two of them in the same spot. The hole in the wall which houses the sockets is the real limiting factor, you can have max 1 bulky device for each hole regardless of plug standard.

This is a well-designed power supply; not only it is compatible with the triple socket (I have one) but also with power strips (you just need to use the first or last socket):

This is a not-so-good designed device, which will take at least the space of 2 sockets: