The American developed the modern electric plug and power delivery system, but other countries did not find them as efficient.
Each country began to improve the way they delivered electricity. Germans loved the 50Hz [which was perfectly compatible with the metric system] as well as 220 V (which allowed for more efficient power transmission). Englishmen improved on the American plug by using a safer and bulkier plug.
Unfortunately, for the Indians as well as the Pakistanis, their invention in plugs came after they had left India in 1947. They left the subcontinent with the older English standards and the English with the newer plug standards. England and Europe don’t speak very often [let’s not get into Brexit right now] so Europe didn’t adopt the English standard.
All talks of standardization were halted before the advent of the world wars. You want to use the plug system developed by the Germans? You won’t.
There were also unique ways electricity was delivered and charged. Italy had for many years different delivery systems for electricity for bulbs and non-illumination. They created their own plug system to meet this requirement. Each plug system had its own benefits and different countries couldn’t agree on which one was better.
It is difficult to switch between systems of electric plugs once you have chosen one. It is necessary to take out all wall sockets in your home, office, or factory and change the electrical appliances you produce. To prevent any accidents, you will need to do this all at once. This can be painful and expensive. It is usually not worth the shock and pain. Many countries discovered that there aren’t many people who want to bring their electrical equipment. There are simpler ways to charge electronic equipment using USB standards. There is no push to accept the Type N plug as a global standard.
In short, each country developed its own system to replace the inefficient American system. By the time they spoke to one another there had been 2 world wars. Electricity was commonplace by the end of World War 2. It was difficult to change to a common standard and there was little demand.
Giz Explains Why Every Country has a Different F#$%ing Plug
Why doesn’t there exist a universal plug for electric appliances? World Standards.eu
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