Side view of a typical BS1363 plug, showing the longer earth pin and insulated live and neutral pins. The BS1363 socket has three rectangular receptacles for pins.

As well as incredible linguistic and cultural diversity, the planet also has a multitude of different sockets and this can prove a nightmare for the ill-prepared.

While the Americans developed the power delivery systems and the modern electric plug, other countries didn’t find the American standards—60 Hz, 110V, and their plug system—as efficient.

This new smart socket tells you if it's using more renewable energy. It can also save you money by spotting energy that's being wasted. Hear more solutions on the People Fixing the World podcast.