Hacker News new | ask | show | jobs
by kennend3 1360 days ago
> On the other hand I'm not sure I like the idea of government mandating electrical connectors on devices, which could stifle innovation, or be very shortsighted in the typical government-rules-on-tech way

You seem unaware that the government regulate a LOT of things and while this has stiffed some innovation, the cost is probably worth it.

When was the last time a house burned down due to electrical issues? In the past, prior to standards this was rather common.

If you want a general understanding of what things were like prior to "regulation".

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Knob-and-tube_wiring

Now ask how you would plug an appliance into this mess...