Plug socket locations in trains

be249

Hi folks, I’m a big fan of all the trains here in Switzerland and take many. I’ve noticed that the plug sockets can either be (i) between the seats just under the seat, (ii) up on the wall, (iii) on the table. Is there a reason for the different locations on different types of train? Just curious. Thank you 🙂

RedBaron

be249
… or (iv) none at all 😁

I think this is just related to the different manufacturers of coaches/trains, such as Stadler, Alstom, Bombardier, etc. Similar to different car makers and their preferred locations of e.g. USB charging ports: Glovebox, under the armrest, front of center console or directly in the dashboard (where the cigarette lighter used to be).
Having all sockets (re-)located at the very same place in all types of different coaches would obviously be way too expensive.

Danhiel

Hi be249

In old cars, sockets were installed later and it was probably not possible to change the design of the seats. For example, the Mark IV carriages were build from 1981, no one had phones or notebooks. The seats were never replaced.