exhibits that occupied the Palace of Electricity not only required electricity of numerous different voltages, but also either direct current or 1-, 2-, or 3-phase alternating current, with many different frequencies and variations of connectors and plugs.

Electricity was the new thing and it generated an increased transnational flow of ideas and products.

Scientists realized that they needed common metrics, terminology and symbols to build on each other's research, and to facilitate the development and roll-out of innovations.

During the first years of its existence, the engineers and industry representatives who worked on the IEC platform focused on standards for electrical machinery, including the associated nomenclature and symbols. It was only after the First World War (1914-1918) that their attention turned to the newer applications of electricity in the home andoffice.

First attempts to standardize plugs and sockets

In the early 1930s the international members of the IEC were made aware of standardization in Europe by the IFK (Internationale Fragens-Kommission - International Questions Commission) based in Holland. The organization comprised delegates from electricity suppliers (generators and distributors) as well as electrical test houses in 12 countries, including some representatives of IEC NCs (National Committees). It focused mainly on the field of electrical power distribution.

The IEC at its meeting in Paris in January 1933 decided that its CA (Committee of Action) should contact the IFK to engage collaboration in matters of mutual interest. In 1934 an IEC/IFK co-operation agreement was signed. As a result the new TC (Technical Committee) 23 was created to deal specifically with the standardization needs of electrical