Well UK and USA differ on wiring and voltage. We often have large numbers of outlets (parallel connection) per fuse/breaker. For example this house has 9 rooms and three breakers control the bulk of the outlets (1957 construction). And added outlets since then are on new breakers. This is typical of homes more than 15-20 yers old and varies a lot. the other is MY understanding is UK is 230V where we use 115/120. Further the mains are Line/Line in UK and here they are line/neutral. The differnce is under nominal conditions one side of the outlet is at earth potential (or very close). We add the third prong as earth or safety ground. While a good practice the design differnce here is internal fuse (or on equipment) for equipment fault and circuit (breaker box) fuse to protects building wiring from fault or overload. fire people often report that electrical fires resulting from circuit overload (impropper fusing or use of under weight extension cords.) more often than an appliance causing fires. From what you say it's done the same there only location of the equipment fuse is at the connector. Each has it's merits. I may add here we also have fixed appliences that use 230V line/line for power too allow lower line currents that come with higher voltages. Devices like that are electric ranges, Ovens, clothes dryers and generally any non portable appliance that would draw 20A or more at 115/120V. US household generally have power delivers from the pole as 230V Line/Line aand 115/120V line/neutral. A code specifies that neutral will be bonded to earth (via pipe or ground rod) at only one point. From that point protective ground and neutral will be distributed to all loads either as star or bus. Allison