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Electric cooker switches

Arran Cameron
I hope that this doesn't come across as a daft question...


Why do most electric cooker switches have an in-built socket? Do analogous cooker switches exist in other countries that use different types of mains sockets?


I used to think that the socket was for plugging in a gas cooker electric ignition, but there is no real reason for having a separate circuit from the ring main for this.
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    I have seen an old, possibly pre-war cooker switch that incorporated a changeover switch labelled "cooker" and "washing machine" These used to be popular in premises with a restricted supply of 40 amps.

    I found one in use fairly recently, and AFAIK it is still in use to limit maximum demand. The "washing machine" circuit is used for the milking machine on a farm. The lights dim alarmingly on use of either the cooker or the milking machine, suggesting simultaneous use would be unwise. The milking machine is three phase and connected via a home made rotary converter. input current about 40 amps.
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    I have seen an old, possibly pre-war cooker switch that incorporated a changeover switch labelled "cooker" and "washing machine" These used to be popular in premises with a restricted supply of 40 amps.

    I found one in use fairly recently, and AFAIK it is still in use to limit maximum demand. The "washing machine" circuit is used for the milking machine on a farm. The lights dim alarmingly on use of either the cooker or the milking machine, suggesting simultaneous use would be unwise. The milking machine is three phase and connected via a home made rotary converter. input current about 40 amps.
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