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What`s the point?

Recently we mentioned that twin sockets are rated 13A just like single ones, although they are type tested to a bit more than 13A.

When doing say a domestic how many of us install single sockets and how many of them and why?

When I base my pricing it is on no of points and I make no distinction whether twins or singles. In fact it is rare for me to install singles.

The price of materials is similar, depending upon make and depending on current offers and depending on which part of recent history (say the last 30 years) then twin sockets have often been cheaper than singles. A metal back box - twins are usually only coppers more. Knocking out for back boxes if in accy brick or nori brick can be a bit more strenuous and time consuming, otherwise not much. Plastering might use a bit more plaster but not much more difficult to get a good finish if at all. Curling up the T & E into the box prior plastering is easier in a twin box. Tradtionally top of stairs and in the hallway you might expect to see a single rather than a twin. Although for a long time now I`ve always done twins. Really the only place I`d put a single is to help deter two heavy loads on one point - say washer and dryer in a kitchen.

How do the rest of you view single sockets? like me or differently?

Parents
  • This reminds me of a case around 1970, when I was an electrical maintenance supervisor. Some offices were being renovated. I suggested that the users could make good use of the existing 15 A BS546 socket in each office replaced by a twin 13 A BS1363 socket. The electricians objected, quoting IEE regulations, saying that the new twin socket should be protected by a 20 A fuse, not 15 A. I argued that though this would not exactly conform with regulations it was neither unsafe nor impracticable. It was unlikely that the twin socket would have a load greater than 15 A applied, and even if it did, the fuse would blow to protect it. The electricians argued that to conform with regulations it should be possible for the twin socket to carry a load of up to 20 A. 


    I was very fortunate in that my electricians were conscientious chaps who took a pride in all their work. I decided that the only sensible course to take would be to bow to their opinion. At extra cost, a new fuse board was installed to provide 20 A fusing.


    And yet . . .


    . . . it is now possible to buy triple 13 A sockets, with boxes to match, surface or flush. But these incorporate a 13 A fuse, limiting the continuous current drawn across all three to 13 A. A triple is permitted to supply less current than a double. Odd is it not? Any comments?
Reply
  • This reminds me of a case around 1970, when I was an electrical maintenance supervisor. Some offices were being renovated. I suggested that the users could make good use of the existing 15 A BS546 socket in each office replaced by a twin 13 A BS1363 socket. The electricians objected, quoting IEE regulations, saying that the new twin socket should be protected by a 20 A fuse, not 15 A. I argued that though this would not exactly conform with regulations it was neither unsafe nor impracticable. It was unlikely that the twin socket would have a load greater than 15 A applied, and even if it did, the fuse would blow to protect it. The electricians argued that to conform with regulations it should be possible for the twin socket to carry a load of up to 20 A. 


    I was very fortunate in that my electricians were conscientious chaps who took a pride in all their work. I decided that the only sensible course to take would be to bow to their opinion. At extra cost, a new fuse board was installed to provide 20 A fusing.


    And yet . . .


    . . . it is now possible to buy triple 13 A sockets, with boxes to match, surface or flush. But these incorporate a 13 A fuse, limiting the continuous current drawn across all three to 13 A. A triple is permitted to supply less current than a double. Odd is it not? Any comments?
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