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Current rating of twin 13 amp sockets ?

Is there any reliable information as to the current rating of a twin 13 amp socket.

Sounds simple enough, but views seem to differ. I was taught (decades ago) that a twin 13 amp socket manufactured to the relevant standards was suitable for a total load of 20 amps. And I recall that approval testing was done with 14 amps on one outlet and 6 amps on the other.

More recently though I recall respected members of this, and other forums, stating that the maximum total load is 13 amps and not 20 amps. And yes I know that 13 amp twin sockets are marked “13 amps” on the back. But does this mean “maximum total load of 13 amps” or does it mean “intended to accept 13 amp plugs”

Any reliable views on this, preferably with a source.

And related to the above, I have heard that MK twin 13 amp sockets go beyond the minimum standards and are designed for a total loading of 26 amps. Can anyone confirm or deny this. And yes I have asked MK and have received several different answers !

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0 whjohnson over 3 years ago

Agree with the premise Grahame, but the problem is that the bean counters have value-engineered any previous durability out of the likes of the humble 13A socket these days. Having stripped a few from different brands and different eras, I can tell you that there is next to no copper or brass alloy inside today's accessories, merely cad plated steel.
MK used to warrant their outlets to stand a continuous 18A indefinitely but that applied to the old square edged 1980s style sockets with the chocolate brown plastic housing on the rear. Having stripped a number of these I can tell you that there are big copper strips present and solid brass screws and tunnel terminals too.
No wonder the things lasted well.
Contrast this with the ever failing MK Logic range - I've lost count of the numbers of sockets and light switches I have been called out to. Strip one of these and you find that there is a distinct paucity of non-ferrous metal present, and what there is can hardly be described as what I would term fit for purpose. There is a case for dedicated 4.00mm radials protected with 20A opds for appliances rated at 1.2 KW or more and connected via 20A outlet plates instead of Rings and 13A sockets in my view.
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0 whjohnson over 3 years ago

Agree with the premise Grahame, but the problem is that the bean counters have value-engineered any previous durability out of the likes of the humble 13A socket these days. Having stripped a few from different brands and different eras, I can tell you that there is next to no copper or brass alloy inside today's accessories, merely cad plated steel.
MK used to warrant their outlets to stand a continuous 18A indefinitely but that applied to the old square edged 1980s style sockets with the chocolate brown plastic housing on the rear. Having stripped a number of these I can tell you that there are big copper strips present and solid brass screws and tunnel terminals too.
No wonder the things lasted well.
Contrast this with the ever failing MK Logic range - I've lost count of the numbers of sockets and light switches I have been called out to. Strip one of these and you find that there is a distinct paucity of non-ferrous metal present, and what there is can hardly be described as what I would term fit for purpose. There is a case for dedicated 4.00mm radials protected with 20A opds for appliances rated at 1.2 KW or more and connected via 20A outlet plates instead of Rings and 13A sockets in my view.
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Current rating of twin 13 amp sockets ?

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