This discussion is locked.
You cannot post a reply to this discussion. If you have a question start a new discussion

UK Switched Socket Outlets

Socket outlets in UK generally fall into two groups (excluding lesser known/used products) and that is switched or unswitched.

My question is, what is value in having a switched socket outlet when so many of the switches simply don't get used i.e. they are often left in the on position? Indeed, whenever I visit Savoy House in London, 80% of the switched socket outlets have their switches left in the on position!

Parents
  • There seems to be little point in having a switched socket behind washing machines, dishwashers, etc.

    I also prefer unswitched sockets for a few particular applications where you'd prefer someone to 'switch off' somewhere else, or not switch off at all. While switched sockets are the 'norm' however, the economics are such that unswitched sockets are usually rather more expensive than the switched ones despite the extra materials and complexity, so value wise they're likely to remain.

      - Andy.

Reply
  • There seems to be little point in having a switched socket behind washing machines, dishwashers, etc.

    I also prefer unswitched sockets for a few particular applications where you'd prefer someone to 'switch off' somewhere else, or not switch off at all. While switched sockets are the 'norm' however, the economics are such that unswitched sockets are usually rather more expensive than the switched ones despite the extra materials and complexity, so value wise they're likely to remain.

      - Andy.

Children
  • I fit switched sockets simply because someone may plug in a faulty appliance. I don't like the idea of holding the plug of a faulty appliance whilst inserting into a unswitched live source of energy. (Note: I would not purposely plug in an appliance with the prior knowledge that it was faulty! Just pointing out the obvious in case...)