UK Switched Socket Outlets - Wiring and the Regulations BS 7671 - IET EngX - IET EngX
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UK Switched Socket Outlets

Markyboyce

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

  • In general I support the use of switched socket outlets.

    Firstly switching off is easier than pulling out the plug, and saves a little energy by avoiding standby losses in appliances that would otherwise remain on forever.

    Secondly in the case of portable heaters and cooking appliances, turning off at the socket outlet AND ON THE APPLIANCE is somewhat safer. A child or pet  or confused elderly person might accidently turn the appliance back on, but is most unlikely to operate BOTH the appliance switch AND the socket outlet.

    And if the appliance catches fire or suffers serious malfunction, then turning of at the socket outlet is quicker than pulling out the plug.

    Therefore in my view, almost all general purpose socket outlets should be switched types, with unswitched types only being installed when there is a good reason to so do.

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  • In general I support the use of switched socket outlets.

    Firstly switching off is easier than pulling out the plug, and saves a little energy by avoiding standby losses in appliances that would otherwise remain on forever.

    Secondly in the case of portable heaters and cooking appliances, turning off at the socket outlet AND ON THE APPLIANCE is somewhat safer. A child or pet  or confused elderly person might accidently turn the appliance back on, but is most unlikely to operate BOTH the appliance switch AND the socket outlet.

    And if the appliance catches fire or suffers serious malfunction, then turning of at the socket outlet is quicker than pulling out the plug.

    Therefore in my view, almost all general purpose socket outlets should be switched types, with unswitched types only being installed when there is a good reason to so do.

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