Omega Owners Forum
Chat Area => General Discussion Area => Topic started by: Field Marshal Dr. Opti on 09 June 2017, 18:25:57
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The double socket in the utility room is cracked so I need to replace it. Simple job. :y
A trip to B&Q turned up a single pole double socket for £2.50 or a double pole double socket for £3.50. They look identical. Which do I need and why?
I asked the 'electrical expert' at B&Q but he just shrugged and said "Dunno mate" :-\
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The double socket in the utility room is cracked so I need to replace it. Simple job. :y
A trip to B&Q turned up a single pole double socket for £2.50 or a double pole double socket for £3.50. They look identical. Which do I need and why?
I asked the 'electrical expert' at B&Q but he just shrugged and said "Dunno mate" :-\
Double pole are inherently safer, but "if" your system is protected by earth leakage RCBs then there is little difference, personally I have changed all ours to double pole as we have a fair bit of european two pin stuff (no earth) :)
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Double pole are inherently safer, but "if" your system is protected by earth leakage RCBs then there is little difference
Can you explain why? I don't disbelieve you I just don't know what the difference is.
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The double socket in the utility room is cracked so I need to replace it. Simple job. :y
A trip to B&Q turned up a single pole double socket for £2.50 or a double pole double socket for £3.50. They look identical. Which do I need and why?
I asked the 'electrical expert' at B&Q but he just shrugged and said "Dunno mate" :-\
Double pole are inherently safer, but "if" your system is protected by earth leakage RCBs then there is little difference, personally I have changed all ours to double pole as we have a fair bit of european two pin stuff (no earth) :)
Thanks. For just an extra quid that sounds the way to go. Is there additional wiring with a double pole socket?
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the switch on a single pole version only switches off the live .the double pole version turns off the neutral as well.
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A double pole switch is inherently safer, especially if somebody has miswired the ring and swapped the live and neutral over. In these circumstances a plugged in toaster is always live even if switched off on a single pole switch. :o :o :o Lady Sitterpong Meerkat when using a metal knife to remove the jammed toast will get more than she bargained for. ::) ::) ::)
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the switch on a single pole version only switches off the live .the double pole version turns off the neutral as well.
Exactly right :y :y
I would also add Opti that the double sockets with USB ports are excellent in the right place in the home where you are going to put your phone, Ipad, or other devices on charge. These are just £10, and involve no more wiring in than any other socket. ;)
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A double pole switch is inherently safer, especially if somebody has miswired the ring and swapped the live and neutral over. In these circumstances a plugged in toaster is always live even if switched off on a single pole switch. :o :o :o Lady Sitterpong Meerkat when using a metal knife to remove the jammed toast will get more than she bargained for. ::) ::) ::)
You've given me an idea, Mr Rods. Her demise would just be an unfortunate accident. Nobody to blame. :)
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the switch on a single pole version only switches off the live .the double pole version turns off the neutral as well.
Exactly right :y :y
I would also add Opti that the double sockets with USB ports are excellent in the right place in the home where you are going to put your phone, Ipad, or other devices on charge. These are just £10, and involve no more wiring in than any other socket. ;)
Good idea, Lizzie. :-* :-* :-* :-* :-*
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the switch on a single pole version only switches off the live .the double pole version turns off the neutral as well.
Exactly right :y :y
I would also add Opti that the double sockets with USB ports are excellent in the right place in the home where you are going to put your phone, Ipad, or other devices on charge. These are just £10, and involve no more wiring in than any other socket. ;)
Good idea, Lizzie. :-* :-* :-* :-* :-*
Mrs Meerkat can have laptops at the ready all over the gaff. :y
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the switch on a single pole version only switches off the live .the double pole version turns off the neutral as well.
Great, Thanks :y
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the switch on a single pole version only switches off the live .the double pole version turns off the neutral as well.
Exactly right :y :y
I would also add Opti that the double sockets with USB ports are excellent in the right place in the home where you are going to put your phone, Ipad, or other devices on charge. These are just £10, and involve no more wiring in than any other socket. ;)
These are creating quite a heated issue within the sparkle industry. Lots of reasons not to use them...
They are powered up all the time
They consume energy when not in use
They can't be switched off - unless you flip the associated breaker
Would you trust Chinese made switched mode electronics in these circumstances?
I know many will differ with these views - but a number of electrician pals won't install them - having the reasons explained means I agree. It's a shame that they don't do a version with an on/off switch.
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the switch on a single pole version only switches off the live .the double pole version turns off the neutral as well.
Exactly right :y :y
I would also add Opti that the double sockets with USB ports are excellent in the right place in the home where you are going to put your phone, Ipad, or other devices on charge. These are just £10, and involve no more wiring in than any other socket. ;)
These are creating quite a heated issue within the sparkle industry. Lots of reasons not to use them...
They are powered up all the time
They consume energy when not in use
They can't be switched off - unless you flip the associated breaker
Would you trust Chinese made switched mode electronics in these circumstances?
I know many will differ with these views - but a number of electrician pals won't install them - having the reasons explained means I agree. It's a shame that they don't do a version with an on/off switch.
Interesting points that if sparks are not fitting these sockets should be taken seriously.
All I would add is that Honeywell / MK sockets with USB sockets are some of the best on the market, and are quality. They are double poled (to get that one out of the way) and are fully compliant in terms of all BS specifications. These are the ones I fit and have had no problem with them, but they are usually dearer than the £10 I previously quoted. I buy them at about £15 through a trade source.
I would certainly NEVER fit any sockets that do not come from a reliable source, such as Ebay, market stalls, the guy down the road with a van full, etc.. ::) ::) :D :D ;)
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I've often looked at those sockets with the USB point, but it never occurred to me that they would always be 'on' and consuming energy. :(
Not much I assume, but why waste energy? ::) ;)
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I've often looked at those sockets with the USB point, but it never occurred to me that they would always be 'on' and consuming energy. :(
Not much I assume, but why waste energy? ::) ;)
Electricity in 'Dawsett'.......whatever next? ::) ::) ;)
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I've often looked at those sockets with the USB point, but it never occurred to me that they would always be 'on' and consuming energy. :(
Not much I assume, but why waste energy? ::) ;)
Electricity in 'Dawsett'.......whatever next? ::) ::) ;)
Yes it's starting to make an appearance.....
Trouble is I can't really afford to use it. Rural poverty is a terrible thing M'lud! ::) :'(
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I've often looked at those sockets with the USB point, but it never occurred to me that they would always be 'on' and consuming energy. :(
Not much I assume, but why waste energy? ::) ;)
But most of us leave TV's and other devices on stand-by without a minute's thought. Those that know these things reckon on average it costs a household £60 per year; Just over £1 per week. Can never say that bothers me, as in the scheme of things what is that; is it worth the worry? :D :D ;)
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I've often looked at those sockets with the USB point, but it never occurred to me that they would always be 'on' and consuming energy. :(
Not much I assume, but why waste energy? ::) ;)
Electricity in 'Dawsett'.......whatever next? ::) ::) ;)
Yes it's starting to make an appearance.....
Trouble is I can't really afford to use it. Rural poverty is a terrible thing M'lud! ::) :'(
Just get your butler to shovel more coal into the steam generator, or the lower household staff to peddle harder! ::) ::) ;D ;D ;D ;)
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I've often looked at those sockets with the USB point, but it never occurred to me that they would always be 'on' and consuming energy. :(
Not much I assume, but why waste energy? ::) ;)
But most of us leave TV's and other devices on stand-by without a minute's thought. Those that know these things reckon on average it costs a household £60 per year; Just over £1 per week. Can never say that bothers me, as in the scheme of things what is that; is it worth the worry? :D :D ;)
I never leave things on standby, always turn them off in my one man crusade to save the planet! :P ::) ;D
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I've often looked at those sockets with the USB point, but it never occurred to me that they would always be 'on' and consuming energy. :(
Not much I assume, but why waste energy? ::) ;)
But most of us leave TV's and other devices on stand-by without a minute's thought. Those that know these things reckon on average it costs a household £60 per year; Just over £1 per week. Can never say that bothers me, as in the scheme of things what is that; is it worth the worry? :D :D ;)
I never leave things on standby, always turn them off in my one man crusade to save the planet! :P ::) ;D
Admirable Sir Tigger. But last month 50% of our power was created by renewable's so is saving the planet still applicable? Not sure myself now, but I suppose it is 50% true! ::) ::) ;D ;D ;D ;)
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I've often looked at those sockets with the USB point, but it never occurred to me that they would always be 'on' and consuming energy. :(
Not much I assume, but why waste energy? ::) ;)
But most of us leave TV's and other devices on stand-by without a minute's thought. Those that know these things reckon on average it costs a household £60 per year; Just over £1 per week. Can never say that bothers me, as in the scheme of things what is that; is it worth the worry? :D :D ;)
I never leave things on standby, always turn them off in my one man crusade to save the planet! :P ::) ;D
No. You're a tight bastard. :)
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I've often looked at those sockets with the USB point, but it never occurred to me that they would always be 'on' and consuming energy. :(
Not much I assume, but why waste energy? ::) ;)
But most of us leave TV's and other devices on stand-by without a minute's thought. Those that know these things reckon on average it costs a household £60 per year; Just over £1 per week. Can never say that bothers me, as in the scheme of things what is that; is it worth the worry? :D :D ;)
I never leave things on standby, always turn them off in my one man crusade to save the planet! :P ::) ;D
No. You're a tight bastard. :)
That as well. ;D
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The usb charger versions are like a standard socket with the switches on them only turning off the relevant 13a plug outlet .be it a single pole version or double. But the usb bit is permanently on .powered by a very small built in transformer.all transformers get warm even when not connected to a load so in theory you have a little heating unit sat inside your wall permanently running.personally i dont like this idea and dont like fitting them.they should be safe especially from a good known make but certainly cant comment on unknown cheap brands ? But dont like the idea myself nontheless.im an electricial/ engineer of old school design !
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We have a few of these USB sockets fitted, I didn't really think about the energy wastage, but then again we live in an old house with single glazed sashes. So worrying about the USB ports is like pi$$ing into the wind ;D.
As for the safety aspect, I think with a modern consumer unit and picking ones of good make, the risk is minimal.
In our case, the consumer unit trips of a spider so much as farts near it so I reckon we're pretty safe ;D
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I never leave things on standby, always turn them off in my one man crusade to save the planet! :P ::) ;D
Our telly doesn't have an off switch, stand-by is the only option
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I never leave things on standby, always turn them off in my one man crusade to save the planet! :P ::) ;D
Our telly doesn't have an off switch, stand-by is the only option
Nor ours, goes off by the switch (single pole) ;D
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The usb charger versions are like a standard socket with the switches on them only turning off the relevant 13a plug outlet .be it a single pole version or double. But the usb bit is permanently on .powered by a very small built in transformer.all transformers get warm even when not connected to a load so in theory you have a little heating unit sat inside your wall permanently running.personally i dont like this idea and dont like fitting them.they should be safe especially from a good known make but certainly cant comment on unknown cheap brands ? But dont like the idea myself nontheless.im an electricial/ engineer of old school design !
They don't use transformers - they use SMPS - switched mode power technology. I agree that using a reputable make such as MK is a must, but would you leave a laptop power supply brick left plugged in & running all the time? As this is what we are talking about doing here. Same issue with a tv on standby - you can always switch it off at the socket or even unplug if you want. These USB socket jobbies can't be switched off.