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[Field Marshal Dr. Opti]

The double socket in the utility room is cracked so I need to replace it. Simple job.

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"

[Entwood]

The double socket in the utility room is cracked so I need to replace it. Simple job.

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) 

[Viral_Jim]

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.

[Field Marshal Dr. Opti]

The double socket in the utility room is cracked so I need to replace it. Simple job.

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?

[cam.in.head]

the switch on a single pole version only switches off the live .the double pole version turns off the neutral as well.

[Rods2]

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. Lady Sitterpong Meerkat when using a metal knife to remove the jammed toast will get more than she bargained for.

[Lizzie Zoom]

the switch on a single pole version only switches off the live .the double pole version turns off the neutral as well.

Exactly right

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.

[Field Marshal Dr. Opti]

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. 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.

[Field Marshal Dr. Opti]

the switch on a single pole version only switches off the live .the double pole version turns off the neutral as well.

Exactly right

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.

[STEMO]

the switch on a single pole version only switches off the live .the double pole version turns off the neutral as well.

Exactly right

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. 

[Viral_Jim]

the switch on a single pole version only switches off the live .the double pole version turns off the neutral as well.

Great, Thanks 

[Lincs Robert]

the switch on a single pole version only switches off the live .the double pole version turns off the neutral as well.

Exactly right

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.

[Lizzie Zoom]

the switch on a single pole version only switches off the live .the double pole version turns off the neutral as well.

Exactly right

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..

[Sir Tigger KC]

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?   

[Field Marshal Dr. Opti]

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?