Double socket power help.

[Taylortwocities]

immediately withdraw the plug of any "high-current" device and feel if either or both the Line and Neutral pins are appreciably warm

Our Aussie friend has missed out one essential item. And this applies to ANY plugged in load.
If it is fitted to the socket, turn off the switch BEFORE removing the plug.
Not doing this creates risk, and causes arcing in the socket which reduces the effectiveness off contacts in the socket.

 

[FrodoOne]

Our Aussie friend has missed out one essential item. And this applies to ANY plugged in load.
If it is fitted to the socket, turn off the switch BEFORE removing the plug.
Not doing this creates risk, and causes arcing in the socket which reduces the effectiveness off contacts in the socket.

Interesting comment.

However, it is only by "convention" that Switches" are used on most UK Socket-Outlets - where they are not REQUIRED -
(please correct me if I am wrong in this)
BUT
such Switches are REQUIRED in Australia and New Zealand.

As far as I am aware,
such Switches are NOT required (on Socket-Outlets) anywhere else - other than Australia/New Zealand


See https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/AS/NZS_3112

"Regulations require socket-outlets to be "individually controlled by a separate switch that ... operates in all active conductors", subject to three "exceptions":

• "A single switch may be used for the control of two socket-outlets located immediately adjacent to each other". (subject to the current rating of the switch to be at least equal to the (a) total current rating of the sockets concerned; or (b) the current rating of the overcurrent protection device concerned, whichever is the lesser value.)
• "A socket-outlet that is switched by the insertion and withdrawal of the plug shall be deemed to meet the requirements ....
• "A socket-outlet that is rated at not more than 10 A, installed for the connection of a fixed or stationary appliance or a luminaire and that is not readily accessible for other purposes, need not be controlled by a switch".

However, "stationary appliances" (such as fans) and most "luminaires" may be controlled by a remote switch, which would switch the supply via the socket-outlet concerned. Exceptions could be devices such as illuminated "Exit" signs, which require connection to the power supply at all times.

Each switch or means of operating a switch, for a socket-outlet shall be
(a) as close as practicable to the socket-outlet, and
(b) marked to indicate the socket-outlet(s) or the connected electrical equipment that it controls,
with the exception that marking is not required where the socket-outlet controlled is obvious because of the location of the switch.

Double pole switches are required in caravans and mobile homes:

• All switches installed in transportable structures and intended to be connected to the site supply shall operate in all live (active and neutral) conductors."
• Switches that directly control socket-outlets shall comply with the above requirements."

Australian/New Zealand practice uses "Active" to apply to "Line".
New Zealand practice also uses "Phase" to apply to "Line".