DP vs SP sockets

[danlightbulb]

Hi all,

Noticed that screwfix do double pole and single pole 13A sockets. There is about a 30p price difference (insignificant really).

What I want to know is whether there is any real point going for the DP ones over the SP ones. Does it really matter?

Cheers
Dan

 

[ban-all-sheds]

Hi all,

Noticed that screwfix do double pole and single pole 13A sockets. There is about a 30p price difference (insignificant really).

What I want to know is whether there is any real point going for the SP ones over the DP ones. Does saving 30p really matter?

Cheers
BAS

 

[baz1968]

 

[333rocky333]

May be an advantage with DP if you had rcd circuits and developed a N to E fault,you could switch off the fault easier than unplugging it.
Plus there is proberly other advantages with DP
The only disadvantage I see with DP is if the N switch failed to close

Some appliances actually require double pole isolation to be classed as isolated, some are permitted for plug in use as well as fixed appliance use.
So with SP although the thing is off the N is still connected.
Heaters , etc sometimes state DP isolation in there instructions although you can technically unplug it to do so

SWITCHED FCUs are double pole so why not the sockets

 

[baz1968]

Does that answer your question BAS

 

[333rocky333]

Did I miss something here

 

[Taylortwocities]

Live and neutral are both considered 'live' conductors.

I like to know that OFF doesnt mean half off..

 

[securespark]

Some appliances actually require double pole isolation to be classed as isolated

Regs do not insist on DP switches in all case, though.

 

[RF Lighting]

Nothing to stop you working to a higher standard than BS7671




(Hmm that doesn't read right, but you get what I mean)

 

[danlightbulb]

Fair enough i'll get DP.

Just because DP sounds twice as good as SP doesn't mean it is, hence the question.

Cheers

 

[cornishman]

I'd always go with DP given the choice.

EJJ

 

[333rocky333]

I know houses that have sockets with
NO switches

 

[RF Lighting]

It was pretty standard back in t'day

 

[333rocky333]

It was pretty standard back in t'day

I know you can still get them
But if you did have them all over on an existing site would this be pulled up for any reason.

 

[RF Lighting]

I'd certainly reccomend they be replaced with switched sockets (unless of course they are deliberatly not switched), but there is no regulation AFAIK which prevents you from having / installing them throughout an installation.

Not really a likely scenario, but no reason why you couldn't.