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Strange Socket In Hospital

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Saw this in my local hospital and wondered...

How...?
Why...?

Is it a special socket with two separate feeds?


IMG_20250130_122724_MP.jpg
 
Technically, it could be read in 2 different ways.

They may have used the term "plug" wrong - so intended left socket
They may literally have meant there is some form of plug or adapter they where referring to.
 
Could one side be a 'clean' earth?
I don't know if portable x-ray machines would require one though :unsure:
 
Saw this in my local hospital and wondered... How...? ... Why...? .... Is it a special socket with two separate feeds?
I've never seen anything like that, but I am seriously out-of-touch! Traditionally (i.e. 'back then') mobile X-ray gear was very power-hungry, so usually ran off 3-phase supply (with appropriate sockets scattered throughout hospitals); I think it also could have a very high 'start-up' current, hence presumably needing a very forgiving OPD!. However, I think modern kit actually runs off internal batteries, and therefore doesn't necessarily need a power supply at all when in use.

Hospitals usually have 'special' sockets for supplied that are maintained when grid electricity is lost, but that's a different matter!
 
The sign predates the socket by a long way. The socket looks like a standard 2647 socket which is exactly the same as an MK 2747 but has neons built into the switches.

I wonder if the sockets (back in the day) were two singles and the left hand one was fed from a different circuit? But since then, the old X-ray socket has been removed and a double fitted?
 
The sign predates the socket by a long way. The socket looks like a standard 2647 socket which is exactly the same as an MK 2747 but has neons built into the switches.

I wonder if the sockets (back in the day) were two singles and the left hand one was fed from a different circuit? But since then, the old X-ray socket has been removed and a double fitted?
My thoughts too, also the painter needs a talking to
 
Could it be that they were just trying to ensure that a socket stays free so that when the mobile xray guys come round they could do their thing.
As I implied, I'm not aware of any 'half-way' stage when mobile X-ray gear was plugged into 13A sockets, but maybe that's because I didn't notice, or pay enough attention. My memory is only aware of the 3-phase jobbies and the 'modern' ones powered by internal batteries (therefore not usually needing a 'local' mains supply at all) - but not anything in between. - s
 
As I implied, I'm not aware of any 'half-way' stage when mobile X-ray gear was plugged into 13A sockets, but maybe that's because I didn't notice, or pay enough attention. My memory is only aware of the 3-phase jobbies and the 'modern' ones powered by internal batteries (therefore not usually needing a 'local' mains supply at all) - but not anything in between. - s
This is from a relatively recent (2019) document relating to mobile medical x-ray equipment from the government of India, hence perhaps reflecting 'how it was' in the UK a few deades ago. The power consumoption figure and the 'protection' are both a little interesting :-) ...

1738956922504.png
 
As I implied, I'm not aware of any 'half-way' stage when mobile X-ray gear was plugged into 13A sockets, but maybe that's because I didn't notice, or pay enough attention. My memory is only aware of the 3-phase jobbies and the 'modern' ones powered by internal batteries (therefore not usually needing a 'local' mains supply at all) - but not anything in between. - s
It certainly seems there was a period when unfused 13A plugs were used on mobile x-ray machines.

 

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