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The majority of socket outlets which are installed in homes and offices in the UK have switches because the cost difference is very small to get the convenience of having a switch for each socket.
But go to any shop which sells them and you will find plenty of single and double socket outlets that have no switches. These are used when installers are trying to save a few pounds or they know that a particular outlet will not be used very much.
Another reason they may be used is when a particular socket is fitted specifically to supply an appliance which should not be switched off "externally", such as a TV set-top box or a fridge/freezer.
In the old days, before modern reliable switch materials were used for the contacts and springs inside switches, there was a risk that a switch might burn-out due to contact and/or spring failure over a long period of repeated use. This was more likely when a high-powered appliance was used, so a non-switched socket might have been preferred if likely switch usage was expected to be high. The quality of contact materials is generally so much better nowadays that this particular reason for fitting a socket outlet having no switch no longer applies.
Wiki User
∙ 14y ago
Wiki User
∙ 11y agoSwitched sockets are safer. Also, in a switched socket, the plug can be left in and not have to be pulled out to cut off power to an electrical device.
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You have an outlet with three light switches controlling three different lights what is this called?
A triplex outlet. It is a simple device unless one or more of these switches are "3way" switches.
How do you change a 110 socket outlet into a 210 socket outlet?
You probably mean to change it to a 240 V outlet... either case, you'll need to run a new wire and install a new breaker.
SSO electrical Wiring?
switch socket outlet
What symbols represents a switch socket outlet?
square
What is the function of a 13 A Switch Socket Outlet?
It enables you to switch off the load from the socket, rather than have to pull the plug out of the socket.
What is the function of outlet socket?
funtion of outlet socket
What difference between 13Ampere socket outlet and 15Ampere socket outlet?
2 Amp
Which test is used to verify that socket outlet and switches have been correctly connected?
If you are referring to a "socket" as a receptacle there is a device that can be purchased at a hardware store that just plugs in and with lights it tell you if the wiring is correct. All switches should be wired with the hot wire at the top. On a wall switch hot wire to the top screw.
You have an outlet with three light switches controlling three different lights what is this called?
A triplex outlet. It is a simple device unless one or more of these switches are "3way" switches.
What is s.s.o.13amp?
Switched Socket Outlet
Advantages of ring connection of socket outlet compare to radial connection of socket outlet?
Ring connection ensures continuety in supply
Flush type and surface type switches?
surface type switches is a switches in the wall while flush type switches is connected in the outlet of appliances. this is the best answer for that!
How do you change a 110 socket outlet into a 210 socket outlet?
You probably mean to change it to a 240 V outlet... either case, you'll need to run a new wire and install a new breaker.
SSO electrical Wiring?
switch socket outlet
What symbols represents a switch socket outlet?
square
What is the common way of referring to a plug and its corresponding socket as per the electrical engineering terminology?
Plug and socket, plug and socket outlet, plug and receptacle or plain plug and outlet all seem to be in common usage in the US. Plug and socket is possibly the only wording commonly used in the UK. [Plug and socket outlet sounds ok to a me, as a Brit, but we never really use that expression in the UK. Plug and outlet or plug and receptacle actually sound very strange!]
What is the function of a 13 A Switch Socket Outlet?
It enables you to switch off the load from the socket, rather than have to pull the plug out of the socket.
