Single Pole v Double Pole Sockets

Grumpy_Old_Duffer

Looking to add some extra sockets (5 or 6 extra) to my home .... double (2) gang switched socket like these on eBay >>>> http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=220339901064&cguid=6ad0877011f0a0aad3836543ff188749

I'm aware that these come as Single pole or Double pole.

What's the difference?
Which is best?
If I buy them and get an electrician to fit, will they insist on fitting single or double pole?

maninthestreet

http://www.diynot.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=8749

ormus

before you buy them on ebay (plus PP) try your local BQ.
they were selling them very cheap last week.

27col

Presumably these double pole sockets are a comparatively new thing. Until I retired as an electrician, I do not think that I ever came across such a thing as a double pole 13amp socket. Double pole isolator switches, yes, double pole sockets, no. I have not read the 17th edition regs, so maybe there are places where they are required. No doubt someone still in the trade will have some idea.

TDA10

Yep, B&Q have a £1 section in most stores and there are double switched sockets among the other bits and bobs. Don't know if single or double pole though.

baldelectrician

Double pole sockets switch LIVE and NEUTRAL, standard sockets switch only LIVE

A single pole switch does not fully isolate an appliance.
Where the house has reverse polarity (live and neutral reversed) this may cause a danger.
Had a house like this yesterday

Please note double pole sockets are chunkier (and may not fit where little space is available behind the socket)