Double / Single pole switched sockets

50Twuncle

I need to fit a replacement double socket (the contacts in the earth pin have "closed up" - making it hard to push a plug in) - and, since we use this socket for charging android devices - I thought that I would get a socket with built in USB charger points...
I see that they are available, either single pole or double pole switched and wondered which to buy..
http://www.screwfix.com/p/bg-13a-2-gang-sp-switched-socket-usb-charger-outboard-rocker-white/8534f
or
http://www.screwfix.com/p/mk-13a-2-gang-double-pole-switched-socket-2-1a-usb-charger-white/3905g
Double pole costs 3 times single poll - why ?

savalittle.

There is no real difference between single and double pole, the SP is made by BG and the DP is made by MK, i would just go for the cheaper one.

nja-nja

Double Pole switches off both the live and neutral, Single Pole the live only. So DP is nominally safer if there were an occasion where the neutral became live, and is also required by regulations in certain circumstances (although not really in a domestic setting).

If the difference in price is small go DP, otherwise I would SP.

Also always compare prices in Toolstation against prices in Screwfix

Grenage

Double pole is simply safer, especially if someone has wired the the poles round the wrong way.. which is unlikely.

Make sure you have deep boxes, as those USB plates normally require more depth.

TheCyclingProgrammer

Grenage wrote: »

Double pole is simply safer, especially if someone has wired the the poles round the wrong way.. which is unlikely.

Make sure you have deep boxes, as those USB plates normally require more depth.

The BG ones have 10mm spacers for smaller back boxes.

silvercar

The USB charger seems to be at 2.1A, is that sufficient for all devices?

By comparison, the iphone chargers are 5A, the ipad chargers at 10A.

50Twuncle

silvercar wrote: »

The USB charger seems to be at 2.1A, is that sufficient for all devices?

By comparison, the iphone chargers are 5A, the ipad chargers at 10A.

The current drawn - depends on the impedence of the device
2.1 amps being the maximum - should suffice most devices
5 amps is more than will ever be drawn and as for 10 amps - never !!
Are you getting confused between amps and watts ?

xyz123

silvercar wrote: »

The USB charger seems to be at 2.1A, is that sufficient for all devices?

By comparison, the iphone chargers are 5A, the ipad chargers at 10A.

2.1A is sufficient. Apple chargers are 5 w and 10w not 5A.

Risteard

Double pole switching in a socket outlet is not required as isolation is achieved by withdrawing the plug!

However as a double pole switch breaks BOTH live conductors (i.e. line (phase) and neutral) it can be advantageous to narrow down what is causing an RCD to operate as a single pole switch would not disconnect a neutral/earth fault in an appliance.

50Twuncle

In the end, I bought a SP one http://www.screwfix.com/p/bg-13a-2-gang-sp-switched-socket-usb-charger-outboard-rocker-white/8534f at only £7.49 - it works and charges my android devices - it fitted in my original 30mm box as well !!

Rubidium

50Twuncle wrote: »

The current drawn - depends on the impedence of the device
..............

So what impedance does this device of convenience present to the mains while permanently on standby 24/7/365?

Have you considered how much this will add to your electricity bill?

Halogen GU10 50W bulbs are sill available but savvy people no longer use them!