Socket difference

Discussion in 'Electricians' Talk' started by Wayne K, Feb 3, 2007.

  1. Wayne K

    Wayne K New Member

    Someone care to explain to a thick joiner the difference between a single pole socket & a double pole socket, judging by price DP is better, but obviously SP is acceptable, as it is BS approved.
     
  2. jimmythemap

    jimmythemap New Member

    doh

    Single pole switches the Live
    Double pole switches the Live and Neutral
     
  3. sparkydude

    sparkydude Member

    Dont be so hard on yourself, have some pride in your trade, after all you probably know a lot more about woodwork than i have ever known. Each to their own speciality i say. The difference between a DP and SP socket is the switch, it either breaks the live in a SP socket or Live and Neutral in a DP socket SP means Single Pole and DP means Double Pole.

    Hope this answers your query

    Nick
     
  4. EZwire NE

    EZwire NE New Member

    single pole switches just the phase wire off leaving neutral and cpc connected. double pole switches phase and neutral -

    single pole ok for sockets - double pole used to emersion heaters and such
     
  5. techie

    techie Screwfix Select

    ....why would anyone connect an immersion heater via a socket I'm wondering....
     
  6. EZwire NE

    EZwire NE New Member

    yeah ok not dp skt - dp fsu still early
     
  7. Wayne K

    Wayne K New Member

    So does it make it better or does it not really matter that much?
    Do you guys use SP or DP sockets?
     
  8. autonull

    autonull New Member

    with a DP switch the load is isolated, with a SP switch the load is nearly isolated...
     
  9. Nicky Tesla

    Nicky Tesla New Member

    yer but y does anybody choose a dp over a sp. in wot situ is it necessary
     
  10. Eye Squared R

    Eye Squared R Active Member

    The use of double pole switching guards against the dangers associated with a Live/Neutral reversal. In this circumstance a single pole would break the circuit on the neutral leg and the device would not operate HOWEVER lurking within would be the Live and the associated danger of electrocution. If both Live and Neutral are switched then this possibility is removed.

    In summary so long as everything is wired correctly single pole will suffice but to guard against a Live/Neutral reversal double pole switching will always ensure safe disconnection.
     
  11. Nicky Tesla

    Nicky Tesla New Member

    So if i was the kind of lecky that wired sockets the wrong way round, do u think i wud buy dp sockets specially to cover my mistakes.
     
  12. Paul the chef

    Paul the chef Member

    If I was to wire a single pole the wrong way round L-N & N-L wouldn’t that trip my consumer unit?
     
    Tipptop likes this.
  13. IW guy

    IW guy New Member

    Removing the plug is the best isolation possible.
     
    nigel willson likes this.
  14. DaveF

    DaveF Active Member

    Double pole are used specifically to isolate whatever is connected for maintenance. So for fans, water heaters, cookers and so on all you need do is turn the switch to off and you are safe to work on the unit. Single pole, that's not true. Single do not disconnect neutral. Neutral even when correctly wired can actually have a voltage on it and this can be enough to kill you.
     
    I-Man likes this.
  15. I-Man

    I-Man Screwfix Select

    nice explanation!
     
  16. Bazza

    Bazza Screwfix Select

    No, how could it?
     
  17. The Happy Builder

    The Happy Builder Screwfix Select

    It could be argued that you should use DP switched sockets in a TT earthed installation where you have an earth rod, whilst you can use SP switched sockets in a TN earthed installation.

    In reality though you can just pull the plug out.
     
  18. CraigMcK

    CraigMcK Screwfix Select

    I’ll ignore the fact that this is a 13 year old thread!
    The question is how do you tell it’s a double or single pole when you turn up to carry out maintenance?
     

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