Adsibob Posted April 27, 2021 Share Posted April 27, 2021 I'm considering installing these as our main sockets: They are made by varilight, so I'm hoping the quality is okay. But is the absence of on/off switches an issue, whether from a Buildings Regs or safety point of view? The only place where I think it would be safer to have a switch might be where we plug in kitchen appliances like blender, toaster, food processor... just in case there's an accident/fire one can switch it off. Although in those circumstances presumably one could just pull the plug out from the socket almost as quickly. Maybe @ProDave or one of the other electrically gifted members can weigh in on this... 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ProDave Posted April 27, 2021 Share Posted April 27, 2021 I would not fit them personally. the only place I used unswitched sockets is behind appliances and tv's etc where you don't want to go to the bother of installing the appliance to ten find out you forgot to turn it on but can no longer reach. Do they not do a switched version? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Adsibob Posted April 27, 2021 Author Share Posted April 27, 2021 3 minutes ago, ProDave said: I would not fit them personally. the only place I used unswitched sockets is behind appliances and tv's etc where you don't want to go to the bother of installing the appliance to ten find out you forgot to turn it on but can no longer reach. Do they not do a switched version? Thanks for the quick reply. They do do a switched version, but we like the aesthetic simplicity of the switchless one. Is it a safety thing then? I note that in continental Europe one hardly ever sees a switch on a socket. Same in the US I think. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
markc Posted April 27, 2021 Share Posted April 27, 2021 I dont know of any part of the regs specifically requiring a switch (other than fixed appliances like hobs etc which must have a means of isolation). Pulling the plug serves as an isolation for portable appliances but a faulty appliance can create a pretty decent arc on disconnect and its not pleasant when its behind the plug you are pulling Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ToughButterCup Posted April 27, 2021 Share Posted April 27, 2021 By contrast, @Adsibob, I have specified switches with neons for almost every switch. My eyesight isn't what it was and I can now tell at a glance - from yards away - which sockets are switched live if there is a supply. Yes, sometimes the switch is intrusive - and a neon switch more so - and on those sockets we fit switchless plates. None of our 5 Amp sockest have a switch. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MrSniff Posted April 27, 2021 Share Posted April 27, 2021 Here in Europe switched sockets are indeed very rare, even next to bathroom basins, something I still find bizarre. Even after living here 10 years I still prefer switched sockets. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Onoff Posted April 27, 2021 Share Posted April 27, 2021 (edited) Switched all the way unless it's a socket under a worktop switched by a 20A DP switch above. Little sparks can grow into bfo arcs over time presuming your unplugging under load. Unless I guess you can g'tee the "appliance" will only ever be unplugged when it's switched off. As above go switched and DP, safer/easier in the event of a fault. Edited April 27, 2021 by Onoff Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SteamyTea Posted April 28, 2021 Share Posted April 28, 2021 I have 1 unswitched socket. I hate it with a vengeance. And if you have ever had a plug stuck in a socket, being able to switch the thing off is a comfort. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PeterW Posted April 28, 2021 Share Posted April 28, 2021 17 hours ago, ToughButterCup said: By contrast, @Adsibob, I have specified switches with neons for almost every switch. My eyesight isn't what it was and I can now tell at a glance - from yards away - which sockets are switched live if there is a supply. Yes, sometimes the switch is intrusive - and a neon switch more so - and on those sockets we fit switchless plates. None of our 5 Amp sockest have a switch. I’ve fitted neons behind the plates on a number of LAP switch plates as they have a recess at the top that is slightly thinner and you get a red glow rather than a bright red light. More aesthetically pleasing than a red blob. You can get them now with the neon in the switch itself so only shows when on. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ToughButterCup Posted April 28, 2021 Share Posted April 28, 2021 9 hours ago, PeterW said: I’ve fitted neons behind the plates on a number of LAP switch plates as they have a recess at the top that is slightly thinner and you get a red glow rather than a bright red light. More aesthetically pleasing than a red blob. You can get them now with the neon in the switch itself so only shows when on. Where.... Thats brilliant! .... what are they called? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SteamyTea Posted April 28, 2021 Share Posted April 28, 2021 57 minutes ago, ToughButterCup said: 10 hours ago, PeterW said: I’ve fitted neons behind the plates on a number of LAP switch plates as they have a recess at the top that is slightly thinner and you get a red glow rather than a bright red light. More aesthetically pleasing than a red blob. You can get them now with the neon in the switch itself so only shows when on. Where.... Thats brilliant! .... what are they called? Possibly OCD rather than LAP maybe. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PeterW Posted April 28, 2021 Share Posted April 28, 2021 59 minutes ago, ToughButterCup said: Where.... Thats brilliant! .... what are they called? The neons ..?? Errr ... well they are Schneider ones not LAP (just checked my S’fix orders) and this is the switch I used and there is also an LED / neon which I’m looking for https://www.screwfix.com/p/schneider-electric-lisse-20ax-1-gang-dp-control-switch-white-with-led/5135j Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PeterW Posted April 28, 2021 Share Posted April 28, 2021 @ToughButterCup here you go - I’ll look where I got mine as it wasn’t S’fix but can’t find the invoice .. it’s filed ... https://www.screwfix.com/p/schneider-electric-lisse-red-led-indicator-250v-5-pack/6336t Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Marvin Posted April 28, 2021 Share Posted April 28, 2021 On 27/04/2021 at 16:46, markc said: I dont know of any part of the regs specifically requiring a switch (other than fixed appliances like hobs etc which must have a means of isolation). Pulling the plug serves as an isolation for portable appliances but a faulty appliance can create a pretty decent arc on disconnect and its not pleasant when its behind the plug you are pulling If you 've got this problem then you have the wrong fuse box (sorry consumer unit)? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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