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What`s the point?

Recently we mentioned that twin sockets are rated 13A just like single ones, although they are type tested to a bit more than 13A.

When doing say a domestic how many of us install single sockets and how many of them and why?

When I base my pricing it is on no of points and I make no distinction whether twins or singles. In fact it is rare for me to install singles.

The price of materials is similar, depending upon make and depending on current offers and depending on which part of recent history (say the last 30 years) then twin sockets have often been cheaper than singles. A metal back box - twins are usually only coppers more. Knocking out for back boxes if in accy brick or nori brick can be a bit more strenuous and time consuming, otherwise not much. Plastering might use a bit more plaster but not much more difficult to get a good finish if at all. Curling up the T & E into the box prior plastering is easier in a twin box. Tradtionally top of stairs and in the hallway you might expect to see a single rather than a twin. Although for a long time now I`ve always done twins. Really the only place I`d put a single is to help deter two heavy loads on one point - say washer and dryer in a kitchen.

How do the rest of you view single sockets? like me or differently?

  • However, as mentioned in another thread, you could have a twin socket with each side having an (unfused) 2 way adapter, giving 4 unfused 13A socket outlets . Nobody in their right minds would do that ----- but some will!


    "quoting IEE regulations, saying that the new twin socket should be protected by a 20 A fuse, not 15 A " Denis, I`m not sure about this bit?

  • "quoting IEE regulations, saying that the new twin socket should be protected by a 20 A fuse, not 15 A " Denis, I`m not sure about this bit?



    I guess he was referring to the conventional circuit arrangements for supplying 13A sockets - 30A ring, or 30A radial or 20A radial - which were originally part of the regs themselves rather than just an informative appendix as now.

      - Andy.