I have a dual socket that has plugged into it a shaver adaptor to power a foreign lamp and various combinations of USB charging. I was thinking of buying a 13A multifunction socket from Amazon (can take UK 3-pin, 2 pin shaver, USB etc) but notice that reputable sellers like BG don't have anything like that in their range. Is this a stunningly obvious clue that these things are too risky? I'm a complete amateur with electrics but understand the basics (I think). I'd use a socket tester and multimeter on the install however suspect this isn't a good idea. Advice please.
Advice on multifunction 13A sockets - will I burn down the family home?
- Thread starter DrDarren
- Start date
Help Support UKworkshop.co.uk:
On UK 13 amp sockets, anything plugged in should be fused at no more than 13 amps otherwise you have either a 20 or 32 amp protective device in the board so as rob has said just fit a uk plug and fuse at 3amps.
MorrisWoodman12
Established Member
Anything with the dreaded built-in electronics is a) going to be much less reliable than a bog-standard 13A socket and b) continually taking power. As someone who professionally designed electronic devices for ~50 years I'd keep with the standard socket and follow the advice above. Will it burn your house down? Unlikely but of course there has to be a greater risk however immeasurably small although it's going to be several million times larger than a standard socket.
Stay safe.
Martin
Stay safe.
Martin
There are "smart" usb charging adapter (UK plug of course) which "allegedly" cease to draw current one the attached device has been fully charged; or at least have minimal current running when not actually charging anything. They're far better than the 13Amp + usb charging ports sockets. One advantage being they're portable - meaning you can put anywhere you need them at any time? And many of these adapters have a pass through 13Amp socket incorporated. Masterplug being one... and available on the big river site... If you go this route - don't buy cheap...
