double electrical power socket - what is a single pole and a double pole?

Question

I have a double power socket in my kitchen for plugging my kettle and toaster into that very temperamental, sometimes both sockets work, sometimes one socket works occasionally none work.
it obviously needs replacing, I have taken a closer look at it and it seems a simple enough job, two black wires lead into one hole, two red wires into another and a single earth into the last hole, but I have taken a look (online first) at the replacement sockets that I can get from B&Q and I am a bit confused, some of the descriptions offer single or double poles, I don’t understand what that means.
This is the one that I am looking at and its a single pole, but what does that mean
http://www.diy.com/nav/fix/electrical/switches-sockets/white-switches-sockets/sockets/-specificproducttype-double_sockets/Marbo-Switched-Double-Socket-SP-13A-White-11567745?skuId=12078451

Answer 1

The red wires are live black are neutral and green are earth.

A single pole switch only disconnects (turns off) the live wire from the circuit it leaves the black wire permanently connected.

A double pole switch disconnects both live and earth wires.

Earthwires are always permanent connected to the circuit.

So double pole switches are safer.

But both types are safe to use.

Answer 2

Double pole switches (when provided in a kitchen socket), are used to switch both the live and the neutral cables to the on or off position.



If a single pole switch is utilised then it MUST be used to switch the brown (live) cable only.



In no way does either of the above situations allow for a switch to break the continuity of the earth wire, this MUST always remain as a stand alone left alone entity connected to the MARKED earthing strap within the socket, as its job is to safely carry stray current directly to earth thus causing the fuses to trip therefore making a potentially dangerous circuit safe... It follows therefore that an earth wire must never, ever, be switched or made switchable or its purpose to keep an installation safe is rendered useless.

Answer 3

Single/ Double pole relates to the switch on the socket.

A single pole switch, switches only the live conducter. Double pole switches both the liive and neutral conductors. Either type will do, but out of preference I would recommend using the double pole one.



David S. You have made a typing error here. Under NO CIRCUMSTANCES should an earth wire be switched.

Answer 4

Double pole switches are usually found on higher amperage situations. All you need is a double switched 13 amp socket, available at any DIY store and many other places.

Answer 5

Get a book on basic home wiring that is relevant to your area. Many of the responses you get on Answers are from North America and they may not apply to what you have. Since you are in the U.K. and the pricing is in pounds I would suggest you have a local qualified professional do the work. Most of the responses you get are from persons with some training but not on your system.