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Old 9th Jul 2017, 4:31 pm   #67
Skywave
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Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: Chard, South Somerset, UK.
Posts: 7,457
Arrow Re: Why did folk always unplug the telly at night?

Quote:
Originally Posted by Station X View Post
One could question the use of switched sockets? Why are they needed?
Quote:
Originally Posted by Skywave View Post
It is possible for someone to plug in an appliance with its on/off switch in the 'on' position. Without a switch on the socket - with the switch turned off - the appliance will unexpectedly power-up. Now if that appliance is something like a power saw or an electric drill with a bit fitted . . .
Quote:
Originally Posted by Station X View Post
Every power tool I have has a switch which is spring loaded to the OFF position. It's true that some can be locked in the ON position, but is it likely that someone would leave the lock ON and then switch off the tool by unplugging it or switching OFF at the mains socket?

If someone doesn't check that a power tool isn't switched OFF before plugging it in are they likely to check the switch on the socket?

Not forgetting of course that when the mains socket is switched ON the power tool will start in any case.

Fixed power tools like band-saws generally have a no volt release starter to avoid them restarting after a power cut.
O.K.: point taken.√ I did a bit of research on this. It seems that the inclusion of a switch was effectively a 'hang-over' from the days of d.c. mains supplies. (Justification for such a switch was the possible injury or damage arising from the resultant flash if a device was unplugged instead of switching it off at the device.) The decision to continue incorporating a switch when a.c. mains supplies were introduced in the U.K. was largely a matter of "This is what the public is used to and thus expects".
Nevertheless, it is a safety feature, even if it is somewhat redundant for the reasons you have listed.

Al.
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