I got one of these a while ago. It seems like an odd design flaw but is fairly obvious if you look on the photos of the product, basically the switches are set too close to the socket. They work fine to plug in a standard 13A plug but anything that has a transformer built into the plug will either hit the switch when you plug it in or obscure the switch so that you can't turn it on or off.
Might not bother some people but really frustrating for me as I installed it in the kitchen right where I want to plug in my radio but it won't fit.
Also the switch operation feels really cheap on these, really stands out compared to the rest of the sockets in the house which are all MK or Schneider.
Smiff
27 Apr 173#20
no thanks unless big Clive has been inside one :wink:
Does anyone know if the usb sockets use electricity when not charging something (as they're always "on")?
Wol377 to bones79
27 Apr 171#22
This is not the case. It's a bit like asking if an empty plug socket uses energy when turned on.
EDIT* On second thought, there will be a IC somewhere in there to step down the voltage which will require some energy... but we are talking minimal power usage.
Active circuitry in walls is not for me, also I am dubious of the quality of the output of these too. Would be good to get one on a scope to measure. However comparison to others offering the same it's a good deal.
donslibi to mogsog
26 Apr 172#11
There are always plugs left on unless you switch off every plug manually every time you leave the house? If so, turn off the mains and these will turn off too.
In terms of quality I would never buy these or any other without it being one of the decent makes such as MK or BG
scottishpunter to mogsog
26 Apr 172#13
They do have BS 5733 & BS 1363 kitemarks on the £8 ones, suspiciously missing from the £6 ones
rickycj to mogsog
26 Apr 17#15
Unless you turn your consumer unit ( fuse board) of at the main breaker then you have active circuitry in your walls . turning off a socket turns of what is plugged in the cable feeding the socket is always live
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http://www.wickes.co.uk/Alpha-13A-2-Gang-Socket-with-Twin-3-1AMP-USB-Sockets%2C-White-Plastic/p/145275
Might not bother some people but really frustrating for me as I installed it in the kitchen right where I want to plug in my radio but it won't fit.
Also the switch operation feels really cheap on these, really stands out compared to the rest of the sockets in the house which are all MK or Schneider.
All comments (52)
http://www.wickes.co.uk/Alpha-13A-2-Gang-Socket-with-Twin-3-1AMP-USB-Sockets%2C-White-Plastic/p/145275
EDIT* On second thought, there will be a IC somewhere in there to step down the voltage which will require some energy... but we are talking minimal power usage.
http://www.hotukdeals.com/deals/lap-13a-2g-sp-switched-socket-3-1a-2g-usb-charger-white-screwfix-2-for-14-free-c-2672570
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N4LlCqL0Q9I
In terms of quality I would never buy these or any other without it being one of the decent makes such as MK or BG