Switched and unswitched mains sockets
I've long advocated the use of unswitched mains sockets for your Hi-Fi or Home Cinema system. Switched sockets increase the impedance of the mains supply and they can sound terrible.
I've written more about this online on www.russandrews.com See my article on mains impedance here (information on sockets are at the bottom of the page).
Today, however, a customer reported to me that unswitched 13A mains outlets were no longer legal. An electrician, a home surveyor and his local DIY superstore had all told him the same story. And a story is all it is. There is no truth in it at all. The Electrical Regulations have not changed and unswitched sockets are still approved, legal and available.
I am a bit suspicious about the origin of this myth. If the surveyor questions the quality/safety of a house's mains wiring the mortgage company reduces the value on which it offers a mortgage or can impose an improvement clause. It's then a nice easy foot in the door for an electrican who can then find lots more 'urgent' work that needs doing.
I'm probably being too cynical; they are just confused.
posted by Russ Andrews @ 9:59 AM
1 comments
1 Comments:
I agree with your comments Russ. To me there appears to be no argument for switched sockets apart from the switch being another level of protection against electric shock.
If this is the argument being put forward by the DIY stores, it's more likely to be linked to them charging more for a switched socket than linked our safety and well-being!
If safety is the argument, the in-built mechanical protection that is present in all sockets has been enough to prevent all three of my children inserting coat hangers, bananas, pens and Buzz Lightyears into the various sockets around the house!
From a sound point of view, unswitched sockets are the way to go. My system is quieter and generally more musical when using them.
In summary, the kids survived and music sounds great, no contest!
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