They’re like that in this apartment we’re renting and I keep seeing them elsewhere. I don’t get it.

  • Blackmist@feddit.uk
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    29 days ago

    So we can turn the power on and off.

    Why else would you have a switch next to a power socket?

    • Flying Squid@lemmy.worldOP
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      29 days ago

      Most of the places in the world I have been to do without them, or at least did when I was there, so it confused me. But some people have given good explanations now.

      • Scott_of_the_Arctic@lemmy.world
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        29 days ago

        Open one up. There’s also a fuse connected to the live wire. The amperage is dependent on the normal draw of the appliance. Just added safety features. Also the live and neutral holes only open up if you put the earth in first (that’s why it’s longer). British plugs are arguably the safest… Unless you leave them prongs up and step on it accidentally. That makes stepping on Lego feel like a shag carpet.

          • Ibuthyr@lemmy.wtf
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            28 days ago

            You were down voted for whatever reason. These outlets are complete bullshit. You have your safeties in the electrical cabinet and then you make sure to wire your house according to certain standards. Schuko is leagues ahead of this crap. Modern Schuko sockets will only allow anything to enter, when both prongs are inserted at the same time. If you do happen to short anything, the FI switch (no idea what it’s called in English) will cut the power before anything can happen.