UK Legal Details - Sockets - Where is the requirement for separate socket earths to be linked?

[wilmer000]

I have come across a double socket where the earth terminations aren't linked together - Is this illegal (and what regulation do i look at?) or is it allowed, and I just put the loop-earth in one termination and join the unearthed socket with a length of Earth conductor?

 

[wilmer000]

Any manufacturers information?

Yes but I blanked it out. Don't want to draw attention to a supplier if there's nothing wrong with it. This is the internet and everyone gets in trouble for everything these days... All the ratings info i left on the photo. My feeling is that it's a legal arrangement per BS 1363 and the plug and socket regs, but might be a tricky install for a DIYer who doesn't realise they have to link the two sides? But then my knowledge is limited so any help greatly appreciated...

 

[Strima]

Yes but I blanked it out. Don't want to draw attention to a supplier if there's nothing wrong with it. This is the internet and everyone gets in trouble for everything these days... All the ratings info i left on the photo. My feeling is that it's a legal arrangement per BS 1363 and the plug and socket regs, but might be a tricky install for a DIYer who doesn't realise they have to link the two sides? But then my knowledge is limited so any help greatly appreciated...

Ideally we would need to know as this can be potentially dangerous. Even one of these installed on a ring final circuit will break the continuity of the CPC. This would be identified when dead testing is carried out but how many DIYers do this?

Product identification is not a problem as you're asking a genuine question.

 

[DPG]

I see it's a wifi socket. I suspect this is a cheap Chinese special - am I correct?

You need to give us some more info.

 

[Pete999]

DIY, sorry. wanted to ask the pros if it was allowed, and if so, how to deal with the installation

Have you bothered to read the OSG details I provided?

 

[snowhead]

I'll just leave this here from Azamon £27.43

ENERJ Smart WiFi Double Wall Socket with USB Charger Plug UK, 13A Electric Power 2 Gang White Twin Wall Sockets with Push Button & Timer Compatible with Alexa and Google Home : Amazon.co.uk: DIY & Tools

Shop ENERJ Smart WiFi Double Wall Socket with USB Charger Plug UK, 13A Electric Power 2 Gang White Twin Wall Sockets with Push Button & Timer Compatible with Alexa and Google Home. Free delivery on eligible orders of £20 or more.

www.amazon.co.uk

And heres a cheaper version

Amazon.co.uk

Yet another name, same socket but even cheaper

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Woox-Smart-Wall-Socket-Ports/dp/B07N7WJL5M/ref=sr_1_15?dchild=1&keywords=smart+wifi+double+wall+socket&qid=1615837481&sr=8-15

 

[Timbo]

"Supports maximum power of 13A"

 

[snowhead]

Not just Azamon everyone sells them even CFE

13A 2 Gang Smart Wi-Fi Socket with USB

Control of appliances remotely

www.cef.co.uk

 

[DPG]

Well found Snowhead!!

So as I thought, a cheap item which probably barely meets any safety requirements. And the manufacturer themselves probably don't even know whether the 2 earth terminals should be continuous!!

 

[Steve T]

Not just Azamon everyone sells them even CFE

13A 2 Gang Smart Wi-Fi Socket with USB

Control of appliances remotely

www.cef.co.uk

Is ENER-J not a decent brand though? I've used one of their wireless switches (bought from denmans) which seemed to be good quality.

 

[Strima]

I've ordered the cheaper one, lets have a look tomorrow.

Edit: I also forgot to say on my earlier post, if one of these was installed at the start of a radial circuit the other accessories would be left with no earth.

Also a metal backbox would not be earthed as it appears to have no earth contact with the fixing screws.

 

[DPG]

I've ordered the cheaper one, lets have a look tomorrow.

Edit: I also forgot to say on my earlier post, if one of these was installed at the start of a radial circuit the other accessories would be left with no earth.

Also a metal backbox would not be earthed as it appears to have no earth contact with the fixing screws.

Be interesting to see what you find.

 

[wilmer000]

Have you bothered to read the OSG details I provided?

Hi Pete, I'm not an installer so don't have easy access to the OSG, but I have certainly tried and did manage to dig up an "Electricians guide to the IET" (17th ed though), and I really appreciate the effort everyone is making to help. As I understand it, this type of socket is aimed at use where the equipment used on the ring can collectively (if not individually where they would need wiring in) generate a high protective current (mainly office buildings) and the sockets being installed must have 2 earth terminals. These terminals each link to one end of the ring, and to each other and a duplicate earth or metal conduit (to ensure the earth is protected in case of a component/socket failure). As such I guess the verdict is that the sockets are likely to pass BS 1363/Plug and socket regs, and be legal to sell, but the installer will be responsible to ensure safe fitting. That means to bridge the two terminals with a suitable conductor and run duplicate conductor/metal trunking in in the office setting. In the domestic setting an installer would just bridge the two earth terminals (unless the householder was going to have a host of PCs installed and needed duplicate earth wire/trunking) - In the DIY arena the bridging of terminals is unlikely to happen all the time, and would depend on the user's level of ability and desire to read the instructions, but remains legal-but-iffy to use. Does that sound about right?

 

[Lucien Nunes]

In general, all PE terminals are interconnected on any device, including electrical accessories, except for deliberately separate clean earth connections. Socket outlets with two PE terminals for the purpose of high integrity earthing always have them internally linked, so that all points remain earthed if any one terminal loses continuity (which would defeat any wire link installed between them.)

What do the manufacturers' instructions say about this product? Do they specifically call attention to the need to earth both terminals? As @netblindpaul points out, there isn't a law about socket-outlet construction (just as there aren't laws about wiring) but if it incorrectly claims compliance with a standard, or fails to meet general provisions for safety, or lacks the necessary instructions to enable it to be used safely, it might be an offence to sell it.

 

[netblindpaul]

where you bin hiding? long time no see. ?

I rarely post because there are so many adverts on here I can’t be bothered most of the time to have to put up with the barrage, and I don’t like the cookie policy. As I understand it it requires you to allow too much cross site tracking and persistent cookies. I don’t believe that they are essential.
So it means that I have to log in every time and it is just too much hassle for me to bother with.
Plus I have been busy with other things.

 

[telectrix]

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