Difference in Metal Clad Sockets

[Greenie9657]

Morning All (just),

Im looking at buying around 10 double sockets for my garage and was wondering what are the differences between the various price ranges of Metal Clad Sockets.

I usually go by the term "you get what you pay for" but a metal socket is just a metal socket right?

They range from £22 for 5 to £13 for 1!!!

Thanks for your help.

 

[phatboy]

Same as any other socket I suppose - quality of internals, such as contact, switching mechanism, build quality.

I would always buy branded sockets now, having seen the cheapy ones developers use and B&Q sell fail. MK, Crabtree, GET always for me!

 

[AndyPRK]

I guess it depends how much use and load is going to be put through them.

Mine was for light use and I paid £5-6 each on eBay.
(The ones with the short screws)

I've been happy with them. I think they are made by omega.

 

[JohnW2]

Same as any other socket I suppose - quality of internals, such as contact, switching mechanism, build quality.

Agreed.

I would always buy branded sockets now, having seen the cheapy ones developers use and B&Q sell fail. MK, Crabtree, GET always for me!

For most purposes, I would agree. However, if, as is possible, these garage sockets are going to get very light use (particularly given that there are apparently going to be 10 of them), I might decide that going for ('expensive') 'quality' was perhaps not so important, perhaps not even 'justified'.

Kind Regards, John

 

[AndyPRK]

These are the same type/style I fitted 2 years ago.

From looking at the rear of them and the short screws.
Not sure whether I purchased them from that seller though.

They have had light use, but they feel like quality items and not cheap items.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/4x-13-Amp...ls_Supplies_Electrical_ET&hash=item3f30a584ff

 

[333rocky333]

Mk ones are nice, the plastic bits around the pin entries are tougher than most and the things fit nicely on there boxes, in addition to mk's 3 pin safety shutter system, i recomend them

 

[AndyPRK]

Do you really need MK 3 pin safety shutter system in a garage?

Kids shouldn't be playing in a garage in the first place.

 

[333rocky333]

No you dont, but too some safety is important

I think you made a typo

 

[Greenie9657]

Thank you for all your replies.

They wont be used for heavy loads. Maybe the odd use of a 2kW saw and constant use of a freezer and tumble dryer. Nothing major. And the kids would never go in the garage except to get an ice cream out of the freezer so im not worried about shutters./ I think the Metal Clad will look the part as well in a garage so was gonna do it right and do It once.

 

[AndyPRK]

You would be best to use an mk for the tumble dryer.

 

[OwainDIYer]

I think that "Superswitch" is made by MK. Poundland had a whole load in fairly recently.

 

[flameport]

Do you really need MK 3 pin safety shutter system in a garage?

You would assume not, however:
http://youtu.be/KWcFAJ1_bok

 

[AndyPRK]

I notice Wickes do them for £5