mike wrote:
"Dave Plowman (News)" wrote in
:



Where do you buy the plugs or distribution boards? All the ones I've seen
have used Commando plugs.


That's a big ask, considering how long I've been retired, but like this

https://secure.wadsworth.co.uk/WaItemGroup62.aspx

or this

http://www.tlc-direct.co.uk/Products/UVCSM3slash4.html

(same thing?)

Why *switched* sockets though? There's no real need for switches, as
people just switch off at the appliance when necessary, and there is a
risk of unwanted switching off when somebody opens the floor box for
whatever reason.

Ours all used standard 13A plugtops, or in the years of madness,
Walsall Guage

Why madness? Apart from cost they are pretty reliable.

I would prefer BS 546 round-pin plugs, available from more
manufacturers and the round pins/tubes are a more reliable connection,
especially at high currents. Square-pin socket contacts are prone to
losing 'springiness' and overheating, the design was originally to save
materials after World War 2, as was ring-circuit wiring.


The connectors were ok, it was the folks who changed plugtops or made
interconnects so vacuum cleaners, angle grinders, etc, would work on the
super quiet tech mains. And all the legit gear that had standard connectors
so had to be worked round in a Walsall area

mike