In article ,
"Bob Eager" writes:
On Mon, 6 Oct 2003 18:49:06 UTC, (N. Thornton) wrote:

Hi. Why would you need to us either a DP switch or a fuse to connect a
socket to a ring? A double socket would need IIRC a 20A switch, and a
single one... presumably 13A one. (Not certain bout those figures, but
think so)

There is no need to have the switch DP instead of SP. But, 13A DP
switches are not readily available. In addition, wiring 'in line' is a
lot easier if you don't have to keep one conductor continuous (and I
wouldn't want to joint it inside the switch box).

I suggest you use a DP switch if the ring is RCD protected.
Let's say your washing machine develops a neutral-earth short
and trips the RCD. If you switch off your accessible SP switch
you will still be unable to reset the RCD, because the washing
machine is still shorting neutral and earth. Now you have to
heave the washing machine out so you can get the the plug and
unplug it. However, you will likely have first gone off on a
wild goose chase to find the cause, having discounted the
washing machine because the RCD still trips after you switched
it off.

--
Andrew Gabriel