The 6 Best Double socket

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More and more household appliances such as computers, floor lamps, consumer electronics or chargers for various smartphones and tablets need a socket. On the other hand, in the past fewer and fewer sockets per room were installed in new buildings for cost reasons. Even with old buildings it often doesn’t look better. The simplest way to provide more slots for connecting the numerous devices is to use double sockets, which are available on the market in a hardly manageable selection. Double sockets for Schuko plugs or Euro plugs are available as well as double sockets with or without mains switch.

Our Top Double socket Pick

DIY articles: Double socket Video Guide

The system of Schuko plugs and sockets dates back to the 1920s and is widely used in Europe and other parts of the world. The name part Schuko is an abbreviation for protective contact. A Schuko plug has two round contact pins and a protective contact, which is intended to discharge residual currents when the circuit is closed by the two current-carrying poles and there is a body short. Schuko plugs are easily recognisable by their round shape. A further advantage of these plug connections is the firm mechanical fit of the plug in the socket.

The flat Euro plug does not have a protective conductor and was developed for universal use in almost all European countries. In most cases, electrical appliances are equipped with a comparatively low output, such as a standard lamp or a hairdryer with a Euro plug. In line with the flat plug shape, the special double sockets for Euro plugs also have two flat slots. A Euro plug can also be connected to a Schuko socket. Conversely, this is not possible. A well-known manufacturer of double sockets, for example, is the company Brennenstuhl from Tübingen.

As with the multiple socket strips with extension cables, the double sockets are now also available with an integrated mains switch. With the mains switch, both devices connected to the socket can be de-energised with one click. A double socket outlet with mains switch is particularly recommended if devices are connected to it which still consume a small amount of electricity even when switched off. These can be, for example, chargers for smartphones. A double socket outlet with mains switch helps to save electricity quite simply. A small lamp is usually installed in the mains switch, which lights up when the double socket is switched on.

There is not much to consider when buying a double socket. With a double socket for Schuko plugs you are usually on the safe side. Both Schuko plugs and Euro plugs can easily be connected to such a double socket. Depending on how much space there is to the right and left of the socket on the wall, it can happen that a double socket is simply too wide for Schuko plugs. Then we recommend the purchase of a double socket for Euro plugs. Provided, of course, that the equipment to be connected has a Euro plug. If there is enough space, you should always use a double socket with a built-in mains switch. The low additional costs for these double sockets are usually more than compensated for in less than a year by the electricity costs saved. For households with small children it is advisable to buy double sockets with integrated child safety devices. With these double sockets you do not have to worry about retrofitting a child safety lock. Larger differences can be found in the processing quality and the quality of the material. As a rule, the very inexpensive double sockets are not cleanly processed. Also the quality of the material leaves much to be desired. Although these double sockets also fulfil their purpose, they can literally break apart at an early stage if the slot is changed frequently. Those who value good quality should rather invest a few euros more when buying a double socket.

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