Electrical Sockets: A Complete Guide to 13A Outlets, USB Charging, RCD, and Specialist Sockets

Choosing the right socket for a job goes beyond picking a finish. The number of gangs, switching type, USB charging spec, RCD protection, and mounting configuration all matter — and getting them wrong means callbacks, failed inspections, or products that don't work properly for the end user. This guide covers every socket type in our range, with clear guidance on when to spec each one.

SP vs DP Switching — What the Regulations Say

A switched socket can be Single Pole (SP) — the switch interrupts only the live conductor — or Double Pole (DP) — the switch breaks both live and neutral simultaneously. BS 7671 (18th Edition) permits SP switching for most domestic socket outlets, but DP is the professional recommendation for any socket where an appliance may be left plugged in and unattended for extended periods. DP switching completely isolates the connected appliance and is the expected standard in new domestic installations. Our Knightsbridge 13A range offers DP switching throughout.

Standard 13A Switched Sockets

1 Gang (Single Outlet)

1G sockets are used where only one outlet is needed — behind a specific appliance, at desk-level single points, or on a ring main branch to an infrequently used location.

• Knightsbridge 13A 1G DP Switched Socket — White Curved Edge — £1.98 — economical, suitable for rental stock and functional installations.
• Knightsbridge 13A 1G DP Switched Socket — White Square Edge — £2.99 — cleaner profile for modern interiors.
• Knightsbridge 13A 1G DP Switched Socket — Brushed Chrome, White Insert — £7.99
• Knightsbridge 13A 1G DP Switched Socket — Polished Chrome, White Insert — £9.99
• Knightsbridge 13A 1G DP Switched Socket — Matt White Screwless — £10.99
• Knightsbridge 13A 1G DP Switched Socket — Matt Black Screwless — £10.99
• Thrion 1G 13A Slimline White DP Switched Socket — £2.20 — budget slimline.
• MK 1G Switched Socket 13A White — £11.99

2 Gang (Twin Outlet)

2G is the default for most locations — living rooms, bedrooms, kitchens. Two outlets serve the majority of appliance combinations without an adaptor.

• Knightsbridge 13A 2G DP Switched Socket — White Curved Edge — £3.22
• Knightsbridge 13A 2G DP Switched Socket — White Square Edge — £3.99
• Knightsbridge 13A 2G DP Switched Socket — Brushed Chrome Screwless — £14.94
• Knightsbridge 13A 2G DP Switched Socket — Polished Chrome Screwless — £14.99
• Knightsbridge 13A 2G DP Switched Socket — Matt White Screwless — £15.99
• AXIOM Flat Range 13A 2G Switched Socket — Chrome, Black Insert — £8.99
• Thrion 2G 13A DP Switched Socket + USB Outlets, 4.8A Total — £9.90

USB Charging Sockets

USB sockets integrate a charging circuit directly into the back box — no plug adaptor required. When specifying USB sockets, the USB-A vs USB-C distinction matters:

• USB-A is the legacy rectangular connector. Still widely used but being phased out as devices move to USB-C.
• USB-A + USB-C is the current practical standard — covers all current devices. Spec A+C for any new domestic fit-out.

• Knightsbridge 13A 1G DP Switched Socket + Dual USB (White) — £21.99
• Knightsbridge 13A 1G SP Switched Socket + USB-A (White) — £13.99
• Knightsbridge 13A 2G SP Switched Socket + Dual USB A+A (White) — £18.99
• Knightsbridge 13A 2G DP Switched Socket + Dual USB A+A — £27.99
• Knightsbridge 13A 2G SP Switched Socket + Dual USB A+C (Polished Chrome) — £27.99
• Knightsbridge 13A 2G SP Switched Socket + Dual USB A+C (White) — £27.99
• Knightsbridge 13A 2G SP Switched Socket + Dual USB A+A (Brushed Chrome) — £24.98
• Knightsbridge 13A 2G SP Switched Socket + Dual USB A+A (Matt Black Screwless) — £32.99
• Knightsbridge 13A 2G SP Switched Socket + Dual USB A+C, Matt White — £34.98
• CED Axiom Metal Clad 2G Switched Socket + 2 USB Ports — £19.99 — for surface mounting in trade/commercial settings.
• Switched Socket + USB Charger (White) — £12.99
• Knightsbridge 3A 2G Switched Socket + Dual USB (Brushed Chrome) — £24.99

RCD Sockets

An RCD socket has a built-in 30mA residual current device. Required by BS 7671 for circuits in bathrooms (zones 2 and beyond), garage and garden circuits, and any socket feeding equipment outdoors. Local RCD protection means only that circuit trips — not the whole board.

• Axiom RCD Switched Socket Passive/Latching Flush 2G 13A 30mA — White — £24.50
• Knightsbridge 13A RCD Switched Socket 2 Gang White — £15.84

Specialist Sockets

45A Cooker Connections

The cooker connection unit combines a 45A DP isolating switch with a 13A switched socket — for local cooker isolation and a nearby outlet for the extractor or small appliance.

• Knightsbridge 45A Cooker Connection Unit — White Curved Edge — £6.30
• Knightsbridge 45A DP Switch + 13A Socket with Neons — Brushed Chrome — £18.99
• Knightsbridge 45A DP Switch + 13A Socket — Brushed Chrome Screwless — £20.00
• Knightsbridge 45A DP Switch + 13A Socket — White Rocker — £12.99
• Knightsbridge 45A DP Switch + 13A Socket — Red Rocker — £11.50
• MK 45A DP Main Switch + 13A Switched Socket — White — £29.70

Shaver Sockets

Shaver sockets must incorporate an isolated transformer — a direct ring main connection is not permitted in a bathroom. These also provide dual voltage (115V/230V) for UK and US shavers.

• Knightsbridge 115/230V Dual Voltage Shaver Socket with Neon — £15.99
• MK K701 Shaver Socket White 2-Gang — £31.99

5A Round Pin Sockets

5A round pin sockets are used on lighting circuits for table lamps and standard lamps switched by the room circuit. The round pin physically prevents 13A appliances being connected to a 5A circuit.

• Knightsbridge 5A Unswitched Socket — Brushed Chrome, White Insert — £8.99
• Knightsbridge 5A Unswitched Socket — Brushed Chrome (twin earths) — £11.84
• Knightsbridge 5A Unswitched Round Socket — Matt White Screwless — £11.84

Floor Sockets

Recessed floor sockets for open-plan offices, boardrooms, and open kitchen/dining spaces where wall outlets are impractical.

• Knightsbridge 13A 1G Unswitched Floor Socket — Brushed Chrome — £19.40
• Knightsbridge 13A 2G Unswitched Floor Socket — Brushed Chrome — £21.89

Lockable Sockets

Key-lockable for HMOs, commercial kitchens, schools, or any circuit that needs to be secured against unauthorised use.

• Knightsbridge 13A DP Key Lockable Socket (2G Plate) — £19.99

Trailing and Rubber Sockets

Heavy-duty rubber sockets for site use, temporary power, and outdoor applications.

• 1G Heavy Duty Rubber Trailing Socket — White — £3.40
• SelectRic 1G Heavy Duty Rubber Trailing Socket — Black — £3.40
• SelectRic 2G Heavy Duty Rubber Trailing Socket — White — £6.40
• SelectRic 2G Heavy Duty Rubber Trailing Socket — Black — £6.40

Data, TV, and Telephone Outlets

• Knightsbridge TV + SAT TV Outlet — Non-Isolated, White — £3.99
• Knightsbridge TV + SAT TV Outlet — Isolated, Brushed Chrome Screwless — £11.99
• Knightsbridge UTP CAT6 RJ45 Outlet Module 25×50mm — White — £2.99
• Knightsbridge UTP CAT6 RJ45 Outlet Module 25×50mm — £3.50
• Knightsbridge Telephone Extension Socket — £2.99
• Telephone Master Socket Curved Edge — £3.99
• MK BT Master Telephone Socket White — £5.99

Blanking Plates and Modular Faceplates

• Knightsbridge 1G Blanking Plate White — £1.00
• Knightsbridge 1G Blanking Plate — Polished Chrome — £6.70
• Knightsbridge 2G Blanking Plate White — £1.30
• CED 2G Blank Plate White — £0.80
• MK 2G Blank Plate Cover White — £5.99
• Knightsbridge 1G Modular Faceplate White — £1.50
• Knightsbridge 2G Modular Faceplate White — £1.99
• Knightsbridge 2G Modular Faceplate — Brushed Chrome — £8.99

Finish Selection Guide

All sockets available for same-day collection from our Acton trade counter. Fitting out a full flat or house? Call ahead with your schedule of quantities and we'll pick the order.

APM Plumbing & Electrical | 24 Western Avenue, Acton, London W3 7TZ | 020 8702 8080 | apmi.uk