James Mallon asks this question, which concerns 13A plugs being removed by staff and whether this causes wear and tear. It has been answered by Square-D – Schneider Electric (Theme - Cables, Wiring & Wiring Accessories):
Question: I'm going nuts - at the end of the shift, the office staff keeping removing my 13A plugs from the 13A switched double socket feeding my computer and accessory equipment.
I always remember my radio and TV tutor telling me to keep the plugs in and switch off the power at the switch at the end of the day - the reason being that was why the sockets were designed, for safe and complete isolation without removal of the plug. He would advise that the electronic valve chassis could discharge the TV safely and you would create wear and tear on the plug and socket on constant removal.
Over the years, I've found that the wear and tear theories were factual in practise, and have came across badly worn and overheated plugs and sockets, especially on heaters and domestic equipment in general.
What is the technical / theoretical stance on this issue? From a frustrated old spark…
Answer: Whilst the switches are not isolation switches, they suffice to disconnect the power - if that is the only requirement.
I could understand in the past the practice of not unplugging TVs and radios etc., given the valve technology of the time, which could retain a charge even after the device was turned off. Hence by leaving the plug in, you are maintaining connection to the earth circuit.
That said, wear on plug and/or socket by continually unplugging them should not be an issue. BS1363 for plugs and sockets requires them to be tested for 15,000 operations (30,000 in and outs!). Thus, if you unplug the telly once every night, it would be approximately 41 years before you reached 15,000 operations!
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