What is a double pole electrical socket?

Double pole sockets operate two separate electrical circuits in a single circuit. Double pole sockets switch the live and neutral conductors. Double pole sockets are often used in home lighting situations where red wires are live, and black are neutral and the green wires are Earth or grounding wires.

Double pole sockets contain switches that disconnect both live and Earth wires. Grounding wires are permanently connected to the circuit, making double pole sockets more efficient and safe.

Double pole sockets, switches and breakers use the power from the two legs in the electrical circuit making the power flow consistently. High amperage appliances need to have double pole sockets to run efficiently.