Old Electrical Equipment - AEI Fused Outlet with Socket

Flush mounted single socket with a fused outlet on the same plate. This is one of the few electrical accessories which has no modern equivalent - the only way to do this today is either with a separate socket and FCU, or assemble a similar arrangement from a modular grid system.

Switched Fused connection unit with a single switched socket outlet

AEI Fused Spur and single socket outletAEI FCU and single socket outlet, fuse removed This item is the same size as a double socket outlet, but contains a single socket and a fused outlet for a fixed appliance on the same plate.

Despite being well over 35 years old, this example has never been used, and is complete with the original fixing screws and original fuse.

In theory this could be used in a modern installation. In reality, this will be very difficult due to the location of the fixing screws - modern items have a single screw on each short edge, rather than two on the long edges as shown here.

Side view and fuseholder details

AEI FCU and socket outletAEI FCU and socket outlet, fuseholder details The fuseholder simply pulls out, and is held in place by the pressure of two small springs on the fuse itself.

The fuse is the standard BS1362 type, identical to those used in BS1363 plugs. This example is a 13A type, although other values could be used depending on what was connected.

The red rectangular areas are transparent plastic, behind which are red neon indicators. These are illuminated when the corresponding switch on the front plate is in the on position.

Back view

Back view of the combined FCU and socket outlet The back of the plate reveals that the socket and fused unit are two totally separate items, each with it's own set of terminals. As is usual with these older items, the brass terminals are of substantial size, beign far larger than on modern equivalants.

There is only a single earth terminal, which is part of the socket outlet.

There would be no reason to provide separate earth terminals, since things such as computer systems requiring separate earthing did not exist when this item was manufactured.

Possible use ?

Rear right view of the combined FCU and socket outlet Rear left view of the combined FCU and socket outlet The most likely use for this item was for electric heating. The switched side with fuse would be for a fixed heater, probably a storage heater on a cheaper rate night only supply. This would be switched on automatically overnight.

The socket outlet would be wired to a separate circuit which was available at all times so that a portable appliance could be plugged in - possibly a smaller heater for extra heat in the daytime or early evening.

The yellow wires connect to the neon indicators.

Siemens Ediswan

Back of the moulded plate with Siemens Ediswan wording Front showing the AEI logo on the fuseholder Although the front fuse holder and both the socket and fuse assembly are marked AEI, the back of the plate has 'SIEMENS EDISWAN' on it.

AEI were the company which owned both Siemens Brothers and Ediswan at the time, although it is not clear why they would use one name on the front and others on the back.

Made in England

Lower back of the combined plate, showing Made In England text The lower back has the words 'MADE IN ENGLAND' both on the white plate (between the fixing screws) and the dark brown socket moulding.

Note also the attention to detail - the fixing screws have small washers to prevent them falling out and the neon indicator is secured with a small plastic plate and screw.

 

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