varying arrangment of screws/holes out mains socket

[Dave Plowman (News)]

Look at virtually anything where there is a connector on wire. Never soldered, always crimped. If soldering was better for this application such terminals would be soldered.

[ARWadsworth]

switched Legrand socket of unknown age (not too old IMHO).

I believe CEF sell them. Of course a newer version might have a different layout:-(

Good luck mate.

[ARWadsworth]

And the OP would be needing to change an old socket on a new build?

[The Night Tripper]

Thanks ;-)

As it happens I own both a ratchet crimp tool and several soldering irons.

Like you, I am corfortable that my original idea is the best first plan.

But then thread drift is the lifeblood of Usenet ...

Cheers J^n

[The Night Tripper]

Very helpful, thanks. That's a switched outlet then? It certainly should be close enough - if it won't fit that then I might have to try one of these new-fangled crmiping or slodeirng techniques I am hearing so much about here...

Cheers J^n

[ARWadsworth]

>

They are switched.. No idea if double or single pole.

[Adam Funk]

joint (since the earth wire is unsleeved in the rest of the cables)?

[grimly4]

Utter c*ck. I've been soldering for 40 years and now prefer crimping where it's viable/accessible.

[John Rumm]

You could probably do without it in that circumstance, but it was included for completeness. Hopefully the shrouded part of each crimp will cover the bared ends of the L&N, but there is always a chance a bit might be peeking out, so sleeving the earth removes any possibility of it making contact.

[The Natural Philosopher]

i dint prefer either. they have different strengths and weaknesses which a lifetime of mucking about with electronics absolutely highlights

[Dave Plowman (News)]

It's not about making the joint - more about how long it lasts. Which is why the military don't use lead free solder.

[Dave Plowman (News)]

Given the PCB is soldered, why would it save money to crimp connectors to wire?

[Frank Erskine]

I wouldn't have thought that longevity of their kit would be of primary importance to the military since they seem to replace it every few years - I shouldn't think there are many 19 sets still in active (military) service.

I still wouldn't touch lead-free solder with a bargepole. It's a pity that Maplins don't sell proper solder (although I still have a largeish stash from my working days. Probably enough to see me out.)

:-))

[Dave Plowman (News)]

Maplin are no longer a serious electronics supplier. Places like CPC, RS, Rapid etc all sell leaded solder.

[John Rumm]

There is loads of mil kit about in service that has been there for decades. Basic stuff like radios etc can be expected to last for ages.

Easy enough to get the proper stuff from CPC etc.