SWR Class 444 charging sockets

[trainophile]

Just a quick one - why are there stickers on the sockets saying “Plug socket for laptop battery chargers only”?

Are we not supposed to use them for our phones?

 

[DMckduck]

Just a quick one - why are there stickers on the sockets saying “Plug socket for laptop battery chargers only”?

Are we not supposed to use them for our phones?

They will be perfectly useable to charge phones.

The newer 701s have some sockets with a fuse button on them that are not for public use, but cant imagine they would do much damage.

 

[Mike Machin]

I've used them frequently for topping-up my iPhone without any issues. I think it dates back to the time when there were fewer smart phones laptop charging was more common, but it's to deter people from plugging-in higher powered domestic appliances. Just after they were installed I have heard a tale, probably not true, about early morning commuters going 'self-catering' with their breakfasts by attempting to use toasters!

 

[trainophile]

Good grief! And no doubt hair dryers/straighteners for the ladies.!

Thanks both, that’s good to know.

 

[swt_passenger]

Just a quick one - why are there stickers on the sockets saying “Plug socket for laptop battery chargers only”?

Are we not supposed to use them for our phones?

Because the original stickers (back when there were a only a minimal number of sockets), have never been updated since the trains were new, and all the extra sockets fitted in the work done a few years ago were given the same stickers.

(Indeed, are they a standard Siemens fit on other Desiro UK classes?)

But it’s been mentioned here quite a few times before, I think you need to read it as a ‘maximum load’, rather than allowing absolutely anything to be plugged in.

 

[D365]

The newer 701s have some sockets with a fuse button on them that are not for public use, but cant imagine they would do much damage.

For cleaners use only.

Just after they were installed I have heard a tale, probably not true, about early morning commuters going 'self-catering' with their breakfasts by attempting to use toasters!

It happens, and generally ends with a group of sockets being tripped out.

Because the original stickers (back when there were a only a minimal number of sockets), have never been updated since the trains were new, and all the extra sockets fitted in the work done a few years ago were given the same stickers.

(Indeed, are they a standard Siemens fit on other Desiro UK classes?)

But it’s been mentioned here quite a few times before, I think you need to read it as a ‘maximum load’, rather than allowing absolutely anything to be plugged in.

Correct answer.