in an electrical power socket what is a single pole and a double pole?

Question

I have a double power socket in my kitchen for plugging my kettle and toaster into that very temperamental, sometimes both sockets work, sometimes one socket works occasionally none work.
it obviously needs replacing, I have taken a closer look at it and it seems a simple enough job, two black wires lead into one hole, two red wires into another and a single earth into the last hole, but I have taken a look (online first) at the replacement sockets that I can get from B&Q and I am a bit confused, some of the descriptions offer single or double poles, I don’t understand what that means.
This is the one that I am looking at and its a single pole, but what does that mean
http://www.diy.com/nav/fix/electrical/switches-sockets/white-switches-sockets/sockets/-specificproducttype-double_sockets/Marbo-Switched-Double-Socket-SP-13A-White-11567745?skuId=12078451

Answer 1

The red wire is the live in UK

The black is neutral in UK.

Single pole just means the live feed is switched only.

Double pole means both feeds are switched.

Use either as long as your colours are matched.

Isolate before work!

Answer 2

Double Pole Socket

Answer 3

Single Pole Double Pole

Answer 4

Single pole switches the live conductor, double pole switches both live and neutral. I think you have a loose connection on a socket terminal, most probably the neutral. You should also check why there is only 1 earth wire

Answer 5

Poles refer to switch types. Replacing an outlet is simple. In the US the power usually comes in on the black wires (hot). The neutral is usually white. The ground is usually bare or green. Red wires are sometimes used for the hot instead of black. Wire the new duplex outlet the same as the old one. One side has brass colored screws and the other side is usually silver colored. The ground connection us usually green and is common to the frame of the outlet.

Answer 6

Single pole and double pole refer to the throw on the switch. A single pole throw simply cuts the live feed, while a double pole cuts both.

Answer 7

The poles might be referring to the switches rather than the sockets.

Answer 8

if it worked before you took the old fixture down, then your problem is you probably forgot to tie in a hot wire feeding thru the fixture to feed the other outlets and fixtures.