What is the difference between a switched and unswitched socket?
Quick answer
A switched socket has a rocker switch to cut power without unplugging. An unswitched socket is always live when something is plugged in. Both are equally safe — it's a matter of convenience.
🏠Homeowner view
In the UK, almost all standard plug sockets come with switches — this is actually unusual compared to most other countries. The switch lets you turn off the power to whatever is plugged in without unplugging it, which is convenient and can save standby energy. An unswitched socket looks the same but without the rocker switch. Unswitched sockets are used where the switch would be impractical or unnecessary — behind built-in appliances like fridges or dishwashers, or where a separate isolator switch is already provided. Both types are perfectly safe. You can replace a switched socket with an unswitched one (or vice versa) as long as the socket is the same size and type. The choice is purely about convenience.