by Mr White »
Fri Jun 10, 2022 10:39 am
It's not a socket, that's why you can't find a similar one.
It is actually called a "Fused connection unit, with flex outlet"
The one you see is from around the 70s (Guess) and is made by MK
MK still make FCU's, but the design has been upgraded.
You don't often see them with the flex outlet (The hole in the front) very often, usually it is a knockout at the front edge. It may have been for a loft light, with the red light you mention indicating the light in the loft is on, but they do have a variety of uses. e.g. connecting a burglar alarm to the mains (This unit will have no switch or flex outlet) or other fixed appliance (Wall heater)
The idea of the FCU is, what ever you connect to the electricity supply must have a fuse, if you plug something in, the fuse will be in the plug, but anyone can easily pull a plug out, the FCU negates this problem as it is not a plug, but does have a fuse.
I suspect as it is that old it may just be redundant, either way, don't worry about it. (Or charge visitors £1 a guess as to what it does)