So we can turn the power on and off.

Why else would you have a switch next to a power socket?

Depends on the device.

Something like a vacuum, sure. You’re probably going to move it around anyway.

But I used to have a Spectrum computer, and it had no power switch. If you plugged it in then it was just on. Much simpler to power off at the switch than unplug it and risk the plug falling down the back of the table into a rats nest of cables.

Plus I guess it’s one more step a toddler needs to do to electrocute themselves…

But I used to have a Spectrum computer, and it had no power switch. If you plugged it in then it was just on

Something I’ve learned talking to my bri’ish friends online over the years: this happens to you guys because you have those switches. I cannot think of anything I’ve bought in the US that didn’t have its own power control for when it’s plugged into the wall (unless it’s something silly that I made or, for whatever fucking reason, Christmas lights and ONLY Christmas lights as every other decorative string light I own has a switch)