How to choose a good socket and switch - 5 differences.
When repairing and replacing electrical wiring in your home, always try to choose modern solutions.
As a rule, they already take into account all the identified shortcomings of previous series of electrical installation products. Therefore, when buying new sockets and switches, you can and should choose those that already today have several characteristic differences from previous traditional ones.
This, of course, does not mean that old sockets are bad, however, the engineering thought of manufacturers does not stand still and you need to use all the advantages of innovation in your apartment. Let's compare how modern sockets and switches differ from previous budget models.
The new sockets are made of two layers:
What benefits does this provide? Polycarbonate provides additional electrical safety.
Even if somehow a phase from the wiring breaks through to the socket body, the front part of the caliper will be reliably insulated. And touching it with your fingers will not give you an electric shock.
But often, many electricians unscrew and disassemble sockets to find a fault, without even removing the voltage from it. This function will greatly protect you from accidental electric shocks.
And the presence of two layers allows you to increase the strength of the entire structure by about 50% compared to a traditional galvanized steel caliper.
The front panel is secured with latches. To dismantle and install it back, it takes no more than 3 seconds.
Just pry it from the side with a screwdriver and pull it out with your fingers.
There is even a marking in which places you need to pry with a screwdriver.
Put it in place in the same way, pressing and snapping it into place at the fastening points.
After a couple of years, when dismantling, you may forget how they initially snapped into place and accidentally break them.
Traditional bezel mounting requires longer dismantling. You will have to unscrew the mounting screw, and maybe even more than one.
And if you perform such an operation quite often, then it is quite possible to ruin the thread. After which, you will have to replace not the socket, but the entire socket.
If you plan to use sockets and switches even at the finishing stage, then it is better to choose mechanisms with protective covers.
Firstly, they protect the products during transportation. And secondly, they allow you to paint walls and hang wallpaper even without dismantling the front panels.
Frames in good sockets are attached independently of the front panels. This allows you to freely dismantle and install them.
In older series, the frame is secured and tightened by the front panel. Therefore, in them, replacing the frame with another of the same type, but of a different color, occurs only simultaneously with the panel.
In this case, it will be better if such products are two-layer.
- reverse inner side - reliable polycarbonate
This will make it easy to align the frames in case of slight unevenness in the walls.
A high-quality socket, even with the front panel removed, ensures complete electrical safety.
All internal current-carrying parts are securely closed and insulated. There is no access to them.
In sockets of the budget series, there are always clearly open live parts.
And if you work with a screwdriver that does not have an insulated tip, then you may well either get energized or accidentally overlap the phase and the grounded body with the tip itself.
In accordance with safety regulations, all sockets installed in living rooms must have protective curtains. How do good sockets differ in this regard from cheaper ones?
In budget products, the curtain mechanism is fixed directly to the back of the front panel.
Very often, the following problem arises due to such curtains. There are combination type forks. That is, part of the fork legs are insulated with plastic, and the ends themselves are metal.
Most often, such plugs are used in various types of chargers. Their metal ends are slightly thicker than the middle part of the contact legs.
This plug plugs into a regular outlet without any problems. But when you try to remove it and pull it out, the protective curtains bite the contacts like a guillotine.
And to pull it out you have to put in extra effort. Often this all ends with a break in the protective curtains.
In a good modern socket, the shutter mechanism is recessed deep into the body, and not located on the back side.
Accordingly, such a problem as biting the fork simply does not exist. Any fork goes in and out of it very smoothly.
Sockets are fastened in both traditional and new models either with screws located in the socket box or with clamps. When tightened, the grips dig into the walls of the socket box.
However, the design of the improved models has its own peculiarities. The so-called “double tooth” technology is used here.
It allows you to increase the tearing force by about one and a half times.
Another difference between a high-quality socket is the presence of a special profile, the so-called “dovetail”. It makes it very easy to install sockets and switches in blocks.
If you need to connect two or more mechanisms under one frame, according to the Pocket Electric level, you set the very first one perfectly exactly, and mount the second and subsequent ones using a dovetail.
As a result, all mechanisms will be quickly and smoothly installed in their seats.
TOP 10 best manufacturers of sockets and switches
Interior design is an important component of home comfort and every little detail is important. But in order to choose the best sockets and switches, it is not enough to be guided by appearance alone. These minor decorative elements perform important functional tasks in the house. In accordance with the purpose, you need to select contact devices for the external part of the electrical wiring of the apartment.
Unusual models of sockets and switches
Manufacturers constantly surprise consumers with their new products, offering non-standard solutions. Such specimens are not often found in the retail chain. If desired, you can order the product you like. We invite you to see what kind of sockets there are; you will see some of the unusual designs for the first time.
| Photo | Description |
| Built-in Wi-Fi router in the socket housing. Color options are available in black, white and beige. | |
| Models supplemented with a watt meter. | |
| Built-in extension cord, the length of which reaches one and a half meters. | |
| Tee socket manufactured by Legrand. Cost from $30. | |
| Safe sockets. To turn them on, you need to insert the plug and turn it. Recommended for installation in homes with small children. | |
| Socket with built-in switch. | |
| Powered by solar energy. Installation is performed on the window block. | |
| Cache - imitation socket | |
| Artwork in the form of a mouse house, cabinet. The designers' imaginations in ideas from cartoon series are limitless in this solution. |
Criteria for choosing sockets and switches
| Company | A country | Localization | Mechanisms | Design |
| Schneider Electric | France | Yes | Upscale | Qualitative |
| Legrand | France | Yes | Upscale | Qualitative |
| Berker | Germany | No | Upscale | Mid-level |
| Werkel | Sweden | No | Mid-level | Mid-level |
| ABB | Switzerland and Sweden | Yes | Upscale | Good |
| BTicino | Italy | No | High level | Good |
| GIRA | Germany | No | Upscale | Mid-level |
| MAKEL | Türkiye | No | Mid-level | Mid-level |
| WESSEN | Russia | Yes | Average | Average |
| Anam | South Korea | No | Economy | Economy |
According to functional characteristics
Modern sockets are designed for current in the range of 10–15 amperes. They should be selected based on the power of the connected equipment. To do this, you need to add up all the power values of the entire set of electrical appliances connected to the current in the house. You also need to take into account the nominal parameters of the network voltage, which are 220 volts, and the frequency, 50 hertz. The possible service life of both electrical appliances and sockets depends on the correctness of the selected parameters. This characteristic may also be affected by the presence of grounding. Therefore, it is recommended to choose power outlet devices with additional grounding.
By security
A1 – provides protection from the back of the hand and products with a circumference of 50 mm or more;
A2 - protected from fingers and objects with a diameter of 12 mm or more;
A3 – from small products with a circumference of 12 mm or more;
A4 - from small objects with a chord of circumference from 1 mm;
A5 - protection even from dust;
A6 - complete protection against the smallest particles;
A0 – complete absence of protection.
B1 - prevents small drops falling from above;
B2 – protection against drops flying at an angle of up to 15 degrees;
B3 - protects from rain;
B4 – from any kind of drops;
B5 – protection against directed water jet;
B0 – lack of protection from water.
The best brands of sockets and switches
Schneider Electric
The most reliable and flexible company on the market. The main production facilities are located in France. It has been in business for over 180 years and provides top quality products. Schneider Electric has a range of products in different price ranges. You can buy Unica brand products at a low price. A more expensive price range is represented by the Merten series. A large selection of a wide variety of design solutions that allow you to install switches and sockets in houses with any interior. Premium product in all respects.
It has a Russian plant that produces sockets and switches of European quality at an affordable price. Manufacturing in Russia can significantly reduce logistics and customs costs. All products have good reviews and serve reliably for many years. The manufacturer guarantees the safety of the products, compliance with the declared functional properties and provides the buyer with products that fit perfectly into any interior. There are even glass tops and ceramic positions.
Pros of Schneider Electric
- The highest quality even in inexpensive models;
- Tops the ratings of almost all professional publications;
- Prefabricated structures available;
- Stylish design;
- Very easy to install;
- Can satisfy any functional needs.
Schneider Electric has the most reliable and best terminals on the market. Enjoys great authority among professional electricians.
Legrand
French manufacturer that meets all European standards. Products for the Russian market are produced at the Ulyanovsk plant. Therefore, you won’t have to overpay! But their products cannot be called cheap. The products are high-quality, reliable, can solve any functional problem, meet the needs of even the most sophisticated aesthetes and are very easy to use. Legrand is a global brand, recognizable in most developed countries of the world.
The only drawback of Legrand is the price. The brand is truly expensive, although it has budget models. This is probably due precisely to the recognition of the company's name. Legrand is an elite manufacturer. There are even ceramic sockets made in a fashionable material. Therefore, any person with taste will be able to choose a suitable model from this company. The most popular are the Galea Life and Valena Allure lines.
- A reliable manufacturer that guarantees the quality of the product;
- Use of proven environmentally friendly materials;
- Focused on improving technology;
- Smart sockets and switches available;
- Patented recessed faceplate;
- Choose from the widest selection on the market.
- In some positions it is inferior in price to competitors;
- It is difficult to find an inexpensive model that is acceptable in all respects.
Legrand should be preferred by those users who are interested in more expensive lines of external electrical wiring elements.
Berker
A German factory, founded at the beginning of the 20th century and having a characteristic feature of German industry - good quality. In some cases, it may be inferior in price to similar positions of Schneider Electric and Legrand. This is due to the lack of a plant in Russia. But everything is produced only in Germany and of the appropriate level. The company is represented in all major markets for household appliances. Receives positive reviews for functionality and durability.
Berker's weakest point remains its design. All models are very laconic, especially in the S.1 line. ‒ S.3 already allows itself more daring solutions, and the S.7 line will suit aesthetes. Berker is best suited for retro lovers. Because it combines classic design and innovative functionality. In this connection, Harger hired them as a contractor to develop the “SMART HOUSElive” project. And, of course, the Germans are famous for their ability to ensure security.
- High degree of reliability;
- Factory in Germany;
- Reasonable price;
- Innovative mechanisms;
- Supports smart home function;
- Lines that satisfy different taste preferences.
- It is difficult to choose a model with a non-trivial appearance;
- For some positions it loses in price.
Berker is best suited to consumers of more democratic lines or people with conservative views on interior design.
Werkel
Swedish company with production in China. Due to registration in Europe, it is forced to comply with all European quality standards, and the location of production facilities in China allows us to reduce prices as much as possible. Compares favorably with most competitors in price. Provides the market with high quality products in its price niche. Cannot compete with more expensive brands in terms of quality factor, but is able to satisfy customer needs.
Receives good reviews from consumers and craftsmen. The housing of the sockets is plastic, but the box is made of different materials. It is important to note that Werkel is easy to use and offers many different colors to choose from. It is the best choice in terms of price/quality ratio in the niche of budget sockets and switches. The lack of local factories is compensated by the low price of assembly in China. But this is also the reason for the middle class of mechanisms, which does not allow Werkel to satisfy the demands of the premium segment.
- Moderate pricing policy;
- Quality exceeds cost;
- Large selection of frames;
- Compliance with European standards.
- Chinese assembly;
- Lack of premium collection;
- Average level of reliability of mechanisms.
Review of sockets and switches of the mid-price category
The most popular category of electrical installation equipment, which cannot be ignored. After all, the average home handyman will not purchase a switch or socket for 3,000-4,000 rubles. It is for this reason that there are quite a lot of manufacturers of electrical fittings in this segment. But, as they say, demand creates supply. This means that there are many times more fakes in this area.
Let's tell you a little about the different models of some brands.
Switches and sockets “Anam Legrand” - a popular model of a famous brand
The cost of switches of this series in catalogs starts from 600 rubles, and sockets – from 500 rubles. Quite high-quality products that are popular, despite the decent cost. But this is not surprising - the company values its reputation and will not release illiquid goods onto the market. If we consider the price-quality ratio, there are no competitors for Anam sockets and switches. What do buyers say about this model?
This is “Anam Legrand” with curtains and lid
Lexman - what can you say about their products?
Products from this manufacturer combine low cost and good quality. However, they fall into second place in the ranking due to the large number of defects. Home craftsmen especially often complain about Leroy Merlin stores. It is not clear what this is connected with, but the fact remains a fact. In general, reviews of Lexman sockets from customers are acceptable.
Not everyone likes Lexman electrical fittings
Sockets and switches "Schneider Electric" and their line "Unica Quadro"
The quite affordable price of this line is “compensated” by the simplicity of appearance - the electrical fittings look too spartan. However, the quality does not cause any complaints from buyers, which means the brand can be called quite worthy. The average cost on Russian shelves is from 300 to 400 rubles.
Another manufacturer of sockets and switches is ABB with the TRELB Cosmo model.
And again the products are too simple. If you look from the outside, not paying attention to the logo, then the electrical fittings are no different from competitors. The same can be said about other models of the brand. But the manufacturer is included in our rating, because the quality of products produced under this brand is already legendary.
ABB TRELB Cosmo is no different
The average cost of ABB electrical fittings is from 70 to 500 rubles. And although many people choose German sockets and switches, there are enough admirers of this brand’s products made in Russia.
