6 Things To Know When Buying Switches And Sockets
What's a 'Gang'?
If you take a look at a plug socket or a light change, how many management points does it have? If it's a double socket, it's 2 gang, single socket is 1 gang. Identical with a light switch, if it has one switch, it's 1 gang, two switches, 2 gang etc.
What is 2 manner?
This is a time period for the way the change works. A 1 method switch simply breaks the circuit when thrown, it solely has one live terminal. A 2 manner switches the live connection from one terminal to another, permitting it to be linked to a different 2 way change, controlling one light from positions.
What is Double Pole?
Double pole is a security feature on mains electrical control points that breaks the connection of each the live and neutral terminals giving complete isolation, allowing for upkeep on high powered appliances.
What is an intermediate change?
An intermediate change is for when it's worthwhile to control a light from three positions. Imagine you've gotten a landing light that needs to be managed from ends of the landing and the bottom of the stairs, the change in the middle of this circuit would be an intermediate.
What finishes are available?
There's much more selection than the bog commonplace white plastic plates that adorn many hundreds of partitions throughout the land. Many metal finishes are available, among the more widespread ones are;
Brushed Stainless Metal
Polished Chrome
Brushed Chrome
Polished Brass
Vintage Brass
Black Nickel
Pearl Nickel
Painted White Metal (in gloss or matt)
All metal finishes are available in slim plate depths, from 5mm to super slim 1.5mm and with or evoline port cuisine without visible screws. It is worth noting that these slim plates will not slot in anything shallower than a 35mm deep backbox.
Regulations on fitting.
There are new UK laws applying to new build properties regarding the position of switches and sockets. All energy sockets must be fitted no less than 450mm from the floor, while light switches must be no higher than 1200mm from the floor. All points must also be a minimal of 350mm from any corner of a room. This is to allow for ease of use by those with a incapacity or wheelchair users. It is usually advised the sockets must be placed round 100m from a working surface to allow enough room without inflicting damage to hanging flex.
