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Understanding Switches & Sockets: a beginner's guide
04-Nov-2024
Whether you're a first-time renovator or a seasoned pro, we want to help you make informed decisions when updating the switches and sockets in your home.
That’s why we’ve created this jargon-busting guide for anyone unfamiliar with electrical terminology.
Featured Product: Elite Flat Plate 2G Toggle Switch in Satin Brass Finish
Key terms
Gang (G) - the number of switches, dimmers or modules on a faceplate. For example, a 2G switch has two switches on one faceplate.
Two way - Controls the same light circuit from two locations (like the top and bottom of a staircase or in rooms with multiple entrances).
Intermediate - An intermediate switch is used in larger lighting setups where a light is controlled from three or more locations, often used in hallways or large rooms with multiple entrances. These can be used as one or two-way switches.
Double Pole - "Pole" refers to the number of circuits that a switch can control. A double pole switch controls two separate circuits simultaneously. Double Pole switches are often used for kitchen appliances with high power consumption, such as ovens and refrigerators, they isolate the live and neutral feed allowing you to safely isolate the appliance from the power supply.
Featured Product: Studio Range 2G Dimmer Switch in Matt Bronze Finish
Our Switches
Toggle – A traditional up-down lever. Can be supplied as two-way, intermediate and retractive.
Rocker – A contemporary on-off switch. Can be supplied as two-way, intermediate and retractive.
Retractive – the switch (toggle or rocker) springs back to its original position after being pressed. Also known as momentary switches.
Dimmer - allows you to adjust the brightness of a light instead of just turning it on or off.
We offer a variety of dimmer modules to suit different types of bulbs and needs. For a more in-depth guide to our dimmers click here.
Isolator Switches - designed to safely cut off the electricity supply to a specific part of a circuit.
We offer three types of isolator switches:
Fan Isolator Switch - For kitchen and bathroom fans
Cooker Switch - for ovens and induction hobs (45A cooker switch)
Switched Fused Spur units - For permanent appliances such as washing machines, fridges, dishwashers.
Featured Product: Studio Range Double Socket in Antique Brass Finish
Our Sockets
Standard 13A UK - Traditional 3 pin socket for all plugged electrical appliances, comes with the option of additional USB charging ports.
Telephone Sockets - Connect your landline via the Master Line socket. Use the Secondary line sockets to connect other phones around your home.
TV and satellite sockets - designed to connect your TV to an ariel or satellite dish to deliver a clear picture and stable connection, offering a neat and reliable solution for cable management.
Data Sockets - RJ45 and CAT6 sockets to connect your Ethernet cable for fast internet speeds.
Shaver Socket – designed for the safe use of electric shavers in bathrooms.
Unswitched Socket - A 5-amp 3 round pin socket, used to control appliances like floor and table lamps, through the room’s lighting circuit. Ideal for large rooms with multiple lamps where you want them to operate together with just one switch.
Flex outlets – used to connect fixed high-powered appliances, requiring continuous electricity such as a boiler, directly to the walls to provide a secure and permanent connection.
Floor Sockets - located in the floor and useful when wall space maybe limited or in offices to reduce the risk of a trip hazard.
Blank Plate - For decorative use to cover up non-functioning electrical outlets.
Euro Module Plates - plates are designed to fit all types of euro modules. Euro modules are individual, interchangeable inserts, allowing you to create a customized arrangement of electrical and data connections.
Featured Products: Vintage Range TV Socket and Double Socket in Aged Pewter Finish