When renovating or arranging their home at home, the owners always have a problem: how to choose sockets and switches for the apartment, and at the same time get a moderate ratio of cost, quality, appearance, safety and comfort of use. Of course, consultants in stores can tell you everything, but they also need to ask the right questions in order to understand when they are advising and when they are “persuading you to take it.”
How to make a choice, what to focus on and what to choose from
When choosing good sockets and switches for yourself, it is not enough to study the prices and focus on the beautiful appearance. These are one of those things that are used every day, and if they suddenly fail, or even worse - they melt or catch fire, due to low-quality components, then it will be too late to look for those to blame.
It is advisable to get more information about what kind of sockets and switches are made for an apartment and how to choose them correctly. If the main attention is to be paid to product quality, then it is better to start choosing sockets and switches by studying the popular brands of large companies: read reviews, view the assortment and compare the ratings of manufacturers of sockets and switches.
The listed brands are famous in the markets of many countries. The best manufacturers in the Top 7 brands:
- ABB
- Berker
- Gira
- Makel
- Legrand
- Scneider-electric
- Wessen
They, in turn, are divided into two categories, based on the cost of the products.
Criterias of choice
Sockets and switches must equally meet aesthetic and functional requirements. One of the fundamental factors is equipment safety. Fortunately, today you are unlikely to find electrical installations in a store that will expose you to the risk of electric shock. Such equipment simply will not pass standardization.
Most buyers of electrical accessories, when choosing specific devices, follow the principle of “cheap, but beautiful,” which is basically unacceptable. The fact is that the quality of the product and its convenience play a major role in ensuring long-term and safe operation. Below, the article discusses the main criteria for choosing an electrical installation, as well as the conditional rating of manufacturers.
Manufacturers focused on producing premium quality products
There are not many of them, so the task of choosing is simplified. French brand Legrand, Swiss brand ABB, as well as German manufacturers Scneider-electric and Gira.
There is no point in comparing luxury products based on the quality of materials and components. If you focus on this market segment, then the task of choosing sockets and switches comes down to selecting devices based on design and additional functions. These include sockets with timers that turn off while no one is home, models with mechanisms that push out plugs, as well as other little things, like protective curtains.
Legrand
One of the leading brands on the Russian market. The company's main office is located in France. Its products are represented in 180 countries around the world, products are always associated with high quality and attractive design.
Main advantages:
- huge selection of models;
- detailed control of products in terms of fire safety;
- the highest possible build quality;
- components that have passed multiple tests;
- various color finishes;
- reasonable prices.
Scneider-electric
Such products are popular with professional electricians due to the quality of workmanship, reliable design of the devices and their configuration, which includes high-quality fasteners. The company's products have an optimal design for home or office.
Main advantages:
- replaceable frames;
- rich catalog of goods;
- prefabricated structure from modules;
- best quality parts;
ABB
A Swiss company whose production facilities are located in more than 100 countries. Some of the largest Russian clients are TOP state corporations in the oil industry.
Swiss punctuality and pedantry are reflected in all series of this brand. Also, the company manages to take into account the opinions of ordinary consumers and lovers of expressive design in its series.
Main advantages:
- impact-resistant, UV-resistant materials;
- sophistication and accuracy in manufacturing;
- prefabricated structure from modules;
- high-speed installation;
- colorful combination of colors;
- production of some parts from natural bronze and steel;
The only downside is the very high cost.
Gira
The company produces modern high-quality models of sockets. The corporation has received world awards for design concepts more than once. Approaches to consumers differ radically in different series. For example, if in one the main attention is paid to affordable prices, reliability and minimalist design, then in the other this is replaced by sophistication, progressive developments and the ability to fulfill the requests of the most demanding customers.
Main advantages:
- number of models;
- impeccable assembly accuracy;
- sleek design;
- proven German quality;
- modular assembly elements;
- availability of natural materials and current technical solutions.
Relatively expensive offers
If we analyze only prices, it is easy to determine that only three brands of goods can be called expensive:
- Scneider-electric;
- Bticino;
- Legrand.
The rest of the products are in a completely different price range. It cannot be said that among the three manufacturers of expensive accessories one can single out a favorite or an outsider. They fit very tightly, and the choice depends on the personal preferences of the buyer or the electrician-installer. The quality and price of all products without exception are approximately at the same level.
We can say that all brands represent a very wide collection of products, among which it is easy to find an option for a specific design style. Each company presents series designed for a wide range of consumers, and models that are distinguished by sophisticated solutions and very high cost.
Some preference can be given to Legrand, whose products have the most affordable prices. Next in this indicator are electrical fittings from the SchneiderElectric brand; products from Bticino will cost even more. It is worth paying tribute to the designers of the Italian company, who managed to create a truly unique product. Many consumers are willing to pay more to install sockets and switches in their home that are original.
German manufacturers have traditionally focused on production quality. It is almost impossible to find fault with ScneiderElectrika products. Their devices have strict forms and impeccable functional mechanisms. Legrand sockets and switches can be conditionally placed between products of Italian and German manufacturers. In addition to the high quality of the actuators, they have soft and pleasant shapes.
Manufacturers of mid-price segment models
The most famous in their niche are Berker, Wessen and Makel. If you set yourself the goal of choosing a switch at a reasonable price, but with high quality components, then you need to look at the products of these brands.
There is already a much smaller selection of unique design solutions - the main focus of manufacturers is on maintaining a balance between quality and price. However, some models are even available with replaceable outer casings, which allows you to refresh the interior without resorting to a full replacement of sockets.
Berker
Design solutions are not the strong point of this brand, but in return you will get proven German reliability, safety and performance gains at an affordable price.
Product characteristics:
- country of origin – Germany;
- laconic and functional style;
- sufficient range of frames;
- high quality mechanisms;
- high degree of strength and reliability;
- moderate cost;
Wessen
A domestic brand that covers more than a third of the Russian market. The design of their products is a heat-resistant material that increases protection from various influences and increases service life.
Main advantages:
- good plastic coating;
- replaceable elements and frames;
- comfortable termination of wires;
- quite low cost;
Makel
Manufacturer of electrical equipment from Turkey, whose products are exported to more than 40 countries. Their range includes safe and cheap sockets and switches. Strong mounting clips ensure a tight fit of the contacts. They are based on a heat-resistant core that will protect the device from overheating and allow you to connect powerful household appliances.
Main advantages:
- low price;
- full satisfaction of safety requirements;
- wide selection of models;
- a complete set of each product;
- replaceable modules;
- comfortable installation.
Tips on how to spot a fake
Which sockets are better and how to choose a switch without falling for a fake, the following instructions:
- The product is smell tested. Counterfeits are often made from strange plastic mixtures that smell very bad.
- The approximate weight is determined. Since the base of the socket is conductive elements, there is a simple dependence - the heavier, the better quality.
- The build quality of the case itself is inspected. A large number of gaps and a flimsy frame indicate a high probability of counterfeiting. Original cases and covers are often secured with latches. If the case is simply sealed, then it is a fake.
- Be sure to pay attention to the contacts. In good sockets, they have additional springs that will not allow them to unbend, which leads to poor pressing of the contacts of the plug and socket.
- Presence of a grounding contact. Although the PUE rules require mandatory grounding of electrical wiring, in old houses the wiring has not yet been corrected to this standard and some models of sockets without grounding contacts continue to be produced in the price range. This does not mean that they are bad - it is just an acceptable reduction in the cost of production. However, if the house has a dedicated grounding wire, then appropriate sockets are needed.
How to distinguish a fake from an original, see this video using the example of a Legrand Valena socket:
How to choose sockets and switches for your dacha, or a little about IP
According to the Rambler.Travel portal, in 2020, 44% of Russians are going to spend their vacation at the dacha. To make your vacation comfortable, you need to take care of creating all the conditions in advance. For example, check the condition of the electrical wiring. Legrand Group experts also advise paying attention to the location of electrical installation equipment inside and outside the house. Familiarity with such a concept as IP, or “degree of protection of electrical equipment from moisture and dust,” will come to the rescue.
The IP marking is a two-digit code. The first - from 0 to 6 - indicates the level of protection of people from access to open parts of the equipment and the penetration of solid objects and dust into the housing. The second number - from 0 to 8 - indicates the reliability of the product in conditions of high humidity.
So, let's start with the simplest thing - living quarters. According to fire safety requirements and Electrical Installation Rules, the wiring here must be open, and switches and sockets must be surface-mounted. In this case, the degree of protection IP20 will be quite sufficient.
On the terrace you will need products that are resistant to dirt and moisture. Experts recommend giving preference to equipment with IP44, which is protected from the penetration of objects with a diameter of more than 1 mm and splashes of water. Similar products can be found in the Quteo series (Legrand, France). Thanks to their modern and laconic design, they are suitable for any setting: for a summer kitchen, for a greenhouse, or for a relaxation corner. In multi-post versions, the socket holes are located at an angle of 450, which makes it convenient to simultaneously connect several devices.
At the dacha, most of the time is spent outdoors. For a variety of jobs, sockets installed on the facade of the house can be useful. They can be used to connect an electric lawn mower, outdoor garland or music center. But IP44 will not be enough here. It is better to give preference to super-protected installation electrical equipment of the Plexo series (Legrand, France) with IP66. The device of this series is equipped with stainless screws and remains sealed even when electrical appliances are turned on.
An equally important place in a country house is the basement. At dachas it is often used to store crops, so at least the lighting will come in handy. When choosing a switch, you need to take into account the high humidity in the room. Experts advise installing products with an IP of no less than 44, and ideally 57, i.e. protected from dust and temporary immersion in water.
There are no small details when selecting electrical equipment, and it is impossible to take into account all the nuances without a professional eye. For this reason, it is better to entrust the selection and installation of electrical equipment to specialists.
To help the reader
The first digit IP is protection against ingress of foreign objects.
| Level | Protection against foreign objects having a diameter | Description |
| 0 | — | No protection |
| 1 | ≥ 50 mm | Large body surfaces, no protection from conscious contact |
| 2 | ≥ 12.5 mm | Fingers and similar objects |
| 3 | ≥ 2.5 mm | Tools, cables, etc. |
| 4 | ≥ 1 mm | Most wires, bolts, etc. |
| 5 | Dustproof | Some dust may get inside, but this will not affect the operation of the device. Complete contact protection |
| 6 | Dustproof | Dust cannot enter the device. Complete contact protection |
The second digit IP is protection against water penetration.
| Level | Protection against foreign objects having a diameter |
| 0 | — |
| 1 | Vertical drops |
| 2 | Vertical drops at an angle of 150 |
| 3 | Falling splashes |
| 4 | Spray |
| 5 | Jets |
| 6 | Strong jets |
| 7 | Short-term immersion to a depth of 1 m |
| 8 | Long-term immersion to a depth of more than 1 m |
