Quality light switches and sockets can enhance any room
With so many options to consider when buying switches and sockets it can be tricky deciding what is right for your home, our guide will give you the right advice to plan a functional and beautiful switch and socket scheme.
Switch and Socket Positioning
Before purchasing the a set of switches and sockets you will need to consider where the switches and sockets will be placed in the room, a good tip is to position or try to visualise where your furniture will sit in the room and plan your electrical outlets around the fixed objects. Leads trailing from electrical sockets across walkways and doorways can be very hazardous so try to make sure power outlets are placed as near as possible to their appliances.
Here are some of the options you should be thinking about for rooms in your home.
Bedroom
a mid-sized bedroom should have a light switch near the entrance to the room plus another switch accessible from the bed for convenience you will also want several switched sockets on different walls around the room for electrical appliances. If you are considering a TV for your bedroom you will also want at least one TV outlet and possibly two (you may wish to move the TV in future)
Bathroom
Safety is the main concern in a bathroom, standard sockets are not allowed in a bathroom space (unless under the bath) instead consider using a shaver socket. Under UK building regulation light switches should be placed outside of any bathroom zones, (for more information on bathroom zones see our bathroom lighting guide) typically switches are placed outside next to the entrance of the bathroom
Kitchen
Ensuring each powered kitchen appliance has convenient access to a socket is the most important thing to consider when planning in the kitchen. Use switchless sockets for the appliances that are permanently installed and plenty of switched sockets around the room for other electrical items that will be in use. Kitchen often use several lighting configurations for task and ambient lighting so ensuring you have plenty of light switches is vital.
Living Room
TV and entertainment units will require plenty of power outlets and a TV socket so make sure you have these areas planned first, again you maybe using multiple lighting configurations so ensure you have plenty of light switches available for use.
Corridors / Staircases
It's handy to be able to switch lights on and off from multiple locations in corridors and staircase landing spaces, in order to do this you will need to make sure you install 2-way switches in both locations. Think about installing a power socket or two for vacuum cleaners and any potential table lamps.
Also consider using dimmer switches around the the house to make lighting options more flexible, for example in a bedroom it is handy to be able to turn the lights down when resting or reading or in a bathroom a dimmer switch can provide low level lighting and enhance a relaxing bath.
Light Switch and Socket Terminology
Before you can make a decision on choosing the right power sockets and light switches it's important to understand the industry jargon used to describe the products, here is our explanation.
Single Pole / Double Pole Light Switch
A pole is the electrical contact that is broken and connected when a switch is flicked on and off, a single pole switch or socket has only one contact on the live current, it is generally considered double pole switches are a lot safer as when switched off they break both the live and neutral current.
Gang
The number of gangs on a switch or socket describes how many light switches or electrical sockets are available on the plate, for example a light switch with four switches is considered a 4-gang switch.
Way
Way refers to the number of switches controlling a set of lights, in most cases this will be a one-way switch however in some cases a light will require switching on and off from two separate positions in the room in this case two-way switches will be required.
Intermediate Light Switch
If a light or a lighting circuit needs to be controlled from more than 2 positions in a room or a house then you will require two two-way switches and then an intermediate switch for every extra position
Switch and Socket Plates
Switches and Sockets are available in several plating options, we've looked at the most common below.
Screwed Plate Switches and Sockets
A very traditional feel, a screwed plate is ideal for period and rustic properties.
Screwless Plate Switches and Sockets
A more contemporary option, the screwless plate is very easy to install using a clip system instead of the standard screws. take a look at our screwless plate
switch and
socket range
Flat Plate Switches and Socket
Again a more contemporary option, the plate sits flush against a wall and is ideal when wall space is an issue however do consider that flat plates require a deeper backbox, this is normally not a problem but always check you have the space in the wall first before purchasing a flat plate switch or socket. take a look at our range of
flat plate switches and
socketsRaised Plate Switches and Sockets
Consistent with screwed sockets and switches a raised plate will give any room a traditional rustic feel. take a look at our full range of
raised plate switches and
sockets
LED Light Switch and Socket Finishes and Trim
We stock switches and sockets in the most popular four finishes, polished chrome, polished brass, satin chrome and satin nickel and two trim options black and white. Choosing a finish should come down to personal taste but you should aim to keep the finish consistant across all the sockets and switches through out the house.
Click here to see our full range of LED light switches online now
