MK Logic Plus vs Hager Sollysta - which one should I choose?

[Alla Musica]

Shouldn't all the terminal screws be tightened to the correct torque in accordance with the manufacturers instructions using the correct bladed terminal screwdriver?

Sadly the instructions just haven't make it clear!

 

[Alla Musica]

I've recently been interested in Crabtree Capital -

Has anyone been using Crabtree please - and how do they fare?

 

[nicebutdim]

I've recently been interested in Crabtree Capital -

Has anyone been using Crabtree please - and how do they fare?

Quality is good, but Capital has been on the market for years and isn't exactly modern in appearance.

Crabtree have a newer range named instinct which looks much nicer and has an excellent terminal layout, but I haven't used it and can not comment on quality.

 

[Alla Musica]

Quality is good, but Capital has been on the market for years and isn't exactly modern in appearance.

Crabtree have a newer range named instinct which looks much nicer and has an excellent terminal layout, but I haven't used it and can not comment on quality.

Thanks again - I do agree the Capital line looks un-modern!

 

[Alla Musica]

Scolmore Click is manufactured in the UK

I doubted this earlier - and I actually emailed them yesterday and was just told that the Mode and Polar ranges were made in China... But I hope this doesn't matter at all since almost everyone out on the forum has given it a thumbs-up after years of use

 

[Ric2013]

FWIW, my house had a lot of wiring work undertaken around 15 years ago. It wasn't a total rewire so there are a lot of very legacy faceplates still in use. Around 50% are probably 1990s or older, with the new faceplates being MK Logic Plus for the sockets and MK, Marbo, or Crabtree for other fittings.

Most of the MK Sentry consumer unit was installed around 20 years ago and most of that unit and its modules were retained in the work that took place 15 years ago.

Failures:

buzzing switch on a nearly-new MK Logic Plus 2-way lightswitch after a few months

the plastic broke on the fulcrum of a very old Ashley 2-way lightswitch

a month ago, an MK SP RCBO 30mA type AC that was serving the 1st-floor light circuit since it was installed new 15 years ago tripped and wouldn't stay untripped even with the load disconnected (there was no obvious fault on the circuit and none that I am aware of).

So of the 3 items to require replacement, 2 were modern MK, one was ancient Ashley, and they all related to the lighting circuits. My home installation is more MK than any other brand, but it has struck me as odd that I had two failures with modern MK and none with the older stuff.

 

[Alla Musica]

buzzing switch on a nearly-new MK Logic Plus 2-way lightswitch after a few months

That is very scary to me - how many watts did each gang take?

 

[pc1966]

buzzing switch on a nearly-new MK Logic Plus 2-way lightswitch after a few months

Common on dimmers due to the choke used to suppress noise, but on a simple switch a worry!

Either contacts not closing properly, or a loose wire?

 

[Ric2013]

That is very scary to me - how many watts did each gang take?

At the time, between 28W and 40W lamps were fitted.

 

[Ric2013]

Common on dimmers due to the choke used to suppress noise, but on a simple switch a worry!

Either contacts not closing properly, or a loos wire?

It wasn't a loose wire, so either a dodgy contact or plaster dust had got in. I had a broken faceplate that had got dropped before installation and swapped out the switch insert and no problem since then.

 

[Alla Musica]

At the time, between 28W and 40W lamps were fitted.

I'm truly sorry to hear what happened to you. That's just unreasonable, given that it's far below the limit and that it's a simple switch rather than electronic...

 

[pc1966]

It wasn't a loose wire, so either a dodgy contact or plaster dust had got in. I had a broken faceplate that had got dropped before installation and swapped out the switch insert and no problem since then.

OK, getting plaster dust inside would explain things and is not a manufacturer-related fault.

 

[Ric2013]

OK, getting plaster dust inside would explain things and is not a manufacturer-related fault.

I wouldn't want to judge a manufacturer on a single switch failure anyway, and we don't know if it was plaster. There was obviously dust in the air due to various decorating works and it didn't seem to affect any of the switched sockets or other switches that are in the same room; however, if I did carry out an autopsy, the result wasn't conclusive.

All I am saying is that, statistically, MK Logic Plus hasn't been the most reliable lightswitch in this house because there were 5 installed 15 years ago (if we count a 2G switch as two) and one failed. You could also say that the very old Ashley lightswitches haven't been reliable because there were 4 in use 15 years ago and one has since failed. The sample size is insufficient and there a lot of lightswitches in this house and some get used more than others. I just thought I'd add my sample to the other 5 pages as, combined, the sample size becomes more meaningful.

 

[Alla Musica]

I wouldn't want to judge a manufacturer on a single switch failure anyway, and we don't know if it was plaster. There was obviously dust in the air due to various decorating works and it didn't seem to affect any of the switched sockets or other switches that are in the same room; however, if I did carry out an autopsy, the result wasn't conclusive.

All I am saying is that, statistically, MK Logic Plus hasn't been the most reliable lightswitch in this house because there were 5 installed 15 years ago (if we count a 2G switch as two) and one failed. You could also say that the very old Ashley lightswitches haven't been reliable because there were 4 in use 15 years ago and one has since failed. The sample size is insufficient and there a lot of lightswitches in this house and some get used more than others. I just thought I'd add my sample to the other 5 pages as, combined, the sample size becomes more meaningful.

On the other hand, speaking of Logic Plus, I'm having problems with my terminal screws which have worn out upon installation (3 out of 5 gangs failed). Never going for it again.

 

[Alla Musica]

the Mode and Polar ranges were made in China...

And so are the Hager Sollysta line, FYI.

 

[Ric2013]

And so are the Hager Sollysta line, FYI.

What about Electrium (Crabtree, Marbo[ourn], Volex, and Wylex brands)? Wikipedia still shows one UK factory, whatever that means...

 

[Alla Musica]

What about Electrium (Crabtree, Marbo[ourn], Volex, and Wylex brands)? Wikipedia still shows one UK factory, whatever that means...

I'll email them - please wait for my next reply. Cheers

 

[nicebutdim]

And so are the Hager Sollysta line, FYI.

I expect most low priced goods to be manufactured in China, but thought I'd read that Click manufactured accessories in the UK. I guess they'd be much more expensive if made here.

 

[nicebutdim]

What about Electrium (Crabtree, Marbo[ourn], Volex, and Wylex brands)? Wikipedia still shows one UK factory, whatever that means...

Possibly UK assembly of some components or manufacture of more specialised items.

 

[Alla Musica]

I expect most low priced goods to be manufactured in China, but thought I'd read that Click manufactured accessories in the UK.

Not to worry at all - you're not the only one who suggested that Click accessories were made in the UK!
(And it's just a bit cringe to me that there are tons of made-in-China items that just aren't available in China)

I guess they'd be much more expensive if made here.

Makes total sense. No wonder the Varilight white unfurnished dimmer faceplate (UK-made) were far more expensive, i.e. £7~£8, while that of Click is only £1~£2.

 

[Alla Musica]

@nicebutdim Mate - have you ever come across Knightsbridge accessories please, and how do they fare? (I have a discontinued in-line dimmer from them, and just came to realize that they also made wall accessories)

 

[nicebutdim]

@nicebutdim Mate - have you ever come across Knightsbridge accessories please, and how do they fare? (I have a discontinued in-line dimmer from them, and just came to realize that they also made wall accessories)

It's not a brand I would ever have considered buying, but recently wired a house with decorative Knightsbridge accessories. I couldn't fault them and the grid range was a perfect match for other accessories, when needing intermediate switches on a couple of four gang plates. Terminals and terminal layout was no better ot worse than most other accessories.

Obviously I've no idea about long term use.

 

[Alla Musica]

It wasn't a loose wire, so either a dodgy contact or plaster dust had got in. I had a broken faceplate that had got dropped before installation and swapped out the switch insert and no problem since then.

There was one occasion when I was enjoying the possession of my newly purchased Click Mode wall switches - and water sprayed onto them by accident and I was in total panic.

Fortunately, thanks to the design, individual modules could be taken off the faceplate, and even the modules themselves could be easily taken apart and reassembled.

I dried the water out and put the switches back, and now all the 5 gangs are now in proper use.

Not sure if other series / brands could be taken apart this easily, but if your installation environment is subject to plaster dust or such, you might consider light switches that are convenient to take apart for inspection before reassembly.

 

[Mike Johnson]

Or conversely use accessories that are totally enclosed and will not let plaster dust past into the mechanism.

 

[Alla Musica]

What about Electrium (Crabtree, Marbo[ourn], Volex, and Wylex brands)? Wikipedia still shows one UK factory, whatever that means...

@Ric2013 Mate, with the absence of a prompt reply from Electrium, I would assume they're made in China, or elsewhere with cheaper labor cost, given their similar cost to Click Mode.

 

[Alla Musica]

I'm not a fan of the rockers on the Click stuff tbh - far too square edged. Makes it feel very 80s.

Sorry mate, I just realized you said "rockers" rather than "faceplate".

FWIW, I truly understand what you mean, and I felt the same while looking at online pictures. But imho, those rockers have a slightly curved surface which makes it more modern somehow...?

I have a few UK friends renting 1980s houses / apartments which had really old-looking switches whose rockers come with flat surfaces instead, such as --

But in short, I think you meant something like the above by saying "80s"?

Not sure if I'm correct, but please point out if I'm wrong...

Cheers!

 

[Simon47]

I actually prefer that "80s" square style over the curved designs like the "new" MK Logic+.
And on that, WTF did MK keep the same product codes for a completely different range. There was a time when I'd have scoured 2nd hand sites for the old Logic stuff, but if there is anything it's drowned out by a gazzillion hits on the new stuff.

 

[nicebutdim]

I actually prefer that "80s" square style over the curved designs like the "new" MK Logic+.
And on that, WTF did MK keep the same product codes for a completely different range. There was a time when I'd have scoured 2nd hand sites for the old Logic stuff, but if there is anything it's drowned out by a gazzillion hits on the new stuff.

Quite a bit of their old metalclad range makes its way onto ebay, but mostly from people who have a grossly overinflated sense of its value.

 

[Alla Musica]

I actually prefer that "80s" square style over the curved designs like the "new" MK Logic+.
And on that, WTF did MK keep the same product codes for a completely different range. There was a time when I'd have scoured 2nd hand sites for the old Logic stuff, but if there is anything it's drowned out by a gazzillion hits on the new stuff.

Aha, did you mean curved rockers or curved faceplates?

 

[nicebutdim]

Flat raised plate, with square corners and square switches.

First image I could find was an fcu, but you get the idea.

 

[Alla Musica]

Flat raised plate, with square corners and square switches.

I got your idea, and indeed I'm less interested in these appearances. My rented flat in the UK comes with the Schneider GET Exclusive range which has a similar look to your pic, which resonates badly with the wall when pressed.

Living alone has been tedious; I can't fault these switches in any way, but to me, living with these switches simply makes my life alone more than a tedious wait... (Crabtree or Click might be better for me, but this is a rented apartment after all!)

 

[MJPD29]

@Ric2013 Mate, with the absence of a prompt reply from Electrium, I would assume they're made in China, or elsewhere with cheaper labor cost, given their similar cost to Click Mode.

Your profile says you are from China, are you looking for info about other brands as you work for one or a company creating a similar product? Most will do the job just fine for you.

 

[Alla Musica]

Your profile says you are from China, are you looking for info about other brands as you work for one or a company creating a similar product? Most will do the job just fine for you.

Hi there - I apologize if this causes any confusions. I'm not working in the industry but just a music student. I'm indeed from China and I'm attending a UK institution. I was just finding UK switches interesting to me, and looking to bring some most worthy ones back for installation. I enjoy them - but as they're not available in China and given my limited travel opportunities, I need to make sure that they last.

I do appreciate that you said most would work fine for me. However, speaking of MK, such a reputable brand - if I weren't on the forum, I certainly wouldn't have expected their poor quality and would have ordered way more than I did, only to be disappointed by quality upon returning to China. For the same reason I might have over-worried about warranty or something.

Please pardon my OCD - I apologize if I appear very picky and hence wordy here! I really appreciate all your responses that have actually been very informative to me already, and now my preference has now almost settled...

 

[Simon47]

I got your idea, and indeed I'm less interested in these appearances. My rented flat in the UK comes with the Schneider GET Exclusive range which has a similar look to your pic, which resonates badly with the wall when pressed.

These things are always going to be a matter or preference.
And of course, there will always be differences in implementation. There are manufacturers who make stuff that looks identical to the old MK Logic - but the ones I've tried tend to have very "hard" switch actions, even verging on the "nearly impossible to operate" in some cases.
And then there's differences in buildings. The same switch will work and sound very differently when installed on (say) a lightweight partition wall vs a solid brick wall.

 

[Alla Musica]

There are manufacturers who make stuff that looks identical to the old MK Logic

Really interesting information! No wonder earlier I saw Click Mode and Crabtree Instinct having striking resemblance to the latest MK Logic+ as well...

 

[Alla Musica]

... the ones I've tried tend to have very "hard" switch actions, even verging on the "nearly impossible to operate" in some cases.

Could you name a few that you find "hard"? Just curious to know, since I don't think I have any so far...

 

[Mike Johnson]

As far as noise goes, try the French lighting momentary switch with a mechanical latching relay in the consumer unit, it's nothing short of a loud bang in the CU, usually located in the living room or kitchen, electronic latching relay's are available now, but only in the last ten years or so, in most properties these have not be changed, UK people holidaying in France must have noticed.

 

[Alla Musica]

As far as noise goes, try the French lighting momentary switch with a mechanical latching relay in the consumer unit, it's nothing short of a loud bang in the CU, usually located in the living room or kitchen, electronic latching relay's are available now, but only in the last ten years or so, in most properties these have not be changed, UK people holidaying in France must have noticed.

I enjoy the noise you're talking about though. Not only in France - in China many luxury hotels have adopted a key-fob-operated master switch that goes to the electromagnetic relay in the circuit breaker, which subsequently controls the lights and outlets (except UPS), and sometimes also the A/C, in the guest room. It's quite amusing to hear the noise when the master power supply turns on/off. These are more common where the room lighting is governed by a relay box controlled by low-voltage retractive switches.

(Sorry, please correct me if I'm not using the correct terminology)

 

[Simon47]

And of course, if the relays are AC, they hum when engaged.
At a previous employer we were in a shared office building with all electric heating (storage heaters). The meters were elsewhere in the building, so each unit had a contactor controlled by the switch in the meter. A significant bang when they pulled in, and a hum while they were in - we knew when we'd got off-peak power during the day (it did happen from time to time).

 

[Mike Johnson]

In a domestic situation it has to be the most annoying noise you can hear half way through the night when getting up to relieve yourself or worse someone else doing the same.