Which brand of switch/socket should I change to?

[nicebutdim]

Hager is /was my first choice , but the trouble up here is that around the wholesalers there is only one that stocks them, so most of the jobbing sparks end up it the big sheds and buy what they can get.

There are a few really nice options out there, but similarly hard to get hold of from most wholesalers.

 

[WallaceP]

maybe not so helpful but I would avoid DETA, I feel the screw terminals were awful and I think it was the FCU that would not fit onto a single backbox unless you bent the top and bottom lug out of the way. This was a while back on a job that spec'd the brand.

 

[Dartlec]

I'll add to the Click gang - though I ordered some Hager recently since I was putting in an order for other stuff from a wholesaler - and they seemed very nice too and slightly cheaper.

Click are available at Toolstation though and the only issue I have ever had with them are that the electrical screws they provide have slightly narrow slots that my preferred screwdriver doesn't fit well...

 

[Dartlec]

The new MK BASE ( basic I think ) is a good bet it is their new cheaper range but still has the MK QUALITY. Has push fit connections, only seen positive reviews

Just don't mix up the BASE range (seem OK but not tried them) and the ESSENTIALS range, which appears to be the worst type of branded third party rubbish

 

[happysteve]

Click Mode for me too. Though if there is a need for dimmer modules next to switches anywhere, I'll usually use the MK grid system and get the other light switches MK to match, they don't look too different in style from the Click Mode sockets

Slightly off topic, but installed a few (18, connected as a RFC in a workshop) of Contactum metal-clad sockets last week which the client had bought from TLC, and I was really impressed. 2 earth terminals on the socket, back box earth terminal very firmly crimped on and all in the same orientation (none of them spun round or snapped off when I tightened them up), sensible (i.e. short) pattress screws (so if using the side-entry KOs, no risk of pushing against a cable). The continuity readings were absolutely identical, at every single socket, for R1+R2 and R1+Rn (also r1, rn and r2 before I screwed the face plates to the back boxes). Very impressed.

 

[loz2754]

Though if there is a need for dimmer modules next to switches anywhere, I'll usually use the MK grid system and get the other light switches MK to match, they don't look too different in style from the Click Mode sockets

If you want to use all the same make of switches and sockets, in case you're not aware, there is the Click Grid Pro system.

Click GridPro Switches & Faceplates | Electrical2Go

Click GripPro Wiring accessories from Scolmore to fit Deco, Mode, Deco Plus for Both Trade & Home Use. Big Name Brands, Free Delivery available.

www.electrical2go.co.uk

 

[UNG]

The new MK BASE ( basic I think ) is a good bet it is their new cheaper range but still has the MK QUALITY. Has push fit connections, only seen positive reviews

MK QUALITY. The last time I saw that was 30 - 40 years ago it went down hill when they introduced the twist shutter and has never recovered