This is a basic guide on things to consider before embarking on a new construction or renovation project.
Terminology
The first problem many people face is the bewildering variety of electrical terminology used. Here is a brief explanation of the basic terms you will come across.
Gang: the number of switches or sockets on a panel. A light switch with 3 switches is called a 3-group switch. A standard double plug is called a 2-group plug.
shape: the number of switches capable of turning on a light. For added flexibility, most switches are 2-way. A light controlled from 1 switch only requires a 1 way switch (although a 2 way switch can be used without any problem). A light controlled from 2 switches, for example a landing light, will require two 2-way switches.
Intermediate: if a light can be activated from 3 different switches, two of them must be 2-way switches and the third an intermediate switch.
single pole: a single pole switch has one contact. When switched, it will only interrupt the active current and leave the neutral current intact.
double pole– A two pole switch has two separate contacts and will break both live and neutral currents. Double pole switches are recommended in most situations, especially if there are children in the house.
Schedule
Remember, you can put as many switches and sockets on an electrical circuit as you need. However, it’s still worth planning where you’ll need them before you buy. You need to think about the different needs of the room and your lifestyle: where do you need more power outlets? With the proliferation of electrical appliances you should install more sockets than you think you will need, and make them double sockets instead of single sockets, since the price difference is minimal.
Always buy plugs with a switch for added protection. This does not apply to sockets for kitchen appliances such as freezers, which should not be turned on in case the switches are accidentally turned off.
Most people only put 1 TV point in a room; don’t make that mistake! Install TV points on at least 2 different walls in a room, you may want to rearrange the furniture and move the TV in the future.
Also consider the lighting needs of a room. Dimmer switches provide a relatively inexpensive and easy way to vary light levels in a room, particularly useful for creating different moods in dining rooms, living rooms, or bedrooms. Remember that if a light is to be operated from 2 places and one of the switches to be used is a dimmer, the other should be a standard 2-way light switch, not a dimmer.
Flat or raised plate?
The differences here are more than just cosmetic. Flat plate sockets look sleek, modern and sophisticated, but they also offer a practical, space-saving solution for placing sockets behind furniture. The downside to retrofits, however, is that they often require deeper back boxes than originally installed, 35mm instead of 25mm. Changing back boxes can be time consuming and complicated.
Screwed or screwless?
Aesthetically, screwless flat-plate switches have an even more modern look than bolt-on flat-plate switches, but screwless switches and sockets have an additional benefit: they also save you time and money, since they can be installed without the plate front before decorating and then painting. around quickly and easily without the use of tape or worry about marking the plate. When dry, simply clip on the faceplate.
finishes
Polished chrome, brushed steel, and black nickel are the most popular modern finishes. The downside to polished chrome in particular is that it shows finger marks very easily. One way to help avoid this is to choose a range where the faceplate is polished chrome or black nickel, but the switches themselves are made of black or white plastic. Of the 3 finishes listed above, brushed steel (also known as brushed chrome) is the easiest to keep clean.
You are now ready to take the next step in your project. Good luck!
