Which switching material do private individuals choose?

Have you just moved, have you had a house built or do you just want something different when it comes to switches and sockets ? Choosing a brand and type of switchgear can be difficult. What is and is not allowed in your rental home, can you do it yourself are frequently asked questions. In this blog we answer your questions and provide tips.

Appearance of switching material

The importance of good switching material is often undervalued. Both in terms of quality and appearance. Too bad, because switches and sockets are visible in your home and therefore partly determine its appearance. With all our rechargeable equipment, we often don't have enough of it these days.

Fortunately, there is more and more variety in the field of switching material: sockets and switches in different models and colors. Black is currently completely hot and the colors silver/gray and anthracite or glass sockets are also in demand. At Inelektro we offer you a varied range, both in terms of brand and shape, and we offer switchgear in multiple colors. Are you looking for something outside our range? Please feel free to contact us and we will search with you.

Tenants and owners

If you rent a home, from a housing association or private individual, you are not allowed to simply change anything in your home. Owners are of course allowed to do that. Replacing switchgear is permitted, provided you keep it in the style of the home and choose common colors. You can make noticeable changes, but you will probably have to adjust things again when you leave the house.

Tip: Do you want to change switchgear in your rental home? Save the old material and return the house to its original state when you leave.

Safe switchgear

As is the case with all electrical work, you must pay close attention to safety when working with switchgear. Buy products with a quality mark and also consider sockets with increased touch safety when there are children in the house.

You can replace switchgear yourself

Yes, as long as you observe the necessary safety and only replace the outer parts, you can and may replace switchgear yourself. Or find a handy acquaintance who is willing to do it for you. Such cases usually involve wall sockets, switches, dimmers or spotlights. Probably unnecessarily: switch off the fuse box before you start working. You can also use a voltage meter to determine which group should be switched off. This way, your refrigerator/freezer can remain on in most cases.

Five tips for do-it-yourselfers

1. Are you going to renovate? Choose a point for your sockets where the center of the socket is 30cm above the floor. For switches, use 110cm.
2. Provide a switch in at least one place in the house with the center of the socket at a height of 110cm. Handy for, for example, the plug of your vacuum cleaner: you don't have to bend down every time.
3. Pay close attention to the size of the flush-mounted box. Not every type of switching material fits every electrical box. So coordinate your choices carefully.
4. In the bathroom it is best to choose an IP-44 wall socket with a flap cover . This is splash-proof and therefore safer in wet areas.
5. Handy: USB-c socket . A socket with two USB ports with which you can charge all your equipment. Nice in the kitchen and/or near the sofa for charging a tablet or phone.

After reading this article, do you still need advice about your choice of switching material ? Call or email us. You can also chat with our professional team during office hours.