If you started a major overhaul in an apartment or a private house, then you can’t do without work related to electrical wiring. After all the cables are laid and the junction boxes are closed, it is time to choose sockets and switches. Not everyone can name the best brands in this segment, and therefore we will try to fill in the theoretical gaps in order to facilitate the subsequent selection of electrical accessories. It will not be about "conveyor" construction, when equipment is purchased in large quantities, but about ordinary and private electrical work.
We will designate the most sought-after manufacturers that produce sockets and switches (best brands), taking into account the opinions of specialists in this field and the reviews of ordinary owners of these accessories.
Criterias of choice
The desire of any potential buyer is to choose a good product with an optimal ratio of price and quality. In our case, sockets and switches (the best brands) will vary greatly in the price range - from 25 rubles to 300.
In principle, two main groups of such accessories can be distinguished, where the price is a critical factor: the oldest - about 300 rubles per item, the youngest - about 50 rubles per item.
The article will be partly subjective, because it is very difficult to cover the entire assortment that is presented on the shelves of electrical goods stores, and a large number of fakes can form an erroneous opinion about a brand on the part of the buyer. It is also worth noting that the products that will participate in the review are intended only for flush mounting to the wall (standard block socket with a switch). By and large, we are not interested in the specific cost of products, but in the price breakdown between products from different manufacturers.
The main review criterion is a classic (standard) model, that is, products without pretentiousness, but at the same time not primitively simple. In general, everything that is not ashamed to mount at home or with a good friend / girlfriend at home. Due to the frenzied popularity of modular electrical products (prefabricated frames, interchangeable frames, composite bases, etc.) they will be considered as a basis.
Manufacturers of electrical goods (sockets and switches)
The best brands and eminent manufacturers of electrical accessories has its own, sometimes very rich, history, its own production, and also received recognition at specialized exhibitions.
In addition, the list indicated below can be seen in the reports of large companies involved in the construction and improvement of buildings.
Popular brands that produce sockets and switches (best manufacturers) are as follows:
- Legrand;
- DKC;
- Wessen;
- Lezard
- Anam;
- Bticino;
- "Belarusian sockets";
- GUSI
- Makel;
- Scneider-electric.
The best models
If you rely on prices and consumer reviews, then the following picture emerges. The bulk of manufacturers and their products have occupied a niche in the budget group, and the leader is the three venerable heavyweights. As a result, we will evaluate the quality indicators of two price groups - the oldest and the youngest.
Senior price group
- Legrand.
- Scneider-electric.
- Bticino.
The distribution of positions in this group is exclusively conditional. Each of these three manufacturers has extensive premium collections and a huge assortment of budget models, that is, sockets and switches, the price of which does not exceed three hundred rubles. Standard and universal solutions of these brands practically do not differ in cost. As for the elite models, they remain as inaccessible to the average buyer as before, but these are truly high-quality products that will become an adornment of any home.
Sockets and switches "Legrand" are in first place due to their affordable price. As for Schneider Electric, prices bite there, but they can eat at Bticino. But in defense of the latter, it can be said that if you are holding Bticino products in your hands, then in every element you can feel the Italian quality that makes goose bumps on the back, while the same Legrand does not cause such emotions. It is possible that Legrand will not surprise anyone, and Italians have recently appeared on our market.
As for the Germans, the Scneider-electric, there is simply nothing to complain about - everything was done beautifully and impeccably. Turning in your hands any socket or switch from the Schneider Electric, you think that you are playing the legendary Lego.
Any product from the aforementioned brands is more than worthy decoration of your apartment or home. If you have free funds, then do not hesitate to spend money on the products of one of these manufacturers.
Owners in their reviews speak very warmly about these companies. Users appreciated the quality, beauty and flexible pricing of brands. There were no critical comments at specialized forums, so there are no quality issues.
Junior price group
- Anam;
- DKC;
- Wessen;
- Lezard
- "Belarusian sockets";
- GUSI
- Makel.
In the first place is the rather popular company Anam. Someone may not agree with this choice, because the products of this brand have a very specific look: products of awkward shape with giant buttons and wide margins. But in defense of Anam, we can say that this is one of the best contenders for first place in view of the excellent quality of plastic and the enviable pricing policy that was appreciated by domestic consumers.
The brand’s products are mostly addressed in a positive way. The owners appreciated the quality and durable products of the company, as well as the original appearance. Some, on the contrary, complain about the clumsy and difficult adaptation of switches and sockets to some design decisions, but this is already a matter of taste and this factor cannot be attributed to critical moments.
As for the rest of the participants in the list, here you can simply say: "and cheaply - and angrily!". These are ordinary models with some distinctive design features, from which you should not expect anything supernatural. Yes, they meet certain standards and quality standards, can last a long time, but be prepared for some surprises. Judging by the reviews on the products of these companies, sometimes you can see a small factory marriage, such as a screw that does not hold the wire, a slightly rickety button or an incomprehensible sound when turned off.
Summarizing
If you are engaged in a budget project or design an apartment “for sale”, then the younger price group is ideal. Well, in cases of "I will do it as myself" your choice is the senior group. It will also be worthwhile to note that the products of the “hard middle peasants” are very rarely faked, while the electrical accessories of the European brands, if you look at our shelves, are almost 40% counterfeit.