8 Gang Grid Switch relacement

[Ianto218]

Hi,
Hoping that someone can advise before we go ahead and instruct a qualified electrician to carry out this job.
We currently have a white plastic 8 Gang Grid Switch Panel in our kitchen but following some recent tiling would now like to change it for a similar fitting but in polished chrome.
I have added some photos of the existing grid panel both with cover on and off and also the type of fitting we would like to change it for.
Once the face panel is removed the 2 rows of 4 switches appear to sit on a metal panel which in turn are screwed to the back box, which appears to be quite a deep set fitting.
Can anyone advise if changing like for like in this case will cause any major issues?
The BG Bespoke 8 gang gridswitch panel is around £50, so a fairly expensive outlay if it ends up being something isn't compatible.
Many thanks,

 

[Andy78]

You would need to change the grid yokes (metal panels) to fit the BG modules.
Having fitted BG DP grid modules before, I'd probably advise you to choose another brand of better quality.

 

[Dan]

Do these have one? Switches & Sockets | Electrical2Go - https://www.electrical2go.co.uk/wiring-acc.html

You get a discount from there for being a member.

 

[davesparks]

I'd look at finding a polished chrome panel to fit the existing grid yokes first before replacing the whole thing.

 

[Ianto218]

You would need to change the grid yokes (metal panels) to fit the BG modules.
Having fitted BG DP grid modules before, I'd probably advise you to choose another brand of better quality.

Hi Andy 78,
Firstly thanks for your time to replying to this thread.
Are there any particular makes you would recommend, ideally someone that manufactures a polished chrome panel, with either black or chrome coloured switches.
Many thanks in advance.

 

[GBDamo]

I'd look at finding a polished chrome panel to fit the existing grid yokes first before replacing the whole thing.

Winner, search for a manufacturers mark and google.

 

[GBDamo]

Hi Andy 78,
Firstly thanks for your time to replying to this thread.
Are there any particular makes you would recommend, ideally someone that manufactures a polished chrome panel, with either black or chrome coloured switches.
Many thanks in advance.

MK or Hamilton, fitted a few of both and they're pretty good for grid switches but truth is I dont really like them.

 

[GeorgeCooke]

I really don't know why these switch panels are fitted, usually in new builds. They are so unnecessary and not required by any regs. I would be looking at getting rid of it myself.

 

[Dan]

Isn't that a bit of a headache then wiring wise. They've just had the tilers in.

 

[pirate]

The public like them...they look cool...ergo, you must have them...

Oh, did someone mention "new builds"?

 

[davesparks]

I really don't know why these switch panels are fitted, usually in new builds. They are so unnecessary and not required by any regs. I would be looking at getting rid of it myself.

They are fitted to give a readily accessible means of isolating appliances.
We know they aren't required by regs, but there is nothing to say you can't fit additional isolation over and above the minimum standard required by the regs.

 

[davesparks]

Isn't that a bit of a headache then wiring wise. They've just had the tilers in.

Yes, it could prove to be quite destructive to do the job of removing it properly.

 

[JK-Electrical]

They are fitted to give a readily accessible means of isolating appliances.
We know they aren't required by regs, but there is nothing to say you can't fit additional isolation over and above the minimum standard required by the regs.

I fit grid switches as standard whenever I'm doing a kitchen refurbishment. Worktop-level FCUs for each appliance is an absolute no-no as far as I'm concerned. So too are sockets wired direct from the board with no intermediate, easily-accessible means of isolation. My preferred brands are Hager or Schneider.

 

[davesparks]

I fit grid switches as standard whenever I'm doing a kitchen refurbishment. Worktop-level FCUs for each appliance is an absolute no-no as far as I'm concerned. So too are sockets wired direct from the board with no intermediate, easily-accessible means of isolation. My preferred brands are Hager or Schneider.

Really? I would discuss it with the customer and fit whatever they prefer, telling them that they must have something which is not required by regulations isn't very fair.
Why not switched fused spurs? They are more reliable than grid switches and don't necessitate a lot of cables squeezed in a box.

 

[JK-Electrical]

Really? I would discuss it with the customer and fit whatever they prefer, telling them that they must have something which is not required by regulations isn't very fair.

I've yet to meet a customer who preferred FCUs over grid switches.

Why not switched fused spurs? They are more reliable than grid switches and don't necessitate a lot of cables squeezed in a box.

It all comes down to personal preference, and for a variety of reasons I prefer grid switches over FCUs every time. I've never had any issues with wiring space or the reliability of Hager or Schneider grid switches.