Continental Light Switches: Are they a better design than UK ones?

[zsalya]

I have moved from Britain to Poland (type E plugs) very near German border (type F plugs)
Generally I am appalled by the standards of domestic electrical components and work on both sides of the border: very flexible back boxes, flimsy sockets without switches, most plugs difficult to wire safely, L v N swapped over, 2 pin plugs for lamps (even with metal stands), earthing in general etc.

The one component which I think might be better (safer and easier to use) are the light switches.
The whole (or two halves) of the total area give a large area to press so less pressure is required.
When UK ones are badly wired one sometimes sees a spark near the actual switch, but this is well hidden by the larger plate.
The plastic used in most of the ones on sale may be more flimsy than the UK ones, but the design does seem better.

Does anyone have any reasons why the UK design is better?

 

[tazz]

Zsalya, It would be good if you could give more information about yourself, in the profile area. Qualifications, and course. This will help others to help you.

 

[davesparks]

The visible spark in the switch is perfectly normal for any type of switch as it breaks the flow of current. It has nothing to do with the switch being installed badly.

Plus switches with large rocker are available in this country,

 

[Geordie Spark]

I have moved from Britain to Poland (type E plugs) very near German border (type F plugs)
Generally I am appalled by the standards of domestic electrical components and work on both sides of the border: very flexible back boxes, flimsy sockets without switches, most plugs difficult to wire safely, L v N swapped over, 2 pin plugs for lamps (even with metal stands), earthing in general etc.

The one component which I think might be better (safer and easier to use) are the light switches.
The whole (or two halves) of the total area give a large area to press so less pressure is required.
When UK ones are badly wired one sometimes sees a spark near the actual switch, but this is well hidden by the larger plate.
The plastic used in most of the ones on sale may be more flimsy than the UK ones, but the design does seem better.

Does anyone have any reasons why the UK design is better?

Because we are BRITISH ...... we ARE the BEST!!

Next question please ....

 

[telectrix]

watch out for them german sockets in poland. today sockets, tomorrow invasion.

 

[Geordie Spark]

watch out for them german sockets in poland. today sockets, tomorrow invasion.

Does the Nurse know you've slipped out of your Strait Jacket again?? :laugh:

 

[Brad1]

Here, this should help you. Click Here

 

[rapparee]

watch out for them german sockets in poland. today sockets, tomorrow invasion.

I'd be more worried about russian tanks on my eastern border if i was polish than germans in the west.

 

[tigerpaul]

When living and working in France I liked the fact that the light switches had dim lights in them to enable you to find them in the dark. It came in handy when drunkenly stumbling back to the digs.

 

[Victor]

Having lived and worked in France for 12 years before moving back last year I have to say that I actually prefer the Legrand switches and sockets to those of the UK. This is due mainly to the fact that they a push fit cable connectors and are much quicker and safer to wire. When will a UK supplier switch over to this method and do away with bloody screw terminals?

 

[rapparee]

Having lived and worked in France for 12 years before moving back last year I have to say that I actually prefer the Legrand switches and sockets to those of the UK. This is due mainly to the fact that they a push fit cable connectors and are much quicker and safer to wire. When will a UK supplier switch over to this method and do away with bloody screw terminals?

Could you push two legs of a ring and a spur into a legrand socket?

 

[Engineer54]

Depends how good those push fit connections are. I've seen plenty of American switches/receptacles with push fit connections and plenty of instances where the push fit copper retaining arm has completely burnt away. But then the American screw type switches/receptacles are not much better as the conductors are secured under the screw head (can't think of the correct term for this type of connection..lol!!) and bloody dangerous to remove these wall accessories from the wall live.

 

[Engineer54]

Could you push two legs of a ring and a spur into a legrand socket?

No, but then the French socket outlets don't need to do they. The screw connected type only have the facility to connect two 2.5mm cables, and then only just!!

 

[Biff61]

I have worked in many places world wide and have always found that its not the type of the switch or socket connection that matters but the quality of the build, you pay for what you get.

 

[KennyKen]

Australian Saturn series light switches are awsome! The blue neon light around the switch makes it look ****in epic!