Which double socket?

[Austin_Metro]

When we rebuilt our house we fitted flat stainless steel twin gang sockets.



I think they are LAP from Screwfix, or similar cheaper brand. A few have failed. Usually one switch stops working, becoming stuck.

I d like to replace them - what would be good and what would be a direct swap. I ve seen some from Hager and some from Schneider ultimate.

As you can tell, I am not an electrician- advice welcomed!

Thanks, Austin.

[Rough101]

You want the same thin plate?

As any twin is a straight swap.

[ShortShift811]

Someone more knowledgeable than me will be along shortly, but be careful you order the right depth too. I believe the two standards are 25mm and 35mm, depending on the recess in your walls.

Guess who got this wrong in a new house the first time round and had a struggle returning £400 worth of sockets…

[Austin_Metro]

Thanks both. Yes, I want the same thin plate, screw holes, and white insert. If these are the LAP ones then they are meant to be 35mm - someone complains about that in the reviews - is 35mm whole front to back depth?

I read one review of the LAP ones that says they fail when a heavy load is put through them. Eg kettle. Out kettle one has failed.

They can’t be too different or I will see it 10 times a day.

[CoupeKid]

I've had Varilight all over my house for 10 years and only one failed.

It failed during the first lockdown. Varilight are based in
Sussex somewhere so I sent it back saying I had no proof of purchase but they might want it to test and improve and they sent me a free replacement (later revision). Top service. The replacement has been faultless.

[Pheo]

https://scolmore.com/ My sparky recommended and seem fairly good. Personally not had any lap ones fail but they are definitely built to a price.

If you have a TLC-Direct nearby they have them on display and I’m sure they’ll tell you which ones have the least returns

[LooneyTunes]

We installed the Schneider ones at a previous house. Whatever you do, do not go for painted ones… there’s a good chance the sparky will murder the painted screw heads.

[MattyD803]

We’ve got British General in our kitchen, with grey inserts (but I think they do white also), which I think are readily available on Screwfix etc. Been in for 11 years now, no issues or failures on those.

I avoid LAP for absolutely all electrical items - it’s the cheapest of the cheap.

[PM3]

I only ever use MK Electric . . never had an issue . For doubles I always use the ones woth switches on the outside ( not together )
I'm a bit of an ordinary white type person
I avoid anythig LAP like the plague .

[Belle427]

Most stuff these days quality is not what it was, I used Click in my own house personally but to be honest anything from the likes of MK etc will be ok.
Not personally a fan of Lap or BG stuff, I just think its too cheap and nasty.

[Griffith4ever]

Austin_Metro said:

Thanks both. Yes, I want the same thin plate, screw holes, and white insert. If these are the LAP ones then they are meant to be 35mm - someone complains about that in the reviews - is 35mm whole front to back depth?

I read one review of the LAP ones that says they fail when a heavy load is put through them. Eg kettle. Out kettle one has failed.

They can t be too different or I will see it 10 times a day.

That's suprising. I've never had any sockets "fail" - the conductors are solid inside. I guess the switch might be the weak point but who uses them often? I have installed many a double in the kitchen, plus garage and workshop - and they get the cheapest possible - and I hang a mig welder off one.

[Tailender Investor]

Scolmore click is all I use.

They’ve got an extensive range of types and finishes. So the wife “should” be able to find something she prefers.

[Condi]

Hager or MK, although I believe MK are not what they were and for the money Hager are better as a "mid range" sort of brand. Can't say I've had one fail.

[Austin_Metro]

Thanks all. Always helpful to have advice. Thinking about these Hager, but will check those other brands too.

https://www.edwardes.co.uk/products/hager-wfss-82-...

[Austin_Metro]

This looks like the click alternative

https://www.click4electrics.co.uk/1/4877/click-dec...

[Belle427]

That click one doesn`t look like a flat plate.

[Sideways Tim]

CoupeKid said:

I've had Varilight all over my house for 10 years and only one failed.

It failed during the first lockdown. Varilight are based in
Sussex somewhere so I sent it back saying I had no proof of purchase but they might want it to test and improve and they sent me a free replacement (later revision). Top service. The replacement has been faultless.

Just had a shufty at their range and I reckon they’ll be going in our renovation (when we actually get the fking thing). Thanks for bringing them to my attention

[Austin_Metro]

Belle427 said:

That click one doesn`t look like a flat plate.

Good spot.

https://www.click4electrics.co.uk/1/4769/click-def...

Perhaps it is this one. But has white around switch too, so probably out for me.

[Haltamer]

Off topic, but stainless / metal plug socket boxes always give me the heebie jeebies, what with being conductive and all.

Even if it’s just metallic-looking plastic, I feel like I’ll end up getting zapped when I touch it

[Ronstein]

PM3 said:

I only ever use MK Electric . . never had an issue . For doubles I always use the ones woth switches on the outside ( not together )
I'm a bit of an ordinary white type person
I avoid anythig LAP like the plague .

I agree, I've used MK for years and never had an issue.