You choose sockets and switches twice: first at the wiring stage, when you decide how many you need and where, and then during the finishing work, when you pick the collection and colour. A mistake at the first stage costs more \u2014 by then the wall chases have been plastered over. Here is a plan to make sure nothing gets missed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mark the beds, sofas, cabinets, TV, desk, kitchen units and appliances on the floor plan of your flat. Sockets belong where the appliances will be, not where they are easiest to wire. Next to the bed, sofa and desk, plan a spot for charging your phone from the start.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Count the appliances that are always on and those you switch on from time to time: vacuum cleaner, heater, iron. Add 1\u20132 spare sockets for each zone. For how many that comes to in the kitchen, living room or bedroom, see the article how many sockets a flat needs<\/a>, and for heights, the article how high to mount sockets and switches<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Socket types worth knowing:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Each lighting group gets its own switch or its own rocker. Two groups side by side (a chandelier and accent lighting) mean a 2-gang switch, three mean a 3-gang one. In hallways, bedrooms and on stairs, two-way switches<\/a> are the usual choice: the light is switched on at the entrance and off at the other end. For cosy evening light there is a dimmer<\/a>, and for motorised blinds or curtains \u2014 a separate switch for blinds and curtains<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Ethernet sockets, HDMI and cable outlets are laid before plastering, so they are planned together with the power sockets. What to provide for the TV area and the workspace is covered in the article on Ethernet and HDMI sockets<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Once you know how many modules you need and which ones, choose the collection: Slim Series or Ultra Slim Series<\/a>. Match the colour to the wall, not the furniture \u2014 read about combinations in the article on the colour of sockets and switches<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Switch Point mechanisms are sold without frames. One module \u2014 one gang: a switch and two sockets in one block \u2014 that makes a 3-gang frame. Frames come in 1\u20135 gang sizes; for details, see the article how to count the gangs in a frame<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n
Step 3. Plan the lighting<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Step 4. Remember the low-voltage cabling<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Step 5. Choose the collection and colour<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Step 6. Count the modules and frames<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Checklist before you buy<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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