Buying Electrical Sockets - help!

Doozergirl

Hi,

We're selling a house and taking all the expensive chrome plated switches and sockets with us.

Obviously, we have to replace them but I'm confused. I'm looking at the first two items on this list:
http://www.screwfix.com/app/sfd/cat/cat.jsp?ts=67344&cId=A431904

Could someone please tell me the difference between a Single Pole and whatever DP stands for please? Also, which one would I need? The house was only built in 2002 if that makes any difference.

p4u1_2

SP = Single Pole
DP = Double Pole

The DP switch will isolate both the live and neutral, where as the SP will only isolate the live. I would always recommend DP.

Craptree, along with the likes of MK are generally quite expensive, so I would suggest buying a cheaper manufacturer. Having said this, you tend to get what you pay for, so don't go too cheap. If the numbers are small then the total cost will not such an issue, but it's still better in your pocket than in somebody elses.

Doozergirl

Thanks P4u1,

Was 'craptree' a freudian slip? :rotfl:

I was looking at the Marbo stuff too, but I have such a list with TV and Telephone points etc. that they don't do everything and I'd like them to look the same!

If you know of anywhere else I can get the whole lot cheaper, I'd be happy to shop there!

p4u1_2

Doozergirl wrote:

Thanks P4u1,

Was 'craptree' a freudian slip? :rotfl:
Crabtree are fine, MK is a little more stylish and IMHO slightly better quality.

I was looking at the Marbo stuff too, but I have such a list with TV and Telephone points etc. that they don't do everything and I'd like them to look the same!
That's very good of you considering you are moving out!!!

If you know of anywhere else I can get the whole lot cheaper, I'd be happy to shop there!

Can't help I'm afraid, apart from trying some local suppliers who stock Crabtree and are prepared to do you a deal.

FirstClassMale

You can mix and match manufacturers' switches etc as they tend to all be very similar shades of white. The only thing to watch out for is design differences. Eg. crabtree double switch has no gap between the two switches whereas Marbro has. Others, such as MK often have a chamferred top edge on their sockets.

You should get all you need from Screwfix just watch out for the subtle differences. No one will notice if the lightswich is slighly different to the socket in the far corner but may do if there is a TV point and other outlet right beside each other that have different designs.

uncle_buck_3

Give this link a try….you should get what you want & at a good price.

http://www.tlc-direct.co.uk/Main_Index/Wiring_Accessories_Menu_Index/index.html


HTH.

UB.

raymond

Last time I got some, B&Q were cheaper than screwfix for packs of 10 MK. Singly they were much more expensive though.

silvercar

We are (hopefully) buying a house and I feel we are paying top price for it because it has been finished off so well, including smart looking switches etc. Just received the fixtures and fittings list from the solicitor and they intend removing all the dimmers and chrome switches. I was fuming.

Explained to the EA that if they were going to remove everything that led us to agree a high price the offer would need revising. He's having a quiet word with them.

How much does it cost to replace these switches? Do you need to get an electrician to sign off?

Doozergirl

Silvercar, the chrome switches do cost a fortune. You're looking at about £15for each and more for dimmers etc! If you can tell them that your offer was dependant on those being included, I'm pretty sure they'll leave them for you!

On this house, I wasn't originally going to take them, but the sale has taken so long - their fault - that I'm recouping some of the extra expense that we've incurred!

busymumof3

I'm in Scotland and if any fixtures and fittings that are being removed eg. light fittings, curtains, plants in garden this has to be expressly mentioned in the schedule at the outset.

Frankly I would be really furious if this happened to me. We have only bought old properties in the past and have had to revamp each from scratch so it has never arisen.

We recently spent a fortune on brushed steel screwless switches and sockets in our new kitchen ie. £50 for a cooker switch and socket but I would never dream of removing these if we sold. For one thing the electrician would cost a fortune!

Are you taking the lightbulbs and door handles too? And they say we Scots are mean!

Doozergirl

busymumof3 wrote:

Are you taking the lightbulbs and door handles too? And they say we Scots are mean!

We accepted an offer from these people because they wanted to complete within 6 weeks and we're now 3 months down the line. All the legal work has been done and there's no reason for the delay now except that it doesn't appear to suit them to move for at least another week. At every step of the way, I've been accomodating and patient but I've had enough now. The house is sitting empty and I'm paying the mortgage. I've informed our solicitor that the light fittings and sockets are going as I can use them elsewhere and as we still haven't exchanged, I'm within my rights to do so. The blinds, curtains, new carpets and lightbulbs will remain so they're not doing too badly out of it.