Replacing electrical sockets/switches for entire house

Mickey666

JamesN said:

Interesting, sounds like overall MK used to be good but aren't anymore based on these comments. I also saw a lot of negatives on BG. Seems like Click mode is the way to go. I just hope they line up well. Do you tend to measure the size of the back box before ordering or do you tend to check the distance between the screws to ensure you can fit it on?

Yes, based on a few comments on a money-saving forum, so good luck with that

I'm not defending MK either way but if I was seeking some reliable information based on real experience then I'd be looking towards a pro electrician's forum rather than this one.

The one thing you can pretty much always rely on with any general purpose forum is that if you ask about what is the best brand for  "xxxx", you'll get a wide range of answers, which to me indicates that they are all much of a muchness because very rarely does one brand really stick out - for good or bad.  Because if one particular brand really was 'rubbish' then they'd be out of business.

Ectophile

The electricians don't seem to think much of modern MK stuff, either https://communities.theiet.org/discussions/viewtopic/1037/28282

knightstyle

Just a quick heads up about changing sockets, old ones, when we first started using 13a ring mains used 4BA thread screws, this changed to 3.5mm but some old back boxes still have the 4BA threads so keep the screws from the sockets you throw away and do not try to force mm screws into BA threads!

JamesN

knightstyle said:

Just a quick heads up about changing sockets, old ones, when we first started using 13a ring mains used 4BA thread screws, this changed to 3.5mm but some old back boxes still have the 4BA threads so keep the screws from the sockets you throw away and do not try to force mm screws into BA threads!

Good point, problem we have is that some of the screws are gold and some are silver in the same socket. Though I guess we can cover those up. Fingers crossed i'm lucky with it. I can't be bothered changing the back boxes!

Mickey666 said:

Yes, based on a few comments on a money-saving forum, so good luck with that

I'm not defending MK either way but if I was seeking some reliable information based on real experience then I'd be looking towards a pro electrician's forum rather than this one.

The one thing you can pretty much always rely on with any general purpose forum is that if you ask about what is the best brand for  "xxxx", you'll get a wide range of answers, which to me indicates that they are all much of a muchness because very rarely does one brand really stick out - for good or bad.  Because if one particular brand really was 'rubbish' then they'd be out of business.

Appreciate the sentiment, it seems from Ectophile's post they aren't thought of well on an electrical site either. Ironically I've just had a look and some of the older sockets in the house are MK ones and they do seem fine and have lasted at least 8 years thus far. They'll still be getting changed as some are covered in marks and scratches.

Risteard

JamesN said:

knightstyle said:

Just a quick heads up about changing sockets, old ones, when we first started using 13a ring mains used 4BA thread screws, this changed to 3.5mm but some old back boxes still have the 4BA threads so keep the screws from the sockets you throw away and do not try to force mm screws into BA threads!

Good point, problem we have is that some of the screws are gold and some are silver in the same socket. Though I guess we can cover those up. Fingers crossed i'm lucky with it. I can't be bothered changing the back boxes!

Mickey666 said:

Yes, based on a few comments on a money-saving forum, so good luck with that

I'm not defending MK either way but if I was seeking some reliable information based on real experience then I'd be looking towards a pro electrician's forum rather than this one.

The one thing you can pretty much always rely on with any general purpose forum is that if you ask about what is the best brand for  "xxxx", you'll get a wide range of answers, which to me indicates that they are all much of a muchness because very rarely does one brand really stick out - for good or bad.  Because if one particular brand really was 'rubbish' then they'd be out of business.

Appreciate the sentiment, it seems from Ectophile's post they aren't thought of well on an electrical site either. Ironically I've just had a look and some of the older sockets in the house are MK ones and they do seem fine and have lasted at least 8 years thus far. They'll still be getting changed as some are covered in marks and scratches.

Old MK was good. The new MK is absolute !!!!!!.

Unfortunately they are still on specs as a hangover.

Belenus

JamesN said:

Good point, problem we have is that some of the screws are gold and some are silver in the same socket. Though I guess we can cover those up. Fingers crossed i'm lucky with it. I can't be bothered changing the back boxes!

I have a few white light switches that come with little white caps that push fit into the screw holes and hide the screw head.

Perhaps you could source some that will fit your sockets.

fenwick458

Belenus said:

JamesN said:

Good point, problem we have is that some of the screws are gold and some are silver in the same socket. Though I guess we can cover those up. Fingers crossed i'm lucky with it. I can't be bothered changing the back boxes!

I have a few white light switches that come with little white caps that push fit into the screw holes and hide the screw head.

Perhaps you could source some that will fit your sockets.

the new switches and sockets will come with new plate screws, just use those.
the reply about imperial screws.... seems pretty unlikely you will have them in your house, I've seen very few still in existence, that would make them over 50 years old. the ones I do find, just re use the screws? if you can't do that, squish the lug with a pair of snips and re thread using one of these
those white caps you get are not essential please throw them in the bin and do not fit them

getmore4less

Belenus said:

JamesN said:

Good point, problem we have is that some of the screws are gold and some are silver in the same socket. Though I guess we can cover those up. Fingers crossed i'm lucky with it. I can't be bothered changing the back boxes!

I have a few white light switches that come with little white caps that push fit into the screw holes and hide the screw head.

Perhaps you could source some that will fit your sockets.

I prefer the wide rockers that have hidden screws

JamesN

fenwick458 said:

Belenus said:

JamesN said:

Good point, problem we have is that some of the screws are gold and some are silver in the same socket. Though I guess we can cover those up. Fingers crossed i'm lucky with it. I can't be bothered changing the back boxes!

I have a few white light switches that come with little white caps that push fit into the screw holes and hide the screw head.

Perhaps you could source some that will fit your sockets.

the new switches and sockets will come with new plate screws, just use those.
the reply about imperial screws.... seems pretty unlikely you will have them in your house, I've seen very few still in existence, that would make them over 50 years old. the ones I do find, just re use the screws? if you can't do that, squish the lug with a pair of snips and re thread using one of these
those white caps you get are not essential please throw them in the bin and do not fit them

It’s a 1986 build so if we are talking 50 years ago then I’m guessing I won’t have them. Haha, I know what you mean. I’ve had the joy of trying to remove them to check a switch before.