Sockets & Switches — Your Questions Answered
Thirty of the most common questions we're asked about sockets and switches, answered clearly and honestly. Each answer links through to a full guide if you want more detail.
Finishes and Materials
What is the difference between antique brass and solid brass?
Antique brass is a finish applied to a brass plate. Solid brass describes the material the plate is made from. Our antique brass range is solid brass with an antique finish applied. See our antique brass vs solid brass guide.
Is this real copper or a copper effect finish?
All our copper sockets and switches are made from solid copper, not a copper-effect coating. See our copper sockets and switches guide.
What is the difference between medium bronze and black bronze?
Black bronze is a muted, dark, consistent finish. Medium bronze is warmer and more polished, with some natural variation between plates. See our bronze sockets and switches guide.
What is the difference between polished and satin chrome?
Polished chrome is bright and reflective. Satin chrome is softer and less reflective, with a brushed texture — this was previously called "brushed chrome" on older ranges. See our chrome comparison guide.
What is the difference between chrome and nickel?
Both are silver-toned, but nickel has a fractionally warmer, softer tone than chrome. See our chrome sockets and switches guide.
What is the difference between brushed steel and nickel?
Brushed steel is cooler and lighter, with a clean, precise finish. Nickel is warmer and softer in tone. See our brushed steel guide.
What is the difference between graphite and matt black?
Graphite has a cool grey undertone; matt black is a true, flat black with more contrast. See our graphite guide.
Are all Socket Store products Made in Britain?
The majority are, manufactured by G+H Electrical Accessories. Usk, Lexus, and Retrotouch ranges are imported, though all carry the same 10-year warranty. See our Made in Britain guide.
Plate Styles
What's the difference between a plate style and a finish?
Finish is the material and colour (antique brass, matt black, chrome). Plate style is the shape and edge detail (Georgian, Victorian, Flat). The two are chosen independently. See our plate style guide.
What's the difference between Georgian and Victorian plates?
Georgian has a rope-edge border and suits properties from the mid-1700s to the early Victorian era. Victorian has a stepped edge and suits properties from the mid-1800s onwards. See our Georgian style guide.
What is a screwless plate?
A screwless plate has no visible fixing screws, for the cleanest possible look. Available on our Lexus (brushed steel, antique brass) and Retrotouch (white, Brushed Bronze) ranges. See our screwless guide.
Wiring and Switching
What's the difference between a one-way and a two-way light switch?
A one-way switch controls a light from one location. A two-way switch allows control from two locations. See our Complete Wiring Guide.
When do I need an intermediate switch?
When three or more switches control the same light — for example, a staircase with a landing. It fits between two two-way switches. See our intermediate switch guide.
Is an intermediate switch double pole?
No — an intermediate switch is for multi-way lighting circuits, and works differently to a double pole switch. See our full explanation.
Can I use a 2-way switch for 1-way switching?
Yes — connect the live cable to COM and the switched live to L1, leaving L2 unused. Most switches sold today are two-way as standard. See our guide.
What is a double pole switch?
A double pole switch cuts both live and neutral when switched off, fully isolating an appliance — commonly used for washing machines, dishwashers, and cookers. See our double pole switch guide.
What is a fused spur?
A wall-mounted switch providing a dedicated, fused connection for a fixed appliance without a plug, such as an extractor fan or boiler. See our fused spur guide.
What is a fan isolator switch?
A switch that isolates a bathroom extractor fan, usually from outside the bathroom, using both a permanent and switched live. See our fan isolator guide.
What is a cooker switch?
A 45-amp double pole switch used to isolate a cooker, available as a single plate, vertical double plate, or horizontal double plate with a 13A socket. See our cooker switch guide.
Sockets, Grids, and Back Boxes
What does "gang" mean on a socket or switch?
Gang is the number of switches or sockets on one plate. Sockets come in 1 or 2-gang; switches, dimmers, and toggles go up to 4-gang. See our gang guide.
What is a grid switch?
A grid switch lets you combine your own choice of switch modules on one plate, up to 4-gang, rather than a fixed standard layout. See our grid switches guide.
What size back box do I need?
This depends on the fitting and plate style — for example, a standard socket needs 25mm, but a flat plate socket needs 35mm. See our full back box guide for every depth.
What is a pattress box?
A surface-mounted back box, used where a recessed box isn't possible. Sizing isn't universal, so check fit before buying. See our back box guide.
Bathrooms and Legislation
Can I fit a normal socket in a bathroom?
No, not in zones 0, 1, or 2. Shaver sockets are the standard, safer choice, using an isolating transformer. See our bathroom legislation guide.
What IP rating do I need for a bathroom or outdoor socket?
This depends on the zone or location — outdoor sockets should be IP66 as standard. See our IP rating guide for the full breakdown.
Rooms and Planning
How many sockets does a kitchen need?
More than any other room, once appliance isolation switches are included. See our kitchen guide and our how many sockets per room guide.
Do my sockets need to match throughout the house?
Not necessarily, but a consistent finish and plate style throughout gives a more considered, cohesive result — particularly in connected spaces like a hallway leading into a living room. It's a stylistic choice rather than a requirement.
What finish is best for a period property?
Antique brass is the most versatile choice for most periods. Aged brass, bronze, and unlacquered brass are also worth considering depending on the property's character. See our period property guide.
Dimmers, LEDs, and Touch Switches
Do LED lights need a special dimmer?
Yes — many older dimmers aren't LED-compatible and can cause flickering. We'd recommend Varilight V-Pro dimmers. See our LED dimmer guide.
Are all LED bulbs compatible with dimmers and touch switches?
No — compatibility depends on the specific bulb brand, not just wattage. See our LED compatibility and touch switches guide for full detail, including two-way touch switch pairing.
Didn't find your question here? Call us on 02920 004 887 or use the chat box on our site — our customer service team are happy to help.