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 to a full guide if you want more detail.
Finishes
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 — the two aren't opposites, and our antique brass range is solid brass with the antique finish applied. Read more.
What is the difference between aged brass and antique brass?
Antique brass has a deeper, more pronounced darkening. Aged brass is subtler — warmer than polished brass but lighter than antique. See our brass guide.
Is antique copper the same as tarnished copper?
No — they're both dark copper finishes, but antique copper has a rich, even darkened tone, while tarnished copper sits at the darker, more characterful end of the spectrum. See our copper guide.
What is the difference between medium bronze and black bronze?
Black bronze is a muted, consistent dark finish. Medium bronze is warmer and more polished, with natural variation between plates. Read more.
Is brushed chrome the same as satin chrome?
Yes — "brushed chrome" was used on some older product ranges. It refers to the same finish we now call satin chrome. Read more.
What colour plug sockets should I use?
Alongside metal finishes like chrome and brass, we stock solid colours in sage green, blue, and light grey. Read more.
Plate Styles
What is 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 full plate style guide.
What is a screwless plate, and is it worth it?
A screwless plate has no visible fixing screws for the cleanest possible look. Whether it's worth the extra cost depends on how visible the plate will be. Read more.
What is a grid plate?
A grid plate lets you build a custom combination of switch modules on one plate, rather than a fixed standard layout — currently up to 4-gang. Read more.
Can I mix plate styles across my home?
We wouldn't recommend it within the same room or sightline — it tends to look unplanned rather than deliberate. It's fine to use different styles in different parts of a property, particularly where the era or character of the room changes, such as a period hallway leading into a modernised kitchen extension.
What plate style suits a period property?
Georgian or Victorian, depending on when the property was built, generally in antique brass, aged brass, or bronze. See our period property guide.
Sockets, Switches, and Configuration
What does "gang" mean on a socket or switch?
Gang refers to how many switches or sockets sit on one plate. Sockets come in 1 or 2-gang; switches, dimmers, and toggles go up to 4-gang. Read more.
How many sockets do I need per room?
It varies by room — kitchens need the most once appliance switching is included, while hallways typically need just one double. See our full room-by-room guide.
What is a 5-amp socket used for?
A lower-powered socket designed for lighting, such as table or floor lamps, often wired to a wall switch or dimmer. See our dining room guide.
What is the difference between a plug and a socket?
A plug is the moveable connector attached to a cable. A socket is the fixed fitting it plugs into. Read more.
Wiring and Switching
Can I use a 2-way switch for 1-way switching?
Yes — most switches sold today are two-way as standard, wired for one-way use by leaving one terminal unconnected. Read more.
What is an intermediate switch?
Used when three or more switches control the same light, fitting between two two-way switches. Read more.
Is an intermediate switch double pole?
No — intermediate switches are for multi-way lighting circuits, while double pole switches isolate appliances. They're unrelated. Read more.
What is a double pole switch?
A switch that cuts both live and neutral to fully isolate an appliance, commonly used for washing machines, dishwashers, and cookers. Read more.
What is a fused spur?
A wall-mounted switch providing a dedicated, fused connection for a fixed appliance without a standard plug, such as an extractor fan. Read more.
What is a fan isolator switch?
A switch that isolates a bathroom extractor fan, usually from outside the bathroom, letting the fan run on after the light is switched off. Read more.
Dimmers and LED Lighting
What kind of dimmer is needed for LED lights?
An LED-compatible dimmer — many older dimmers cause flickering or a limited dimming range with LED bulbs. Read more.
Can you put a dimmer on any light switch?
In most cases yes, provided your bulbs are dimmable and the dimmer is correctly rated for the circuit's load. Read more.
What is a dummy dimmer?
A 6-amp switch built inside a dimmer casing, used when you want two matching dimmer-style plates but only one can actually function as a dimmer. Read more.
Fitting and Back Boxes
What size back box do I need?
It depends on the plate style and accessory type — from 16mm for a standard switch up to 47mm for flat or screwless USB sockets. See our full back box guide.
What is a pattress box?
A surface-mounted back box, used where a recessed back box isn't possible or practical. Read more.
Bathrooms, Safety, and British Manufacturing
Can I fit a normal socket in a bathroom?
No, not in most bathroom zones — only shaver sockets and specific IP-rated fittings are permitted. Read more.
What IP rating do I need for outdoor sockets?
We'd recommend IP66 as standard for outdoor sockets and switches. Read more.
Are your products made in Britain?
The majority are, manufactured by G+H Electrical Accessories — with a few imported exceptions such as Usk, Lexus, and Retrotouch. Read more.
What is a toggle or dolly light switch?
A lever-action switch, also called a dolly, tumbler, or snap switch — a traditional alternative to the standard rocker switch. Read more.