[Question] Plugs and switches

[Isetech]

Which brand of light switches do you use?

Back in the day, Crabtree would have been my first choice for general use, then we identified a problem with the blue flash, Crabtree disguised the issue by installing a cover inside the switch.

Then we moved to Clipsal, had the odd failure here and there, all round not a bad switch. They shut down sales in SA and are no longer available (that I know of), what a pity.

We then moved to MES, man what a piece of crap. I have been given a box of MES product to use for replacements, the problem is who is going to pay for the return visit to replace switches failing in less than a year. I am told they sell around R850 000 of product per month, that sounds like a lot of faulty switches to be replaced.

Nothing more embarrassing than a customer sending you videos of faulty products you installed less than 3 months ago. We talking light switching feed single light fittings with 5 watt LED lamps. If it were banks of 5 ft light fittings switched without a contactor, well then maybe I can understand the failures, but a single 5 watt LED lamp, REALLY.

It is a pity lumex doesnt still make a switch, I was at a house yesterday, 40 years old and all the old plugs and switches are those old yellowish colour ones and they all still work.

I need to remove my kitchen light switch ( the most used switch in my house) and see what make it is. I got it as a sample many years ago, it still works. The switch is flush with the cover.

[Dylboy]

My current flat have CBI switches and I have seen a few around and about. Installed a couple my self and so far I find them pretty good! The ones in the flat have even faded in colour from the sun but still work well. Also a note they will fade if exposed to sun but not sure how long they have been exposed but just a note: )

Had to make a couple of 1 way into dimmers and was a quick module swop and works great. Installed 8 of them so if any issues crop up will report but so far impressed.

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[Isetech]

The only problem I have experienced with CBI, the dimmer press broke off the mounting plate, replaced the module and will see how long it lasts this time.

I have started fitting occupation sensors around the house, so the switch operation is no longer as frequent.

The beauty about using your own property as a demo unit, you get to try out new technology.

I have also been trying out a few smart bulbs, one feature I find really handy is the wakup schedule.

I am also trying out RGB LED light and strip lights, trying to find reliable dimmers and controls for LED strip lights and LED lamps is proving to be quite a challenge.

[Isetech]

We have experienced another problem with MES products, the stove isolator has an on LED indicator.

The LED tails are compressed between the plastic and the bottom of the load terminals, when you push the wire into the terminal it slips out creating a loose connection for the LED tail.

The MES shaver socket outlet also has a design flaw, the terminals are located in the wrong position so what happens when you insert the shaver plug with a plastic sleeve, it doesnt make contact.

[Isetech]

I had a look at the Veti 3 range today, it has a stylish look about it. I also like the way the switches are level with the cover. Anyone tried this range?

[Isetech]

What are some of the challenges you face as a contractor deciding on a brand to support.

The most important factor is the product range. Schneider iconic is a good example, the product looks good, however the full range is not available, so I chose not to support the product.

Secondly the product quality. It doesnt help if the company offers you a box full of replacement parts, its not the replacement product that kills the profit on a project, its the hourly rate and travelling. To replace a R20.00 switch will cost anything from R450 (the most hourly rate charged by electrical contractors) ,plus travelling (we all know how the fuel price is becoming a huge factor).

Terminals are the next consideration. Screw terminals which can barely fit 2 x 2.5 mm wires and use a screw directly onto the copper, especially if you are using solid cores. You push the plug or switch back into position and one of the wires break off and may seem ok because the pressure on the back of the switch, but once loaded, it becomes and issue.

Another consideration is the surround, CBI is a good example of a bad design. When it comes time to paint and you can only remove parts of the surround, we all know what happens. The next time you need to remove the switch, a sharp blade is required to first cut the thick layer of paint on the side of the switch.

Then there is the ease of removing the surround, another one of MES bad designs. I have made a special tool to remove the surrounds from MEs products, so that I dont look like an absolute tool when the surround flies across the room when attempting to remove the surround with a screwdriver.

[Isetech]

How many contractors on this forum actually install a double socket outlet with a ZA type plug.

I have just completed a kitchen revamp and when I mentioned that I couldn't install standard double sockets, I had to install the ZA type with the standard, thats were the fight started .

I did install one with a ZA type where they plan to charge a phone.

[Derlyn]

How many contractors on this forum actually install a double socket outlet with a ZA type plug.

I have just completed a kitchen revamp and when I mentioned that I couldn't install standard double sockets, I had to install the ZA type with the standard, thats were the fight started .

I did install one with a ZA type where they plan to charge a phone.

The only time that this will stop is when 164-1 double plugs are not sold and become unavailable.
That, I'm afraid, will not happen in our lifetime.
There's too much money to be made selling them.

[Dylboy]

100% agree and think that rule for the ZA socket is silly.

Mate of mine bought a new house which is a new build and he berated the contractors and electrical people for installing then everywhere and saying how impractical it was and all sorts... I told him that its the law which he agrees is stupid and he still went at them haha. But their is a long story with the whole house and the contractors so he is very angry.

Anyway I had to go and swop out a couple so the toaster and kettle did not have to be plugged in and out all the time...

Begs the question of installing for purpose and ease for customer and all that.

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[Isetech]

If anyone knows the reason behind this "silly" regulation, please share it, maybe Dave can ask the person to send him the logic behind the reg.

I have 17 socket outlets in my kitchen, not one of my appliances have a ZA plug top. I do have a 15 amp socket with a ZA socket in a cupboard, here's the joke, I have a double adaptor plugged in the standard socket outlet with a 3 X ZA outlet for my 3 apple devices. Now if Adrian was still around he would have said it is my own fault because I use Apple products

The logic behind preventing the use of adaptors, I dont buy it.

Let us know what you think ?

[Derlyn]

It would be cool if Crabtree could manufacture these




To accept these

[Isetech]

It would be cool if Crabtree could manufacture these

[ATTACH=CONFIG]8513[/ATTACH]


To accept these

[ATTACH=CONFIG]8514[/ATTACH]

They do accept them, you just need to push a screwdriver into the earth terminal.

[Derlyn]

Even if you do that, they dont make decent contact.

[GCE]

How many contractors on this forum actually install a double socket outlet with a ZA type plug.

I have just completed a kitchen revamp and when I mentioned that I couldn't install standard double sockets, I had to install the ZA type with the standard, thats were the fight started .

I did install one with a ZA type where they plan to charge a phone.

We install strictly to the regulations otherwise a COC cannot be issued .
The owner does not have a choice in the matter if he wants insurance cover , he needs a COC.

[GCE]

If anyone knows the reason behind this "silly" regulation, please share it, maybe Dave can ask the person to send him the logic behind the reg.

Let us know what you think ?

Hi Ians

Was answered in a previous thread

https://www.theforumsa.co.za/forums/showthread.php/27487-To-ZA-plug-or-not

In Short
The dangerous bit is when people take out the old 16amp socket you can touch the pins while extracting the plug top and kids can get all sorts of bits pushed into the plug openings - the smaller euro pins make it less likely to shove something in and the recessed portion stops fingers from touching the pins on extraction.

It was not an overnight decision and was discussed and debated by all role players within the industry

Before the regulation was adopted it was put out for public comment - Did you lodge objections at that stage ?