Rating of the best manufacturers of sockets and switches

«Schneider» sockets and switches are the second universal answer to the question «what to put?». The company in its history is even older than the roots of ABB, and you probably heard about it, even if you are far from electricians, but you once read the same Jules Verne. The fact is that for more than a hundred years, from 1836 until the end of World War II, it produced weapons — up to artillery, Schneider guns were also in service in the Russian Empire.

Later, the company “changed its qualifications”, which was reflected in the name, and it was engaged in this so actively that the Brussels Commission had to intervene, which prevented the absorption of another hero of our today’s rating of the best manufacturers of sockets and switches — Legrand. In Russia, too, there are its own enterprises, and formed on the basis of absorbed domestic ones. Since we are talking about sockets and switches, then we are going to Schneider Electric Ural, the company’s Yekaterinburg plant.

There is something to offer the company — from extremely budget sockets and switches cheaper than 100 rubles to «biting». What would the author personally recommend? Perhaps, the Unica and Unica NEW series — a large selection of design options, reliable contacts, high-quality protective shutters. By the way, it also has modular USB sockets — we still live in a time when this power standard is in demand no less than classic 220 V. Of course, their design is boring … But then look, say, at the Merten series Antique or Merten Artec: there are a lot of designs and executions — up to special sockets for electric shavers.

But let’s warn you right away — if you are looking for a «budget», and even under a frequently switched powerful load like irons, then it’s better to look towards ABB.

The third “universal answer” to the question of which sockets and switches is better to buy became the third one for one simple reason — since we decided to start with the reliability of the product in the review, then Legrand asks for it noticeably more than the same ABB. Of course, the brand is well-known, but we don’t buy a smartphone to show off at work, do we?

In many ways, the history of Legrand is similar to Schneider Electric — both French firms, founded in the 19th century, took up electrics only after the Second World War. In Russia, the brand «lit up» back in Soviet times, during the construction of the Cosmos Hotel, but now it has its own production in Ulyanovsk — this is where the sockets we are interested in are produced.

What can be said about them? A lot of them. No, even a LOT — it will take a long time to sort through the series, and it will not be difficult to choose an outlet or switch that fits the design of the apartment. Moreover, some designs immediately make it clear where the “legs grow from” — well, who, except for the French, could come up with such colors? But on the other hand, there are also really interesting solutions — for example, in Celiane sockets, the company uses a recessed front panel (patented by Legrand), they are very easy to clean — after all, when the plug is pulled out, the socket becomes almost flat. For the Etika series, we note the ease of installation and a durable polycarbonate case, for Galea Life — the use of natural materials. In general, choose to your taste — but also save money, not without it.

Another European giant, known to us since imperial times — in fact, the then company «Siemens and Halske» stood at the origins of Russian electrification as such. So when repairing old houses, the installation of Siemens sockets and switches will even have a certain touch of historicity.

In addition, they are undoubtedly of high quality and beautiful — natural wood trim, brushed metal or tempered glass. There are not so many designs, but among them there were no frankly loud ones, “for a big fan”. Why wasn’t there? Because with the release of the Delta miro Artist series, designed by Tom Hoffmann in the style of pop art, Siemens surpassed even Legrand, although, it would seem, where are the stiff burghers from Siemens, and where are the French?

However, the “lower” lines of Siemens sockets and switches, although inexpensive, to be honest, are not particularly impressive, especially with the abundance of ABS plastic. «Designer» series, however, still lose in competition with Legrand — so the Germans will have to stand behind the French in the ranking.

The German company GIRA has been keeping its history since 1905. The company offers a wide range of electrical installations of modern design, manufactured at a plant located in the German town of Radeformwald. Representative offices of GIRA are open in 39 countries, and the development of the Russian market began in 2000. The range includes classic switches, touch dimmer switches, thermostatic switches, classic sockets, as well as all information and communication sockets.

The company has repeatedly been awarded international design awards. A clear example of GIRA’s versatile approach to the aspirations of consumers is the absolutely diverse series Standard 55 and ClassiX. If the first is accessibility, reliability and minimalist design, then the second is an example of elegance and advanced technologies that can satisfy the most demanding consumers.

The Berker family business, founded by the Berker brothers in 1919, is now a large plant in Schalksmühle, Germany, where all products are designed and manufactured. The range of the company cannot boast of a rich design, but German strength and durability are the basis of each product. The popular Berker S.1 series is for those who prefer a strict appearance, standard functionality, and simplicity. Series B.3, on the contrary, is for those who like bold decisions. Various options for mechanisms, inserts, frames allow you to assemble any design in contrasting colors. The use of anodized aluminum in the series will certainly emphasize the individuality of the interior of both office and residential premises. The Berker B.7 series already features glass and stainless steel elements, and the multiple frames can accommodate up to five different movements. For their reliability, Berker products have been chosen by the Hager concern for the implementation of the Smart Home project — SMART HOUSElive.

We have long developed a very peculiar attitude towards Belarusian goods — whatever one may say, but the «island of socialism» as it is. As for the sockets and switches of the Minsk Svetopribor, which are sold under the Bylectrica brand, we admit that this is a good budget choice for a rarely switched load of moderate power. For example, if the socket is placed in order to connect the same TV to it and forget it. USB sockets, LAN sockets are also quite high quality and inexpensive.

With a powerful load or one that is often disconnected, you should be more careful — after all, the contacts of Belarusian sockets do not have the best spark protection, and they loosen faster than we would like. But this is a common problem for many budget sockets and switches, and “father’s” sockets at a price of around one and a half Belarusian rubles (and we will be priced as lucky) against the background of the “Chinese” and “Turks” actually look good.

Back in Soviet times, cooperation in the production of electrical installation products with the associations of the blind became traditional, and Kuntsevo-Electro works similarly to this day. Well, let’s say — a socket made by touch is better than made by eye. At the very least, inexpensive and outwardly simple Moscow sockets and switches are really suitable for use as low-responsibility, installed in places that are not particularly conspicuous.

But still, we note specific disadvantages. For example, the use of screws for a flat slot (Valentina series) — you must admit, this is not serious.