Benefits of single grid switch?

[Newbie90]

Hi all,

Is there a benefit to using a grid switch if its only a 1 gang switch?

Fair enough if you require a 3 or 4 gang grid switch but not if its only a 1 gang.

I recently worked in a low risk mental health unit which used these. The building is fairly old so is this what was generally used then or would a metal plate be classed as "safer" incase a patient tried smashing the switch?

Thanks

 

[Richard Burns]

A single grid switch may not be very useful unless you are trying to match the rest of the switches or are likely to change the switching often.

 

[Brightspark2]

It can be easily altered in future to make it a double. Just like the job I'm on now adding emergency lights into the circuit so I only have to change the grid plate and front to accommodate the test switch.

 

[craig1000]

Really all depends on the individual situation. Easier to adapt if altered and also easier to remove for decorating in a safer manner IMO

 

[Newbie90]

Makes sense

 

[decolad69]

Grid switches are more robust than your domestic plate switch.

 

[R G]

Usually find they are more robust and rated 10AX .

 

[Adam W]

Somebody once told me they have silver contacts, which last a lot longer, ie better suited to the environment.
Also as mentioned they're likely to match the rest of the installation.

 

[R G]

Deffo the thing to use , to use in the commercial field , especially with flories etc , with the collapse of the circuit , thats the man reason their are 10 AX

 

[GLENNSPARK]

another thing here with grid switches...
be sure to note if theres supplies coming from more that one source

 

[telectrix]

another big advantage is that the grid switches can be double pole and 20A.

 

[Silly Sausage]

The only trouble with them is you can lose the 'cover', still works, obviously!
Then they're a low code. Got a pic of one somewhere.

 

[MDJ]

Hi all,

Is there a benefit to using a grid switch if its only a 1 gang switch?

Fair enough if you require a 3 or 4 gang grid switch but not if its only a 1 gang.

I recently worked in a low risk mental health unit which used these. The building is fairly old so is this what was generally used then or would a metal plate be classed as "safer" incase a patient tried smashing the switch?

Thanks

An electrician would know this, think current rating????

 

[VoltzElectrical]

An electrician would know this, think current rating????

a bit harsh. Not all sparks TBH. A good question, and I learned something, as will others.

 

[GLENNSPARK]

a bit harsh. Not all sparks TBH. A good question, and I learned something, as will others.

indeed not...and thats the prob methinks in here

 

[MDJ]

a bit Harsh.

I don,t think so

 

[Adam W]

I would imagine the old-skool domestic electricians, not these new-fangled 5 week DIs who haven't got a clue but proper electricians who just do domestic work, would rarely use grid switches, especially single gang ones.

Back when I was a 'mate' I was fitting a single gang grid switch and did everything up 'nice and tight'. Tightened up the yoke so I had difficulty getting the plate screws on. Did those up 'nice and tight' and cracked the faceplate. I learned a valuable lesson so not a total loss.