How we supply it: Switches, sockets and boxes are arranged through a partner electrical dealer who quotes, supplies and bills them and pays us a referral commission. Boxes go in with the conduits before plastering, and modules and plates come after painting.
In one line: Modular switches and sockets are snap-in switching units of standard module widths, mounted on a grid plate inside a concealed box and finished with a cover plate.
6 A or 16 A?
| Point | 6 A | 16 A |
|---|---|---|
| Load at 230 V | Up to about 1,380 W | Up to about 3,680 W |
| Socket pins | Smaller, closer | Thicker, wider spaced |
| Typical loads | Lights, fans, TV, chargers, small appliances | Geyser, AC, oven, induction cooktop |
| Circuit wire (typical) | 1–2.5 sq mm | 2.5–4 sq mm |
What modular means
Modular switches and sockets are snap-in switching units of standard module widths, mounted on a grid plate inside a concealed box and finished with a cover plate. Switches are covered by IS 3854 and plugs and sockets by IS 1293.
Each unit takes one or more modules on the plate. Count the modules per board before ordering boxes and plates.
Units you can put on a board
| Unit | Typical modules | Use |
|---|---|---|
| 6 A switch | 1 | Lights and fans |
| 16 A switch | 1–2 | Heavy-load points |
| 6 A socket (3-pin) | 2–3 | General appliances |
| 16 A or combined 6/16 A socket | 2–3 | Heavy appliances |
| Fan regulator | 1–2 | Ceiling fans (step or electronic) |
| USB charging socket | 1–2 | Bedside, study |
Planning points per room
- Switchboards commonly about 1.2 m above the finished floor, on the latch side of the door
- General sockets commonly about 300 mm above the floor; kitchen sockets above the counter
- Bedside switches for lights and fan on both sides of the bed
- A 16 A point placed high on the wall for each AC, and one near the geyser
- More sockets than you think: extension boards are where overloads start
Checks on switches and sockets
- Look for IS 3854 on switches, IS 1293 on sockets, the ISI mark and the current rating.
- Switch action should be crisp, with no wobble in the module.
- Sockets should be shuttered and grip a plug firmly.
- Concealed boxes should be galvanised steel, fixed level and flush with the plaster line.
- Before plates go on, have every point tested for polarity and earth.
Fitting sequence and storage
- Fix boxes with the conduits before plastering; fit modules and plates after painting.
- Keep modules boxed until then; paint inside a switch ruins it.
- Store units by type and rating in labelled bins.
Switch and socket mistakes
- A geyser or AC on a 6 A socket through an adapter.
- Too few sockets, followed by extension boards everywhere.
- Boxes fixed crooked or too deep before plastering.
- Sockets without an earth connection.
- Switchboards hidden behind a door's swing.