9 best manufacturers of sockets and switches

"Schneider" sockets and switches - this is 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 they are far from the electricians, but the same Jules Verne was once read. The fact is that for more than a hundred years, from 1836 until the end of the Second World War, she produced weapons - right up to artillery, Schneider guns were also in service in the Russian Empire.

Later, the company “changed the qualifications”, which was reflected in the name, and took it so actively that the Brussels Commission had to intervene, which prevented the absorption of another hero of our current rating of the best manufacturers of sockets and switches - Legrand. In Russia, too, there are its own enterprises, and those 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 Ekaterinburg factory of the company.

There is something to offer the company - from extremely low-cost outlets and switches cheaper than 100 rubles to "biting". What would the author personally advise? Perhaps the Unica and Unica NEW series - a large selection of designs, the reliability of contacts, high-quality protective curtains. Modular USB sockets in it, by the way, also exist - we still live in a time when this power standard is in demand no less than the classic 220 V. Of course, their design is boring ... But then look, let's say, at the Merten series Antique or Merten Artec: there are a lot of designs, and versions - up to special sockets for electric shavers.

But let us warn you right away - if you are looking for a “budget”, and even under a frequently switched powerful load like irons, then you better look in the direction of ABB.

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

In many ways, the history of Legrand is similar to Schneider Electric - both French companies, founded in the 19th century, were engaged in electrician only after World War II. In Russia, the brand "lit up" in Soviet times, during the construction of the hotel "Cosmos", but now it has its own production in Ulyanovsk - just there and produced sockets of interest to us.

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

Another European giant, we have known since imperial times - in fact, the then Siemens and Galske society stood at the origins of Russian electrification as such. So when repairing old-built houses in the installation of Siemens sockets and switches, there will even be a certain shade of historicity.

In addition, they are undoubtedly of high quality and beautiful - natural wood trim, the use of brushed metal or tempered glass. There are not so many designs, but among them there were not frankly noisy ones, “for the big fan”. Why not? Because with the release of a series of Delta miro Artist, designed by Tom Hoffmann in the style of pop art, Siemens bypassed even Legrand, although it would seem, where the prim burghers from Siemens, and where are the French?

However, the "lower" line of sockets and switches Siemens, although inexpensive, to be honest, not particularly impressive, especially the abundance of ABS plastic. "Designer" series in the competition with Legrand still lose - so the Germans will have to stand in the ranking behind the French.

The German company GIRA has been a chronicle since 1905. The company offers a wide range of electrical installations of modern design, produced at a factory located in the German town of Radevormwald. Representative offices of GIRA are open in 39 countries, and the development of the Russian market was launched in 2000. The range includes classic switches, sensor dimmer switches, thermostatic switches, classic sockets, as well as all information and communication sockets.

The company has repeatedly been awarded international awards for design solutions. A vivid example of the versatile approach of the company GIRA to the aspirations of consumers - this is absolutely diverse series Standart 55 and ClassiX. If the first is accessibility, reliability and minimalist design, then the second is a sample of grace and advanced technologies that can satisfy the most demanding consumers.

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

For a long time already, a very peculiar attitude to Belarusian goods has been formed - whatever one may say, but the “island of socialism” as it is. As specifically to the sockets and switches of the Minsk “Svetopribor”, which are sold under the brand Bylectrica, we recognize that this is a good budget choice for a rarely switched load of moderate power. For example, if the socket is put in order to connect the same TV to it and forget. USB sockets, LAN sockets are also quite high quality and inexpensive.

With a powerful load or often disconnected it is worth being careful - after all, contacts of Belarusian outlets are not the best spark protection, and they loosen faster than we would like. But this is a common problem of many low-end sockets and switches, and the “flush” sockets cost around one and a half Belarusian rubles (and we will pay a little as lucky) against the background of “Chinese” and “Turks” that actually look good.

Back in Soviet times, the cooperation of the production of wiring accessories with the societies of the blind has become traditional, and Kuntsevo-Electro has operated similarly to this day. Well, let's say - the socket, made to the touch, it is better than made by eye. At least, inexpensive and unpretentious externally Moscow sockets and switches are really suitable for use as low-responsive, installed in places that are not particularly conspicuous.

But nevertheless we will note also specific minuses. For example, the use of screws under the flat slot (series "Valentine") - agree, this is not serious.