2-gang DP switch

[JohnW2]

Hi folks,

I realise that it can easily be done with grid/click modules, but is anyone aware of an available 2-gang DP plate switch?

I'm aware of the theoretical existence of the MK K4868, but a quick look seems to suggest that no-one actually sells them - even those who list them seem to indicate that they are 'out of stock' or 'not currently available'.

Kind Regards, John

 

[plugwash]

I've got the impression that many of MK's weirder products have been disappearing from the market since the honeywell takeover.

Is there a reason you are trying to avoid a modular solution?

 

[JohnW2]

I've got the impression that many of MK's weirder products have been disappearing from the market since the honeywell takeover.

I think you're probably right.

Is there a reason you are trying to avoid a modular solution?

No, not really (other than, I suppose, if such a product were available it might possibly work out a little cheaper!) - it was more a matter of curiosity, since I was a little surprised that I couldn't find one when I looked!

 

[ETAF]

i just recently purchased 2x 20A DP grid switch from TLC and i thought cheaper than other places - BUT still expensive i guess
as you probably already know
TLC - worked out a liot cheaper than Screwfix, toolstation and CEF
20A DP Grid Switch - Nexus - White - NEW BGR30
plate and frame BGR82 , BGRFR12
£7.21
then for covers with markings on - ie washing machine and dryer - which i got 50p each

 

[Murdochcat]

Avoid click grid modules and use MK grid modules is my advice - the metal grid plates make them far more robust

 

[JohnW2]

Avoid click grid modules and use MK grid modules is my advice - the metal grid plates make them far more robust

For what it's worth, I've always used MK, but probably more because of habit than anything else. A lot of people seem to be happy with the Click system.

 

[JohnW2]

i just recently purchased 2x 20A DP grid switch from TLC and i thought cheaper than other places - BUT still expensive i guess
as you probably already know

That was my point. As I wrote, it can easily be done with grid modules, and that's what I will undoubtedly do - but, as I said, if a 2-gang DP plate switch existed (and was 'buyable') that might possibly have been a bit cheaper than grid switches plus the bits that go with them!

 

[plugwash]

the Click system.

Note that scholmore click have three different and incompatible grid systems, "minigrid", "gridpro" and "new media".

I've used minigrid a few times and it has some nice points.

* High module density, you can get up to 3 modules on a standard single box or 6 on a standard double box.
* Light switches are modular as standard and sold at prices comptetive with other brands of light switch. This is often very helpful when you want something that is mostly a standard light switch, but with one unusual module in it.
* No fiddly grid/yoke on single-row boxes (particularly on surface boxes I find MK grid plus grids can be a pain, I haven't tried the multi-row minigrid assemblies).
* 32A DP switches are available (though they are two modules wide)
* 3 pole fan isolators are available (though they are two modules wire)

And some not so good points.

* The flex outlet I bought had splits in the plastic of the cord grip as if screws had been forced through holes that were too small. The cord grip worked fine, but it doesn't seem the worlds best design/manufacturing (I've only ever bought one flex outlet, so I don't know if this is a batch-specific issue or if they are all like this).
* Removing the blanking plug from the flex outlet was very difficult (I stabbed myself with a screwdriver in the process )
* The data on terminal capacities and box depths is a complete work of fiction.
* Single module DP switches are only rated at 10X/13A resistive. The two module wide 20A and 32A modules also seem to lack an X rating.
* One of the 13A DP switches I bought was defective with the clip that attached the switch rocker to the module body being broken.

Overally, I would use it again for "lightswitch" type applications, I would probably avoid it for "power" applications unless I really needed one if it's unique features.

"gridpro" seems to be disigned to complete more directly with grid plus (though like minigrid the single row plates are gridless) with somewhat larger modules than minigrid. I haven't tried it personally.

"new media" is Scholmores brand for thier "Euro modules". I haven't tried it personally either, though I have tried other makes of Euro module.

might possibly have been a bit cheaper than grid switches plus the bits that go with them!

Click4electrics list the minigrid 13A DP switch at £1.94+VAT and the 2G plate at £0.58+VAT. For comparision Denmans list the MK K4868WHI (out of stock) at £10.32+VAT

 

[JohnW2]

Note that scholmore click have three different and incompatible grid systems, "minigrid", "gridpro" and "new media".

Thanks for the explanations.

I've used minigrid a few times and it has some nice points.

So have I, and have had no real problems with it (but no experience at all of the other two systems).

Click4electrics list the minigrid 13A DP switch at £1.94+VAT and the 2G plate at £0.58+VAT. For comparision Denmans list the MK K4868WHI (out of stock) at £10.32+VAT

So much for my speculation (about possible price differentials), then As I said the MK K4868 seems to be either not offered or 'out-of-stock' everywhere I've looked - so it may well no longer be a viable alternative (to some modular approach), anyway!

Kind Regards, John