You touch a switch board dozens of times a day, and it stays on your wall for years. The right choice depends on three things: what each point will power, how many devices fit on the board, and how the finish looks with your interiors. This page walks you through all three.

What Are Modular Switches and Sockets?

Modular switches and sockets are individual devices that snap into a common frame and are finished with a cover plate. Each device takes up a set width called a module, so you can combine switches, sockets, regulators and USB ports on one board and replace any single piece later without changing the whole board.

Which Switch or Socket Do You Need?

Pairing tips: choose a regulator that suits your fan type, especially for big ceiling fans in halls, and check that dimmers are compatible with your decorative LED lights for home, since not every LED fitting is dimmable.

Which Socket Rating Does Your Appliance Need?

Use a 6 A socket for small electronics and a 16 A socket for heating and heavy kitchen appliances. Plugging a high-load appliance into a 6 A socket through an adapter overheats the socket and wiring.

A hot and cool air conditioner runs through summer and winter, so give it a dedicated socket and circuit. Every socket is only as safe as what sits behind it: match the circuit wire to the socket rating using our guide to the best wire for house wiring, and protect each circuit with the right switchgear and protection.

How to Plan a Modular Switch Board

A modular switch board is planned in modules, not in the number of switches. Follow these steps for each board:

1. List every point: lights, fans, sockets, USB, bell or data points this board will control.
2. Pick each device: switch, socket rating, regulator or dimmer, as per the tables above.
3. Add up the modules: switches usually take one module; sockets and regulators often take two or more. Check the module size on each product, as it varies by range.
4. Choose the plate size: select the plate that fits your module total, and cover any unused space with blank modules.
5. Match box, frame and plate: use a mounting box and frame of the same module size and range as the plate.

Worked Example: A Bedroom Switch Board

Note: module sizes in this example are for illustration; always confirm them on the product page of your chosen range.

Mounting Boxes

Flush boxes sit inside the wall for concealed wiring and must be fixed before plastering. Surface boxes mount on the wall and suit renovations or wiring run through PVC cable trunking. In both cases, the box must match the module size of the plate.

Choosing Modular Switch Plate Covers

Modular switch plate covers decide how your board looks. In most modular ranges you can change the plate alone, as long as the new plate belongs to the same range and module size.

Planning ahead for automation? Leave space on key boards for smart home devices such as smart switches or touch panels.

Room-by-Room Switch Board Checklist

Setting up a utility area? If you plan to buy a washing machine online, fix the 16 A socket position before tiling so the machine sits close to both the tap and the drain.

Safety Checks Before You Buy

1. Look for the ISI mark on switches and sockets, and check the licence number in the BIS Care app.
2. Choose shuttered sockets in homes with children; the shutters block objects from entering the socket.
3. Match socket and plug ratings: a 16 A plug needs a 16 A socket.
4. Protect wet areas: kitchen, bathroom and utility circuits should sit behind an RCCB.
5. Tighten terminals properly during installation; loose connections cause heating and sparking.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Too few sockets: leads to multi-plug adapters and overloaded points.
• Using 6 A sockets for heavy appliances: causes overheating and melted sockets.
• Mixing ranges: plates, frames and devices from different ranges often do not fit together.
• No spare modules: leaves no space for a USB or smart switch later.
• Switches inside wet zones: keep bathroom switches outside the shower area.

Shop Sockets and Switches at MGCKART

MGCKART, by MK SR Electricals and Instrumentation Pvt Ltd, lists modular switches and sockets from Legrand (including the Allzy, Myrius NEXTGEN and Arteor ranges), Havells, Havells Crabtree and Lauritz Knudsen, alongside all electrical items for your project. Browse by product type:

• Modular switches, sockets and switch plates
• Fan regulators and dimmers
• USB sockets, data and AV accessories
• Door bells and chimes
• Weatherproof switches and hotel switches
• Mounting boxes and switch accessories
• Industrial plugs and sockets

Filter by brand, range, rating and colour to build a complete, matching board.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which socket is used for an AC?

A 16 A socket is common for most split ACs; larger models may need a 20 A or 25 A socket as specified by the manufacturer. The AC should have its own circuit.

What is the difference between a 6 A and a 16 A socket?

A 6 A socket is for low-load devices such as chargers and TVs. A 16 A socket is built for heavy appliances such as geysers, microwaves and washing machines.

Can I change only the switch plate cover?

Usually yes, if the new plate is from the same range and module size as your existing switches and frame.

How many modules do I need for a switch board?

Add up the modules of every device on the board, then choose the next plate size up and fill spare space with blank modules.

What is a two-way switch used for?

A two-way switch lets you control one light from two places, such as the top and bottom of a staircase.

Which switches are suitable for outdoor use?

Weatherproof switches and sockets, which are designed to resist water and dust.