Sockets, switches and frames: how to design a cohesive electrical range

Short Answer

Flush-mounted electrical accessories consist of two parts: the mechanism (a socket or switch with a mounting frame/support) and a decorative cover plate. Because mounting dimensions, clips, and the geometry of the frame window vary by manufacturer and even between different product lines, the mechanism and the frame must belong to the same series from the same brand. An AtlasDesign frame will not fit a Valena mechanism, and vice versa—"almost fits" in this context means visible gaps, misalignment, or a faceplate that is not securely fastened.

What is a series and why you cannot "mix" them

A series is a manufacturer's design platform: it features a unified mounting support, a consistent frame attachment system (clips or screws), and a shared range of colours and textures. Within a single series, components are interchangeable: any mechanism can fit into any position of a multi-gang frame. There is no compatibility between different series, even within the same brand: for example, Legrand's Valena, Etika, Inspiria, and Celiane are four distinct platforms with different frames.

Notable series available in the catalogue include:

• AtlasDesign — offers a wide palette of colours for mechanisms and frames (basalt, carbon, champagne, emerald, aquamarine, etc.), including Air and Antique frame lines, and the AtlasDesign PROFI outdoor range rated to IP54. The brand also offers the Glossa series.
• Budget/Mid-range lines — featuring frames from 1 to 5 modules in colours such as anthracite or pearl.
• Legrand Valena — including Valena LIFE and Valena ALLURE lines with glass or marble-effect frames; as well as the Etika, Inspiria, and Celiane series.
• Premium designer ranges — offering high-end finishes and materials.
• Various designer collections — including multiple series such as Mira, Vesna, Rain, Karina, and Deriy.
• Makel Mimoza.
• Hegel — featuring the Master series (flush-mounted) and the Alpha series (surface-mounted, including IP44 rated versions with covers).

The catalogue also includes brands such as Simon, Schneider Electric, Legrand, and various mid-range and premium ranges. The selection rule is the same for all: once you have chosen a specific range, the entire order (mechanisms, frames, and covers) must be sourced from that same range to ensure compatibility.

Sockets: earthing, shutters, and ingress protection

Basic parameters

The vast majority of domestic socket-outlets in the catalogue are rated at 16 A at a nominal voltage of 250 V — this is sufficient for loads up to 3.5 kW. You may encounter 10 A mechanisms: these should only be installed in locations where high-power appliances are strictly excluded. For circuits supplying washing machines, ovens, or water heaters, use only 16 A mechanisms — the rating is indicated on the mounting frame/support.

Earthing contact

A socket "with earthing" (2P+E, Schuko standard) features side earthing contacts. In accordance with HD 60364, circuit groups in residential buildings must be three-wire (phase, neutral, and protective conductor PE); therefore, for new installations or major renovations, sockets without an earthing contact should not be used. They remain in the range primarily for replacing outlets in older two-wire installations where the circuit is not being reconstructed.

Protective shutters

IP44 and above for wet and outdoor areas

Comparison of versions using a single product series

Three sockets from the same premium series—one platform, different protection levels:

Version	Earthing	Shutters	IP Rating	Application
Without earthing, without shutters	No	No	IP20	Replacement in old two-wire installations
With earthing	Yes	Optional	IP20	Living rooms, kitchens, offices — standard for three-wire circuits
With earthing and shutters	Yes	Yes	IP20	Homes with children, nurseries, and public institutions
With cover, IP44	Yes	Usually yes	IP44	Bathrooms, washrooms, storage rooms with piping
With cover, IP54	Yes	Usually yes	IP54	Outdoors, canopies, garages, unheated areas

Switches: single-point control or multi-location control

Standard switch

Two-way switch (circuit 6)

Intermediate switch (circuit 7)

Important for budgeting: two-way and intermediate mechanisms are significantly more expensive than standard switches, and double-gang intermediate mechanisms (two circuit 7 configurations in one unit) are the most expensive in the switch range. Include them in your specification during the lighting design stage: attempting to replace a standard switch with a two-way switch after plastering is complete would require pulling an additional conductor.

Frames: gangs, orientation, and material

Most frames are universal and can be installed either horizontally or vertically. Exceptions occur in designer ranges with asymmetrical profiles, where horizontal and vertical orientations may have different part numbers; please check the specific product page.

Typical selection errors

1. Mechanisms and frames from different series. The most common mistake when ordering additional items: a "matching white socket" from a different series will not fit into the existing frame. When purchasing, do not just match the colour; verify the series and the specific part number.
2. Mismatch between the number of modules and the number of frames. Counting sockets and switches but estimating the number of frames. Plan by blocks: each block consists of one frame with N modules and exactly N mechanisms (including blanking plates for spare spaces).
3. Using a standard switch where a two-way switch is required. Control schemes involving two or three locations must be finalised before purchasing: a two-way (intermediate) circuit requires a different mechanism and a different wiring layout (typically a three-core cable between points).
4. 10 A sockets on high-power appliance lines. A 10 A mechanism on a washing machine circuit will overheat. Use 16 A mechanisms for power circuits.
5. IP20 rating in wet areas. A socket without a cover and seal in a bathroom is a direct violation of requirements for enhanced locations. For wet zones, use IP44; for outdoor use, use IP54.
6. Insufficient back-box depth. Certain mechanisms (especially those with USB ports or thermostats) require a flush-mounted box with a depth of 45 mm or more. According to the "minimum installation box depth" attribute, 45 mm is the most common requirement in the socket category. Standard 40–42 mm back-boxes may not accommodate all mechanisms.
7. Colour variations between batches and ranges. "White" differs in shade between different series and even between different ranges within the same series. Ensure all visible plastic in a single room is ordered from the same series, ideally in a single delivery.

Selection procedure: quick checklist

1. Select a series: ensure it includes all required mechanisms (IP44 sockets, two-way and intermediate switches, TV/data sockets, dimmers) and frames for the required number of modules.
2. Calculate the blocks for each wall: determine how many modules will be under one frame, and whether the orientation is horizontal or vertical.
3. Finalise the lighting scheme: identify where standard switches are used, where two-way pairs are needed, and where intermediate switches are required.
4. For sockets: 16 A with earthing and shutters is the standard specification; IP44/IP54 with covers is required for wet and outdoor areas.
5. Write the specification: mechanisms + frames (by module count) + blanking plates + installation boxes of the correct depth. All items must belong to the same series.