Wall switches and sockets commonly found on the market and commonly used in life are generally divided into plastic, wood and metal switches, according to the material of the plate. Importers need to know the sales market’s preference for these three materials before planning a purchase, in addition to locating their own brand. Because the different material price points of switches and sockets are different, the degree of popularity in different markets is also different.

1. Understand the basic information of the three subjects

a. plastic chain

Plastic switch materials can also be divided into PC materials, PP materials, and ABS materials.

PC material is also called bulletproof rubber, which has high strength, strong impact resistance and strong anti-aging ability. Moreover, the surface of the PC board frame is smooth and delicate. It does not fade easily and is UV resistant. In addition, it has excellent high temperature resistance, the ignition point is over 850 degrees, and it turns off automatically within 20 seconds of leaving the fire source. However, the choice of PC material is to pay attention to the distinction between new materials and old materials. New material to make the finished product surface color and structural toughness bright, but the price is high. The finished product made from old materials is affordable, but the surface is yellow and broken.

PP is less expensive than PC but is less resistant to high temperatures and flame retardant. Other than that, it is about the same and will usually be used as an alternative in terms of price.

ABS is acrylic, and its processing process is more mature. It is a class of material used most in the early days of wall switches. It has good pigmentation and low price, but ABS has poor toughness, poor impact resistance, short life span, and cracks on the surface of the product after long-term use and surface yellowing. Secondly, and more importantly, the general ABS material does not meet the standard flame retardant requirements of 750 °C, and the flame retardant effect of ABS is more expensive than PC. Therefore, the switch now rarely uses ABS, unless it is a low-price positioning product, and the market has no obvious flame retardant requirements.

B. bakelite series

Bakelite is a non-toxic, odorless, hard, scratch-resistant thermoplastic that has good self-extinguishing, arc-resistant and electrically insulating properties. It has good self-extinguishing, arc resistance, electrical insulation and corrosion resistance, and is often used as panel frame and switchgear base material. The surface of the Bakelite series is relatively smooth to the touch, but after many years of use, there will be visible scratches and a strong ticklish sense of touch. The price of bakelite is generally between plastic and metal and is a traditional and classic material in the minds of many consumers.

c. metal chain

Metal wall switches and sockets have become popular in Europe and the USA in recent years. Most of the panels are made of iron, the surface is drawn or painted. The surface is electroplated and polished, with a variety of colors available, such as mirror brass and polished chrome, with black inserts or white inserts, for a more luxurious look and feel. The metal itself is stronger and will not break during installation even the screws are over-tightened. Over the long term, the metal is more durable and less prone to aging.

2. The difference between the three forms of appearance, price and age

a. The appearance

When looking at these three types of key materials from the outside, plastic is more flexible in appearance and can be designed in a more diversified way. If you choose high-quality plastic, the surface gloss and tactile feel will be excellent. Bakelite keys have a thicker feel and are less massive in design, but many classic models are made of Bakelite. On the other hand, metal panels are more suitable for high-quality atmospheric. Polished and electroplated surfaces are expensive, but attractive.

B. the price

Evaluate these three key shapes from the most intuitive price point of view. For the same configuration of British standard 13A socket with indicator lamp and two-pole switch, the price of bakelite is 30% higher than that of plastic, while the price of metal is 4-5 times higher than that of plastic plate. However, the price also depends on the customer’s brand positioning, with brands chosen in the low and medium range for plastic and wood. High-end brands when supplying the other two categories also sell metallic models to reflect the quality and to attract a higher consumer base.

c. the age

The life of a wall switch is mainly reflected in the number of times the button is pressed, the number of times the socket is plugged in and out, and the appearance of the panel frame and wear resistance. The quality of the button and socket holes is also related to the intermediate unit and the brass parts, so there is no reference. In terms of appearance and the abrasion resistance of the panel frame and base, plastic panel frames are prone to scratches and are less resistant to pressure and fire than bakelite. This metal seems to be stronger, and the overall compressive strength will be better than plastic and bakelite. Brushing process and fine surface finish can effectively achieve the effect of anti-corrosion.

3. Different demands in different British standard markets

British standard wrench refers to the straight three-way socket, which is mainly used in the United Kingdom, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and other Commonwealth markets. In addition to those well-known brands on the market, most of their supply categories contain all the materials, for some importers and small and medium retailers, corresponding to the sales market to choose materials and matching switch and socket patterns is very important.