[Decoration Guide] Self-purchased face switches and socket types explanation article teaches you to distinguish the terminology of switch faces

Unlike previous renovation methods, where one had to rely entirely on the renovation contractor to make decisions, many new homeowners/residents now purchase their own faceplates (or switch covers) and sockets, including light switches, AC switches, power switches, and socket outlets. Firstly, this allows them to select the styles and brands they prefer. Secondly, the pricing is relatively transparent, enabling them to decide on styles according to their own budgets, which significantly increases the flexibility of the renovation.

Glossary of Terms for Faceplates and Sockets: A Quick Guide

Whether it is a faceplate or a socket, there are many different types. Faceplates alone are categorized by current capacity, such as 4A, 16A, 20A, and 32A, while sockets are categorized into various styles such as switched, unswitched, round-pin, and flat-pin. These involve various technical terms. Below, we explain the meanings of some of these terms:

Name	Terminology	Usage
13A Socket	Socket/Outlet	Also referred to as a socket interface or plug outlet, used for plugging electrical equipment into wall power outlets for electricity supply
13A Single Socket	Single Socket
13A Double Socket	Double Socket
Blanking Plate	Blank/Cover Plate	Used to cover unused wall boxes that have already been opened
Two-way Switch	Two-way Light Switch	Controls the same light from two different locations
Double-pole Switch	DP Switch	Switches used for high-power electrical appliances, such as AC units, bathroom heaters, and water heaters
Circuit Breaker	MCB/Fuse	Protects circuits from faults like current overload or short circuits; typically installed inside the consumer unit
Consumer Unit / Distribution Board	MCB Box	Main electrical box where circuit breakers are installed

Practical Example: Creating a Shopping List for Faceplates and Sockets

Example: 800 sq. ft., 3-bedroom unit, Budget: HK$11,032

Item	Location	Quantity	Unit Price	Total
Light Switches / Faceplates
AvatarOn 16AX Switch with LED indicator White / 1-Gang / 1-Way	Balcony (1) Storage Room (1)	2	HK$47	HK$94
AvatarOn 16AX Switch with LED indicator White / 2-Gang / 1-Way	Guest Bath (1) Master Bath (1) Kitchen (1) Maid's Room (1) Hallway (1)	5	HK$66	HK$330
AvatarOn 16AX Switch with LED indicatorWhite / 3-Gang / 1-Way	Living Room (1) Dining Room (1)	2	HK$95	HK$190
AvatarOn 16AX Switch with LED indicator White / 2-Gang / 2-Way	Hallway (1) Master Room (3) Guest Room (2) Study (1)	7	HK$88	HK$616
AvatarOn 16AX Switch with LED indicator White / 4-Gang / 2-Way	Entrance (1)	1	HK$140	HK$140
AC / Water Heater / Exhaust Fan
AvatarOn 20A Double-Pole Switch with LED indicator White / 1-Gang	Guest Bath Water Heater (1) Master Bath Water Heater (1) Guest Bath Heater (1) Master Bath Water Heater (1)	4	HK$124	HK496
AvatarOn 13A Fused Connection Unit White / With LED indicator	Living Room AC (1) Dining Room AC (1) Master Room AC (1) Guest Room AC (1) Study AC (1) Guest Bath Fan (1) Master Bath Fan (1) Kitchen Fan (1)	8	HK$150	HK$1200
Sockets
AvatarOn 13A 2-Gang Switched Socket with Shutter & 21W Dual USB Charger White	Master Room (3) Guest Room (2) Study (2)	8	HK$615	HK$4920
AvatarOn 13A Socket with Shutter White / Unswitched / 1-Gang	Master Room (3) Guest Room (2) Study (2) Living Room (2) Dining Room (2) Master Bath (2) Guest Bath (2) Kitchen (2)	17	HK42	HK$714

AvatarOn 13A Socket with Safety Shutters
White Enamel White / Unswitched / Twin

Master Bedroom(2)
Guest Room(1)
Study(1)
Living Room(2)
Dining Room(1)
Kitchen(2)

9

HK$105

HK$945

TV

AvatarOn Single TV Antenna Socket
White Enamel White

Master Bedroom(1)
Guest Room(1)
Study(1)
Living Room(1)
Dining Room(1)

5

HK$92

HK$460

Network/Telephone

AvatarOn RJ45 Data Keystone Faceplate with Dust Shutter
White Enamel White / Cat6 / Single

Master Bedroom(1)
Guest Room(1)
Dining Room(1)

3

HK$150

HK$450

AvatarOn RJ45 Data Keystone Faceplate with Dust Shutter
White Enamel White / Cat6 / Twin

Study(1)
Living Room(1)

2

HK$176

HK$352

Others

AvatarOn Blanking Plate
White Enamel White / Single

Master Bedroom(1)
Guest Room(1)
Study(1)
Living Room(1)
Dining Room(1)

5

HK$25

HK$125

If you have any questions about purchasing faceplates or sockets, please feel free to contact a Linko Shop technical specialist via WhatsApp; click here to inquire.

FAQ

What do "Twin Socket" and "Single Socket" mean?

"Single socket" refers to a 13A single outlet, meaning there is only one plug slot in one position; "Twin socket" refers to a 13A twin outlet, meaning there are two plug slots in one position, making it convenient to plug in more than one electrical appliance simultaneously.

Why pay attention to whether a socket is "switched" or "unswitched"?

A "switched" socket comes with its own on/off switch, allowing you to cut off power directly without unplugging, which is convenient for appliances that are kept plugged in for a long time; an "unswitched" socket does not have this switch function and is purely for power supply. You can choose based on your usage habits and the type of appliance.

What is the difference between a two-way light switch and a standard light switch?

A two-way light switch allows you to control the same light from two different locations, such as the top and bottom of a staircase. A standard one-way switch can only control the light from a single location.

What are the circuit breakers (MCBs) in the distribution board for?

Circuit breakers (MCBs) are installed inside the distribution board (MCB box). Their main purpose is to protect the circuit from damage caused by current overload or short circuits. Once an abnormality is detected, the breaker will automatically trip to prevent fires or damage to appliances.

Roughly how much does it cost to choose my own faceplates and sockets for a renovation project?

This depends on the size of the unit and the brand/style chosen. Taking the 800 sq. ft. 3-bedroom unit in this article as an example, the total budget for faceplates and sockets is approximately HK$11,032. The actual amount will vary based on the number of rooms, the number of appliances, and the brand selection.