Manufacturing processes for most electrical components haven’t changed much in the last century. Most manufacturers still use manual assembly and simple machinery. The costs of implementing them almost entirely negate the benefits of using computer-aided manufacturing with more efficient production methods, so most manufacturers stick to what they know.
This has resulted in a lot of low-quality products on the market today, especially when it comes to affordable components such as switches and outlets. Although these are small and inexpensive, they have an important role to play in your home’s safety system, so you need to make sure you’re getting the best deal possible.
If you’re shopping for a high-quality electric switch, here are some things you should keep in mind:
1. Check the Material Quality
Some switches are made entirely of plastic, which means they won’t last very long and will eventually burn out. Although there are some plastic components that can withstand a lot of wear and tear without breaking down, switches aren’t one of them. If you want a switch that will last longer than you do, make sure it’s made from metal. It doesn’t matter what material it is as long as it isn’t plastic.
2. Check the Coating Quality
Most switch manufacturers use a coating that prevents oxidation to help keep their products looking new for longer periods of time. Some coats are better than others, and some can even protect the switch for months or years. A good quality coating will protect the switch from external wear, damage, and corrosion during its use, reducing the need for frequent replacement.
3. Check the Spring Quality
Spring is a mechanical component that helps keep a switch’s moving parts in place and prevent them from overheating or wearing out too quickly. A high-quality spring will be constructed from high-grade materials with careful attention paid to its diameter, crossbeam size, thickness and durability. Cheap springs will break after only a few uses or fall out of place due to their low-quality construction.
4. Check the Body Quality
Some switches are made of high-quality thermoplastic materials, a combination of plastic and metal that’s great for durability and cost-efficiency. If you’re planning on living in your home for a long time you should look for switches that are made from this material so they can withstand up to years of consistent use without needing replacement.
5. Check the Terminal’s Quality
You can tell most high-quality switches by their gold or silver terminals, which are very hard and durable compared to other materials like copper. The more expensive the switch is, the better it will be in terms of terminal quality.
6. Check the Number of Switches
In most homes, there will only be one or two switches, but some manufacturers offer triple or even quadruple switches that can control up to four lights or appliances at once. This is great for things like lighting systems, water heaters, and other large appliances that need a lot of power to operate.
If you’re planning on upgrading your electrical system and don’t have a lot of experience with home improvement, it might be better to pay a professional to do the job for you. It’s easier to make mistakes when you’re installing electronic parts, especially if they’re more powerful than what you’re used to.