Quick answer: UK homes use a handful of common switch and socket types. Switches: 1-way and 2-way light switches, intermediate switches (for 3+ control points), dimmers, and double pole isolators for fixed appliances. Sockets: the standard 13A BS 1363 socket (single or double), USB-A and USB-C sockets, switched fused spurs, and special types like shaver, cooker and data sockets. Pick by the job, the rating, and the finish.
Switches and sockets are the bits of a house nobody notices until they pick the wrong one. This is a plain-English run through the types you will actually meet in UK homes and hotels, using UK terms and UK standards (BS 1363 for sockets, BS EN 60669 for switches), not American ones.
Types of light switch
- 1-way switch: the basic switch, controls a light from one place. Most rooms.
- 2-way switch: controls one light from two places, such as the top and bottom of stairs. You need a 2-way switch at each end.
- Intermediate switch: sits in the middle of a 2-way circuit so you can add a third or fourth control point, for example a long hallway. See intermediate switches.
- Dimmer switch: varies brightness. Check it is rated for LED if you run LED lamps. See dimmer switches.
- Double pole (DP) switch: breaks live and neutral together for full isolation of a fixed appliance. Standard on cookers, showers and immersion heaters. Read the double pole switch guide.
Browse the full light switches range, or compare ranges in our BG Nexus vs Evolve guide.
Types of socket
- 13A socket (BS 1363): the standard UK 3-pin socket, single or double, switched or unswitched. The everyday workhorse. See double sockets.
- USB socket: a 13A socket with USB-A and/or USB-C built in, so phones and tablets charge without a plug-top adaptor. See USB sockets and our USB-A vs USB-C guide.
- Switched fused spur (FCU): a fused connection unit for fixed appliances like towel rails, boilers and extractor fans. See fused connection units and the fused spur vs plug socket guide.
- Cooker socket and switch: a 45A double pole control unit for ovens and hobs, often with a 13A socket built in. See cooker switches and sockets.
- Shaver socket: a dual-voltage 115/230V socket with an isolating transformer, the only socket allowed near a bathroom basin (sited correctly per the zones).
- Data, TV and telephone sockets: for structured wiring, aerials and networks.
Protection: RCD, RCBO and AFDD (the UK terms)
You will not find "GFCI" or "AFCI" on a UK board, those are American. The UK equivalents live in the consumer unit, not the socket:
- RCD (residual current device): trips on an earth fault to protect against electric shock. Required on most socket and circuit types under BS 7671.
- RCBO: an RCD and MCB combined, protecting one circuit for both overload and earth fault.
- AFDD (arc fault detection device): detects dangerous arcing that can start fires, increasingly recommended for higher-risk premises such as HMOs.
In a bathroom, the socket and switch you can use depends on the zone. Our BS 7671 bathroom zones guide shows what goes where, and IP ratings explained covers the splash protection you need.
Choosing a finish
Once the type and rating are sorted, the look is down to the range. White moulded is the budget standard; metal plates (brushed steel, polished chrome, black nickel, matt black) suit kitchens, hotels and design-led rooms. For fully bespoke kitchens and utility rooms, our custom engraved grid switches let you label every circuit (BOILER, FAN, COOKER) on one plate.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a 1-way and 2-way switch?
A 1-way switch controls a light from one position. A 2-way switch controls the same light from two positions, like both ends of a staircase, using a switch at each end.
What is a switched socket?
A 13A socket with a built-in switch so you can turn the power off without unplugging. Standard across UK homes and the safer default for kitchen appliances.
What does double pole mean on a socket or switch?
It breaks both the live and the neutral together, fully isolating the appliance. Used for fixed, high-power equipment like cookers and showers.
Which sockets are allowed in a bathroom?
Only a shaver socket to BS EN 61558, correctly sited outside the wet zones. Standard 13A sockets are not permitted in bathrooms under BS 7671 unless 3m from a bath or shower.
Shop switches and sockets
- Light switches — 1-way, 2-way, intermediate, dimmer
- Sockets — 13A single, double, USB, data
- Fused connection units
- Cooker switches and sockets
- Custom engraved grid switches
All genuine British General, UK stock, trade pricing. Read the switches and sockets buying guide or open a trade account for project pricing.
