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We have a exposed clay block wall for which the finishing of Hi-Fi brand of switches and panels is working well. Wanted to know feedback on this brand as we haven't heard of it earlier. Any body to help?
Any other brand that might have wood colored finishing?

Hi-Fi is a indian version of Modular switches for economy people similar to Cona, Roma....etc.

For good quality one, prefer brands like Legrand, Crabtree, Siemens, ABB. Nowadays even Philips and Wipro have come up with good quality Modular Switches and accessories.

msn1270, thanks for the reply.
I have been suggested to not go for modular as the costs are almost 4 times and one can get the same kind of look and quality from Anchor, Lisha etc..
I haven't heard anything really bad about hi-fi during my R&D visits, but still planning to stick with Lisha due to brand value.

Hi,
Hi-Fi switches are not modular they are semi modular with cap type.Most of the local switches has frequent problem of spark that emits when you switch it on.
It happens more frequently when a heavy load is connected ,you have various local branded(well tested by time) like lisha ,gold medal,cona, GM etc....
I heard about Hi-Fi many times but not sure about the quality.The only problem with local brand is the inconsistency in there quality from batch to batch.
Just make sure all the switches get it checked by your electrician during installation.In general the electrician never checks the switches and don't load more than one or two point per switch.

Regards
Ar.Praveen.N (Architect)
Ardes Architects and Interior Designers
ardesarchitects@yahoo.co.in

Thanks ardesarchitects ,Will keep this in mind and check the switches.
Have decided to go for Lisha.

Regarding spark coming from switches Have noticed this in Woods brand of modular switches as well in our current apartment. May be a one off? Some how paying 4 times the cost and living with looks that don't go with the house doesn't seem right.
By the by, are there any imported brands that are non-modular?

hi ntvid,

i feel you are misguided by the electrician/contractor. its not just about the cost you are paying(i.e. 4 times). You should not compare the outside look alone. You also need to look at the safety and the durability of the products you are buying.

As there is a saying, "If you through Peanuts, you will Get only monkeys". Like that, if you need better quality products, you must also shell more money. For example, you can get a double ball bearing 3 or 4 blade Ceiling fans even at Rs. 400 and also at Rs. 2,500. can we say, both have same quality and durability ?

Firstly in the local brands, they just put the ISI certificate whis is of absolutely no use. moreover many of the local brands uses the recycled Plastics and uses the low grade steel pins for the plugs which gets heated up after sometime and starts sparking due rustsing and high resistance. Also the plastic casing gets broken easily due to brittleness of the plastics.

If you go for the good quality one, they use premium plastics and silver coated Pins which never rusts. Thats why they confidently give lifetime warranty for their products. Also don't go by the MRP rates printed on the cover/box. thats only an indicative price. If you need better deal, visit the direct distributors/Stockists in BVK Iyengar Road, who give upto 40% or more discount on the MRP Rates depending on the Brands and Models(Legrand, Crabtee,...etc.).

Hmm, Thanks will keep this in mind.
Will either go with Lisha or with modular.