Switchgear reccomendations for small reno

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RunningMan

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#324827 31-May-2026 10:33

Speccing switchgear - primarily just light switches and power points for a small reno.

Any recommendations or ones to avoid? I want robust/reliable, not going to yellow with sun, basic is fine.

PDL600 series used to be the goto - is this still the case?

lxsw20

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#3498956 31-May-2026 11:32

PDL Iconic seems to be the standard ive seen in most new builds. https://www.pdl.co.nz/featured-ranges-hub/iconic#Iconic

SirHumphreyAppleby

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#3498966 31-May-2026 12:49

PDL 600 is still my go-to and I wouldn't use anything else for highly visible or regularly used switches/sockets. I also use the Deta X7 range (600 series clone) for less frequently used sockets and el cheapo options in places where I don't see and appliances are permanently attached, such as for the dishwasher.

I don't like the look of Iconic at all.

EDIT: PDL has discontinued many of the 600 series parts unfortunately.

Lias

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#3498988 31-May-2026 19:37

PDL Iconic is godawful ugly if you ask me.

I just use basic the Deta 3000 series, I like the cleaner look over the X6, X7 etc.

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Radiotron

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#3498989 31-May-2026 19:44

I was recommended Chint after a PDL692 in a corner of the kitchen failed (their switch mechs aren't what they used to be). Plain styling, 3-4 years later, hasn't yellowed, switches are fine.

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MikeAqua

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#3499287 2-Jun-2026 09:06

We have PDL iconic (black) in the place we're in at the moment. Only three years old, so too soon to judge durability. Everything still looks new. My only issue is with the power + USB outlets. They have USB A and USB C sockets, which is great. However, the USB-C is under powered. Doesn't fast charge the phone, and can't power the charging dock for my phone and watch at all. Missed opportunity.

Mike

tweake

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#3499982 3-Jun-2026 20:20

i'm a fan of pdl or hpm for reliability. hpm used to have the edge reliability wise but rear clip in products drove me nuts. i've fixed a lot of hpm modules that have been pushed in. a lot of cheap brands wears out quickly. i've replaced some of the delta switches i put in within a few years, some with minimal use.

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nztim

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#3499986 3-Jun-2026 20:37

MikeAqua:

My only issue is with the power + USB outlets. They have USB A and USB C sockets, which is great. However, the USB-C is under powered. Doesn't fast charge the phone, and can't power the charging dock for my phone and watch at all. Missed opportunity.

There is a newer 30w single USB-C which is better than the original A+C

Still in 2026 30w is SFA considering that in the USA you can get in wall GAN that does 65w that can power a laptop

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Kickinbac

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#3500483 5-Jun-2026 09:55

PDL 600 has always been good quality and versatile. If you want something more fancy, pop into an electrical wholesaler as they have most options to look at.