Geekzone: technology news, blogs, forums
Guest
Welcome Guest.
You haven't logged in yet. If you don't have an account you can register now.


MrLeggo

23 posts

Geek


#307082 18-Sep-2023 09:40
Send private message

Which low voltage brackets can I use with the PDL Iconic range?

 

 

 

 

We've moved into a new house and are doing gradual renovations. My first step is getting the internet working nicely and I'm installing ethernet ports around the house. We like the PDL Iconic range and plan to eventually replace switches and sockets to these.

 

So, I'm going to install a bunch of PDL Iconic 2 gang ports to match, but I can't figure out what mounting brackets I should use. I want to avoid screwing straight into Gib if possible.

 

 

 

These are the type of low voltage brackets that seem to be commonly used for 'regular' plates, and I'd like to use, but the Iconic range seem to be larger with a 84mm centre to centre screw holes. I don't seem to be able to find any that match, or websites just don't list the centre to centre size, so it would be big a gamble. 

 

 

 

 

Which leads me to the PDL bracket offerings, something like this could work, but has some challenges. It doesn't sit over the hole and flush with the Gib, so leaves exposed edges, but rather sits behind it. It doesn't clamp to the Gib, and it looks like it would have to be mounted to a stud (which most locations I can do, but is not ideal).

 

Would I even be able fit this through the plate hole (retro fit)?

 

How would I even attach it to the stud? Would I get away with screwing in at an angle?

 

 


View this topic in a long page with up to 500 replies per page Create new topic
 1 | 2 | 3
networkn
Networkn
32871 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 15463

ID Verified
Trusted
Lifetime subscriber

  #3128905 18-Sep-2023 09:47
Send private message

We are looking to replace our switches with these, following with interest. Don't supposed you know if there is a showroom in Auckland with the full range on display?




MrLeggo

23 posts

Geek


  #3128907 18-Sep-2023 09:54
Send private message

Sorry I have no idea! We've just seen them at friend's houses who have new builds. It's not something that Mitre 10 etc stock, so need to go through electric suppliers. Which is a whole other subject! 

I am looking for a trusted supplier too, if there any recommendations? 

Cory's seems a popular choice but I need to set up a trade account. 


Johnk
837 posts

Ultimate Geek
+1 received by user: 192

ID Verified
Trusted
Lifetime subscriber

  #3128910 18-Sep-2023 09:57
Send private message

There are a few options to use for fixing plates. 

 

I would recommend using a plastic flush box like below for any power points to give it some decent fixing and support.

 

 

 

 

Screwing in from an angle is no problem at all with these. 

 

The other options for fixing plates to the wall are as below. The plastic box has plastic brace pieces that clamp between the GIB and the box when plate is screwed tight. 

 

 

 

 

This one just rests on the gib and has small wings that also help clamp to the GIB when plate is tightened against it. 

 

 

 

 

This plate is generally for an open wall, can be fixed to timber with screws and or the small nail plates. It can also fit in behind the GIB and be used as a large clamp effectively to hold plate in place. 

 

 

 

 

 




trig42
5889 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 2094

ID Verified

  #3128911 18-Sep-2023 10:03
Send private message
LostBoyNZ
622 posts

Ultimate Geek
+1 received by user: 190


  #3128913 18-Sep-2023 10:08
Send private message

We have those in our place and while apologies that I can't help with the mounting question, I can say I'd recommend them. They look really nice and modern, and we haven't had any issues.

 

We've got a living / kitchen / dining area that's all one long room, and so there's light switches at either end. We've got push switches for those, and then rocker switches for the rest of the house.





Powershop referral: Get $150 of credit spread over 12 months with this link: https://secure.powershop.co.nz/r/grahamp-q8PwhBv?p=1827

 

---

 

Virtual Reality rentals for birthdays, gaming weekends, trade show booths, holidays, family gatherings & more

 

https://www.virtualrealityrental.co.nz/ - Including the Quest 3, Pimax Crystal Light, PlayStation 5 consoles and more...


MrLeggo

23 posts

Geek


  #3128944 18-Sep-2023 11:36
Send private message

It's just for ethernet ports at this stage, so doesn't have to be a full box, but I don't mind either. I'll look into some of those other options and see if they will fir that 84mm centre to centre spacing. 

 

I had looked at Electrical Direct I thought I might try them. 

 

 


 
 
 

Stream your favourite shows now on Apple TV (affiliate link).
SumnerBoy
2079 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 306

ID Verified
Lifetime subscriber

  #3128948 18-Sep-2023 11:42
Send private message

I just finished a new build and ended up bringing in all my Iconic wall plates, including all my GPOs, from MJS Electrical Supplies in Australia (https://www.mjselectricalsupplies.com.au/). They were LOADS cheaper than going thru my sparky and he was happy to use whatever I supplied him. Worth a look if you are buying a house lot, if just one or two the shipping won't make it worthwhile.


MadEngineer
4591 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 2570

Trusted

  #3128955 18-Sep-2023 12:06
Send private message

Are the walls gib lined or not? No gib then just direct mount flush boxes to the studs with square drive screws.





You're not on Atlantis anymore, Duncan Idaho.

billgates
4706 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 672

Trusted

  #3128957 18-Sep-2023 12:14
Send private message

Thanks @SummerBoy. We do get shafted big time here. Electrical Direct NZ Ltd ($NZD26.16) vs MJS Electrical (AUD$8.79) price difference for the same product. Do they remove Australian GST before they ship products overseas? 

 

 

 





Do whatever you want to do man.

  

SumnerBoy
2079 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 306

ID Verified
Lifetime subscriber

  #3128958 18-Sep-2023 12:18
Send private message

Yeah they don't include GST in their prices when shipping to NZ and I was lucky, never got hit with any import GST either.

 

My sparky was so impressed with the pricing they are considering using them!


nickb800
2735 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 829

Trusted

  #3128960 18-Sep-2023 12:20
Send private message

I've never had a problem with mounting screw spacing - seems to be pretty standard. I mounted my pdl iconic plates on a mix of PDL full boxes, Deta full boxes and Deta C-clip brackets. Bunnings has Deta 10-packs which is handy


 
 
 

Shop now on AliExpress (affiliate link).
Johnk
837 posts

Ultimate Geek
+1 received by user: 192

ID Verified
Trusted
Lifetime subscriber

  #3128969 18-Sep-2023 12:54
Send private message

billgates:

 

Thanks @SummerBoy. We do get shafted big time here. Electrical Direct NZ Ltd ($NZD26.16) vs MJS Electrical (AUD$8.79) price difference for the same product. Do they remove Australian GST before they ship products overseas? 

 

 

 

 

 

FYI
Any Electrician should be able to purchase a PDL395-VW, apply a healthy margin and still beat the price listed at Electrical Direct... :-) 

 

 

 

The "TRADE" Price for the outlets is $28.40 + GST in NZD at the wholesalers just FYI 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


mclean
584 posts

Ultimate Geek
+1 received by user: 182

Subscriber

  #3129063 18-Sep-2023 18:17
Send private message

The best thing with Iconic is the smart switches are pure Zigbee, and pair faultlessly with Home Assistant without needing a Wizer hub.  Even though Schneider won't actually admit it when you ask them. They're expensive for Zigbee switches, but they sure look nice if you're using the Iconic range in the house.


BadCo
109 posts

Master Geek
+1 received by user: 29


  #3129129 18-Sep-2023 20:48
Send private message

Johnk:

There are a few options to use for fixing plates. 


I would recommend using a plastic flush box like below for any power points to give it some decent fixing and support.



 


Screwing in from an angle is no problem at all with these. 


The other options for fixing plates to the wall are as below. The plastic box has plastic brace pieces that clamp between the GIB and the box when plate is screwed tight. 



 


This one just rests on the gib and has small wings that also help clamp to the GIB when plate is tightened against it. 



 


This plate is generally for an open wall, can be fixed to timber with screws and or the small nail plates. It can also fit in behind the GIB and be used as a large clamp effectively to hold plate in place. 



 


 



This is the only answer that matters, well put @JohnK

Just to reiterate, a flush box in New Zealand are a standard item and will generally fit any New Zealand outlets and switches. There may be the odd euro square style exception, but very uncommon.

networkn
Networkn
32871 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 15463

ID Verified
Trusted
Lifetime subscriber

  #3129201 18-Sep-2023 22:57
Send private message

mclean:

 

The best thing with Iconic is the smart switches are pure Zigbee, and pair faultlessly with Home Assistant without needing a Wizer hub.  Even though Schneider won't actually admit it when you ask them. They're expensive for Zigbee switches, but they sure look nice if you're using the Iconic range in the house.

 

 

 

 

@mclean Would you mind explaining this more? Do you have specific examples of the SKU's which are Zigbee? 

 

I am looking for a couple of push button stateless wifi enabled dimmer integrated light switches and not really having much luck. 

 

Maybe this could resolve that issue for me. 

 

 


 1 | 2 | 3
View this topic in a long page with up to 500 replies per page Create new topic








Geekzone Live »

Try automatic live updates from Geekzone directly in your browser, without refreshing the page, with Geekzone Live now.



Are you subscribed to our RSS feed? You can download the latest headlines and summaries from our stories directly to your computer or smartphone by using a feed reader.