MK Essentials vs MK Logic Plus

[@sivoltage]

The essentials range is being recalled. High risk of fire when switching. BE AWARE

[@Graham_Langley]

Not recalled just withdrawn from sale, though a recall could follow.

[@andybarnard4575]

So they were designed for "smaller budgets" where the smaller budget includes rebuilding the house after it has burnt down....

[@dylandavies8106]

I'd buy any that's made in the UK 🇬🇧. It's time we supported UK businesses. Great video John as always.

[@StreuB1]

Absolutely!!! Enough of this globalism BS!!

[@PeterEdin]

I agree. If rather pay more for a quality UK product instead of relying on China for cheap and often dangerous products. I hope this Covid situation is a wake up call against China in any case.

[@ursusmaritimus7159]

Hmm. I'd take Merlin Gerin over any "UK" carp any day. Oh, they are now owned by Schieder UK. It's all gone to shit, much like tools have.

[@AMD1]

@@PeterEdin Unfortunately it won't. People will always choose cheep crap, because they want the lowest price. Why buy an HD television made in the UK for £999 when you could buy a Chinese TCL brand for £280?

[@kevvywevvywoo]

I try to buy the best, wherever they're made.We make some good stuff, Japan makes good stuff, let the market decide. In the past this has usually meant buying british. We made the best accessories at one time. MK & Crabtree were the best at one time. MK uk made stuff is still good and as JW has demonstrated, needn't be uncompetitive.

[@richardpaulhill]

The MK essentials look like cheap compromised crap to me... Amazed that MK would produce such rubbish.

[@echothehusky]

MKs quality has plummeted since they became part of Honeywell.

[@Graham_Langley]

Looks very much as if they've put their name on a pre-existing range. The inapplicable CE mark on the socket would seem to back this up.

[@n4thb4dc0]

@@Graham_Langley just what i was thinking, they have found a generic chinese manufactured range which is probably also sold by other manufacturers as well, ill stick to the loig plus, always used them and will continue to do so

[@millomweb]

Judging by the looks of the things, MK only makes the frame that covers the screws ;)

[@calmeilles]

@@Graham_Langley "China Export" quite applicable. :)

[@wulliest]

Who'd have guessed Honeywell would take a well known quality brand and stick it on some crap...

[@danielbradley1022]

They also have cut a fair amount of the finishes from the higher end products (edge, aspect etc).

[@tncorgi92]

They've done that with consumer appliances for a while. I bought a "Honeywell" electric fan some time back, it barely lasted a year, just long enough to be out of warranty.

[@raychambers3646]

@@tncorgi92 argh probably got a timer circuit in there somewhere Lol. Incidently I bought a Dualit kettle (£70) lasted 2 years ,got a slight discount on new one that played up to ! For work I bought a cheap travel kettle used to get chucked into van never let me down in 10 years .

[@SproutyPottedPlant]

Paul Drake yes Honeywell electric fans with remote control promise whisper quiet operation and then rattle after a year of use!

[@tncorgi92]

@@SproutyPottedPlant mine became whisper quiet because the motor was dead.

[@SME_Ste]

Looks like a so called top of the range brand making cheap rubbish to keep their sales up, appealing to the DIY market who love cheap. They look absolutley shocking!

[@classicmacintosh]

DIY'er here. I wouldn't touch these dreadful 'essentials' products with a ten foot pole. I'll stick to Logic Plus. Saving a few quid on mains electrical work is foolish and asking for trouble.

[@SeanBZA]

@@classicmacintosh Had the same, but even the top brand names are dropping the quality of the top teir stuff, making it fail soon. You know you have a problem when a 10 year old socket is better than the same range unit brand new.

[@SME_Ste]

@@classicmacintosh Good on you, like to hear it. Having been an electricain for quite a while, you'd be amazed at how many of or clients like to buy there own wiring accessories for uss to fit, usually rubbish. But you do it right from the sounds of it. Theres also a couple of other brands that piss all over even MK logic plus, better user benefits and lower costs.

[@dangruner5926]

@@classicmacintosh Someone with a brain cell. Nice to see! ;)

[@vikingofengland]

@@classicmacintosh Agree, I am one of those dreaded DIY'ers that the trades seem to hate I wouldn't go near them either. The logic stuff is OK though.

[@chrislaf2011]

The other aspect to note is that the Logic Plus range appears to have been conceived with major input from a product design specialist, who took care of the look, feel, and aesthetics. They have elegant curves and soft corners, especially to the switch itself, for example. And the material has a "weight" and "solidity" to it that says "quality". By contrast, the Essentials range products say "cheap" and "utilitarian". Given, as John says, the overall price difference is not even that huge, it seems obvious to me to choose quality, and at the same time protect British jobs!

[@petermichaelgreen]

I don't think i'd describe it as "utilitarian" when it has crap like the unnecessary two-peice design, the design that looks symmetric but isn't, and the impractically deep mechanism on the lightswitch. It's simply cheap crap that tries to by stylish but fails at both style and function.

[@observersnt]

I agree. Like most manufacturers and even large retailers, MK and other well established British manufacturers are having to deal with the deluge of cheaper imports and they do so with specifications that are inferior. It’s also the case that installers and, or customers are more interested in lower costs than the integrity of products. Obviously a large building company building numerous houses can make significant savings which either makes it more competitive or more profitable to use cheaper, inferior products. Sadly customers often have no scruples so cheapness rules Eventually these cheaper imports will put reputable manufacturers out of business and we will have to adapt to nothing other than inferiority. I’ve often wondered if we all chose good quality products, if the mass production of quality would reduce prices. There is something very satisfying , even enjoyable using MK and Crabtree products, even down to the quality of terminal screws inside them. One of the worst practices is that of otherwise reputable manufacturers allowing their names to be used to sell inferior products, they’re almost all at it. It’s wrong to ridicule “made in China,” like we used to decades ago with, made in Hong Kong” because China will manufacture to the specifications required by there customers. The Chinese make lots of outstanding stuff, but we are learning, too late, that those British manufacturers that have sold their souls to China have seriously undermined British manufacturers and industry for short term gain, and have ignored the human costs of cheap labour. Shameless business that we’re making huge profits in Britain have abandoned the people that made them wealthy and chosen to support foreign manufacturers for bigger profits with total disregard for long term human, political and military implications that sadly are now manifesting themselves on the world scene in 2022. Long live MK, it will be a sad day if we lose it

[@AndyFletcherX31]

When asked I've always recommended "anything MK" now I have to say "Anything MK except if it is labelled Essentials". I'm horrified by the light switch both for the depth and exposed terminal screw, that is only asking for trouble and puts safety backwards several decades.

[@dasy2k1]

I like the logic plus range. Those essentials ones look awful... If I can't get logic plus I will most likely switch to Schnider ones which are also very good

[@jamescollins6085]

@@dasy2k1 I've heard good things about Crabtree. Do you know if they're true?

[@professionalineverything]

​@@jamescollins6085 no, just no! Feels crazy cheap and is not worth it even if your life depends on it.

[@nicholaspratt7934]

A huge backward step for MK, I'll stick with Logic Plus. How did the Essentials pass quality control etc?

[@233kosta]

The right question is "What passes for quality control in the Chinese factory they get them from?"

[@MrPDawes]

Honeywell probably got rid of the MK design team and used Engineers in India who know nothing about electrical products to design a new range. They did this for a product I designed and did a complete bollock job of it.

[@interstat2222]

It’s not an MK product. OEM from a Chinese plug maker. Cannibalising MK’s own range. Must be worried about losing the budget market. Don’t think it’s a good move.

[@kevint3845]

Really good review, I’ll be giving the essential range a miss.

[@joinedupjon]

18:01 - just occurred to me that the removable blanking part in the front of the essential FCU is probably a choke hazard for toddlers as well.

[@johndododoe1411]

Blanking parts are removed by the installer and discarded with other dangerous waste. No toddlers should be in range unless playing in the waste disposal pit.

[@SeanBZA]

Screw holes in the corner for the dodgy DIY home wiring installer, you simply save on the expensive wall box, and screw them down to the drywall at 2 corners instead.

[@Graham_Langley]

I'd go with them being standard practice in the market this range was originally meant for.

[@vikingofengland]

I do DIY wiring and I wouldn't dream of doing that...

[@millomweb]

Well, what's the back box for anyway ?

[@DrQuadrivium]

What on Earth is a back box?

[@vikingofengland]

@@DrQuadrivium A box that goes at the back...

[@J0nny61]

In case you don't know, MK stands for Multi Kontact. I think this trade name was registered in the 1920's. MK and Crabtree were the best quality you could buy in the 70's and 80's. Nearly all commercial and industrial tenders required you to supply MK. Crabtree wiring accessories were a requirement for local councils and health authority tenders. Obviously times have changed since them.

[@kevvywevvywoo]

'multy' with a 'y'

[@callumrowley2203]

I'd say mk was the rolls Royce until the logic plus came in about 20 years ago. It's just ridden on its old reputation with high prices but crap quality. I bet an mk switch in the 80s will still work now. Can't see a logic plus lasting 10 years. I use click mode and sometimes hager.

[@raydavison2972]

Well, MK got the timing of the introduction of their Chinese made range completely wrong I think!

[@jason_ball]

Thanks John for doing this thorough review. I did a simple comparison a few months back and it was clear the Essentials range is not worth considering. It felt cheap and poorly made from every angle and most annoying was the gloss finish that is easily scratched which looks terrible. I would not be surprised if this range disappeared from the market soon. The longer it remains available the more damage it's doing to their quality brand.

[@JohnSmith-bv8ke]

The fact that the light switch doesn't quite fit into a 25mm back box shows how much thought has been put into the practicality of the design. But then, I suppose you can't see the screw heads so it doesn't really matter if your house burns down because you tried to squeeze this into existing wiring hardware. Is anyone is actually offended by screw heads, or is it just a problem that brands invented to keep themselves occupied? I'd always prefer them over that ugly seam around the faceplate.

[@RossMitchellsProfile]

Its probably so the load bearing plastic doesn't need to be as pretty, the front plate on these looks quite chewy compared to what you see in the like of Hager sockets where it's rock hard.

[@islandhopperstuart]

Thanks JW. I'm a DIYer and an electrician's son for whom MK was always the first choice for quality and reliability. To see the brand being conned by the corporate bean-counters to go down this route at the expense of both installers and customers is just shocking. What are they thinking? I had the displeasure of working for an old established company which came under Honeywell ownership and I can tell you now that they don't give a damn about anything other than turnover up and headcount down. Total short term attitude to running a business and to hell with traditional values. Then there's the standard 'Honeywell Operating System'. Don't get me started.... MK are you receiving? Listen to those of us who use and value your brand. Reject those instructing you to source from the Far East as we will reject this 'Poundshop crap' masquerading as top brand goods. And when you've acknowledged your serious error, as indeed you will eventually have to, then don't try the recover the situation by 're-branding' the Logic range or some other nonsense. Leave your quality and trusted designs alone and made in the UK where they should stay.

[@JasperJanssen]

When a brand is purchased by bean counters, they don’t get to decide whether or not to follow the directives from their owners. No conning necessary at all. Most likely anyone not installed by the overlords at MK will know exactly what’s happening. Doesn’t mean they can just ignore it.

[@siacadp]

Can you do a comparison between Crabtree Capital and their new line Instinct?

[@johnschlesinger2009]

What a shame that a company which has made quality accessories for so long is now putting its name to cheap, nasty stuff. And that a simple light switch won’t fit in a 25mm box is a bad joke.

[@m101ist]

Don't seem to bother them . Profit over quality, standard. 😳

[@lewis94uk]

Somebody at MK has messed up here, looks like cheap crap I can't see that selling well at all.

[@SeanBZA]

going to sell to the cowboy builders though, where they will buy it, simply because it is 10p cheaper. Who cares if they fail after 2 years, he is long gone by then, having made a whole 2 pounds extra profit on the job.

[@jaycee1980]

@@SeanBZA Thing is theres cheaper stuff that looks better, and is probably more reliable!

[@millomweb]

Well personally, I prefer poking wires into round holes rather than square ones.

[@petermichaelgreen]

Sadly it will probably sell to people who either don't know any better or whose customers specified MK but neglected to specify which range of MK products. In the long term it won't be good for the MK brand but in the meantime they can make a quick buck :(

[@mikeselectricstuff]

13A sockerts are standard in Hong Kong, so maybe these were originally designed for that market.

[@jon_273]

Yes or Malaysia, they use the same sockets and they are often polycarbonate with a clip on surround just like these

[@interstat2222]

I now believe these are not even made by MK, but a Chinese OEM (and the same one BG uses, so the quality is decent enough for the MK brand and guarantee). These plastics will scratch and discolour easily.

[@michaeltb1358]

UK sockets are also used in many countries in the Middle East and the old UK colonies in West Africa. But they usually don't follow UK wiring standards. And plugs often have no fuses. Lethal.

[@syaz4380]

We have something resembling MK Essentials, it's called "Slimline Plus" series in Malaysia

[@JohnnyX50]

The essentials line looks like it was more suitable for that wide trunking seen in offices, especially with the fused thing having a front exit for the wire and the bigger sticky out bit for the light switch.

[@raychambers3646]

I think your right there ,mk was top quality ,might have shot themselves in foot.Another thing with mk never could understand why they in grid pattern 1way,2way 6a/20a switches.why make not make just 20a 2 way?

[@Graham_Langley]

@@raychambers3646 And why no blanking plates with a curve top and bottom to match lightswitches?

[@raychambers3646]

@@Graham_Langley they also seem to do different thicknesses in there ranges,have been caught out with that .

[@leonblittle226]

The point of having MK fittings at a premium cost is to fit them so they either last a 20 year life cycle in average locations or over 5 years in a hard wearing location like a HMO rental/council flat type where they won't get looked after well. Can you imagine fitting somethhing with a removable clip on front and expecting it to make over 5 years........

[@JasperJanssen]

Wait what? Wearing out in 20 years in residential use is not only considered acceptable, but even premium? Oy vey.

[@jontownsend8090]

I won't be installing the Hoo Fung Yung MK specials any time soon. I have always used MK logic plus, and i like the build quality of their products. Those Essentials light switches are an appalling design.

[@barrysmith4588]

i am so glad i subscribed! these are the small details most of us would overlook...

[@coppice2778]

The MK Logic Plus range has had its own problems. In our home all the light switches with the big rocker option had to be replaced within 4 or 5 years. They used an unsuitable plastic for the rocker itself, which deformed and allowed the rocker to fall off. Polycarbonate is a strange material to use for a low cost product. Its super strong, but really expensive and hard to work with.

[@stembuzz6426]

Excellent video and channel which I recommend to my students and those that have started to follow my own channel. You have a very easy and professional learning style which people can’t help but learn from..

[@Graham_Langley]

That exposed common screw on the lightswitch is appalling. [Edit] And why the CE sticker on the socket? Anyone in the industry should know that CE marking doesn't apply to UK sockets etc.

[@frankowalker4662]

I wouldn't have anything to do with that Chinese light switch.

[@sephirothsoul999]

The words 'avoid' and 'cheap tat' spring to mind! Just hope the better MK products don't suddenly jump in price with the excuse 'if you'd like to save money, buy from our essentials range'.

[@markh5210]

The electrician who wired up my kitchen used crap sockets (not sure what make) of which 2 have failed. The failed ones were powering the oven and tumble drier which are high power, but still under 13A. It seems to be the switch that has failed as on one of them it won't move to the off position (no power is being supplied), on the other it provides power for a short period of time, to a heavy load, before cutting out. I suspect they installed CCS [Cheap Chinese S----] sockets, a light switch in the kitchen also failed, not under heavy load.

[@uiopuiop3472]

This made me appreciate Logic Plus even more

[@bumbles1584]

I'll just stick with the Hager Sollysta stuff

[@loosecannon5813]

I've only used the 'essentials' triple pole fan isolator and at £6.99(screwfix) a considerable saving of nearly £6 on the logic +version, exactly the same mechanism different white plastic. I'm actually very impressed.

[@leaturk11]

I'm surprised that MK put their name to the essentials range.

[@philipbennett2183]

Difficult to explain William, why would MK pass this shite off??

[@kevvywevvywoo]

I suspect Honeywell put MK's name to it. I doubt MK had much say in the matter

[@drcrusherdata]

the best MK wiring accessories were made in the 1960's.!

[@ashleygill5040]

You also need to take account of Patrice fixing screws, high risk of short with that proud screw on the essentials light switch.

[@fiddley]

I just got one of the Logic Plus light switches and found that the brass wire retaining screws were inserted cross threaded and have stripped upon first tightening. I came here looking to see if you answer how it's possible that the switch has already broken before the first use. I wasn't looking forward to a half hour video, but actually you nailed it at 3:53. Thank you!

[@interstat2222]

Logic Plus with the slick curve were launched in 1996. Everyone copied that look since then, but MK still have best switch action. Essentials looks like a thing for Asia and UAE. But… it’s actually good quality from a Chinese OEM (Kaifeng) which made BS1363 plugs for decades. I think they made Scolmore/Click and I can remember Scolmore plugs first appearing in the early 90s on GlenDimplex group products. Personally, you’d be better off going Crabtree which I keep finding cheaply and are just as good as MK (I really want to prefer MK but they don't make it easy these days). I always liked the Crabtree Capital series which are unchanged from late 80s and I don’t believe they look outdated. Very solid.

[@mistermartin82]

I can tell JW is a fan of the new range :)

[@Graham_Langley]

Thought I ought to point out that some Logic+ stuff is made in Malaysia - the double sockets with outboard switches for example.

[@jwflame]

Had an MK 646 plug that was made there. When wiring it, one of the terminals inside sheared completely off.

[@Graham_Langley]

And the double unswitched socket K781.

[@Graham_Langley]

@@jwflame I had one - country of manufacture unknown - that one of the cord grips broke off straight out of the bag. It had been in stock long enough not to know where it had come from so I called MK. Their response: "Buy another one - they're cheap enough."

[@stevecoatesdotnet]

I have a few Malaysian MK items. I was intrigued when I saw the 'Made in Malaysia' bit, but they seem to be of the same quality as English made ones.

[@Graham_Langley]

@@stevecoatesdotnet The only real difference I've seen is the fixing screw earthing riveting seems to be a bit messier than on the UK ones.

[@christastic100]

Good demonstration of the two ranges of MK JW . I was very interested to see this new MK range as I haven’t fitted any for years now . Always used Crabtree for the most but it’s become less stocked by local suppliers. Changed last year to schneider lisse range and apart from the ridiculous short pins supplied for light switches it’s a nice product. I’m glad I don’t fit this rubbish, I noticed that if you used the flex outlet on the switch fuse you would need a very deep box regardless of the big lump of a cord grip .. This MK essential looks like dreadful expensive tat.

[@trf223]

The essentials range looks absolutely horrendous!

[@StreuB1]

I'd gladly take the cheaper (cost) Logic Plus line, made in the UK by superior materials; thank you very much!! I'd rather give my brothers and sisters in England the business than the Chinese. I also like how in the UK, they mold the electrical specification into the backs of the receptacles, ie. BS 1363. That's a nice touch! The finger safe wire connection points on the Logic Plus are also far superior with the deeper wire entry tunnels that are flared to assure there is good guarding and fitting of the wire insulation. Very nice touch!

[@m101ist]

BRING BACK BRITISH MANUFACTURING STANDARD AND QUALITY. 🙄

[@Gazzerdaman]

Essentials looks like a range of MK product that they sell in Asian markets that use UK style socket outlets. I suspect they've just started selling it in the UK. I definitely saw these in Singapore when I was there in 2017

[@italiastar33]

Thank you for showing this. Clip in covers such as those used in Italy made by Bticino Who are the Italian version of MK), Vimar, are ascetically good, and there's no reason why a similar design could not be made fro the UK sockets - MK Grid was similar. That said, British sockets, switches, and accessories are far better quality than foreign ones. I remember my Italian uncle saying that the UK must be well off looking at the amount of brass they put in their plugs.This is just re-badged rubbish. I do take the people to task about DIYers likely to use this Junk. As a DIYer, the only junk Ive seen on installations has been used by professionals - some of whom will do anything to cut corners. As John has said, there isn't actually much of a saving for the DIYer, infant for some it'll be more expensive. I suspect that the trade suppliers may be where Essential is cheaper. I agree, MK is not as good as it used to be, and they've even reduced their guarantee to 15 years from 25. Thank you John, for bringing these fantastic videos to us - shame you are not closer to me as you are a professional who I'd employ without hesitation.

[@interstat2222]

I have no issue with the main Logic Plus range. Doesn’t seem materially different to when it was first introduced in the late 90s, maybe just the terminals and screws. Prices are kept low for the quality after all. Before Honeywell they’d never have added these cheap ranges. I know the Italian accessories and what you mean - unswitched sockets in the bathroom! Seems alright though. Prefer our UK over engineering but look at all the rubbish in the market now at the low end!

[@Tephnos]

@@interstat2222 Logic Plus range is hated by sparkies these days because the terminal screws are busted way too many times. They go for Click (cost) or Hager (best).

[@interstat2222]

@@Tephnos I hate Click (crude snappy switches from some Chinese OEM) and not keen on Hager either. If it's not MK (agree the terminal screws chew up easily and often don't grip first time and increasingly showing signs of cost cutting) I stick to Crabtree just like I did since the 90s. Maybe Contactum if you can find them. Not sure if I like BG as it's just OEM from China and QC seems sloppy.

[@Tephnos]

@@interstat2222 Why wouldn''t you like Hager? There's absolutely nothing to fault about them.

[@blaser80]

Now I'm curious as to how MK compare with LAP sockets.

[@jasejj]

A good public service there. The message I take away is either buy good quality made in UK MK products, or save your money and just buy Screwfix/LAP £1 specials as they're no worse than the cheaper "MK".

[@benwainwright2314]

The earth shutter appears to be the bog standard type rather than the even safer logic plus design whereby both L+N pins have to be inserted at the same time? Always liked the innovation of the angled terminals & captive screws on logic plus, maybe they've copy pasted the descriptions? Looks like just the one earth terminal on the sockets also? Dear oh dear, always used to say any MK fitting going to have to append that with except 'essentials' range!

[@paultipton743]

Just makes me wonder if the essentials range will creep in more and Mk will phase out the Logic plus range for cost saving for Mk

[@LittleRichard1988]

I don't think so, for one the essentials range doesn't even fully comply with BS1363. They might end up making all Logic Plus accessories in Malaysia and maybe even make everything in China. I don't think the Essentials range is going to catch on.

[@LittleRichard1988]

@sipsoup I think it's mainly the outer board rocker double sockets that are made in Malaysia but I think the inner board rocker double sockets ( K2747 ) are still UK made. Most single Logic Plus sockets are still UK made.

[@interstat2222]

And now we have MK Base (likely from same Chinese OEM as BG Nexus and Knightsbridge range), seemingly in response to the poor uptake of MK Essentials. MK Base doesn't even have any of the expected MK features or an MK logo on the front, it’s just a generic socket. Crabtree now has a Logic Plus lookalike (China made) to complement the classic Capital (UK made/same as original late 80s design) and they also have the pretty nice Volex Casa range. How can MK do this to us?

[@iangascoigne8231]

The essentials spur fuse holder looked like it had been over tightened when assembled. It does appear to have the same cord grip as a Metal Clad Plus.

[@LittleRichard1988]

I think MK accessories have been available in other Type G countries for decades either manufactured or imported. MK also used to manufacture their Avant range which is basically the old Logic range in a more curved design plus clip on face plates in either white or synthetic metallic finishes. I did at least expect the Essentials range to have basic British Standard compliance as standard in the sense that the design wasn't flawed that some accessories don't fit 25 ml back box properly. In other countries back boxes with 4 screws in each corner are more common then they are here in the UK so I can see the reasoning behind the clip on faceplate on the Essentials range but the Logic Plus range does have indents on the reverse side that can be drilled out but that ruins them if they are going to be reclaimed.

[@chrisjones8741]

Do they happen to have one called the Ultra? 😬

[@pradolover]

What a fall from grace for the company that for decades was the Sony of wiring accessories.

[@millomweb]

Good grief - never though MK was ever as bad as Sony.

[@pradolover]

@@millomweb I guess Sony in the 80s and 90s 😆

[@gutsngorrrr]

How the hell have the essentials items passed UK electrical safety standards, because they look absolute rubbish and boarderline dangerous.

[@gospelman7222]

Very good and informative video. As an aside, I wonder why the manufacturers don't use crosshead screws for fixing, it would aid installation greatly, especially in awkward locations.

[@echothehusky]

Cross head screws look totally crap. As an electrician, all electrical screws, (especially terminal screws) should be slotted, and the less said about those awful cross/slotted 'combo' screws the better.

[@REWYRED]

Forget flats or cross head "Phillips" head screws... Should be using square headed "Robertson" heads for everything.

[@phildxyz]

Ugh - cheap and nasty - what are they playing at?

[@millomweb]

25:00 Cheap switches - no mid position on them ! The light switches I have are quite happy mid-position (no contact) as well as operate silently. They're also toggle switches -which I prefer. Perhaps when I move, I'll take them with me !

[@heffo1992]

Have you shared this review with MK/ Honeywell?

[@noelj62]

Informative video as usual from John. Thank you.

[@plaveczm]

My question is: Why? Thank you John you did show these rubbish. I never gona buy them. I stay with the old MK quality and made in UK.

[@millomweb]

Do note the Essentials at least had a wire strip gauge on them !

[@petermichaelgreen]

Because slapping your name on cheap crap brings quick profits. Of course in the long term it devalues the brand but a lot of companies are only focussed on the short term.

[@millomweb]

@@petermichaelgreen Many companies seem to go through phases. Brand new stuff is often either very good or a disaster. Then, 2nd & 3rd versions might have more features but less quality. Quality continues to drop to the point they stop selling enough items as everyone's buying better brands.

[@MrAlexwoolf]

I’ll keep using logic plus 👍

[@petermichaelgreen]

I find it slightly strange that you chose to use a single socket for your price comparisons when double sockets are the norm in the UK. Regarding the stickout it seems to be caused by a switch module with the terminals behind the switch mechanism rather than beside it. I would guess the switch module was designed that way either because it was the cheapest way to do it or because it wasn't originally designed for use in a UK electrical accessory.

[@jwflame]

The double MK socket was covered in a video some time ago.

[@mathman0101]

The question is and John quite rightly points out it’s not where they are made that is the issue but what specifications and standards they were made to and whether there was sufficient design and destruction testing done. Cutting corners anywhere is a problem reflecting more management desire to sell and profit rather than build high standard products where margins might be tighter but reputationally better. cheapening their brand this way is undermining their whole business model.

[@m101ist]

Maximizing profit. 🙄

[@echothehusky]

Essentials is MKs answer to Crabtrees budget Instinct range (that nobody bought either).

[@boriss.861]

JW can you take them to bits and let us see the quality of the conductors inside the products?

[@starbar1958]

I am an Electrician currently working in a building with 24 way MK gridswitches stamped made in China. they are abysmal quality so am guessing they are snide MK copies.?( four out of 8 mounting lugs snapped off during installation )

[@jetg2111]

I wonder if they sent their old moulds over to China.... Would be interesting to compare that Fcu with a 1960s/70s MK one. I wonder why on earth they would come up with such a range.... Perhaps not really designed for the UK market.

[@jwflame]

Some of the old 1970s ones here: www.flameport.com/electric_museum/fused_connections_switches/MK_6779_Fused_Connection_unit.cs4 entirely unrelated.

[@chrisrix7645]

Definatly not old MK which were built like battleships, always needed 35mm boxes which was why i used Crabtree which is now also crap

[@dasy2k1]

Can you do a 3 way review, MK logic plus vs Hagar vs Schneider Ultimate

[@johndododoe1411]

Talking of Schneider, they bought out Denmark's MK-equivalent LK brand and has closed down most company locations. Still the original LK FUGA line are the premium product for most places, with other companies selling imported crap.

[@teddy6888]

Can you do a video on the MK Base range, please?

[@mikefield4650]

Excellent review. Thanks John. Shocked that MK quality brand has such shonky rubbish associated with them Are they BEAB , kite marked etc. I wonder? The light switch with exposed terminal screw and requiring deep back box is just astounding. Thanks. Mike

[@PebblesChan]

In Oz, we don’t seem to have fused switches like your ones. When do you use your ones?

[@und4287]

Those are for heavier loads, like water heaters.

[@d1nonlytimcouk]

How do you snap off the fronts once on the wall? Screwdriver behind it potentially damaging the wall or the face plate? Essentially a load of rubbish for not a lot of saving.

[@jwflame]

Two small slots on the bottom edge for a screwdriver.

[@paulanderson79]

What's the make and model of the vintage organ behind you?

[@jwflame]

Hammond M102

[@paulanderson79]

@@jwflame one of the last electromechanical spinets. Great machines. Coupled to a full mechanical Leslie they're hard to beat. Even now, physical modelling isn't quite there. Very close though.

[@justintemp]

What are your thoughts on dado trunking in home installs? Overkill when surface mount will suffice?

[@jwflame]

Can be used if a large number of sockets are required such as in a home office or studio. Very little point otherwise.

[@justintemp]

@@jwflame true. Looks ugly. Otherwise. Would you route the sockets via a fcu or just add them as part of the ring? It's a Pain to route data and power cables to some places!

[@jwflame]

@sipsoup Schneider have a decent range, just be aware that you must get all the components from the same manufacturer and the same range, as parts are not generally interchangeable. Other than the trunking itself, other parts are external corners, internal corners, end caps and single or double backboxes for the accessories.

[@Petertronic]

Wow those essentials ones are ugly. Will you be taking a look at the switch contacts inside at some point?

[@henryrussell2404]

Presumably covering the two fixing screws with the cover is safer. Speaking as one who has received a shock from touching exposed fixing screws.

[@jwflame]

Not at all - fixing screws should be earthed. To get a shock from them, that earth connection was missing, and a second fault caused them to be live.

[@Tselectricals]

Very helpful presentation sir ❤❤❤❤

[@forevercomputing]

I don't like the "covered screws" look. I like seeing them.

[@MrMatthews4040]

I wish you could please show how to wire a MK 4 gang light switch please !! please !!! ...

[@neilcaldwell870]

Have sent MK via their contact us an invite to comment about their essentials range, let's see what they say.

[@arthurdaley895]

Just found this channel. Love the content and find myself agreeing with many of your opinions. My preferred choice is Hager Sollysta. Would love to see you review some of their accessories and see what you think.

[@maxiboyfm3a]

What's the use case for a wall mounted fuse socket?

[@jwflame]

Small fixed appliances such as electric heaters, central heating controls, extractor fans, some kitchen items instead of a plug and socket.

[@cambridgemart2075]

Were the terminal screws plated brass or steel?

[@jwflame]

Steel in all of them except the Logic Plus light switch

[@Anaerin]

The "Essentials" seems to be designed for ease of decorating - You can just paint over the base, then when you're done you snap the outline cover over the top and cover up your sloppy work. They also remind me of the American style outlets.

[@bassbatterer]

The ones from china probably have the screws in the bags its probably cheaper to buy the screws pre-bagged and chuck a bag in with the product than to get screws and have someone at the factory put screws in the product.

[@p166mx]

I need to replace a two gang switch and I noticed this range on the screwfix website. It thought they looked awful but this it seems they are worse than I ever imagined. Who in the right minds at MK or Honeywell thought this was a good idea?

[@spencerwilton5831]

Ian Robertson You can be sure it was an accountant rather than an engineer / designer.

[@loopinnerthe]

The terminal screws are very tight on the light switches. I was scratching my head for ages thinking they were too short and wouldn't go in.

[@chaos.corner]

Might be interesting to see if it's a standard Chinese design just rebadged for MK.

[@interstat2222]

It is (was).

[@paianis]

The Essentials range seems to have surprisingly good reviews on Amazon. Mostly based on the 'convenience' more than anything else.

[@m101ist]

Are they safe? 😳

[@fredflintstone1]

are the spurs double pole?

[@jwflame]

Yes, both of them.

[@eddiespencer1]

Here, in the US, it's very unusual to see a fuse in a wall outlet or switch. I've never seen a face-plate with a hole in it for a cable to run out from!

[@karl3721]

Good video JW, started fitting MK as a sprogg in 1980, didn’t like the new logic plus when that came in and will not be using this essential trash!

[@montystelevision3238]

Think I'll stick to Logic Plus or preferably Hager accessories now.

[@daves4026]

Great video now that's attention to detail. Thanks

[@billyponsonby]

I can imagine JW and MK Essentials coming up in the trade counter chat

[@davidclark3603]

Absolutely brilliant, again. Thanks for the video. I personally don't like these "cheap" accessories. There are plenty of spaces for mistakes here, especially when guys are tired. How did that light switch get through the design process? They certainly didn't consult with electricians. I look forward to your video on load testing. I wonder how that sockets will stand up against a wahi g machine, long term? Hmmm? I wonder if we will see the tell tale brown burn marks around the plug entrances? Thanks again John.

[@chompchompnomnom4256]

Those cheap ones are ugly as sin with those horrible clip on plates

[@brianalexander7625]

Great vid. Definitely go for the British made ones regardless of cost. Strange how different they can be from the same manufacturer....

[@m101ist]

The essential products are manufactured cheaper in China. That's why they different.

[@interstat2222]

They’re OEM products from a Chinese company. Not MK.

[@davidgreaves6872]

Great review. I’ve got a house full of MK Logic Plus. Won’t be changing them for essentials range ever ! Cheap rubbish.