Semi Modular vs Modular Switch Boards, Explained
What is a semi modular switch board? It is a conventional board fitted with modular-style switches: the switches look flat and modern, but they are mounted on a single sheet or board, not clipped into a frame behind a separate plate. A fully modular board uses standard modules in a frame, with a plate sized 1M to 18M. We make fully modular boards under KEMPS and VIZA and conventional switches under VIYONA, and no semi modular range. Here is why, and how to tell them apart.
Key takeaways
- Semi modular — modular-looking switches fixed on one sheet; the board is still one unit.
- Fully modular — modules clip into a frame; the plate is separate and sized 1M to 18M.
- “6 modular board” means a 6M plate: room for six 1M modules, or fewer if some are 2M.
- Module count — a switch is 1M, a 16A socket usually 2M, a regulator 1M or 2M.
- ⚠ The term “semi modular” is not standardised. Ask the dealer whether the switches unclip from a frame.
What is a semi modular switch board?
A semi modular switch board is a conventional board fitted with modular-looking switches: the switches have the flat, wide rocker of a modular switch, but they are fixed to a single sheet, often acrylic or polycarbonate, instead of clipping into a frame behind a separate plate, so the sheet, switches and sockets form one unit.
Semi modular boards are sold as a cheaper step up from a plain conventional board. They give a modern face without a modular frame, plate and box. The catch is that you do not get the practical advantages of modular: replacing one switch on its own, or changing the plate later for a new finish.
The name is used loosely in the market, and two dealers may mean slightly different products by it. There is no standard definition of “semi modular”, which is why this guide ends with a one-question test you can apply in the shop.
We make fully modular boards under our KEMPS and VIZA series and conventional switches under VIYONA, at our works in Marol, Andheri East, Mumbai. We make no semi modular range, and the sections below explain why, what a 6 modular board is, and how to count the modules a board needs.
What is a fully modular switch board?
A fully modular switch board is built from four separate parts, a concealed or surface box, a frame, the switch and socket modules that clip into the frame, and a cover plate on top, with every module a standard width so that the plate is sized to the total, from 1M up to 18M in our KEMPS and VIZA ranges.
The four parts: box frame modules cover plate. In our price lists the frame and plate come together under one code. A switch is 1M and a 16A socket usually 2M. Our explainer what is a modular switch covers each part in detail.
Because each part is separate, a faulty switch can be unclipped and replaced on its own, and the plate can be changed years later without rewiring. Our plates are UV-protected, do not turn yellow, carry a 5-year warranty and fit all major modular switch systems.
Our comparison of modular vs normal switches sets the fully conventional board against modular in the same way, with MRPs for both.
| Conventional | Semi modular | Fully modular | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Construction | Switches on one sheet | Modular-look switches on one sheet | Modules in a frame, separate plate |
| Replace one switch | Often the whole board | Often the whole board | One module |
| Change the look | Replace the board | Replace the board | Change the plate |
| Sizes | Fixed board | Fixed board | 1M to 18M plates |
| Box | Conventional or surface box | Conventional box | Box sized in modules |
| Room to grow | None | None | Spare slots with blanks |
| Best for | Repairs, surface wiring | A modern look on a tight budget | New homes, renovations |
| We make it | Yes (VIYONA) | No | Yes (KEMPS, VIZA) |
Semi modular vs modular switch board: the real differences
The difference shows when something needs to change. On a modular board, one faulty switch is one module to replace, and the plate is a separate part you can upgrade. On a semi modular board, the switches are fixed to the sheet, so a cracked sheet or a failed switch can mean replacing the whole board, and the look is fixed on the day it is fitted.
What you can change later, by board type
Bars show an order, how much of the board can be changed without replacing all of it, not a measured figure.
Safety comes from the current rating, the build and the wiring in all three. Check the rating and the ISI mark on any switch, whatever the board type.
A modern face is not the same as a modular board. The test is what sits behind the face: a frame with separate modules, or one sheet.
Modules clip into a frame; the plate is separate.
Modular-look switches fixed on one sheet.
A 6M plate: six 1M modules, or fewer with 2M sockets.
Do the switches unclip from a frame behind the plate?
How to tell which one you are buying
Ask one question: do the switches unclip from a frame behind the plate? On a fully modular board, the plate comes off to show a metal or plastic frame with separate modules clipped into it. On a semi modular board, taking the front off shows switches fixed directly to one sheet.
Two more checks help. A modular plate is sold by its module size, such as 6M or 8M, and in several finishes for the same size. And modules are sold one by one, by code, as in our KEMPS switches and sockets and VIZA switches and sockets ranges. If a board is only sold as a single fixed unit, it is not fully modular.
If the dealer cannot tell you whether the switches unclip, look at the back of a sample board before buying a houseful. Switch off the MCB before opening any board already on the wall.
What is a 6 modular switch board?
A 6 modular switch board is a modular board with a 6M plate, which has room for six 1M modules, so it can hold six switches, or four switches and one 2M socket, or three switches, a 1M fan regulator and a 2M socket; it is a common size for a bedroom board beside the door.
Three ways to fill a 6M plate: 6 × 1M switches 4 switches + 2M socket 3 switches + 1M regulator + 2M socket. The same idea names every size: a 4 modular board holds four modules, an 8 modular board eight, and so on up to 18M.
A priced example, from our modular switch board price guide: three VIZA V541 1-way switches, one V542 2-way switch and a VIZA V264 16A socket come to ₹397 in modules. The 6M Cherry white plate adds ₹140, so the board is ₹537 at MRP.
A 6M VIZA Cherry bedroom board at MRP
MRPs from our current catalogue, as in the price guide. Bar length is each amount as a share of ₹537, rounded to 5%. The box, wire and labour are extra.
How many modules in a switch board?
A switch board has as many modules as its plate size, from 1M to 18M in our ranges: count 1M for each switch, 1M for a 6A 2-pin socket, 2M for each 16A socket and 1M or 2M for a fan regulator, add them up, then choose the next plate size up.
Example: 3 switches + one 16A socket = 5M, so a 6M plate with one blank spare.
Modules taken by common items (our ranges)
Module widths from our product data and catalogue. Bar length is the width in modules (1M or 2M), to scale.
The VIZA V263 16A socket and the KEMPS K193 universal socket are both 2M; the VIZA V262 6A socket is 1M. Our guide to 6A vs 16A sockets explains which appliance needs which.
The plate size calculator does this sum for you: enter the switches and sockets, and it gives the plate that fits.
Module count by room: 6M, 8M and 12M boards
Most rooms fall into three board sizes. A 6M bedroom board carries the light, fan and bed switches and a socket. An 8M kitchen board adds a 20A switch for a heavy appliance and more sockets. A 12M living room board carries several lights, a fan regulator and the TV sockets.
Module count of three typical boards
Bar length is the module count as a share of 12M. Board MRPs are the all-white VIZA Cherry examples priced in our modular switch board price guide.
Layout ideas for each room are in switch board design ideas, and the 2-way switch that pairs with a bedside switch is explained in 1 way vs 2 way switch.
Leave one spare module on each main board and fill it with a blank. A spare slot is how a modular board takes a USB point or an extra light later without new wall work.
What plate sizes do modular switch boards come in?
Modular switch boards come in standard module sizes, and our KEMPS and VIZA plates are made in 1M, 2M, 3M, 4M, 6M, 8M, 12M and 18M, with a 16M in some VIZA ranges such as Cherry, Aqua Cherry and Teyoma, and the 8M size in two shapes, one long horizontal row or a square of two rows.
1M 2M 3M 4M 6M 8M 12M 16M 18M. The 8M horizontal and 8M square plates hold the same modules but need different boxes.
In VIZA Cherry white, a 6M plate is ₹140 and an 8M ₹175; the Cherry plate range lists every size and finish. Our modular plate sizes guide shows what fits in each size.
The plate must match the box. A 6M plate will not sit on a 4M box, so decide the module count before the electrician fixes the box in the wall.
Is semi modular cheaper than modular?
A semi modular board is usually cheaper than a fully modular one at the start, because it saves the separate frame, plate and modular box, but the saving can disappear the first time something needs changing, since a cracked sheet or a failed switch on a semi modular board can mean replacing the whole board instead of one module.
We do not make semi modular boards, so we cannot quote one. What we can price is the same four points (three 1-way switches and a 6A 2-pin socket) as a conventional VIYONA board and as a modular VIZA Cherry board.
Same four points: conventional parts vs a modular board (MRP)
MRPs from our current catalogue: VIYONA 101 at ₹22 and 121 socket at ₹26; VIZA V541 at ₹56, V262 at ₹78, V1154 plate at ₹98, V614 box at ₹88. Bar length is a share of ₹432, rounded to 5%. Worked the same way in our modular vs normal switch guide.
A semi modular board sits somewhere between the two. On a modular board a failed switch costs one module; on a semi modular board a cracked sheet can cost the whole board.
MRP is the ceiling printed on the pack. Dealers commonly sell below it, so compare MRPs, then ask for a quote.
Why we make modular and conventional, but not semi modular
We make fully modular boards under KEMPS and VIZA, and conventional switches, surface switches and wooden surface plates under VIYONA. We make no semi modular range.
The reason is practical. Conventional switches are the right tool for surface wiring, repairs and utility rooms, and they cost the least: a VIYONA 101 6A 1-way switch is ₹22. Modular is the right tool for a new home or a renovation. A semi modular board sits between them, costing more than conventional without the replaceability of modular, so we steer buyers to one of the two.
See VIYONA conventional switches and sockets or our guide to the KEMPS, VIZA and VIYONA series.
VIYONA is our conventional series and has no modular plates. If you want modular plates, look at KEMPS and VIZA.
Upgrading from semi modular to modular
Moving from a semi modular board to a fully modular one usually means fitting a modular concealed box sized for the new plate, such as a 4M or 6M box, which can mean widening the opening in the wall. That is an electrician’s job, best done room by room or during a renovation.
Our concealed unbreakable box by size (MRP)
MRPs from our current catalogue. Bar length is MRP as a share of ₹230, rounded to 5%.
Where a concealed box is not possible, our VIZA surface gang box takes a modular plate on the wall surface, from ₹65 for 1-way to ₹265 for 18-way; see VIZA surface gang boxes.
You do not have to change every board at once. Start with the boards you use most. Our plates fit all major modular switch systems, so the plate finish can be chosen on its own; note each module’s code so replacements match in size.
Semi modular or modular: which should you buy?
Buy a fully modular board for a home you will live in for years, because each switch can be replaced on its own and the plate changed without rewiring, and buy a conventional board for a repair or surface wiring where the lowest cost matters most; a semi modular board rarely beats either one for the money.
New home: modular Renovation: modular Repair: conventional Semi modular: check the back first
For the full cost of modular boards room by room, see the modular switch board price guide; to size a board, the plate size calculator.
We sell through 500+ dealers across India, not online. Take your module list to a dealer, or reach us from the contact page.
FAQs
What is a semi modular switch board?
What is the difference between semi modular and modular switch boards?
What is a 6 modular switch board?
How many modules are in a switch board?
Is semi modular cheaper than modular?
Do you make semi modular switch boards?
Why buyers choose Vinayak Electricals
- Modular (KEMPS, VIZA) and conventional (VIYONA) switches, both made in-house at our works in Marol, Andheri East, Mumbai.
- Manufacturing since 1995; ISO 9001:2015 certified, across 2000+ products. Our switches are made to IS 3854 under ISI licence CM/L-7567794.
- MRPs published openly in our catalogue, code by code.
- Plates from 1M to 18M in white, metallic, wood-texture, glass-style and acrylic finishes.
- Plates are UV-protected, do not turn yellow, carry a 5-year warranty and fit all major modular switch systems.
- Sold through 500+ dealers across India; dealers can order from us directly.
Size a modular board
Enter the switches and sockets; get the plate size.
Vinayak Electricals is a modular switch manufacturer in Mumbai, supplying dealers, electricians and contractors across India by the box. Ask us for prices and stock.
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