Semi Modular vs Modular Switch Boards, Explained
A semi modular switch board 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 board that looks modular from the front but is built like a conventional one. The switches have the flat, wide rocker of a modular switch, but they are fixed to a single sheet, often acrylic or polycarbonate, rather than clipped into a frame. The sheet, the switches and the sockets form one unit.
Semi modular boards are sold as a cheaper step up from a conventional board. They give a modern look without a modular frame and plate. The catch is that you do not get the practical advantages of modular: replacing one switch or changing the plate later.
The name is used loosely in the market, and two dealers may mean slightly different products by it. The test below tells you what you are actually buying.
What is a fully modular switch board?
A fully modular board has four separate parts: a concealed box in the wall, a frame, the modules that clip into it, and a cover plate on top. Every module is a standard width: a switch is 1M, a 16A socket usually 2M. The plate is sized to the total.
Because each part is separate, a faulty switch can be unclipped and replaced on its own, and the plate can be changed for a new finish years later without rewiring. In our KEMPS and VIZA ranges, the plates come in 1M, 2M, 3M, 4M, 6M, 8M, 12M and 18M, with 16M in VIZA Cherry.
Our comparison of modular vs normal switches covers the fully conventional board in the same way.
| 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 |
| 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: 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.
What you can change later, by board type
A guide to how much of the board can be changed without replacing all of it.
Safety comes from the rating, build and wiring in all three. Check the rating and the ISI mark on any switch, whatever the board type.
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 modular switches are sold one by one, by code, to fit that range’s frame, as in our KEMPS and VIZA ranges.
If the dealer cannot tell you whether the switches unclip, look at the back of a sample board before buying a houseful.
What is a 6 modular switch board?
A 6 modular switch board is a modular board with a 6M plate: room for six 1M modules. That could be six switches, or four switches and one 2M socket, or three switches, a 1M regulator and a 2M socket. It is the most common size for a bedroom door board.
The same idea gives every size its name: a 4 modular board holds four modules, an 8 modular board eight, and so on up to 18. In VIZA Cherry white, a 6M plate is ₹140 and an 8M plate ₹175; our modular switch board price guide prices complete boards.
How many modules does a switch board need?
Add up the modules for everything on the board. A switch of any rating is 1M in our 1M ranges. A 6A 2 pin socket such as the VIZA V262 is 1M. A 16A socket such as the VIZA V263 or V1266 is 2M, as is a universal socket such as the KEMPS K193. A fan regulator is 1M or 2M depending on the model.
Modules taken by common items (our ranges)
Module widths from our product data. Add them up, then choose the next plate size.
The plate size calculator does this sum for you.
Is semi modular cheaper than modular?
Usually a little, at the start. A semi modular board saves the separate frame and plate. But the switches themselves cost about the same whichever way they are mounted: a VIZA V541 10A 1 way modular switch is ₹56, and a VIYONA conventional 16A switch ₹74.
The saving can disappear the first time something needs changing. On a modular board, a failed switch costs one module. On a semi modular board, a cracked sheet can cost the whole board. For a home you will live in for years, modular is the better buy.
Our price guide shows a complete 6M VIZA Cherry bedroom board, modules and plate, at MRP.
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 do not make a semi modular range.
The reason is practical. Conventional switches are the right tool for surface wiring, repairs and utility rooms, and they are the cheapest to fit. 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 our modular switches and their advantages or our VIYONA conventional switches.
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, which can mean widening the opening in the wall. That is an electrician’s job, best done room by room or during a renovation.
Plan the new boards by module count first; the modular plate sizes guide shows what fits each size. For surface wiring where a concealed box is not possible, our VIZA smart modular surface gang boxes take modular plates on the wall surface.
You do not have to change every board at once. Start with the boards you use most, such as the bedroom and living room, and keep the modules in one range so later boards match: KEMPS modules in KEMPS plates, VIZA modules in VIZA plates.
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 in Mumbai.
- Switches 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, glass and acrylic finishes.
- Sold through dealers across India; dealers can order from us directly.
- Over 30 years manufacturing electrical goods; ISO 9001:2015 certified.
Size a modular board
Enter the switches and sockets; get the plate size.
Open the plate size calculator
