13 October 2026 · AHIHQ Traders Team

MODI switches and sockets: M1, M2, B1 Glossy and Bakelite ranges compared

MODI makes four ranges of wall switches and sockets, and the difference between them is mostly the plate. Bakelite is the cheapest range, with a hard, heat-tolerant moulding; it is the everyday choice for rentals, shops and outbuildings. M1 is a flat PC plate in white, gold, grey and black, and is the widest range we stock. M2 is a step up in price, in white, gold and grey, and is the only range here with a fan speed controller. B1 Glossy is a mirror-finish plate for rooms where a plain white switch looks too ordinary. A single gang switch costs from KSh 65 in bakelite, KSh 70 in M1, KSh 100 in B1 Glossy and KSh 180 in M2.

The four MODI ranges at a glance

Range Plate Colours 1 gang switch (per piece) 13A single socket (per piece)
Bakelite Moulded bakelite One standard finish KSh 65 KSh 110
M1 Flat PC, flame-retardant White, gold, grey, black KSh 70 white, KSh 100 colours KSh 140 white, KSh 210 colours
M2 PC, flame-retardant White, gold, grey KSh 180 (gold or grey) KSh 280 white, KSh 310 gold or grey
B1 Glossy Mirror-finish PC Glossy grey (gold and silver on request) KSh 100 KSh 170

Prices are per piece from our current list. Every item also comes by the carton, at a lower price per piece. Check the product page for the carton size, which is usually 100, or 50–60 for some larger plates.

What is the same in every range

The insides are built to one specification. MODI's descriptions list selected copper contacts for conductivity and resistance to electrical corrosion, a one-piece moulded body that does not loosen in the box, and internal wiring terminals that speed up second fix. All switches are two way, so any switch can control a light alone or be paired with a second one for stairs and corridors. The M1, M2 and B1 plates are PC (polycarbonate) and described as self-extinguishing and flame-retardant.

The difference is the look, the colour choice and which special plates each range offers.

MODI bakelite: the budget workhorse

Bakelite is a hard, heat-tolerant plastic that stands up to knocks and years of use. It is the default for a lot of work in Kenya: rental housing, shops, stores, farm buildings and site accommodation. Prices start at KSh 65 for a 1 gang 2 way switch. The 2, 3 and 4 gang switches cost KSh 100, KSh 125 and KSh 170.

There is no 25A or 45A plate in the bakelite range. For shower, geyser or cooker points, use M1, M2 or B1.

MODI M1: the widest choice

M1 is the range most electricians order by the box. It is the only range here with black, and it has the most special plates. White is the cheapest finish, and gold, grey and black cost a little more.

  • Switches: 1 gang from KSh 70, 2 gang from KSh 140, 3 gang from KSh 170 and 4 gang from KSh 195. There are also a 1000W dimmer (KSh 195, white) and a hotel key-card switch from KSh 560.
  • Sockets:
    • 13A switched and universal from KSh 140
    • double sockets from KSh 250
    • single socket with USB and Type-C from KSh 420
    • double socket with USB and Type-C from KSh 600
    • shaver socket from KSh 840
  • Heavy loads:
    • 20A water heater switch with neon indicator from KSh 210
    • 25A outlet point from KSh 250, for instant showers, water heaters and compact cookers
    • 45A switch from KSh 350
    • 45A cooker control unit with a 13A socket from KSh 600
  • Outlets: TV from KSh 110; data, telephone and satellite at KSh 85; blank plates from KSh 40.

MODI M2: the premium flat plate

M2 is MODI's matched range in white, gold and grey, designed so switches and sockets look like one family across a room. It costs roughly double M1. Some M2 items come only in gold and grey: the 1 gang switch, the double 13A socket, the 25A outlet and the 45A switch.

  • Switches:
    • 1 gang KSh 180
    • 2 gang from KSh 265
    • 3 gang from KSh 380
    • 4 gang from KSh 420
    • dimmer KSh 280
    • fan speed controller from KSh 280. It is the only fan regulator plate in our MODI switch ranges, so choose M2 for rooms with ceiling fans if you want the controller to match.
  • Sockets:
    • 13A single from KSh 280
    • double KSh 545
    • single with USB and Type-C from KSh 910
    • double with USB and Type-C from KSh 1,090
  • Heavy loads:
    • 20A water heater switch from KSh 390
    • 25A outlet KSh 350
    • 45A switch KSh 590
    • 45A cooker unit from KSh 1,120

MODI B1 Glossy: the mirror finish

B1 Glossy uses the same mechanisms as M1, and even the same model numbers (the 1 gang is M1-002), behind a mirror-finish flush plate. It is for bedrooms, sitting rooms, offices and hotel rooms where a glossy finish is wanted instead of plain white. It is currently priced in glossy grey:

  • 1 to 4 gang switches: KSh 100, KSh 170, KSh 195 and KSh 225
  • bell push: KSh 170
  • 13A and universal sockets: KSh 170
  • double sockets: KSh 350
  • single socket with USB and Type-C: KSh 490; double: KSh 630
  • 25A outlet: KSh 280
  • 45A switch: KSh 380
  • 45A cooker unit: KSh 630
  • TV outlet: KSh 140

MODI also lists glossy gold and glossy silver. Message us for availability before you plan a job around them.

Which range should you choose?

  • Rental units, shops, stores, site housing: bakelite. It is the lowest cost per point and hard to damage.
  • Most homes and offices: M1 in white keeps the budget down. Use gold, grey or black where the walls call for it. It covers every point a house needs, including shower, geyser and cooker.
  • Higher-end homes and rooms with ceiling fans: M2, for the matched look and the fan controller.
  • A statement finish: B1 Glossy.

Pick one range per property where you can, so every plate in the building matches. If you are unsure which socket or switch rating belongs in each room, read our guide 13A, 25A or 45A? Choosing the right socket and switch for each room.

Where to buy

Every range is in our MODI collection. You can also browse by type in switches and sockets, and see the rest of our lighting. Electricians and hardware shops buying by the carton can request a trade quote on our trade page.

  • Collect: our Nairobi trade counter at Royal Business Park, opposite Complast, Old Mombasa Road. Monday to Saturday, 8:00 to 17:30.
  • Delivery: countrywide at a flat KSh 350, free on orders over KSh 15,000.
  • Help: send your list of points on WhatsApp and we will price it in the range you choose.

Common questions

Is MODI a good brand for switches and sockets?

MODI is one of the most widely fitted brands in our trade. Contractors use it because one brand covers everything from KSh 65 bakelite switches to USB sockets and 45A cooker units, and the specification is the same across the ranges. That means copper contacts, one-piece moulded bodies and internal wiring terminals. The M1, M2 and B1 plates are also flame-retardant PC.

Can I mix M1 and M2 in the same house?

You can, because they fit the same back boxes, but the plates look different side by side. Most people keep one range per room at least. M2 has no black finish, and bakelite comes in one finish only.

Do MODI sockets come with USB charging?

Yes, in every range. Bakelite has a universal socket with USB and Type-C (KSh 390). M1, M2 and B1 each have single and double sockets with USB and Type-C ports.

What is the difference between "1 way" and "2 way"?

All the MODI switches listed here are two way. Wired on its own, a switch works as an ordinary one way switch. Wired as a pair, it lets you control one light from two places, such as the top and bottom of a staircase.

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