BG Electrical NBS22G Nexus Metal Double Socket Brushed Steel

In-Depth Look

The BG Nexus Metal range is one of the most popular decorative wiring accessory ranges in the UK, and the NBS22G double socket is the workhorse of the collection. It offers an affordable step up from standard white plastic sockets without venturing into the premium price territory of screwless flat-plate designs.

Design and Finish

The brushed steel faceplate has a subtle grain that catches the light without being overly reflective. The grey inserts around the socket apertures and rocker switches complement the steel tone well. The outboard rocker design means the switches sit on the outer edges of the faceplate, which gives a cleaner appearance than centre-mounted rockers. The overall effect is modern and understated.

Electrical Performance

Behind the faceplate, the NBS22G is a solid, well-made socket. The pillar terminals accept conductors up to 6mm2, which is more than sufficient for standard ring and radial circuits. Double-pole switching means both line and neutral are broken when the socket is switched off, providing a higher level of safety than single-pole alternatives. The socket conforms to BS 1363 and carries BG Electrical’s 25-year guarantee.

Verdict

The BG NBS22G is a well-priced, well-made double socket that upgrades the look of any room without breaking the budget. The extensive Nexus Metal range means every accessory in the house can match, from sockets and switches to dimmers and data plates, giving a professional, coordinated finish throughout.

How It Compares

Decorative metal sockets sit in a middle tier between standard white plastic accessories and premium screwless flat-plate ranges from brands like Crabtree or MK’s higher-end lines. Against standard white plastic sockets, the Nexus Metal range costs several times more per socket but transforms the look of a room — a genuine consideration for kitchens and living spaces where sockets are visible. Against screwless flat-plate designs, the Nexus Metal range is noticeably cheaper while still using visible fixing screws rather than a concealed clip mechanism; for most homeowners this is a reasonable trade since the visual difference between the two is subtle once fitted, but it’s worth knowing if a completely screw-free look is the goal. Within BG’s own range, brushed steel with grey inserts sits as the standard finish — polished chrome and satin brass variants are also available at similar price points if the interior scheme calls for a different metal tone.

Common Questions

Do I need a metal back box for this socket? BG recommends a metal back box for metal-faceplate accessories like this one, both for earthing continuity and to match the premium finish properly — a plastic back box is not the correct pairing for a metal faceplate socket under current wiring regulations. Standard 25mm or 35mm depth metal boxes are typically used depending on the wall construction and cable entry requirements.

Will the whole house need to use this exact finish for it to look coordinated? Not necessarily, but the Nexus Metal range is designed so that sockets, switches, dimmers and data plates all share the same brushed steel finish and grey insert styling, so choosing this range throughout gives the most cohesive result. Mixing finishes between rooms is common and generally looks fine, since most people notice socket finishes less when moving between spaces than within the same room.

Is double-pole switching actually necessary? Double-pole (DP) switching isolates both the live and neutral conductors when switched off, rather than just the live conductor as with single-pole switching. It’s not a strict requirement for standard sockets, but it’s considered good practice and a genuine safety benefit, particularly for isolating appliances fully during maintenance.