How 'Small' Details Determine the Safety and Aesthetics of Modern Homes
When building or renovating a home, many people tend to focus on visible elements such as wall colours, flooring materials, and furniture. However, there is a vital aspect that is often overlooked, despite playing a major role in home security and being closely linked to daily activities: electrical installations and devices.
Regi Kusnadi, Principal Architect at Ranah Timur Architects, explains that electricity is one of the essential elements that must be considered from the very beginning of the design or renovation process. “(The electrical aspect) must be planned early to ensure comfort in usage, maintenance, and safety in the future,” he told Kompas.com.
Based on his experience, common mistakes include residents failing to consider electrical loads and appropriate cable specifications. “In many cases, all electrical paths are combined into a single circuit, which ultimately creates a high risk of short circuits, power outages, and, most severely, fires,” he stated.
Discussions regarding residential electrical aspects are not limited to the hidden paths, cables, or installations behind walls. They also include “small” elements scattered across various surfaces that are deeply integrated into the daily lives of modern homeowners: switches and sockets.
From an architectural perspective, Regi explains that switches and sockets are key elements that determine a home’s functionality. He likens switches and sockets to the nervous system in the human body. “If one nerve is disturbed or misplaced, human bodily functions are impaired. Similarly, in a building, if the placement of switches, sockets, and electrical paths is incorrect, the functions within a house may not operate properly,” he noted.
In addition to placement, the quality of the devices themselves is equally important. Regi believes that high-quality switches and sockets provide a sense of security because they are made from durable, premium materials. Furthermore, in terms of aesthetics, the colour and shape of switches can be customised to match the theme of each home. Regi also shared several tips for selecting high-quality switches and sockets during the construction or renovation process.