Excel and Excel Life side by side
| HPM Excel | Excel Life | |
|---|---|---|
| What it is | The original range: switches, power points, coverplates, and data, TV and phone outlets | Legrand's newer range, offered for over a decade |
| Versions | Standard, architrave and IP56 weatherproof switches | Dedicated Plate, Common Plate Series, Smart, Matt and Medical |
| Colours | White, Black, Silver, Beige, Brown, Stainless steel, Red, Brass, Gold and Grey | Dedicated Plate in White, Black, Grey, Silver, Blue, Green and Red |
| Smart control | Not mentioned on the pages we read | Excel Life Smart, by touch, voice or a smart device |
How Excel goes together
HPM Excel uses a grid with a separate cover plate, and HPM's catalogue says cover plates in various colours and metallic finishes are sold separately. Standard size plates take 1 to 6 switches, vertical or horizontal, and architrave plates take 1 to 4.
The catalogue we used is dated 2013, so check current stock for anything unusual before it goes on the plan.
What Excel Life Smart adds
Legrand's Excel Life Smart catalogue includes smart switches, smart dimmers, wireless scene switches, smart power points, a smart fan controller and starter kits. A gateway module works with Excel Life Smart or Arteor with Netatmo.
Excel Life Medical uses antimicrobial technology to help reduce the spread of bacteria in healthcare settings.
Who installs it
All of it is licensed work. Legrand says the original Excel Life is designed and built to be fast, easy and safe to install, but that's a selling point for electricians, not an invitation to do it yourself. The NSW Government says you can ask to see an electrician's contractor licence before they start.
Where we'd start
Matching a few plates in an Excel house? Ask for Excel by name, in the colour of your existing plates. Starting fresh and keen on smart switches? Compare Excel Life Smart with Clipsal's Iconic range before you choose, and have the electrician confirm what each switch location needs.
Want a specialist to sort it?
Tell us the job and your postcode. We match the licence-checked local electrician who does this kind of work, and they call you. No ring-around, and your number goes to them alone.