1 Gang 2 Way Light Switch - Charcoal

A screwless switch hides its fixings behind a clip-on front, so what you see is a plain square face with nothing to draw the eye. This is the single gang version, with one rocker set into a charcoal plate and a chrome finish on the rocker giving a little lift against the darker surround. The action is a firm click rather than a soft press, and the plate keeps a low, tidy profile against the wall.

Because it is wired for two way switching, it can work alone or as one of a pair, which is what makes it handy at the top and bottom of a staircase, at either end of a long hallway, or by the bedroom door and again at the bedside. It suits domestic lighting circuits in dry rooms indoors. We reach for charcoal in schemes where a white plate would look too stark against the wall: deep greens and inky blues, dark painted hallways, exposed brick, or a kitchen with charcoal cabinetry.

The plate is polycarbonate over metal working parts, and the switch is double insulated. The finish is a colour in its own right rather than a metallic plating, so it reads matt and soft next to brighter chrome and steel. For cleaning, a barely damp cloth over the plate and a dry one after is all it wants; keep cream cleaners, kitchen wipes and anything containing solvent away from it, as they can dull the surface. It carries a ten year warranty. If you are working through a whole room, we would keep the plate colour consistent across the switches and power points so the walls read as one idea rather than a patchwork, and let the charcoal do the quiet work while the light fittings take the attention.

What does two way switching mean here?

It lets the same light be controlled from two places. Wire this switch with a second two way switch and either one will turn the light on or off, which is how staircases, long corridors and bedroom lights are usually set up. It also works perfectly well as a single switch on its own.

How big is the front plate?

The plate is 88mm square, so it takes up the same footprint as a standard single gang plate.

Is it rated for lighting circuits?

Yes. It is rated 10AX and made to BS EN 60669, and it runs on a 220-250V supply, which covers normal domestic lighting.

What is it made from?

A polycarbonate front plate with metal switch mechanism and internal parts, and it is Class 2 double insulated.

How should I clean it?

Wipe with a slightly damp cloth and dry immediately. Avoid abrasive creams, bleach-based sprays and solvents, all of which can mark or dull the charcoal finish.

Is there a warranty?

Yes, it carries a ten year warranty.