1 Gang Retractive Home Automation Light Switch - Carbon Fibre

The rocker here does not stay where you push it. Press it and it springs back on its own, sending a brief signal rather than holding a circuit open or closed, which is the way automation controllers and relay modules expect to be told what to do. The face carries a textured carbon fibre pattern with a chrome rocker set into it, and the screwless plate leaves the front clear of visible fixings. At 88mm square it keeps to the footprint of a standard single gang plate.

This is the switch to reach for when lighting is being run through a smart or automated system, where the wall control asks for a change and something else does the switching. Retractive switches also earn their place on stairs and landings, where several points need to command the same light without any of them arguing over the on position. We would use it in a bedroom for bedside control of a ceiling light, and in a hallway where one press should dim, hold or scene set rather than simply break the supply. It is rated at 10AX.

The plate is moulded polycarbonate with metal parts within, double insulated, and tested to the British and European standard for household switches. The textured surface hides fingerprints well; keep it looking right with a dry microfibre cloth and nothing wet, and steer clear of kitchen sprays and cream cleaners, which will dull the finish and can attack the chrome. Indoors only, and on an ordinary household supply. It carries a ten year warranty. We like the way the chrome rocker lifts the dark carbon weave face, which sits well against deep paint colours and against oak or walnut.

What does retractive mean?

The rocker is momentary. It makes contact only while you hold it and returns to its rest position as soon as you let go, so it sends a pulse rather than latching on or off. It needs a controller, relay or smart module behind it to do the actual switching.

Can I use it as an ordinary light switch?

No. A standard light switch stays in the position you leave it, and this one does not, so a light wired directly to it would only stay on while the rocker was held. Choose a conventional 1 gang plate for direct switching.

How deep does the box need to be?

A depth of 25mm is recommended, which is the same as the switch body itself.

What are the fixing centres?

They are the usual 60.3mm, matching standard single gang plates.

What is the carbon fibre finish made of?

It is a textured polycarbonate front in a carbon weave pattern, with a chrome rocker and metal components inside. The texture is part of the moulding rather than a printed film.

What current is it rated for?

10AX at 220 to 250V, which covers domestic lighting control duties.