2 Gang 2 Way Light Switch - Carbon Fibre

The face here is a textured carbon fibre weave, dark and close-grained, with the rockers and their surround in chrome so the plate reads as more than one material. There are no visible screws, which keeps the front uncluttered and lets both finishes do the work. It is a two gang, two way switch, so each rocker can be partnered with another switch elsewhere and a landing light will answer from the foot of the stairs or the top of them.

Halls, landings and stairwells are the obvious home for it, and it earns its keep in a kitchen where the main lights and the worktop lighting want a rocker each. Bedrooms are worth a thought too, with one switch at the door and its partner by the bed. The dark face sits well with deeper decorating schemes, painted panelling, smoked glass and brushed metal, and against a pale wall it holds as a small dark square rather than vanishing. It is the plate we reach for when white plastic would look like an afterthought.

The body is moulded polycarbonate with metal working parts, double insulated, and intended for indoor domestic lighting circuits on a normal household supply. The textured surface is kinder to fingerprints than a gloss plate, though the chrome will show them: a dry microfibre cloth across the face, then a careful pass around the edge of each rocker, is all it asks for. Keep solvents, cream cleaners and anything sprayed well away, since they will dull the texture and haze the bright trim. It carries a ten year warranty. If you are working through a room, matching the switches to the chrome on your light fittings and door furniture pulls everything into line, and this one does that without shouting about it.

What does two way mean on a light switch?

Each rocker can be wired to work with a second switch controlling the same light, so you can turn a landing or hallway light on at one end of a run and off at the other. It also works perfectly well as a standard one way switch if only a single switching position is needed.

How big is the plate?

The plate is square at 88mm by 88mm, with a depth of 25mm, so it keeps to the familiar footprint of a standard UK double plate.

What is it rated at?

It is rated 10AX at 220-250V, which covers domestic lighting circuits comfortably, and it is made to BS EN 60669.

Is the carbon fibre finish real texture or a printed effect?

It is a textured finish, so the weave has a light grain under the fingers rather than being flat and printed. The rockers and surround are chrome for contrast.

How should I clean it?

A dry microfibre cloth is best. For marks on the chrome, breathe on the cloth rather than wetting it, then buff dry, and avoid abrasives, polishes and solvent-based cleaners.

What is it made from?

Polycarbonate for the moulded plate and body, with metal working parts inside. It is Class 2, double insulated, and rated IP20 for dry indoor rooms.