2 Gang Retractive Light Switch - Orange

Retractive switching means the rocker springs straight back after you press it, sending a brief pulse rather than staying latched. This screwless plate carries two gangs of that action in a bright orange finish, with chrome on the rockers for contrast, and it sits flat against the wall with no screw heads on show. Rated at 10A, it works with the relay, impulse and home automation gear that expects a momentary signal rather than a held one.

We would choose it where the lighting is run by a smart controller or an impulse relay instead of being wired straight through the switch: a hallway set up for automated scenes, a kitchen where a short press toggles the pendants and a longer press dims them, or a landing operated from more than one point. It suits anyone building a colour led scheme who would rather see the switch than hide it, and the orange reads cleanly against white, pale grey and warm timber. Since the rockers never hold a position, a little labelling helps where several sit together.

The plate is moulded polycarbonate with metal in the working parts, light in the hand but firm and repeatable under the thumb. Keeping it smart asks very little: wipe the front with a barely damp cloth and dry it straight away, and keep kitchen sprays and solvents off the plastic, as they can dull the colour over time. It is intended for indoor rooms on a normal household supply, and it carries a ten year warranty. We like it in rooms where the wiring accessories are treated as part of the decorating rather than something to be painted around, and the screwless front keeps a bold colour looking deliberate instead of busy.

What does retractive mean on a light switch?

The rocker only makes contact while you hold it, then springs back to its rest position. It sends a momentary pulse, which is what impulse relays, smart lighting modules and automation controllers use to toggle or dim a circuit.

Can I use it as an ordinary on/off light switch?

No. Because it does not stay in position, it needs a relay, dimmer module or controller behind it to hold the lighting on or off.

What is the current rating?

10AX, on a 220 to 250V supply, and it is made to BS EN 60669.

What size is the plate?

It is a square plate measuring 88mm by 88mm, with fixing centres of 60.3mm and a recommended back box depth of 25mm.

What are the rockers and plate made from?

Polycarbonate for the plate and rockers, with metal in the switch mechanism. The switch is double insulated to Class 2.

How should I clean it?

A barely damp cloth, then dry it. Avoid abrasive creams, bleach and solvent cleaners, which can mark the coloured surface.