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Light Switches

A light switch opens and closes the live conductor to a lighting circuit, and multi-gang and 2-way switches let several lights, or one light from two places, be controlled. This range includes Knightsbridge rocker and toggle switches from 1G to 6G, intermediate and double pole switches, fan isolators, key card switches and touchless gesture switches, in finishes including white thermoset, brushed chrome and antique brass.

Choosing Light Switches

Choose a switch by how many lights it controls, how many places they are switched from, and the finish of the room.

1-way, 2-way and intermediate

A 1-way switch, such as the CU1000 or SN1000, controls a light from one position. 2-way switches control a light from two positions, such as the top and bottom of a stair. An intermediate switch, such as the CL12BC, adds a third or further switching position between two 2-way switches.

Gangs

A gang is a separate switch on one plate, and plates run from 1G to 6G. Examples are the CU4100 4G 2-way switch in white thermoset and the SN4200 6G 2-way switch.

Rocker or toggle

Rocker switches are the standard flat switch, with wide rocker versions such as the PM2W. Toggle switches, such as the CLTOG3PC 3G and CSTOG1AB, use a small lever for a period look.

TypeExampleRating
2-way rockerCL2BC10AX, 1G
IntermediateCL12MBB10AX, 1G
ToggleCLTOG3PC10AX, 3G 2-way
Fan isolatorCS11BC10A, triple pole
Key card switchSFCARDAT32A, backlit
Touchless switchSFTS1BNGesture sensor

Special switches

Fan isolator switches are triple pole, for isolating an extractor fan and its timer. Key card switches such as the CUCARD are rated 32A with a backlit arrow, and power a hotel room while a card is inserted. Touchless switches such as the SFTS1SB switch by gesture, and the IP66 OP663GBK is a remote controlled switch box for outdoor use.

Standards & compliance

Switches cite EN 60669-1, the standard for switches for household and similar fixed installations, on models such as the CL4MBB and SFCARDAB.

Brands we stock in Light Switches

Knightsbridge and Mercury.

The range is Knightsbridge apart from one Mercury switch.

Related categories

Coordinate with matching plug sockets and grid switches, or choose a screwless and face plate finish. Complete the installation from electrical cable and wire, and see our Help & Support blog.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between a 1-way and a 2-way light switch?

A 1-way switch controls a light from a single position. A 2-way switch has an extra terminal so two switches can control the same light, such as at the top and bottom of a stair. A 2-way switch can also be wired as a 1-way switch.

What is an intermediate light switch?

An intermediate switch sits between two 2-way switches so a light can be controlled from three or more positions, such as a long landing with several doors. Knightsbridge intermediate switches include the CL12BC in brushed chrome and the CSTOG12AB toggle in antique brass.

What does 10AX mean on a light switch?

10AX shows a 10 amp rating, with the X marking suitability for fluorescent and similar lighting loads under EN 60669-1, which switches such as the CL41MBB cite. Most Knightsbridge switches here are rated 10AX. Modular switch modules such as the CUGM1 are 20AX, the SF8332NSB double pole switch is 45A, the OP663GBK switch box 13A, the fan isolators 10A triple pole and the CUCARD key card switch 32A.

What is a fan isolator switch?

A fan isolator is a triple pole switch that disconnects the live, switched live and neutral to an extractor fan with an overrun timer, so the fan can be safely serviced. Knightsbridge fan isolators such as the CS11BC and CL11BC are rated 10A.

What is a key card switch?

A key card switch powers a room's circuits while a card is inserted and cuts them when it is removed, as used in hotel rooms. Knightsbridge key card switches, such as the CUCARD, SFCARDAB and SFCARDAT, are rated 32A with a backlit arrow to show where the card goes.

What is a touchless light switch?

A touchless switch turns the light on or off with a hand gesture near its sensor, with no contact. Knightsbridge touchless switches include the SFTS1BN in black nickel and SFTS1SB in smoked bronze, and the NETTS1BK gesture module for 50 x 50mm modular plates.

What finishes do these light switches come in?

Knightsbridge switches here come in white, black, grey, brushed chrome, polished chrome, antique brass, anthracite, polished brass, matt black, brushed brass, smoked bronze, matt white, black nickel, pearl, gunmetal and powder-coated silver/grey. Profiles include curved edge, rounded edge, square edge and ultra-low profile flat plate, from 1 gang to 6 gang.

Are there toggle light switches?

Yes. Knightsbridge toggle switches include the CSTOG square edge range in antique brass and brushed chrome, the CLTOG3PC rounded edge switch in polished chrome, and the FP flat plate toggles in brushed brass, polished brass and brushed chrome, from 1 to 4 gang.

  • Established 1975
  • Birmingham trade counter
  • UK-only supply

Written by the West Midlands Electrics technical team

Updated

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