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1. Replacing existing light switches:
If you’re replacing existing light switches — not wanting to adjust the light circuit or how the room mood is controlled — it’s really simple to replicate the format of modules that already exist, e.g. replace a Single Toggle Switch with a Single Toggle Switch.
That said, it is also possible to update a Toggle Switch to a Dimmer Switch, provided your light bulb is compatible.
Assuming it's in good condition, you'll be able to use the existing back box that's within the wall. However if you need a new one, we offer both plastic and metal options in 1 and 2 gang formats.
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2. Starting from scratch:
If you’re building a new home, or starting a space from scratch, you’ll likely be making decisions about where you want your switches to be placed. You therefore have free range to select the format, controls and design of each switch.
You'll also need to select and install a compatible back box to house your switch within the wall cavity. A 1 gang back box is suitable for 1 and 2 gang switch plates, then a 2 gang back box works with 3 and 4 gang switch plates.
For optimal performance and cooling, we recommend using a 35mm back box with Dimmer Switches, to prevent overheating.
Buying Guide: Light Switches & Plug Sockets
Here’s our quick guide to choosing the right light switches and plug sockets for your needs…
You’ve installed new cabinet hardware, updated your internal door lever handles and refreshed your kitchen mixer tap, so it’s inevitable that you’ll want your home’s switches and sockets to look equally smart. Let's get started.
Our Range of Light Switches ⚡
FORMATS
We offer 1, 2, 3 and 4 gang switch plates. ‘Gangs’ refers to the number of modules that sit on a switch plate. You’ll choose the size of switch plate you need based on the number of light circuits you want to control within a space.
CONTROLS
Choose from two ways to operate your lights; a Toggle Switch for a simple ON/OFF function, or opt for a Dimmer Switch if you’d like more range in lighting mood (from dim to bright).
DESIGNS
With a sleek, low profile, our light switches are designed for those looking for a premium finish to their interior details — you’ll notice the plates are even screw-free. The range is available in our two best-selling finishes; Brass and Antique Brass.
We then offer Toggle or Dimmer details, made of solid brass, in both Smooth and Knurled textures.
Our light switches have a modular design, allowing you to curate the right format for your needs. Combine Toggle and Dimmer modules across 1 to 4 gang switch plates, in your chosen finish and texture. The flexible design system means that, when your switch comes to the end of its lifecycle, it can also be dismantled and materials can be separated and recycled responsibly.
We then offer Toggle or Dimmer details, made of solid brass, in both Smooth and Knurled textures.
Our light switches have a modular design, allowing you to curate the right format for your needs. Combine Toggle and Dimmer modules across 1 to 4 gang switch plates, in your chosen finish and texture. The flexible design system means that, when your switch comes to the end of its lifecycle, it can also be dismantled and materials can be separated and recycled responsibly.
How to Choose Light Switches 💡
When shopping for new light switches, you’ll want to consider a few things...
● Are you updating existing switches, or installing brand new ones?
● What style of switches suit your interior design scheme?
● What mood, or atmosphere, is required in the space?
● How do you want to control the lighting within each room?
● Are you updating existing switches, or installing brand new ones?
● What style of switches suit your interior design scheme?
● What mood, or atmosphere, is required in the space?
● How do you want to control the lighting within each room?
1. What kind of project are you tackling?
2. What style and finish suit your project?
If you’re someone who likes consistent design, you may want to match your light switches to other hardware details in your home; cabinet hardware, or even your kitchen mixer tap.
Our designs are available in Brass and Antique Brass, which we’ve worked hard to pair beautifully with our existing designs in other categories.
We’ve even created options with both Smooth and Knurled details, so you can further align your light switches with the textures across your other touchpoints.
Our designs are available in Brass and Antique Brass, which we’ve worked hard to pair beautifully with our existing designs in other categories.
We’ve even created options with both Smooth and Knurled details, so you can further align your light switches with the textures across your other touchpoints.
3. What kind of mood are you looking to create?
Toggle Switches are a simple solution for those happy with a light ON/OFF set-up. You won’t be able to manipulate the intensity of the light with a Toggle Switch. You may choose a Toggle Switch for a very functional space, such as a utility room, in which you want constant, steady light output.
If you’d prefer to control the atmosphere of a room more than an ON/OFF light can provide, choose a Dimmer Switch for variable range. If placed in a multifunctional living space, rotate the dimmer to full intensity when you’re working from home, then dial it down to a low ambient light as you wind down with dinner of an evening.
If you’d prefer to control the atmosphere of a room more than an ON/OFF light can provide, choose a Dimmer Switch for variable range. If placed in a multifunctional living space, rotate the dimmer to full intensity when you’re working from home, then dial it down to a low ambient light as you wind down with dinner of an evening.
4. How many lights do you want to control from each location?
For a single light, you can use a 1 gang plate with either a toggle or dimmer switch. A 1 gang plate can also control multiple lights on the same circuit, such as turning off both bedside lights simultaneously. To control each light independently, they must be on separate circuits; otherwise, they cannot be switched ON/OFF separately.
A 2 Way Light Switch can be used if you want to operate your light from two locations, such as at either end of a large dining room. They have an additional terminal at the reverse, permitting the light’s behaviour to be controlled from multiple sites.
You’ll also need an Intermediate Light Switch if you want to operate your light from three locations, such as at the bottom, half-way landing and top of a staircase. The Intermediate Light Switch will be placed at the ‘middle’ location (the half-way landing).
A 2 Way Light Switch can be used if you want to operate your light from two locations, such as at either end of a large dining room. They have an additional terminal at the reverse, permitting the light’s behaviour to be controlled from multiple sites.
You’ll also need an Intermediate Light Switch if you want to operate your light from three locations, such as at the bottom, half-way landing and top of a staircase. The Intermediate Light Switch will be placed at the ‘middle’ location (the half-way landing).
Compatibility with Light Bulbs 💡
Dimmer Switches & LED light bulbs:
Dimmer Switches consume less energy than other switches, especially when paired with low-energy LED light bulbs.
That said, our Dimmer Switches are compatible with almost all light bulbs — LED and traditional USB — so you won’t have trouble finding a replacement bulb in the future. They're also compatible with both Leading Edge and Trailing Edge circuits, so are just about as flexible as you'll find.
For now, our Dimmer Switches don’t pair with Smart Light Bulbs.
That said, our Dimmer Switches are compatible with almost all light bulbs — LED and traditional USB — so you won’t have trouble finding a replacement bulb in the future. They're also compatible with both Leading Edge and Trailing Edge circuits, so are just about as flexible as you'll find.
For now, our Dimmer Switches don’t pair with Smart Light Bulbs.
Our Range of Plug Sockets 🔌
If you ask us, selecting plug sockets is a little more straight forward. Here's a few things you’ll want to consider...
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What kind of project are you tackling?
If you’re building a new home, or starting a space from scratch, you’ll likely be making decisions about where you want your power supply to be and so installing brand new ports for your sockets. You'll need to choose a back box to house your socket. A 1 gang back box is compatible with a single plug socket, whilst a 2 gang back box is required for a double plug socket.
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What devices do you want to plug in at each location?
If in a small space with few power requirements, you might opt for a single socket. This could be suitable for powering a radio, next to your bedside table.
For kitchen work surfaces, where you’ve multiple electrical appliances in use, a double socket will be more practical. Think about everything you use on a daily basis; kettle, toaster, air fryer, digital radio, blender, coffee machine, etc.
If charging your modern smartphone or laptop is of importance, you’ll like our double sockets with USB and USBC functionality. Shop these knowing that your existing and future devices will be compatible, as tech products shift from USB to USBC ports.
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What style of sockets suit your interior design style?
Our plug sockets are available in our best-selling finishes; Brass and Antique Brass. Select sockets to complement your existing cabinet hardware, or mix and match — there's no rules around here.
Whether you install our single of double sockets, you'll love how the low-profile designs sit neatly on your wall surfaces.
Glossary of Techy Terms 🤓
Having a hard time understanding some of the techy-terminology in this guide? Let us break it down for you:
Switch Plate: The metal plate on which your switch modules sit.Yoke: The plate to which your modules are installed, and your switch plate is clipped on to.
Gang: The number of 'gangs' (1 to 4) represents the number of modules on your switch plate.
Toggle Switch: A flip-up-and-down lever to activate an ON/OFF light.
Dimmer Switch: A twistable switch allowing light intensity to scale up and down.
1 Way Light Switch: A switch that activates one light circuit from one location.
2 Way Light Switch: A switch that activates one light circuit from two locations.
Intermediate Light Switch: A switch that activates one light circuit from three or more locations.
Smart Light Bulb: A switch that takes instruction from a smart device.
Back Box: A metal or plastic box that's inserted in a wall cavity, to accommodate a light switch of plug socket.
Trailing Edge: A dimmer that adjusts brightness by cutting off the end of the AC waveform. Suitable for LED and CFL lights.
Leading Edge: A dimmer that produces a rush of voltage every half cycle, resulting in a rush of current to the light source. Suitable for incandescent lights.
Have unanswered questions? 🤔
Head over to our help desk for more FAQs relating to our Switches & Sockets category.