From £38.33
An updated, European twist to the traditional dolly switch, made from the much-loved, classic material of the 1920s: Bakelite. This design features the more authentic round backplate.
NB: These switches are meant to be fitted into European back boxes, not standard British rectangular ones. It is theoretically possible to fit them in a square box and fill in the corners, but it is not recommended.
Click on the “What you need to know” link for essential product details, dimensions, fitting info and more.
Apart from switches, THPG offer a selection of wiring products and functions that can be combined with these frames, such as audio speaker inputs, TV/SAT sockets and network sockets. Contact us for information on other options if you can’t find what you’re looking for.
IMPORTANT
Because of its round backplate shape, this switch doesn’t fit the regular British square or rectangular wall boxes. The corners of the back box (or the hole the switch is going into) WILL SHOW.
It is perfectly possible to fit a European-style roundย back box, which the backplate will cover. We sell these boxes here. But this will require electrical work and decorating/plastering to make good the new wall box.
Please be aware that we don’t accept returns of this product after 14 days if you find that the necessary installation/decorating work is too extensive. We kindly ask that you and your electrician make sure that they are aware of the back box incompatibility before ordering this product.
What you need to know
What’s in the box?
This switch set consists of an insert (including toggle and front plate, fixed with a small metal screw), and a round frame.
What does an electrician call this?
Where is this used in the home?
A 1-gang 2-way switch is commonly used for controlling a single light source from one or two places. A 1-gang intermediate is used as the middle switch of three, controlling a single light source (for example in a hallway). A 2-gang switch is used for controlling two light sources from one or two places.
Installation
THPG toggle switches require a bit more patience to wire up, simply because they are modelled on original designs and don't have the modern conveniences of push-contacts and encapsulated backplates.
Just follow the step-by-step pictures below or go to ourย THPG toggle switch installation page. Like all THPG switches, these have open screw terminals.
NB: We used a European round box in the step-by-step pictures, but the procedure is the same for square UK boxes.
Wiring
Step-by-step
(Click gallery to enlarge. Number of gangs and/or finishes might vary)
Downloads
Installation Guide:
Instructions THPG Toggle
Manufacturers instructions:
Please refer to ourย Installation section for more installation advice, manuals and helpful videos.
Dimensions
Does this cover a standard british back box?
No, a 70mm round back box is required. Check the available options below.
How deep does the back box need to be?
This insert is quite deep, it needs at least 45mm. Check the available options below.
The concept
Drawing on the popular switches of the early 20th Century, THPG Bakelite switches are designed to recreate a vintage look with a clean, sleek finish. They are faithful replicas – in fact made using original machinery and processes – but they don’t come across too old-fashioned to be a charming focal point in a modern interior either.
Whether in the round orย square backplate shapes, the elegance of a by-gone era shines through in these pieces. It’s a switch that will be talked about in your house.
the range
Available in a striking monochrome palette, the THPG Bakelite and Duroplast designs come in round or square frames. Central toggles and rotaries provide a pleasing focal point, drawing the eye into the centre of the switch. The toggles can be ordered in single or double versions but even if you require a "double" rotary, get in touch - there are options!
The round frames in this collection work brilliantly with ourย Porcelain Button and Porcelain Rotary ranges (also by THPG), allowing you to create interest with different textures and materials whilst retaining a unified shape. Square frames make a bolder statement and also have the advantage of being able to be installed into standard UK back boxes.
The detail
Bakelite has a unique look and is loved for its semi-glossy, silky finish and a tactile surface that is hard to resist. It feels "warmer" than modern plastics and this quality is used to great effect in the soft and friendly shapes of the THPG switches.
The small screws that hold the parts together are sunken into the Bakelite, not to distract from the striking monochrome look.
Old-school allure and craftsmanship – a contemporary icon
The source
Working in partnership with manufacturers in Westphalia, THPG have restored original moulds and reintroduced traditional specialist tools in order to create a truly authentic, top quality Bakelite light switch. Their highly skilled artisans, chosen for their experience working with this material, hand-finish the mechanical inserts and covers in a factory that has been making products for several hundred years.
Due to the ‘matrix method’ of moulding, along with the inherent durability of Bakelite, these switches are built to last. Once the material has been pressed and moulded it will retain its shape forever. The collection has a superior look and feel, and its internal functions are just as effective and efficient as those we can see and touch.
The inspiration
The beauty of our Bakelite switches lies in their utilitarian, old-school allure. They could be sitting on a modern grey wall, providing a contrast with cocooning dark blue tones, or finishing off a period wall in floral flock or vintage prints, this switch is a versatile classic in its own right.
So whether you are planning an authentic restoration of a period property, or looking for a playful addition to your minimalist or mid-century modern interior scheme, this monochrome range of toggles and rotaries adds eye-catching architectural accents.