Duroplast Rotary Square

Duroplast Rotary Square

From £55.00 £45.00

A faithful re-invention of the rotary switch common in Europe in the 1910s and 20s in Duroplast, the white equivalent of black Bakelite. This design features a square backplate, ideal for retro-fitting in British properties.

For combining these switches to create multiples (3-gang, 4-gang etc), you need a multi-gang backplate – see some examples in the photographs below. NB: these multiples will only fit onto European back boxes, not British rectangular double boxes. Our connectable metal boxes are perfect for this purpose: http://www.swtch.co.uk/product/jung-uk-back-box-metalDuroplast Rotary Square from Swtch

The modular nature of these switches mean that you can also mix and match finishes! Please get in touch if you would like to combine a Bakelite frame with a contrasting Duroplast toggle, for example.

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.

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What you need to know

What’s in the box?

This switch set consists of an insert including a screw-in rotary handle, a frame and a front plate, fixed with a small hidden nut.


(Click image to enlarge. Pictures for illustration only. Number of gangs and/or finishes might vary)


What does an electrician call this?

This is a 1-gang 2-way 10AX switch, or a 1-gang intermediate 10AX switch


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).


 

Installation

THPG rotary switches are easy to install, but remember, the round backplate versions don't fit onto standard British back boxes! Just follow the step-by-step pictures below or go to our THPG rotary switch installation page. We used a European round box in the pictures but the procedure is the same for square ones.


Wiring

THPG rotary switch wiring points


Step-by-step


(Click gallery to enlarge. Number of gangs and/or finishes might vary)


Please refer to our Installation section for more installation advice, manuals and helpful videos.


 

Dimensions

Does this cover a standard british back box?
This product covers a standard metal knockout box, but it doesn't cover the edges of plastic "dry-lining" boxes. If you can't fit a metal flush box, we recommend using "flat plate" drywall boxes or European round boxes.


How deep does the back box need to be?
This insert is quite deep, it needs at least 45mm. Check the available options below.


Recommended products:
Kaiser back box for hollow walls, 49m Kaiser back box, hollow wall, single, 49mm
Kaiser back box for solid walls, 46m Kaiser back box for solid walls

The concept

Drawing on the popular switches of the early 20th Century, THPG Duroplast 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 this square backplate design, or the round one, the elegance of a by-gone era shines through in these pieces.

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 our 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.

Duroplast Rotary Square from Swtch
Duroplast Rotary Square from Swtch

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.

Duroplast Rotary Square from Swtch

The inspiration

The beauty of our satin white Duroplast 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. While its black Bakelite cousin is probably more recognisable and striking, we think the light finish is gentler and suits softer interior schemes better.

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 range of toggles and rotaries adds eye-catching architectural accents.