Porcelain Dimmer

Porcelain Dimmer

From £125.00

A modern dimmer in the style of European switches of the 1920s and 30s. Porcelain fittings were very common in the early part of the 20th century, when wall-mounted switches started becoming more affordable.

This design features the more traditional round backplate and is available in three versions, depending on your light source:

  1. LEDs of combined loads up to 35W (conventional up to 110W), “Leading Edge” or TRIAC
  2. LEDs of combined loads up to 80W (conventional up to 200W), “Universal”
  3. LEDs of combined loads up to 130W (conventional up to 350W), “Universal”

Electronic dimmers (suitable for LED transformers for example) are also available – please get in touch if you require this type.

For combining these dimmers to create more than double combinations, you can use modular backplates that join at the ends. Please contact us for more information.

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.

Clear

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 round 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.

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What you need to know

What’s in the box?

This dimmer set consists of an insert (including rotary knob), and a round frame.


(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 dimmer (Leading Edge or Trailing Edge)


Where is this used in the home?

A 1-gang 2-way dimmer is commonly used for controlling a single light source from one or two places.


 

Installation

THPG dimmer 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 download the PDF with full instructions.


Wiring


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?
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 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.

It’s a dimmer 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 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.

Porcelain Dimmer from Swtch
THPG Porcelain Rotary light switch

The detail

The backplate and inner frontplate are made from 100% industrial grade porcelain. The whole piece, with the ceramic and metal insert, is noticeably heavier than plastic switches, which gives it a traditional and durable feel.

From the beginning of the electrical age and several decades to follow, the porcelain and ceramics industry was the most important provider of electrical technology: Casings, switch pieces and housings were made from this attractive material that, apart from its aesthetic qualities, has tangible technical benefits: it insulates and is extremely tough.

The electronic dimmer insert in this product is a high-tech unit, which can control any modern light source without flickering or unpleasant noises. It should work “out of the box”, but it can also be configured by your installer if necessary.

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.

Porcelain Dimmer from Swtch

The inspiration

Equally suitable for period wallpapers and the crisp white walls of modernist interiors, this is a switch for interior professionals. The classic material, combined with a soft round backplate, stands out and adds a quirky retro touch to any interior.

We have seen it used in faithful renovations of 1920s and 1930s properties, as well as adding a light vintage touch to ‘modern country’ styles, fitted to bare plaster walls or tiled kitchen splashbacks.