The second switch system: black and Bakelite®. Porcelain and Bakelite® coexisted harmoniously for many years, and both switch colours, white porcelain and black Bakelite®, were equally popular. The synthetic resin Bakelite® was found to be an ideal material for electro-technical applications: its stability was unmatched and its temperature resistance and insulation were tremendous.

The material remained common in light switches and power outlets into the 1960’s, but then Bakelite® was replaced by cheaper synthetic materials. With the spread of thermoplastic as the new switch material, Bakelite® virtually disappeared from the scene. However, there is no comparison between Bakelite® and thermoplastic: Bakelite® is much heavier and more pleasant to the eye and to the touch.

This is due to its production. Instead of being produced using the injection-moulding procedure, Bakelite® is moulded directly from its raw form using the “matrix method”. With the successful development of the porcelain switch system, we have set out to restore this harmonious coexistence. In close cooperation with the company CAW, we have brought the lost moulds and tools back into production and have found material manufacturers who are masters at processing Bakelite® – a skill which can no longer be taken for granted.

The result is the Bakelite® switch system: just like its porcelain counterpart, it is both functionally and aesthetically superior to other synthetic mouldings.

• Order no.: 186883
• Material: bakelite
• Dimensions: Ø 8,2 cm

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. It is hard to understand why today’s porcelain material for electrical switch systems can generally only be found in industrial use. This fact can only be explained by the dominant business mentality “more, faster, cheaper”.

The producers of technical porcelain – based primarily in the Bavarian Forest and in Thuringia – are desperately searching for new fields in which to apply their highly-developed skills. We have brought together a producer of electro-technical switches from Westphalia and a producer of electro-technical porcelain from Thuringia. The result is this porcelain switch system what is shortly for twenty years established on the market. It is both functional and pleasant in three ways: to the eye, to the touch and to the ear (thanks to the enjoyable “klack” sound of the rotary switch).

• Order no.: 186880
• Material: porcelain
• Dimensions: Ø 8,2 cm

10A, 10 AX, AC 250V. With central insert and locking bolt made of porcelain. With spring clips.

Socket E27, open terminal compartment, white porcelain base and two cable entrances in IEC protection class II and with IP code 54.

• Order no.: 100794
• Material: porcelain, glass
• Dimensions: 125 mm x 160 mm x 94 mm

Two-part case and locking bolt made of Bakelite with a single lateral input; two lateral screw attachments facilitate wall mounting. With spring clips. Cable mounted on wall surface. Additional types of rotary switches are available, e.g. crossbar and multi-series - simply contact us for details.

• Order no.: 100959
• Material: Bakelite
• 10 A, 10 AX, AC 250 V, IP44.
• Length 8.5 cm
• Width 9.7 cm
• Height above surface 6.5 cm
• Weight 190 g

To complement our tried and tested switch systems of porcelain and Bakelite® we have developed switches and sockets for surface mounting. Optically, their design is reminiscent of historical predecessors – whereby they do, of course, comply with all current standards and safety regulations.

The robust 2,5 mm thick casings of Bakelite® and Duroplast are moulded in one piece and provide suffi cient impact protection for the electrical contacts underneath. To allow cables to be laid to or through the units, the casing has lateral sections which can be broken out along predetermined lines. The casing is open at the back, so that the cabling can also be laid below the surface.

The mechanical components fulfi l the same standards in respect of durability and service life as the other switch series which have already proved themselves in manufacturing and shipbuilding. Installation: The inner components are mounted on the underlying surface and then connected with the cabling, after which the casing is put in place and screwed tight. Where the underlying surface is fl ammable, it should fi rst be covered using a suitable layer of material, e.g. Pertinax. As part of the surface mounting product series we supply matching base plates made of Bakelite® and Duroplast. 

• Order no.: 184197
• Material: duroplast
• Dimensions: Ø 6,2 cm

10 A, 10 AX, AC 250 V, IP 20. 62 mm Ø, Height above surface incl. toggle 49 mm. Duroplast housing and toggle.