Glossary: product terms
This glossary provides definitions of many of the specific product terms used on our website. For more general terms, see general terms.
No terms match those words.
Switch terms
Rocker switch 2-way- Rocker Switch: On/off switch that rocks when pressed. One side will be raised while the other is depressed.
Switch rating: 10A
2-Way: For use where there are one or two switches for the same light/lighting circuit. For example, where there is one switch at each end of a room for the same set of lights. - Rocker switch intermediate
- Rocker Switch: On/off switch that rocks when pressed. One side will be raised while the other is depressed.
Switch rating: 10A
Intermediate: For use where there are three switches for the same light/lighting circuit. An intermediate switch will be used in the middle of the circuit. For example, where there is one switch at the bottom of the stairs, one at the top of the stairs and one at the end of the landing, the intermediate will be the top of the stairs. 
Toggle switch 2-way- Toggle Switch: On/off switch that is controlled by a lever.
Switch rating: 10A
2-Way: For use where there are one or two switches for the same light/lighting circuit. For example, where there is one switch at each end of a room for the same set of lights. - Toggle switch intermediate
- Toggle Switch: On/off switch that is controlled by a lever.
Switch rating: 10A
Intermediate: For use where there are three switches for the same light/lighting circuit. An intermediate switch will be used in the middle of the circuit. For example, where there is one switch at the bottom of the stairs, one at the top of the stairs and one at the end of the landing, the intermediate will be the top of the stairs. 
Architrave switch 2-way- Architrave Switch: Small thin on/off switch that is usually fitted on a door frame or in a narrow space. Comes with either a rocker (rocks when pressed) or a toggle (controlled by a lever).
Switch rating: 10A
2-Way: For use where there is one or two switches for the same light/lighting circuit. For example, where there is one switch at each end of a room for the same set of lights. 
Push switch 2-way- Push Switch: Round button on/off switch that is depressed and clicks into place. The action is the same for on and off.
Switch rating: 6A
2-Way: For use where there is one or two switches for the same light/lighting circuit. For example, where there is one switch at each end of a room for the same set of lights. - Momentary switch
- Momentary Switch: Round button push-to-make switch. Depressing the button will make contact and contact will be lost when released. It can be used, for example, to trigger a relay or activate a motor.
Switch rating: 6A
For 1-way and multi-way circuits: extra switches are wired in parallel. 
Retractive switch- Retractive Switch: Contact achieved when bottom is depressed and springs back to rest position when released. It can be used, for example, to trigger a relay or activate a motor.
Switch rating: 10A
For 1-way and multi-way circuits: extra switches are wired in parallel. 
Fan isolating switch- Fan Isolator Switch: A wide on/off switch that rocks when pressed. One side will be raised while the other is depressed. Marked with on/off and triple pole for safer operation. For use with fans.
Switch rating: 10A
All fan isolating switches are one way. Only one switch can be used on each circuit. 
20A rocker switch- 20A Rocker Switch: On/off switch that rocks when pressed. One side will be raised while the other is depressed. Double pole for safer operation. Comes with or without a neon indicator light.
Switch rating: 20A
20A Double Pole switches are one way. Only one switch can be used on each circuit.
Socket terms
Fused spur- A connection unit commonly used for electrical appliances, which need to be installed without a plug (e.g. dishwashers, washing machines). Comprises of a 13A fuse holder and are switched or unswitched, with or without a neon indicator.
Flex outlet- A connection unit commonly used for electrical appliances, which need to be installed without a plug (e.g. dishwashers, washing machines). Comprises of a flex outlet hole for the cable to go through with connection at the back of the plate.
Rated up to 16A. 
Cooker switch- A red paddle switch for use with cookers. Separates the heavy load of a cooker, from other kitchen appliances, for safety and maintenance purposes. Different options are available including cooker panel with socket outlet, with or without neon, vertical twin plate, with or without neon, and single switches.
Rated up to 45A (sockets up to 13A). 
13A socket- An electrical socket outlet for use with British Standard three pin plug tops. Available as either single or double sockets.
Rated up to 13A. 
13A socket + USB- An electrical socket outlet for use with British Standard three pin plug tops with 2 USB charging ports (USB-A, USB-C or one of each). Available as either switched or unswitched.
Rated up to 13A. 
Round pin socket- An electrical socket outlet for use with round pin plug tops. There are varying sizes, 2A, 5A and 15A. 2A and 5A sockets are mostly used for lamps on a lighting ring main and are switched with a standard switch so all lamps can be controlled from one location. 15A socket take what is known as the 'Old British Plug' that is still used in some parts of the world.
TV socket- A data socket outlet for use with different cables used to connect a TV. Types available are male and female coax, isolated or screened return coax and F-type satellite.
Telephone socket- A data socket outlet used for telephone wiring. Available in master and secondary units. Master is used for where the telephone line enters the property and the secondary units are for any subsequent sockets in the line.
Shaver socket- An electrical socket for use with two pin plug tops, most commonly found on shavers and other appliances suitable for use in a bathroom. Suitable for use in bathrooms, toilets and shower rooms (IP41).
Rated up to 20VA. 
DataGrid plate- DataGrid plates are grid faceplates for use with DataGrid modules. DataGrid modules are for use in data transmission (e.g. TV, RJ45, Telephone etc.). Available in 1, 2 and 4-gang plates.
European terms
Rocker switch 2-way- Rocker Switch: On/off switch that rocks when pressed. One side will be raised while the other is depressed.
Switch rating: 10A
2-Way: For use where there are one or two switches for the same light/lighting circuit. For example, where there is one switch at each end of a room for the same set of lights.
Complete with claws for use in European back boxes. - Rocker switch intermediate
- Rocker Switch: On/off switch that rocks when pressed. One side will be raised while the other is depressed.
Switch rating: 10A
Intermediate: For use where there are three switches for the same light/lighting circuit. An intermediate switch will be used in the middle of the circuit. For example, where there is one switch at the bottom of the stairs, one at the top of the stairs and one at the end of the landing, the intermediate will be the top of the stairs.
Complete with claws for use in European back boxes. 
Toggle switch 2-way- Toggle Switch: On/off switch that is controlled by a lever.
Switch rating: 10A
2-Way: For use where there are one or two switches for the same light/lighting circuit. For example, where there is one switch at each end of a room for the same set of lights.
Complete with claws for use in European back boxes. 
Push switch 2-way- Push Switch: Round button on/off switch that is depressed and clicks into place. The action is the same for on and off.
Switch rating: 6A
2-Way: For use where there is one or two switches for the same light/lighting circuit. For example, where there is one switch at each end of a room for the same set of lights.
Complete with claws for use in European back boxes. - Momentary switch
- Momentary Switch: Round button push-to-make switch. Depressing the button will make contact and contact will be lost when released. It can be used, for example, to trigger a relay or activate a motor.
Switch rating: 6A
For 1-way and multi-way circuits: extra switches are wired in parallel.
Complete with claws for use in European back boxes. 
16A socket (pin earth)- An electrical socket outlet for use with two pin European plug tops that incorporate a pin earth. Available as single, double or triple sockets.
Rated up to 16A.
Complete with claws for use in European back boxes. 
16A socket (Schuko earth)- An electrical socket outlet for use with two pin European plug tops that incorporate a schuko earth. Available as single, double or triple sockets.
Rated up to 16A.
Complete with claws for use in European back boxes. 
Radio/TV socket (2-gang)- A data socket outlet for use with coaxial cables used to connect a TV or radio. Different attenuation levels (11dB, 14dB, 18dB and termination) are to be decided on the type of building and number of sockets used in the home/building. For example, a termination socket is used at the end of the line preceded by secondary sockets at increasing attenuation levels.
Complete with claws for use in European back boxes. 
Telephone/data socket- A data socket outlet for use with an assortment of registered jack (RJ) connectors. Available in a number of different combinations comprising of RJ12, RJ45 Cat 5e and RJ45 Cat 6.
Complete with claws for use in European back boxes.
Dimmer terms
V-Dim dimmer- VARILIGHT standard leading edge dimmers. Controlled via a dimmer knob. Either rotary controlled - rotate to switch on and dim and all the way back to turn off, or push on/off - push to switch on/off and rotate to dim. Available in 250W, 400W and 1000W.
For mains incandescent and halogen lighting and dimmable electronic low voltage transformers; not for LED lighting. For further information on compatibility, see the dimmer selection guide.
Push on/off models: two-way control with a standard 2-way switch at the other end. Rotary on/off models: one-way only. 
V-Plus dimmer- VARILIGHT intelligent leading edge dimmers. Controlled via a dimmer knob, push to switch on/off and rotate to dim. Available as 300W, 400W, 500W, 700W and 1000W.
The V-Plus series is designed for use with halogen loads but is also compatible with incandescent loads. For further information on compatibility, see the dimmer selection guide.
Suitable for two-way control with a standard 2-way switch at the other end. 
V-Pro dimmer- VARILIGHT silent intelligent trailing edge dimmers. Controlled via a dimmer knob, push to switch on/off and rotate to dim. Available as 120W and 300W.
For dimmable LED lighting and quality dimmable electronic low voltage transformers. For further information on compatibility, see the dimmer selection guide.
Suitable for two-way control with a standard 2-way switch at the other end. 
V-Pro Multi-Point dimmer- VARILIGHT silent intelligent trailing edge dimmers. Controlled by tactile touch: touch anywhere on the pad to turn on/off, press and hold the top to dim up and the bottom to dim down. Remote models also have an infrared eye for remote control, at the master dimmer only. Available as 100W.
For most dimmable LEDs and good quality dimmable electronic low voltage transformers. For further information on compatibility, see the dimmer selection guide.
For two-way or multi-way control, add any number of V-Pro Multi-Point supplementary controllers; conventional switches cannot be used. 
V-Com dimmer- VARILIGHT intelligent leading edge dimmers. Controlled via a dimmer knob, push to switch on/off and rotate to dim. Available in 100W, 180W, 220W, 400W and 600W.
For dimmable LED lighting and quality dimmable electronic low voltage transformers, including TRIAC dimmable drivers. For further information on compatibility, see the dimmer selection guide.
Suitable for two-way control with a standard 2-way switch at the other end. - V-Pro Multiway dimmer
- VARILIGHT LED dimmer for lights controlled from two or three places. Push to switch on/off and rotate to dim. 120W per gang.
Fit one dimmer and up to two companion controllers (rotary controls for the other switch positions), with no more than 50m of cable to the furthest one. Standard or retractive switches cannot be used. - V-Pro Smart dimmer
- VARILIGHT Wi-Fi LED dimmer, used at the knob or with the Supla app, Google Home or Alexa. Push to switch on/off and rotate to dim. 120W.
For two or three switch positions, add up to two companion controllers; conventional switches cannot be used. - V-Pro Micro in-line dimmer
- Compact VARILIGHT LED dimmer that fits in the wall box and is controlled by retractive (push) switches: MDJ160 with a single push switch, MDJ160K with a centre-off retractive switch (up and down). 160W.
Extra retractive switches are wired in parallel. - Fan regulator
- Rotary control for mains voltage fans, and any mains incandescent or halogen lights on the same circuit. Add the fan rating to the lamp ratings: for example, a 100W fan plus 3 x 50W GU10 lamps is 250W. Not for LED lighting or low voltage transformers.
One-way only. - 1-10V dimmer
- VARILIGHT dimmer for dimmable drivers and ballasts with a 0-10V or 1-10V control input, up to 20mA in total. Controlled via a dimmer knob, push to switch mains power (6A maximum) on/off and rotate to control the dimming function of the driver.
Suitable for two-way control with a standard 2-way switch at the other end. 
Replacement dimmer modules- Dimmer module only for use with an existing dimmer plate. Enables you to mix and match dimmers for different loads on the same plate. Please refer to the descriptions above for the types of replacement modules available.
On/off only- Dimmer module without dimming function to enable you to use a switching load on the same plate as a dimming load. Looks like a dimmer but only has a switch function. Push to switch on/off. Available as MH0 (1-way or 2-way) or MPINT (intermediate, between two 2-way switches).
2-Way: For use where there is one or two switches for the same light/lighting circuit. For example, where there is one switch at each end of a room for the same set of lights.
Intermediate: For use where there are three switches for the same light/lighting circuit. An intermediate switch will be used in the middle of the circuit. For example, where there is one switch at the bottom of the stairs, one at the top of the stairs and one at the end of the landing, the intermediate will be the top of the stairs.
DataGrid terms
- DataGrid range
- Incorporates a range of data transmission sockets and modules for use in DataGrid faceplates. This allows you to create your own combinations using the variations of modules we have listed below.
Blank module- Blank module for use in datagrid plates. Available in half, single and double width modules.
BNC module- A data socket outlet for use with a radio frequency connector for connecting co-axial cable into electrical equipment. Commonly used with commercial video devices and CCTV.
Brush module- Brushes create a pass through for cables with a safer and better looking finish. Available in 1, 2 or 4 grid space sizes.
HDMI socket- A data socket outlet for use with HDMI cables. Commonly used to connect high definition equipment to a television or similar.
PABX master- A data socket outlet for use with Ethernet cables. Commonly used to provide multiple internal and external phone lines.
Phono socket- A data socket outlet for use with A/V jacks. Commonly used to carry audio and video signals. Available as single (white), double (white and red) or triple (white, yellow and red) sockets (all on single size module).
RJ11 socket- A data socket outlet for use with a registered jack-11 connector. Commonly used in phone networks.
RJ45 socket- A data socket outlet for use with a registered jack-45 connector. Commonly used in computer networking. Available as Cat 5e or Cat 6 sockets.
Speaker module- A data socket outlet for use with banana plugs. Commonly used for connection audio equipment to speakers or amplifiers. Available as one pair (single module) or two pairs (double module).
S-VGA module- A data socket for use with VGA connectors. Commonly used for connection to computer monitors, projectors or TVs.
Telephone socket- A data socket outlet used for telephone wiring. Available in master and secondary units. Master is used for where the telephone line enters the property and the secondary units are for any subsequent sockets in the line.
TV socket- A data socket outlet for use with coaxial cables used to connect a TV. Types available are male and female coax, isolated or screened return coax and F-type satellite in a number of different configurations.
USB socket- A data socket outlet for use with USB-A (NO charging capability). Commonly used in computer and TV connectivity.
PowerGrid terms
- PowerGrid range
- Incorporates a range of wiring accessories to create your own switch combinations. Items are made up using a faceplate, frames and the correct number of modules. Allows you flexibility to use dimmers, switches and other wiring accessories you may need in one plate.
PowerGrid faceplates- Plates to be used on the front of a PowerGrid product. Available in a number of different finishes (see here) and sizes. Sizes available are 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 8, 9 and 12-gang.
PowerGrid frames- Frames, often referred to as yokes, are used to mount PowerGrid modules to the wall. Available as 1, 2, 3, and 4 gang and multiple frames are to be used in larger plates.
PowerGrid modules- Modules are mounted into the frames in order to set up a configuration to your specification. There are a number of different module options as listed below.
2-way rocker switch- Rocker Switch: On/off switch that rocks when pressed. One side will be raised while the other is depressed.
Switch rating: 10A
2-Way: For use where there is one or two switches for the same light/lighting circuit. For example, where there is one switch at each end of a room for the same set of lights. 
Retractive switch- Retractive Switch: Contact achieved when top or bottom is depressed and springs back to centre rest position when released. It can be used, for example, to trigger a relay or activate a motor.
Switch rating: 10A
For 1-way and multi-way circuits: extra switches are wired in parallel. - Intermediate rocker switch
- Rocker Switch: On/off switch that rocks when pressed. One side will be raised while the other is depressed.
Switch rating: 10A
Intermediate: For use where there are three switches for the same light/lighting circuit. An intermediate switch will be used in the middle of the circuit. For example, where there is one switch at the bottom of the stairs, one at the top of the stairs and one at the end of the landing, the intermediate will be the top of the stairs. 
Fuse holder- A connection unit commonly used for electrical appliances, which need to be installed without a plug (e.g. dishwashers, washing machines). Comprises of a fuse holder and a 13A fuse included.
Rated up to 13A. 
Flex outlet- A connection unit commonly used for electrical appliances, which need to be installed without a plug (e.g. dishwashers, washing machines). Comprises of a flex outlet hole for the cable to go through with connections at the back of the module.
Rated up to 16A. 
20A switch (including key switches)- 20A Rocker Switch: On/off switch that rocks when pressed. One side will be raised while the other is depressed. Available as single pole 2-way or double pole 1-way. Comes with or without a neon and also available as an emergency key switch.
Switch rating: 20A
2-Way: For use where there is one or two switches for the same light/lighting circuit. For example, where there is one switch at each end of a room for the same set of lights.
1-Way: can only be switched in one location. 
Blanking insert- Blank module for use in PowerGrid frames where there is an extra space.
Indicator light- A module with a green, amber or red light as an indicator for whether an electrical appliance is on.
V-Com dimmer- VARILIGHT intelligent leading edge dimmers. Controlled via a dimmer knob, push to switch on/off and rotate to dim. Available as a 180W module.
For dimmable LED lighting and quality dimmable electronic low voltage transformers, including TRIAC dimmable drivers. For further information on compatibility, see the dimmer selection guide.
Suitable for two-way control with a standard 2-way switch at the other end. - 1-10V dimmer
- VARILIGHT dimmer for dimmable drivers and ballasts with a 0-10V or 1-10V control input, up to 20mA in total. Controlled via a dimmer knob, push to switch mains power (6A maximum) on/off and rotate to control the dimming function of the driver.
Suitable for two-way control with a standard 2-way switch at the other end. - 2-way push switch
- Dimmer module without dimming function to enable uniformity across all your PowerGrid modules. Looks like a dimmer but only has a switch function. Push to switch on/off.
2-Way: For use where there is one or two switches for the same light/lighting circuit. For example, where there is one switch at each end of a room for the same set of lights. - Intermediate push switch
- Dimmer module without dimming function to enable uniformity across all your PowerGrid modules. Looks like a dimmer but only has a switch function. Push to switch on/off.
Intermediate: For use where there are three switches for the same light/lighting circuit. An intermediate switch will be used in the middle of the circuit. For example, where there is one switch at the bottom of the stairs, one at the top of the stairs and one at the end of the landing, the intermediate will be the top of the stairs. - V-Dim dimmer
- VARILIGHT standard leading edge dimmers. Controlled via a dimmer knob, push to switch on/off and rotate to dim. Available as 250W and 400W modules.
For mains incandescent and halogen lighting and dimmable electronic low voltage transformers; not for LED lighting. For further information on compatibility, see the dimmer selection guide.
Suitable for two-way control with a standard 2-way switch at the other end. - V-Plus dimmer
- VARILIGHT intelligent leading edge dimmers. Controlled via a dimmer knob, push to switch on/off and rotate to dim. Available as 400W modules.
The V-Plus series is designed for use with halogen loads but is also compatible with incandescent loads. For further information on compatibility, see the dimmer selection guide.
Suitable for two-way control with a standard 2-way switch at the other end. - V-Pro dimmer
- VARILIGHT silent intelligent trailing edge dimmers. Controlled via a dimmer knob, push to switch on/off and rotate to dim. Available as 120W and 300W modules.
For dimmable LED lighting and quality dimmable electronic low voltage transformers. For further information on compatibility, see the dimmer selection guide.
Suitable for two-way control with a standard 2-way switch at the other end. 
V-Pro Multi-Point dimmer- VARILIGHT silent intelligent trailing edge dimmers. Controlled by tactile touch: touch anywhere on the pad to turn on/off, press and hold the top to dim up and the bottom to dim down. Remote models also have an infrared eye for remote control, at the master dimmer only. Available as 100W.
For most dimmable LEDs and good quality dimmable electronic low voltage transformers. For further information on compatibility, see the dimmer selection guide.
For two-way or multi-way control, add any number of V-Pro Multi-Point supplementary controllers; conventional switches cannot be used. 
Modules for MK, GET, Crabtree grids- VARILIGHT dimmer kit with clips suitable for MK, Schneider (GET) and Crabtree grid systems. Available as V-Com, 1-10V, 2-Way Push, Intermediate Push, V-Dim, V-Plus and V-Pro dimmers.
The dimmers are suitable for two-way control with a standard 2-way switch at the other end.
Transformer terms
Dimmable electronic transformers- An electronic device to power low voltage lamps. All Varilight transformers are dimmable and can be used with VARILIGHT dimmers. Available as either 50W, 70W, 105W, 150W or 210W. All are suitable for a.c. LED lighting at half their full rating (for example YT50LZ up to 25W).
230V AC / DC LED strip drivers- A device that changes the mains voltage into a 12V or 24V DC output to power LED strip. They are dimmable, with a VARILIGHT V-Pro dimmer on the mains side. Available as 40W, in 12V (YT40DC12) and 24V (YT40DC24).
Load regulator (LEDFix)- Wired in parallel with any one of the lamp fittings on a dimmed circuit, the LEDFix (YAGF) can improve the stability of some LEDs at a lower brightness level.
- 12V AC/DC converters
- Devices used to convert voltage from 12V AC to 12V DC to power low voltage LED.
General terms
Gangs- Describes the number of switches on a plate. This term is used for rockers, toggles, momentary and push switches, dimmers and sockets. Each gang on the plate controls a single lighting circuit.
The switch pictured is a 3-gang.