While ON/OFF switches and controllers may be some of the most ubiquitous electrical devices found in any home or business, they’re also among the most important. And that’s not just because they’re responsible for moving electricity from a breaker box to any particular appliance or fixture, or even because of their visual appeal.
It’s because they’re responsible for addressing all these points, safely. With a nationwide nominal voltage rating of 230V, it’s understandable why Australia has some of the most stringent codes in the world regarding the safety of switches and controllers.
That means technically and materially, the switches, rotary controllers and even face plates sold in the country are expected to meet the highest safety standards. What that doesn’t mean, however, is that the only choices homeowners and facility managers have in safe electrical supplies are destined to be aesthetic eyesores.
Full Functioning Electric Switches That Look As Good As They Perform
From sleek, multi-gang switches that are perfect for indoor lighting fixtures and motion sensors, to IP-rated outdoor switches for deck fans and bollard systems, premium quality electric switches and voltage controllers are as highly regarded with designers and decorators as they are with sparkies and installers.
There’s no room for compromise when it comes to electrical safety and switch device manufacturers like Hager, Ravelo, and Australia’s own Clipsal have set the standard for safe, reliable ON/OFF switches and controllers for residential and commercial fixtures and appliances, such as:
- Lights, fans, and alarm systems;
- Blower, gateway, and garage door motors; and,
- Low voltage pumps, water heaters, and air conditioners.
Manufacturers know that the control devices for these 1–45amp fixtures need to operate smoothly and flawlessly every time. That’s why designers and installers overwhelmingly prefer contemporary switch collections from manufacturers who understand that they don’t have to surrender visual appeal to maintain full functionality.
Elegant Indoor Switches That Are Built For Durability
When it comes indoor electrical switches, reliability and luxury aren’t mutually exclusive. Premium suppliers of electric switches are aware that aside from satisfying AS/NZS 60669 safety guidelines, their devices also need to complement broad ranges of styles, tastes and decors. And fortunately for sparkies and decorators, there’s a wealth of durable, elegant electric switches for sale for all interior settings, including:
- Slim profile light switches. Designers can buy electrical switches up to 45amps in finely-styled latching and rocker configurations, in both horizontal and vertical versions, and with up to 16-gang positions.
- Multi-functional controllers. Attractive slide-type and multi-position rotary-type controllers for fans, light dimmers and other appliances, are sold in an array of arrangements suitable for any home or business.
- Intelligent smart button switches. App and voice-controlled switching are the ways of the future, and designers and chippies can buy electrical switch devices that are perfect for hands-free, full home and workplace automation.
- High capacity data connections. High capacity, low impedance RJ45 and HDMI jacks and mechanism sockets are available for a wide range of residential and commercial data, voice, RF, coaxial and A/V connections.
- Smart timer/delay switches. Smart vertical timer switches are designed to improve indoor energy efficiency, offer programmable delays from 10 seconds to 15 hours and are engineered for use with any appliance, including air conditioners, rated to 10amps.
With faceplates and surrounds designed to match any contemporary interior, Australian homeowners and property managers never have to worry about finding electric switch and control devices that aren’t perfectly suited for their environments. And the same is true for outdoor electrical switches for sale, where safety and durability also don’t have to be sacrificed in favour of rich styling.
Design Basics Bring Together the Best in Outdoor Switches
Make no mistake: while outdoor switches are designed to put durability first, that doesn’t mean that their looks have to be second-rate. Exposure to extreme temperatures, intense sun and UV rays and windborne abrasion, however, can diminish their looks as well as their durability. This is where sticking to the basics of outdoor switch design becomes important.
Clean lines, simple forms and a robust design makes for outdoor switches that homeowners and property managers trust and appreciate. That’s why when it comes to outdoor control devices, sparkies and decorators only buy switches with features and specs that include:
- Impact and abrasion resistant acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) housings for robust internal support;
- Durable, polycarbonate (PC) bodies and faceplates for superior UV and fade resistance; and,
- IP56 – IP66 protection from dust ingress and high pressure water spray.
Outdoor switches and control devices also come in either matte white or black finishes. They’re simple shades that add optical harmony to any residential or industrial environment, but still easily accept a fresh pop of colour with primer and a coat of paint.
Reaping Big Benefits From Buying Electrical Switches Online
With manufacturers like Clipsal and Hager presiding over low-voltage product lines boasting thousands of parts, finding the perfect devices to match specific architectural motifs can be challenging. And for even the best-prepared retailers, the cost of inventorying just a small percentage of those parts would be difficult.
This is where the benefits of being able to buy electric switches online make a difference. Regardless of whether they’re for indoor or outdoor use, the advantages of buying electrical switches online are too compelling to ignore, and they include:
- Unmatched switch and controller selection. Shopping for switches online allows homeowners and property managers to review all the options that are available to them from multiple manufacturers at once.
- Maximum buyer’s convenience. Whereas a decorator or installer might ordinarily need to visit multiple retailers on the hope of tracking down the device they want, once they’ve found the right electrical switch online, they can have it delivered directly to them, anywhere in Australia.
- Absolute lowest pricing. As online retailers aren’t weighed down by overheads costs, they’re able to offer electric switches online at the absolute lowest price possible.
Online retailers also enjoy substantial manufacturer discounts and sales incentives that aren’t typically offered to brick and mortar retailers. These can result in significant switch and controller savings which, when purchased in volume, can dramatically reduce the cost of any large-scale installation job, or home or office makeover.
The Final Word
At the end of the day, while there’s no way to understate the importance of switch and controller safety, the role they play in accenting indoor and outdoor decor means their appearance can’t be ignored. No homeowner or property manager wants the burden of unattractive switches and controllers. And fortunately for them, the country’s top switch manufacturers are equally keen to ensure that they don’t have to.
Stylish, ADR-compliant switches and voltage controllers are the ideal complement for today’s contemporary spaces. No matter if it’s indoor or outdoor use, they’re among the simplest and smartest investments that can be made to improve the ambiance of a property.