Black bakelite two-way switch

This black bakelite switch is a flush-mounted two-way rocker switch that controls the same light from two places: at the bottom and top of a staircase, or at both doors of a corridor.

The rocker and the disc around it are in black bakelite, a moulded phenolic resin, insulating, typical of pre-1950 installations. The switch is rated 10 A, 10 AX at 250 V (AX: lighting loads, including fluorescent), measures 8.2 cm in diameter and fits in a standard flush-mounting box with its spring claws.

The cover plate, round or square, is sold separately. A two-way circuit needs two switches and three wires between them; if you have never wired one, leave it to an electrician. The rocker is cleaned with a dry cloth.