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Frequently asked questions

Answers to the questions customers ask us most, from choosing and fitting a dimmer to curing flicker. Search, or browse by product or topic.

Showing 24 questions about Sockets Show all questions

Fitting and wiring

Wiring 2-way and multi-way circuits, wall box depths and where to find the instructions. If in doubt, consult a qualified electrician.

Dimmers

What depth of back box do I need?
Minimum depthClassicUltraflatScrewless
Dimmers25mm35mm35mm
Rocker and toggle switches16mm25mm25mm
13A and 5A sockets, fused spurs25mm35mm35mm

PowerGrid: 35mm for dimmers, 25mm for rockers and fuses. V-Pro Multi-Point grid dimmers depend on the faceplate: 25mm with a Classic faceplate, 35mm with a Screwless faceplate. Cooker panels and shaver sockets need deeper boxes: see wall box depths for every range. The depth for a particular product is also on its data sheet: type the product code into the search box.

Single dimmer plates fit wall boxes with 60.3mm fixing centres, double plates 120.6mm. A box with four fixing lugs needs the top and bottom lugs broken off or bent flat. 3 and 4-gang dimmers come on a wider twin plate, so check your wall box.

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Where can I find the instructions or a wiring diagram for my product?

The instruction leaflet, with its wiring diagrams, comes with your product. You can also find every current leaflet on the instruction leaflets page, and leaflets for older and discontinued products on the earlier leaflets page. Where relevant, check the software version and choose the correct leaflet: the software version is on the side of the dimmer module.

We also have a page of wiring diagrams and how-to videos. Every data sheet links to the product's leaflet: type the product code into the search box. If the wiring diagram is not enough, please contact a qualified electrician.

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Switches, sockets and grid products

How do I fit a Screwless plate?
  1. Place the product face down on a soft surface. Insert a screwdriver tip into one of the short slots and twist a quarter turn to release the decorative front plate. Lift out the switch assembly.
  2. Make sure the wall around the wall box is flat, sanding away any uneven material if necessary.
  3. Connect the wires, including the earth wire to the earth terminal on the metal back plate.
  4. Fix the switch assembly to the wall box with the screws provided. Tighten evenly and gradually, and do not overtighten: this deforms the plastic clips and stops the front plate seating correctly.
  5. Press the front plate firmly into place, with gentle pressure on each side until the clips engage.

Watch the Screwless video on VARILIGHT TV.

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How do I deal with too much cable in the back box with Ultraflat or Screwless products?

When installing this product in a back box with too much cabling, the best option is to apply even pressure to the whole faceplate front to allow the plate to sit flush, then tighten the screws adequately. However, don't use too much force, as this could damage the product or the back box, or make the wiring unsafe. If you have to use too much force to get the faceplate to sit flush, consider reducing the amount of cabling in the back box.

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Buying

Where to buy, orders, trade buying and bespoke products.

Where can I buy VARILIGHT products?

VARILIGHT products are widely available from retailers and wholesalers in the UK and elsewhere in Europe:

Every data sheet shows where to buy that product: look it up by code on the data sheets page. See where to buy.

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Can I see samples of the finishes, or get a catalogue?

Browse every range and finish in the online catalogue. A VARILIGHT swatch book of finishes is also available: product code YSWATCH (its data sheet shows where to buy).

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Can you make bespoke or engraved products?

Yes. If you need something special, unusual or bespoke for your project, please contact your VARILIGHT supplier with a description of what you need: for example a twin fused spur on a twin plate, or a number of intermediate switches.

Our engraving service can label switches with a permanent engraving to show their function, such as "Hot Tap" or "Coffee Machine". Some engraved switches are standard products: see the PowerGrid page. More on bespoke products.

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Is a product still available, or has it been discontinued?

Look the product up by code on the data sheets page. The data sheet says if a product is made to order or no longer available, and shows where to buy current products. Many dimmers that aren't made ready-built in a finish can be made with our Matrix system. For a discontinued product, see what happens if my product is obsolete.

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Parts, finishes and care

Knobs and spare parts, product codes and data sheets, finishes, cleaning and decorating.

What finishes are your products available in?

View the product finishes. You can click on any of the finishes to get a list of part codes with links to data sheets.

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Where can I find product codes and data sheets?

If you know the product code, enter it on the data sheets page (or in the search box at the top of any page) to go straight to its data sheet. Otherwise search by range, finish or product type, or browse a range and narrow it down.

If you know the finish you want, you can also choose it in the online catalogue to see the full range listing, with a link to each product's data sheet. Data sheets show the back box depth, the instruction leaflet and where to buy.

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Where can I get a Declaration of Conformity?

Open the product's data sheet (enter the product code on the data sheets page) and choose "Declaration of Conformity": it opens a printable declaration for that product. Products with smart features also link to their statement of compliance with the UK connectable product security regulations.

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Do you sell longer fixing screws?

Yes: extra length 50mm screws in packs of 20, in brass (YSB50X20), iridium (YSI50X20) and chrome (YSN50X20).

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How do I clean my switches and sockets?

Decorative products should be treated with great care when cleaning. Excessive scrubbing or the application of abrasive cleaning products may permanently damage the quality of the finish.

We recommend cleaning with a damp soft cloth. The application of detergents is not recommended. Dilute any detergents you do intend to use and always wipe away with a damp cloth to remove any traces of detergent before allowing the product to air dry.

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How should I protect my switches and sockets when decorating?

Do not use masking tape on any decorative products. The adhesive may chemically bond with the surface finish.

For Screwless products we recommend removing the faceplate and taking care not to paint over the plastic clips, as this may prevent the faceplate from clipping back on.

For products with visible fixing screws we recommend turning off the mains power, removing the fixing screws and pulling the product gently away from the wall, taking care that the wires remain fully fixed into their terminals.

When the product is clear of the wall, cover it with a plastic bag and use an elastic band to secure it behind the product. You can then paint or wallpaper the wall.

Please note that it can take several weeks for the chemicals in paint or wallpaper paste to become inert. Before this time there is a danger that they will react with the product if it has a metal faceplate. For this reason we recommend using a plastic bag as a temporary gasket between the product and the wall once it is dry to the touch. In other words, use the plastic to form a barrier between the product and the surface of the wall.

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Do you make switches and sockets for European wall boxes?

Yes. Our European VariGrid range mixes switches and sockets on the same faceplate, and the European fixed range has a screwless faceplate with a fixed assortment of switches and sockets. Both are designed to fit European circular wall boxes, with sockets to CEE 7/4 (German "Schuko", Type F) and CEE 7/5 (French, Type E).

See the European fitting instructions (PDF) and the European sockets video. Outside the UK, our international distributors can tell you where to buy.

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A knob, screw or other part is missing or broken

Please send us a message or email help@varilight.co.uk, telling us the product code and what is missing or broken, and we will sort it out.

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There is some colour variation in the products I have bought

Some colour variation is unavoidable on decorative products. Materials are purchased in batches and there may be some minor differences in the finish from batch to batch. At VARILIGHT we aim to keep these differences to an absolute minimum.

Please note that some finishes are more prone to colour variation than others due to the nature of the production process; for example the Iridium Black finish is intrinsically more variable than our Pewter Effect finish.

In most cases any differences will not be noticeable even if the products are mounted side by side.

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My Screwless faceplates are not secure

This problem can occur if the fixing screws are over-tightened when installing the base unit to the wall. Loosen your fixing screws and try again.

Please make sure screws are tightened just enough to hold the unit in place and no more. Over-tightening can distort the base unit and prevent the clips from engaging correctly with the faceplate. We suggest locating the unit by pushing it flush with gentle hand pressure and then tightening the screws gently.

You may need replacement components if you think you have permanently distorted your base unit by over-tightening. In this case please send us a message or email help@varilight.co.uk.

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My switch or socket has begun to tarnish

Cu29 raw copper is designed to tarnish: a natural patina develops without regular cleaning. To brighten it, wipe lightly with a little citric acid on a polishing cloth, and never coat it.

On other finishes, tarnishing is usually caused by damp. The source of the damp may be a damp wall. In this case you can prevent further tarnishing by placing a plastic barrier between the product and the wall (for example a piece cut from a clear plastic bag).

If the surface of the product has been damaged, for example during cleaning, then damp may have permeated and caused tarnishing of the faceplate. Unfortunately in this case the product is permanently damaged.

If you have recently decorated, please note that it can take several weeks for the chemicals in paint or wallpaper paste to become inert. Before this time there is a danger that they will react with the product if it has a metal faceplate. For this reason we recommend using a plastic bag as a temporary gasket between the product and the wall once it is dry to the touch.

If your products are permanently damaged it may be that you can claim on your house insurance for replacement products.

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Guarantee and older products

The lifetime guarantee, how to claim, and help for products we no longer make.

What does the VARILIGHT guarantee cover?

VARILIGHT products are covered by a lifetime guarantee against faults arising from defective materials or workmanship. "Lifetime" means the expected service life of the product while you own it. The guarantee is for the original purchaser, with proof of purchase.

We will repair or replace faulty units, provided that:

  • the unit has been installed correctly, used only with compatible loads, and not overloaded or run on an incorrect power supply;
  • the dimmer module has not been tampered with (faulty modules from multi-gang units may be removed for servicing without affecting the others).

It does not cover normal wear and tear, accidental damage or misuse, consequential loss or damage, installation costs, or problems caused by incompatibility between lamps and the dimmer. It does not affect your statutory rights.

The lifetime guarantee covers every VARILIGHT product. See our lifetime guarantee.

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How do I make a guarantee claim or return a faulty product?

Many problems can be solved without a replacement, so please check the troubleshooting answers first. Then:

  1. Submit a guarantee claim, or email our support team at help@varilight.co.uk, with your purchase details and a description of the problem. We'll review it and respond within one working day.
  2. Tell us the product code, the batch number (on the plastic moulding at the back of a dimmer), the type and wattage of the lamps it controls, and the fault. Keep your proof of purchase.
  3. The faulty product must be returned to us. We'll email you a reference number, and you can return the product free of charge through the Royal Mail returns portal, using our returns reference (KILNWOOD) and your reference number.

If the claim is approved, we'll arrange a repair or replacement at no cost to you. See our lifetime guarantee.

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What happens if my product is obsolete?

If a product range is discontinued, we may not be able to supply exact replacements. Where possible, we will offer a complimentary upgrade to a current equivalent model under the terms of the product guarantee. Please contact Customer Services (send us a message or email help@varilight.co.uk).

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Troubleshooting

Dimmers that have stopped working, flicker, buzz or glow, and other problems with installed products.

Switches, sockets, USB and transformers

My light switch or socket has stopped working

Switch off at the mains before removing the plate, and if in doubt consult a qualified electrician. Check the wiring against the wiring accessories instructions (PDF): all terminals must be securely tightened, including those tightened at the factory, and no bare wire should stick out of a terminal.

If the product itself is faulty, it is covered by our lifetime guarantee: see how to make a claim.

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Why is my USB socket charging slowly?

Every VARILIGHT USB charging product has Smart Port technology, which detects the connected device and sets the output for the fastest charging speed. How fast a device charges depends on the type of port and how many devices share it:

ProductPortsOutput
U2 / U2S sockets2 x USB-A10.5W
UAC sockets1 x USB-A, 1 x USB-C20W, QC 3.0 / PD 3.0*
45W sockets2 x USB-C45W, QC 3.0 / PD 3.0*
U4 charging plate4 x USB-A24W, shared between the ports
U65 charging plate2 x USB-C65W, QC 3.0 / PD 3.0*

* Power Delivery 3.0 on the USB-C ports only. For laptops, use a USB-C port with Power Delivery. If a port doesn't charge at all, please send us a message or email help@varilight.co.uk: the socket is covered by our lifetime guarantee.

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Still stuck?

Our customer services team will help. To get the quickest answer, tell us the product code, the batch number from the back of the dimmer, and the make, wattage and number of lamps.