Skip to content
  1. Home

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 7 questions about USB 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.

Copy link and share

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.

Copy link and share

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.

Copy link and share

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.

Copy link and share

Guarantee and older products

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

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.

Copy link and share

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.

Copy link and share

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.

Copy link and share

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.