Editing Light switch (section)

===Australian rocker switches===
[[File:Australian four gang wall plate.jpg|thumb|upright|3 Australian light switches and a "neon" indicator—in a 4-gang wall-plate. The lower switch is in the "on" or "down" position.]]
[[File:Typical Australian Rocker Switch.jpg|thumb|left|Two Australian rocker switches (disassembled), together with a cutaway view, and a view of the switch connections]]
[[File:Australian Architrave 2 Gang Switch Plate.jpg|thumb|upright|An Australian architrave-mounted 2-gang switch plate and switches.]]

In Australia and New Zealand, a small rocker switch is almost universally used, in the form of a {{convert|16|mm|in|abbr=on}} switch mechanism, which is mounted from behind into a wall-plate—attaching via mounting lugs, as shown in the photo on the left. A slightly larger "cover plate", supplied with the wall-plate, or additional to it, then clips over the assembly, as an additional insulating barrier covering the deep set wall-plate mounting screws - which are "deep set" to prevent inadvertent human contact. The "cover plate" can be removed without the use of tools, such as when wall painting is required.

While larger "decorator" style switches are readily available in Australia, the advantage of the smaller mechanisms is that wall-plates are available to mount from one to six individual switch mechanisms, or other correspondingly sized "mechanisms" - such as dimmers and indicator lights - in the same space as one (or two) switches of larger design could be mounted. Since the mechanisms are small, they can also be mounted into "[[architrave]]" plates, for mounting in positions where it is not possible to mount a "standard" sized wall-plate. An example is shown in the picture below on the right. All of the switch mechanisms have no exposed metal parts requiring grounding (earthing). While switches, wall-plates, and cover plates from different manufacturers tend not to be interchangeable, switch mechanisms of this type have been available in Australia since 1951.<ref>[http://www.clipsal.com/trade/about_clipsal/history/history_timeline Clipsal History Timeline] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140307144838/http://www.clipsal.com/trade/about_clipsal/history/history_timeline |date=2014-03-07 }}</ref>

The [[keystone module]] system for [[extra-low voltage]] electrical jacks (patented in 1975) is somewhat similar in appearance to these modules, but the design of the keystone mountings are different, and keystone modules can be removed without a tool. (A similar system, but with bigger switches, is used in Italy.)

As shown in the disassembly photo, the switch actuator pivots in two holes in the sides of the plastic switch body. An actuator bar slides in two grooves inside the actuator, pressed down by a compression spring into a notch in the common contact bar. The common contact bar is free to rock on a small diameter rod, welded to the common terminal. However, because of the pressure applied by the compression spring, the common contact bar will always be held against one of the two contacts.

When the actuator is moved, mechanical energy is stored in the compression spring until the actuator passes its mid-position. At that time, the common contact bar is forced in the opposite direction by the compression spring, acting via the actuator bar, thus breaking the connection with the existing contact and making connection with the other contact. The common contact bar is made of copper, with an inlay of harder contact metal on the underside. While it is free to move the required distance lengthwise, it is constrained from moving sideways by the construction of the molded plastic body.

The [[screw terminal]]s are hollow and allow up to at least three 1&nbsp;mm (CSA) wires, twisted together, to be inserted to a depth of up to {{convert|10|mm|in}} and secured with a [[set screw]]. The contact terminal set screws are installed at a slight angle to allow easier screwdriver access after the switch mechanism has been installed into a wall-plate - before fixing the wall-plate to the wall. Also shown is a "loop" connection terminal. This terminal plays no part in the action of the switch but, because there is available space, it is provided as an insulated terminal for joining other wires, if required (such as the neutral wires). Each Australian rocker switch mechanism is actually a single-pole, double-throw (SPDT) Switch, also known as a "two-way switch", and has three terminals.

A switch of basically the same design is also used on Australian power outlet wall-plates. It is now extremely rare to find any other type of switch in Australian homes, although the Australian Wiring Standard [[AS 3112]] does not forbid other types. While many variations of Australian designs and cover plates are available, some designers and renovators may import UK- and European-designed switches when they desire a particular finish. However, while standard Australian wall ''mounting'' plates have the same dimensions as those used in North America, they have different dimensions from those used in the UK or Europe.

Switches (and other mechanisms) of this Australian design series are currently available in the UK (and other countries), together with wall-plates appropriate to the mounting standards of the countries concerned.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.neweysonline.co.uk/neweys/pdf/Clipsal_Switched_Socket_Outlet_Catalogue.pdf |title=Archived copy |access-date=2014-03-13 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130418032923/http://www.neweysonline.co.uk/neweys/pdf/Clipsal_Switched_Socket_Outlet_Catalogue.pdf |archive-date=2013-04-18 }}</ref>

For a short time, Australian rocker switches were exported to the United States in the 1960s. Although the switches had adequate ratings for usage on 120 V circuits and had advantages of compactness and distinctive appearance, they failed to establish themselves in the American market.
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