Should switches disappear into the wall?

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1

Most switch frames are designed to be almost invisible. What do you think?

Should a light switch or a socket simply blend into the wall, or can it become part of the interior design?

For this design, I deliberately kept the original rocker switch and only redesigned the frame.
I’m also considering versions for other markets and switch standards.

Would you prefer classic ornament styles, Art Deco patterns, floral motifs, geometric designs, or something completely different?

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What would you prefer?

  • Classic ornamental styles
  • Art Deco patterns
  • Floral motifs
  • Geometric designs
  • Modern minimalist accents
  • Something completely different

I’d love to hear your thoughts and suggestions.

For those interested, the current version is available on MakerWorld:
Schalterrahmen Jugendstil für Busch-Jaeger – Kostenloses 3D-Druckmodell – MakerWorld

2

From your photo that looks like an EU-type light switch?

Ideally it needs compatibility with smart switches and this (to me) is more important than appearance. We mounted Hue smart switches on top of the existing light switches, to prevent people pressing the wrong ones. This causes the switches to stick out quite a lot.

If we did it again we would buy something like LightwaveRF switches to replace the existing wall switches. Compabiity would then need to be assessed against LightwaveRF.

However if you designing a cosmetic cover for a standard switch, it’s going to depend your customers choice of decor and I can’t really help with that as don not have typical tastes and can do CAD.

There are some countries where a faceplate needs to be fire resistant or earthed. Plastic cover probably does not need earthing, as long as the screws are not touchable, but may be some fire resistance issues.

3

That’s a nice idea, but as has already been mentioned: Since this is an EU-style switch and outlet, as we can see in the gallery, I wouldn’t do it for safety reasons.

They must be mechanically safe, electrically safe, fire-resistant or classified according to fire performance, and indirectly protected against arc faults.

Of course, anyone can install it however they want, at their own risk. If it were something you just stuck on top of the original outlet, okay, but this is basically a structural modification. In other words, you take the original outlet apart, remove a part, and replace it with the print.

In this scenario, the person is forced to run to the circuit breaker box, turn off the circuit, and verify that the circuit is de-energized.

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On the other hand… there are plenty of electricity-related things at MakerWorld that are dangerous. People don’t even realize that if something goes wrong, the PLA will melt and they won’t even be able to turn the light switch on or off anymore… well.

However, that’s not the point. Rather, for the reasons mentioned above - namely, the need to take it apart, which many people - and rightly so - don’t feel confident doing - demand will be low. Think about a version that you can just attach over it, without disassembly. But as I said, demand will be low; anyone who knows even a little about electronics (EU) won’t install something like that, because of insurance - or, to be precise, the loss of insurance coverage.

4

Hi RetroSharky,

thanks again for your thoughtful feedback.

I completely understand your concerns regarding safety, certification and liability. That’s actually the reason why I added a rather extensive safety notice to the model description.

To clarify, this model only replaces the visible decorative outer frame. No electrical components are modified, replaced or bypassed.

The model was designed and tested with original Busch-Jaeger components and is intended as a decorative customization rather than a modification of the electrical installation itself.

For that reason, the description explicitly states that the model has not been tested or certified with regard to electrical safety, fire protection or compliance with local regulations.

Of course, everyone should assess suitability, local requirements and installation risks for their own application.

Thanks for sharing your perspective.

5

That’s not right - you’re not removing “just a decorative part”, but an essential part that contributes to safety. It’s tampering with the outlet. There isn’t a decorative element in the strict sense; it’s an overall concept: For both fire safety and electrical safety.

Unfortunately, you’re wrong about that. Actually, you should be able to figure that out on your own, since you’re removing a part, setting it aside, and replacing it with your own.

It’s not just a decorative element that you put on top; it’s actually a disassembly. And since I know you’re from Germany, it’s twice as forbidden.

Of course, anyone can do that at their own risk - who am I to judge? - but what you’re saying is just wrong. The entire outlet counts as a single unit. If you take it apart, remove a part, and replace it with a non-fire-resistant component, believe me, this has been discussed many times on the forum.

Like I said, do whatever you want, but if you want to know the reasons why probably no one wants to print this: Here they are.

The idea is just bad - taking it apart, setting the original part aside, and replacing it with yours. The problem remains, that anyone who wants to install it has to run to the circuit breaker box, turn off the circuit, and make sure it’s de-energized. How many people feel like turning off the power in the whole house just for this?

If it were something you could just slip on top of it? Okay…

6

Hi RetroSharky,

Thanks again for your feedback.

I think we may simply have different assumptions about the target audience.

The model is primarily aimed at DIY users and people who already replace switches, outlets, or smart home components themselves.

You may be right regarding the size of the target group. Time will tell whether there is enough interest in a model like this.

Either way, I really appreciate the honest feedback and the different perspective.

P.S. I took your comments into account and, in addition to the existing safety recommendations, I also added a recommendation to use PETG-FR or ABS-FR materials. ABS-FR materials.

10

As I said, don’t take it to heart - it’s just my opinion. It’s only one opinion. Do your own thing! It’s just the first thing that caught my eye.

As I said, you could offer an alternative that doesn’t require taking the outlet apart, such as a cover. That would make the target audience much wider. You could also build on that idea: Maybe an option with text and a customizable font… or different patterns.