Established in 1987, Forbes & Lomax have always approached the electrical accessory market from an aesthetic point of view.
The elegant glass, nickel and brass switches of the 1930s were no longer available and the modern equivalents were unsuitable for the prestigious projects that interior designers were working on at the time. It was with these problems in mind that Forbes & Lomax launched The Invisible Lightswitch®, a simple, transparent acrylic plate allowing the wallpaper or paint to show through, with a stylish metal toggle switch in the centre. These switches were able to combine an attractive design with all the advantages of modern technology.
Over the years Forbes & Lomax have added to the range, producing high quality switches, sockets and dimmers in a variety of finishes to suit the demands of both traditional and contemporary architects and interior designers.
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The Aged Brass finish has been designed to look beautifully antiqued upon installation and has been left unlacquered to patina even more over time. Alternatively, it can be polished to bring back some of the shine.
The real beauty of this finish lies in the mellow aged look of the brass, as though it has been an original part of the interior for many years. The toggles, dimmer knobs and push buttons are supplied polished but unlacquered, providing a subtle accent to the more muted finish of the plates.
A broad range of sockets and combination range are available with 2mm bevelled transparent acrylic plates to complement our famous invisible lightswitch range.
Each acrylic plate has a 0.5mm underplate which can be eithe rpainted or used as a template where wallpaper is used.
The Aged Brass finish has been designed to look beautifully antiqued upon installation and has been left unlacquered to patina even more over time. Alternatively, it can be polished to bring back some of the shine.
The real beauty of this finish lies in the mellow aged look of the brass, as though it has been an original part of the interior for many years. The toggles, dimmer knobs and push buttons are supplied polished but unlacquered, providing a subtle accent to the more muted finish of the plates.
Inspired by the glass switches of the 1930s but with all the advantages of modern technology, the Invisible Lightswitch® has become synonymous with Forbes & Lomax.
Switches and dimmers have 3mm bevelled transparent acrylic plates which are secured without the use of fixing screws. The plates sit flush to the wall and are supplied with brass, nickel silver, stainless steel or antique bronze toggle switches, dimmer knobs or buttons.
Each acrylic plate has a 0.5mm underplate which can be either painted or used as a template where wallpaper is used.
Rocker switches are also available in this finish with a 2mm plate.
The Unlacquered Brass range is designed to mellow with age if left unpolished to match older brass fittings in the home. Alternatively, the plates can be regularly polished to retain their original shine.
Many of the early light switches were made in Antique Bronze and the finish became very fashionable in the Art Deco period.
This finish complements both traditional and modern designs and work particularly well on wood panelling and other unusual surroundings.
Sockets are supplied with black inserts as standard to complement the dark finish of the plate.
Painted sockets are supplied with etch-primed face plates ready to be painted in the same colour as the wall.
A choice of black or white inserts are available and 13amp sockets and switched fused connections can be supplied with metal switches if desired.
Nickel Silver first became popular in the 19th Century due to its similarity to Sterling Silver and was commonly used for various decorative items around the home.
It has a luxurious appearance which is warmer than chrome, making it more suitable for living areas either traditional or modern.
The Stainless Steel range has brushed stainless steel plates with satin nickel switches and buttons and especially suits contemporary interiors or kitchens.
Inspired by ancient bronze artifacts, the verdigris range has a distinctive patina finish.
The plates are hand finished to produce a variable effect, making each plate unique.
Inspired by the 1930s glass switches but with all the advantages of modern technology. The Invisible Lightswitch® has become synonymous with Forbes and Lomax.
Switches and dimmers have 3mm transparent acrylic plates, secured without the use of fixing screws. They are supplied with brass, nickel silver, stainless steel or antique bronze toggle switches, dimmer knobs and push buttons. A selection of Invisible outlets complete the range.
The Unlacquered Brass range has plates that are designed to mellow with age if left unpolished. This is particularly suitable to period buildings where a bright brass look would be less desirable. Alternatively, the plates can easily be polished to give a shiny look should this be required.
Although traditional in appearance, the variety of unlacquered brass products we have will meet all the demands of modern living.
The Stainless Steel range has brushed stainless steel plates and especially suits contemporary interiors or kitchens.
The Nickel Silver range has a highly polished nickel plated plate, creating a mirror finish. Nickel Silver first became popular in the 19th Century due to its similarity to Sterling Silver and was commonly used for various decorative items around the home.
It has a luxurious appearance which is warmer than chrome, making it more appealing for living areas. The Nickel Silver range sits well in both traditional and contemporary interiors.
The Antique Bronze range has a dark gun metal hue to the plates making them attractive in both contemporary and traditional interiors. These switches also work particularly well on wood panelling and other unusual surroundings.
The outlets are all supplied with black inserts to complement the dark finish of the plates.
The Painted Outlet range has been designed to be used on painted walls where a discreet look is desirable.
Painted outlets are supplied with etch-primed face plates ready to be painted in the same colour as the wall, making them as unobtrusive as possible.
A choice of black, white, gray, light almond or Oyster inserts are available.
Inspired by the Greek bronze age, these switches and outlets have a rich, aged, bronze patina and look stylish in both contemporary and traditional interiors. The plates are hand finished to produce a slightly variable effect, making each plate unique.
The plates are available in a large variety of switch combinations from one gang to six as standard.
On/off Switches are available in 2-way, Intermediate and double pole.
Retractive dolly switches can be used as dimmer controllers when connected to a dimmer pack or dimming system.
2-way-and-off switches can be used to operate blinds.
Dolly switches can be mixed with Button Dimmer Controllers on the same plate.
The Button Dimmer Controller is a push-to-make momentary action switch that controls an In-Line Dimmer Pack. They allow dimming of a lighting circuit from more than one position.
Button Dimmer Controllers can also be used to control other lighting or home automation systems that require a single momentary contact-closure switch.
They can be mixed with Dolly switches on the same plate.
On/off Switches are available in 2-way, Intermediate and double pole.
Retractive switches can be used as dimmer controllers when connected to a dimmer pack or dimming system.
2-way-and-off switches can be used to operate blinds.
Rotary Dimmers push in to switch on and off and rotate to dim or brighten.
Different lights require different kinds of dimmers and we have a variety of different modules to ensure compatibility.
A full range of socket outlets and fused connections are available. Socket types include 13amp, 5amp, 2amp, shaver and floor sockets. A choice of black and white inserts are available.
Double 13amp Socket with USB
The double socket with two USB ports will charge a USB device at 2.1amps.
Various international sockets are available in all finishes. Inserts are available in black or white.
All European sockets must be installed into British Standard wall boxes which must be recessed into the wall by 6mm.
The Combination Range allows you to create a multi-gang plate to your own specification, allowing complete flexibility when designing and planning a room layout.
A large variety of audio visual, telephone, internet, HDMI, etc are available.
Our toggle switches are rated at 15 amps and come in 3-way and 4-way versions. 3-way switches can also be used as single pole switches.
Toggle switches can be mixed with Push Buttons and Rotary Dimmers on the same plate.
Rotary Dimmers push to switch on and off and rotate to dim and brighten. Incandescent, magnetic low voltage and 0-10v versions are available.
Excellent state-of-the-art solid state circuitry design saves energy and extends bulb life when the lighting level is reduced. Rotary dimmers are available in all plate finishes and are supplied with a 0.79 inch (20mm) diameter knob. Rotary dimmers can be mixed with toggle switches and push buttons on the same plate.
Forbes & Lomax push buttons are momentary action (push-to-make) low voltage, dry contact closure switches which can be used to control home automation and lighting control systems.
When interfacing the push button with systems made by others, please contact the manufacturer of the system to check the suitability.
Push buttons can be mixed with toggle switches and rotary dimmers on the same plate.
Forbes & Lomax provide a comprehensive range of receptacles including outlets for power, phone, data and cable TV.
Receptacles are available in all finishes, including the Painted range which is specific to receptacles and comes with etch primed plates to paint along with the room.
They sit slim to the wall and come with white, black, gray, light almond or oyster inserts.
Forbes & Lomax momentary contact-closure switches have been designed to integrate with home automation systems. They can function as dimmers, flick through pre-set lighting scenes, open and close motorized window shades, act as "whole house off" switches and many other useful functions. These controllers provide an attractive alternative to the standard keypads normally associated with home automation systems.
The plates can be engraved to suit customers requirements.
