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Modular Switches

Sample layouts — mix modules and finishes on 1–4 gang plates.

One of the strongest ideas in the RAPIX range is the 30M (“30-Mech”) modular switch: small mechanisms that click into our UK standard faceplate. The plate looks like any other UK wall switch (and fits a standard UK back box); the modules behind it are what make the system flexible.

Browse modular switches in the catalogue · Build a plate

Why modular?

30M modules are common in Australia and Asia. In the UK and Europe they are less familiar — though you may already have seen them without noticing: several wall switches from makers such as Clipsal / Schneider ship as 30M modules pre-installed in plates.

The advantage is flexibility:

  • Put a push button and a rotary on the same faceplate
  • Pair a switch with a miniature PIR for absence detection in a small office or meeting room
  • Swap a damaged module later without replacing the whole plate

Master and slave

Most switch modules come as master and slave:

  • A master connects to the DALI line and takes a DALI-2 short address
  • A slave connects to a master (not directly to DALI) and shares that address
  • Each master supports one slave — so a 4-gang plate is typically two masters and two slaves

Modules take power from the DALI line (about 4 mA per master, whether or not a slave is attached). They work on any DALI-2 system; with RAPIX commissioning they can also act as miniature application controllers for scenes, timers, and zone logic.

Styles

StyleTypical use
Classic pushOn/off, dim up/down, scenes, timers — software-configurable white indicator; optional coloured bezels
DivaMomentary (retractive) push button, master and slave — same coloured bezels as classic
RotaryDim up/down with push to toggle; small/large dials and coloured grip rings

Mixing on one plate

  • Rotary plus push (classic or Diva) is common, for example where there are dimmable room lights and some non-dimmable feature lights.
  • A miniature occupancy sensor combined with a push button slave allows for absence detection in a single plate without an additional ceiling sensor.
  • Large dial rotaries only fit a 1-gang plate — they clash with neighbouring modules on 2–4 gang plates. Use a small dial when sharing a multi-gang plate.

Behind the plate, modules share the same 30M mechanical envelope and wiring approach regardless of style.

Customisation

Classic and Diva push modules can take a black dolly or coloured bezels (green, orange, blue). Rotaries can use large or small dials (black or white with a clear ring) and coloured grip rings. Photos on the catalogue pages show these finishes on complete switches and plates — the accessory lines themselves do not include the switch modules or faceplates.

Order dials, bezels and rings

Plates and fit

1-, 2-, 3-, and 4-gang UK square plates are available. Modules push into the aperture and are held by retaining clips; removal (if needed) is with a small flat screwdriver.

Select a view

A finished faceplate looks like any other UK switch — the smart electronics sit behind the plate in the wall box.

Two-gang UK plate with blue-bezel modular push-button switches
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Absence detection on the plate

A miniature occupancy and light-level sensor (white finish) can sit in a UK plate aperture and act as a master for a modular slave push switch. That gives absence detection from a single faceplate — the switch turns lights on or off; the PIR turns them off if the room is vacated — without a separate ceiling sensor. Ideal for small offices and meeting rooms.

The black miniature sensor is intended for panel or ceiling mounts (for example with a panel mount clip).

How to buy

Panel mount

Where a UK wall plate is not suitable, a panel mount clip for RAPIX modular switches and sensors holds modular switches or the miniature occupancy sensor in sheet metal (38 mm hole; 1.5–4 mm panel thickness). Black and white clips are available.

Anti-vandal

Retaining clips are robust for normal use. For high-traffic or public spaces, the anti-vandal kit adds a metal bar secured by screws — also useful if clips were damaged when removing a module.

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