Before You Buy – Compatibility Checklist
To ensure your new RetroTouch sockets and switches are
compatible with your installation, please follow the checklist
before placing your order.
Light Switch Compatibility Checklist
1. What type of switch are you replacing?
☐ Standard Rocker Switch
☐ Dimmer Switch
☐ Intermediate Switch
☐ 2-Way Switch
☐ Smart Switch
☐ Retractive (Pulse) Switch
☐ Unsure
2. How many gangs do you need?
(A gang controls one lighting circuit.)
☐ 1 Gang
☐ 2 Gang
☐ 3 Gang
☐ 4 Gang
☐ Unsure
3. Is your lighting circuit one-way or two-way?
Examples:
One-way
= light controlled from one location.
Two-way
= light controlled from two locations (top and bottom of stairs).
Intermediate
= light controlled from three or more locations.
☐ One-Way
☐ Two-Way
☐ Intermediate
☐ Unsure
RetroTouch smart and touch products may require specific
pairing methods for two-way and intermediate switching rather than conventional
mechanical switching arrangements. Verify compatibility before purchase. (
Retro
Touch)
4. Are you using LED lighting?
☐ Yes
☐ No
☐ Mixed Lighting
☐ Unsure
RetroTouch touch switches are compatible with LED lighting;
however, not all dimmable LED lamps perform identically. Lamp compatibility can
vary between manufacturers. (
Retro
Touch)
5. Do you require dimming?
☐ No
☐ Yes – LED
☐ Yes – Halogen
☐ Yes – Incandescent
☐ Unsure
Check that:
☐ Your lamps are dimmable.
☐ Total load is within the dimmer's rated capacity.
☒ Non-dimmable lamps cannot be
used with dimmer switches.
6. Do you have a Neutral Wire at the Switch Position?
Required for some smart and dimming products.
☐ Yes
☐ No
☐ Unsure
Important:
If unsure, consult a qualified electrician before ordering.
7. What Back Box Depth Do You Have?
Remove the faceplate and measure the metal or plastic back
box.
☐ 16mm
☐ 25mm
☐ 35mm
☐ 47mm+
☐ Unsure
RetroTouch recommends a minimum 35mm back box for Wi-Fi
smart switches and recommends 47mm where possible to allow adequate wiring
space. (
Retro
Touch)
8. Are You Purchasing Smart Switches?
☐ Yes
☐ No
If yes:
Wi-Fi Coverage
☐ Strong Wi-Fi signal at switch location
☐ Unsure
Smart Home Integration Required
☐ Smart Life App
☐ Alexa
☐ Google Home
☐ Home Automation System
☐ None
RetroTouch states that compatible integrations include
systems such as Fibaro, Delta Dore, Loxone and others, depending on product
type. (
Retro
Touch)
9. Are You Using Smart Bulbs?
☐ Yes
☐ No
☐ Philips Hue
☐ Other Smart Bulbs
If using Philips Hue:
☐ Friends of Hue Compatible Switch Required
☐ Standard Switch Required
RetroTouch Friends of Hue switches are designed to work with
Hue lighting while maintaining power to the smart bulbs. (
Socket Store)
Socket Compatibility Checklist
10. Socket Type Required
☐ Standard Double Socket
☐ Single Socket
☐ USB-A Socket
☐ USB-C Socket
☐ USB-A + USB-C Socket
☐ Shaver Socket
☐ Switched Fused Spur
☐ Cooker Switch
☐ Other
11. Existing Back Box Depth
☐ 25mm
☐ 35mm
☐ 47mm+
☐ Unsure
USB sockets often require deeper back boxes than standard
sockets.
12. Load Requirements
Will the socket be used for:
☐ General Household Use
☐ Kitchen Appliances
☐ Office Equipment
☐ EV Charging Equipment
☐ Commercial Equipment
☐ Other
Bathroom & Outdoor Installations
13. Installation Location
☐ Living Room
☐ Bedroom
☐ Kitchen
☐ Hallway
☐ Bathroom
☐ Utility Room
☐ Outdoor Area
☐ Commercial Premises
Important:
RetroTouch touch switches are not generally rated for direct
bathroom installation where IP-rated accessories are required. Check current
regulations and product specifications before purchase. (
Retro
Touch)
Final Installation Checklist
Before ordering, confirm:
☐ Correct number of gangs selected.
☐ Correct finish and style selected.
☐ Correct switch type selected.
☐ LED compatibility checked.
☐ Dimming requirements confirmed.
☐ Neutral wire requirement checked.
☐ Back box depth measured.
☐ Wi-Fi signal confirmed (for smart products).
☐ Smart home compatibility confirmed.
☐ Installation to be carried out by a qualified electrician.
☐ Installation will comply with BS 7671 Wiring Regulations.
Need Help?
To help us verify compatibility before purchase, please
send:
A
photo of your existing switch or socket.
A
photo of the wiring behind the faceplate.
The
type of lighting being controlled.
The
number of switch locations controlling the circuit.
The
back box depth measurement.
Our technical team can then recommend the most
suitable RetroTouch product for your installation.
If you require further support or experience issues, please contact the support team:
Phone: +44 (0)1293 279 426
Email: support@retrotouch.co.uk