Light switches

	Shenzhen Topband offers model TP-MIS-86N1, a smart switch that can control up to three fluorescent or incandescent lamps.

Traditional designs continue to dominate production in China’s light switch industry as shrinking profit margins inhibit suppliers from boosting output of smart models.

Low returns resulting from higher manufacturing outlay and intense price-based competition are forcing makers to reduce investment in R&D. Many allot only 1 percent of annual revenue to product development. Given this, technological advancement in the line has been slow, with intelligent units representing not more than 20 percent of turnout despite being launched five years ago.

Companies are instead directing efforts toward less-costly aesthetic improvements to traditional designs. The latest models, for instance, come in various sizes, colors and finishes, including black nickel and satin chrome. The contours of the faceplate and the switch pad are also being enhanced to complement modern interiors.

Designs have a single- or multigang construction. Some incorporate one or two sockets and indicator lights as value add-ons. The current and voltage ratings are 10, 13, 15 and 16A, and 230 to 250V, respectively.

Another reason for the prevalence of conventional light switches is their appeal to a wide consumer base, with models catering to all market segments. In comparison, smart systems target the high end and are being used mostly in upscale residential buildings. Prices are about five times greater than those of regular designs. Basic-function and intelligent light switches from China are generally made of PC and copper. Products bear the CE mark and last up to 12 years.

Models under OEM and ODM contracts make up 60 percent of exports, with the rest carrying in-house brands. Asia is the main market, absorbing 58 percent of shipments. As North America accounts for only 15 percent of sales, the US subprime crisis has had little effect on the industry.

Exports for the eight months ending August 2008 totaled $766.5 million, a 30 percent increase from the same period last year. Shipments in July reached $113.3 million, the highest since 2005.

Growth of 20 percent is forecast in coming months as cost pressures ease and the currency condition improves. Suppliers also have an optimistic view of the global economy, with many expecting it to recover in the year ahead.

China is home to an estimated 2,000 light switch makers, 75 percent of which are small companies with a monthly capacity of 300,000 units. Midsize manufacturers, which represent 20 percent of the supplier base, can yield triple that. Large companies have about 1,000 workers and factory areas averaging 15,000sqm. They turn out more than 1 million light switches each month.

The provinces of Guangdong and Zhejiang are the main production hubs. For the former, factories are clustered in Foshan city and yield both basic and smart models for the upscale markets. Zhejiang suppliers offer conventional designs targeting the low-end and midrange segments.

Following the trend for building automation, several intelligent light switches that allow both manual and remote operation are being released. These are equipped with a self-learning digital code system.

Providing flicker-free performance, smart models are suitable for incandescent and fluorescent lights, and can work with up to 10 remote controls. The maximum effective range is 50m indoors and 100m outdoors.

For multigang models, the lamps connected to each toggle pad can be turned on and off independently or all at the same time.

Nudging functionality up a notch, some designs feature an infrared or ultrasonic sensor that switches off the bulb automatically 30 seconds after it stops detecting movement in the room.

Compatible with incandescent lamps, versions with a dimmer are also available. At the lowest setting, these consume 80 percent less power than regular models.

Smart light switches are rated at 85 to 135 or 176 to 260V, and can handle loads between 7 and 500W. The standby power is from 0.018 to 0.2W. Designs are protected against overcurrent and overvoltage.