Knightsbridge Matt Black Screwless Switches and Sockets — 13A Sockets, FSUs and Pull Cord Switches for UK Electricians

Matt black has moved from a niche specification to a mainstream finish request. Industrial-style interiors, dark-palette kitchens, home cinema rooms, and hospitality refurbishments now routinely call for matt black wiring accessories — and clients who have committed to the look do not want to compromise on a single socket or switch. Knightsbridge's screwless matt black range gives electricians a complete solution: no exposed screw heads, a true flat matte black faceplate, and the same BS 1363 / BS 3676 compliance you expect from the brand.

At APM Electricals we stock the core Knightsbridge screwless matt black products at our Acton, London W3 trade counter and online at www.www.apmi.uk. Here are four of the most commonly specified items.

1. Knightsbridge 13A 1G DP Switched Socket — Screwless Matt Black with Black Insert

Price: £10.99 inc VAT

The single-gang matt black socket is the starting point for any matt black installation. The screwless front plate clips onto the chassis leaving no visible fixings — the entire face is an unbroken matt black surface with a single 13A BS 1363 outlet and a matching black rocker switch. Double-pole switching gives full isolation of live and neutral. The single-gang format is ideal for dedicated appliance positions: under-desk computer sockets, bedside positions where a single outlet is sufficient, or individual spurs for fixed appliances where a second outlet would be wasted.

When to specify: Single-outlet positions in dark or industrial-finish rooms; dedicated appliance spurs behind TVs, gaming PCs, or audio equipment; bathrooms with a shaver supply outside zone 2 where a single outlet is required in the same matt black finish as the switches.

Buy the Knightsbridge 1G Matt Black Socket — £10.99 at APM Electricals

2. Knightsbridge 10AX 2G 2-way Switch — Screwless Matt Black with Black Rockers

Price: £10.99 inc VAT

The double-gang 2-way switch in matt black covers the most common lighting switch position in the screwless range. Two independent 10AX circuits on a single gang plate: you get control of two separate lighting circuits from one back box, with black rockers against the matt black faceplate for a fully coordinated look. 2-way operation means you can wire the switch as part of a 2-way or intermediate circuit for stairwells, hallways, and large rooms with multiple switch positions. The screwless front plate removes by hand (or with a flat tool) for access to the terminals and back box without marking the faceplate.

When to specify: Main living areas, hallways, and open-plan spaces where two lighting circuits need to be controlled from one position; any room where the client specifies a consistent matt black finish throughout; 2-way lighting circuits in media rooms, home offices, and kitchen-diners.

Buy the Knightsbridge 2G Matt Black 2-way Switch — £10.99 at APM Electricals

3. Knightsbridge 13A Switched Fused Spur Unit — Screwless Matt Black with Black Fuse Cover

Price: £12.99 inc VAT

A fused spur unit (FSU) is required wherever a fixed appliance is connected directly to the ring main rather than via a plug and socket — extractor fans, electric towel rails, under-floor heating thermostats, and similar loads. The Knightsbridge screwless FSU in matt black keeps the finish consistent across the whole installation. The 13A fuse (3A, 5A, or 13A fuses all accepted) provides overcurrent protection at the spur; the DP switch isolates the load for maintenance. The black fuse cover matches the plate — no white plastic cover to break the finish. A neon indicator version (£14.99) is also available if the client needs confirmation the appliance circuit is energised.

When to specify: Extractor fans and MVHR units in bathrooms, utility rooms, and kitchens; electric towel rail spurs in bathrooms; underfloor heating thermostat feeds; any fixed-appliance connection in a matt black finish installation where a plug socket is not appropriate or permitted.

Buy the Knightsbridge Matt Black Switched Fused Spur — £12.99 at APM Electricals

4. Knightsbridge 10AX 2-way Pull Cord Switch — Matt Black

Price: £13.80 inc VAT

Pull cord switches are a mandatory requirement for lighting circuits in bathrooms and shower rooms — a wall-mounted switch is not permitted where it can be reached from the shower or bath. The Knightsbridge matt black pull cord switch brings the same finish consistency to the ceiling as the rest of the installation. Rated 10AX, it handles standard lighting loads including LED circuits. The 2-way operation allows the cord switch to be incorporated into a 2-way circuit where a second switch position (for example, outside the bathroom door) is required. The matt black ceiling rose coordinates with the pull cord for a fully black finish at the ceiling level.

When to specify: All bathroom and shower room lighting circuits in matt black finish installations; en-suite bathrooms where the finish must match the switches and sockets elsewhere; utility rooms and any other zone where a wall switch is not permitted by BS 7671 and the client's specification requires matt black throughout.

Buy the Knightsbridge Matt Black Pull Cord Switch — £13.80 at APM Electricals

Screwless Matt Black — Installation Notes

The Knightsbridge screwless range uses a two-part assembly: a chassis (the part that contains the terminals and screws to the back box) and a front plate (the visible faceplate that clips over the chassis). The chassis is wired and fixed to the back box in the normal way. The front plate then clips on — for sockets it engages at the top and bottom; for switches a flat tool or fingernail releases it. This means:

• Back box: Standard 25mm single or 35mm double metal back boxes are compatible. Plastic dry-lining boxes also work but metal boxes give a more solid feel with the screwless plate. Standard 16mm back boxes behind the plate — confirm depth during first fix.
• Maintenance: The front plate can be removed without tools for sockets, giving access to the terminals after disconnecting the supply. The chassis remains fixed to the back box.
• Mixing finishes: The screwless chassis is common across the range. If a client changes their mind from white to matt black mid-project, in most cases only the front plate needs to be swapped — not the whole fitting — provided the same chassis generation is used. Confirm with Knightsbridge product codes before ordering.
• Paint compatibility: Matt black is a factory finish — do not paint over plates. If the decorator is working after second fix, mask the faceplate or remove the front plate and refit after painting.

The Matt Black Knightsbridge Range at APM Electricals

The four products above are the core items for most matt black installations. The Knightsbridge screwless matt black range also extends to:

• 13A 2G DP switched sockets (double gang, standard and USB-A+A combination)
• 13A FSU with neon indicator
• 10AX 1G 2-way switch (single gang)
• 20AX 2-way SP grid module (for grid plate systems)
• SAT TV outlet

For a complete dark-finish installation — matt black sockets, switches, FSUs, and bathroom pull cord — all products are available to order online at www.apmi.uk with next-day delivery on stocked items, or for collection from our Acton, London W3 trade counter.

If you are specifying a full install and need to check availability or pricing on multi-unit quantities, contact the APM Electricals trade desk.

APM Electricals — Acton Trade Counter
24 Western Avenue, Acton, London W3 7TZ
Phone: 020 8702 8080
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