ETIM class EC001590 covers residential and light commercial wall switches: single-pole, two-way, intermediate, and group switches used in building installations. It does not cover push-button switches (EC000029), electronic dimmers (EC001588), or industrial control switches.
Product scope
EC001590 is the class for standard installation switches that mechanically make or break a circuit. One-pole on/off switches, two-way (alternating) switches for staircase lighting, intermediate switches for three-point control, and series switches that control two circuits from one rocker all belong here.
What doesn't belong: momentary push-buttons (the ones that spring back) go in EC000029. Electronic switches and dimmers are in EC001588. Motor control switches, isolators, and any switch intended for DIN rail mounting in a distribution board have their own classes. The line is mechanical vs electronic and residential vs industrial.
Key features
EC001590 has around 40 features. The ones that drive purchasing decisions and filter searches are about wiring configuration, operation method, and physical format.
| EF Code | Feature | Type | Example value |
|---|---|---|---|
| EF002960 | Wiring configuration | Alphanumeric | Two-way switch |
| EF000006 | Method of operation | Alphanumeric | Rocker |
| EF000003 | Mounting method | Alphanumeric | Flush-mounted |
| EF000227 | Current rating | Numeric (A) | 10 |
| EF000002 | Nominal voltage | Numeric (V) | 250 |
| EF000007 | Color | Alphanumeric | White |
| EF006755 | Suitable IP degree | Alphanumeric | IP20 |
Other features cover material (EF002169), surface finish (EF006569), lighting function (EF009420, for switches with integrated indicator or orientation lights), label space (EF009419), and compatibility with smart home systems (Apple HomeKit, Google Assistant, Amazon Alexa).
Worked example
Classifying a Legrand Valena two-way flush-mounted switch, white, 10A
| Feature | EF Code | Value |
|---|---|---|
| Wiring configuration | EF002960 | Two-way switch |
| Method of operation | EF000006 | Rocker |
| Mounting method | EF000003 | Flush-mounted |
| Current rating | EF000227 | 10 A |
| Nominal voltage | EF000002 | 250 V |
| Color | EF000007 | White |
| Suitable IP degree | EF006755 | IP20 |
| Lighting | EF000134 | Without |
| With mounting plate | EF000118 | false |
Common classification mistakes
The biggest source of errors: confusing switches with push-buttons. A switch toggles and stays in position. A push-button presses and returns. In ETIM, EC001590 is for switches. EC000029 is for push-buttons. Many modern "smart switch" mechanisms are actually push-buttons that send a signal to a relay or actuator. If the mechanism springs back to a neutral position, it's a push-button regardless of what the marketing calls it.
If the mechanism stays in the position you leave it, it's a switch (EC001590). If it springs back, it's a push-button (EC000029). Marketing names are unreliable for this distinction.
Omitting the wiring configuration is a frequent gap. "Switch" without specifying one-pole, two-way, or intermediate is useless for anyone searching by function. An electrician looking for a two-way switch for staircase wiring won't find your product if EF002960 is empty.
Classifying a complete assembly (mechanism plus frame plus cover plate) as one product in EC001590 is another mistake. ETIM expects the mechanism in EC001590, the cover frame in EC000007, and the cover plate in EC000006. If the SKU is a complete unit, classify by primary function (the mechanism).
Mechanical toggle/rocker that stays in position: EC001590. Momentary push-button that springs back: EC000029. Electronic dimmer with touch or rotary control: EC001588. Industrial control switch on DIN rail: Check the industrial switching classes.
Validate your classification with the ETIM classification checker. For how ETIM codes map into BMEcat XML, see What is ETIM in BMEcat. Starting from scratch with ETIM data? Your Distributor Just Asked for ETIM Data walks through the process.