British Standard 20A Double Pole Switch with Neon — DP Isolator, White PC Panel
The R16324 is a British standard 20A double pole switch designed for circuits that need to completely isolate both live conductors as well as the neutral wires. When you turn off this switch, it will cut off all power to both sides of the light-fittings whereas with a standard single pole switch, the power will only be turned off on one side. Hence, it is essential for fixed appliances such as water heaters, air conditioning equipment and electric cookers to be supplied with a double pole switch for safety reasons. The neon light indicator shows green when the circuit is live and goes out when the circuit is turned off and thus provides an indication of the status of the power supply. The R16324 has been manufactured using special materials at a factory that produces only double pole switches, using red copper bushings, stampings and conductors as well as the Φ3.5mm×0.35mm silver alloy contact point which is specifically made to handle the higher current loads of 20A switching and to withstand the regular arcing associated with 20A switching. The mechanical rating will last up to 10,000 cycles under full load (maximum 20A), which is substantially more rigorous than measured under the unloaded conditions of a cycle rating. The R16324 switch colour matches the rest of the R16 series so you can get them all in White, Gold, Grey and Black depending on your preferences. There are two middle plate options available for this type of switch. The R16324 is certified to IEC 60669 and comes with a 12-year warranty.
We are a factory-direct 20A switch manufacturer offering competitive wholesale pricing, OEM branding on any color PC panel, and a 12‑year warranty across the R16 series range.
Double Pole vs Single Pole — When Full Isolation Is Required
| Feature | DP Switch (R16324) | Standard Light Switch |
|---|---|---|
| Isolation | Breaks live & neutral simultaneously | Breaks live only — neutral stays connected |
| Safety Level | Complete disconnection for maintenance | Partial — neutral still carries potential |
| Neon Indicator | Glows when circuit is live | Usually no indicator |
| Typical Use | Water heaters, AC units, fixed appliances | Lighting circuit control |
This is a 20A double pole isolation switch conforming to British Standard Wiring Regulations. In the kitchen, it is used as an obvious means of isolating an appliance or circuit (e.g., an oven or hob) to provide a safety point where there is a need to disconnect the appliance or circuit from its supply. In bathrooms and airing cupboards, it is used for all immersion heaters and all water heaters as required by law. The use of a neon indicator in HVAC installations provides assurance to maintenance staff when working on equipment that the relevant circuit has been de-energised (done). One of the key aspects of compliance with British Standards is the requirement for double poles to be used for certain appliance circuit configurations depending upon their installation location throughout the UK, Commonwealth countries, and British Standard specifications.
10,000 Cycles at Full 20A Load — Rated for Real Conditions
The vast majority of the switches that have high cycle counts listed on the specification sheet have not actually been tested with an electrical load; R16324: 20A has been tested at 10,000 operations at full rated 20A current, which is the only testing that truly shows (an indication) how well the switch will isolate in use. With 20A, make and break operations produce a much larger arc energy than would occur at 10A or 16A as in a standard light switch. The contact area of the red copper bus bar, the red copper stamping parts, and the Φ3.5mm×0.35mm silver alloy touch point are all specifically designed to provide the required support during these operations (higher rated contacts, wider bus bar, and a very robust spring mechanism to provide the same contact force throughout all cycles of operation). Assuming a water heater switch is operated at an average of two times per day, it would last virtually 13 years from 10,000 cycles of use (i.e., daily). The white plastic double-pole R16324 switch is available in gold, grey, and black to match the complete R16 series. The switch also includes two mounting options: standard mount with full plastic or enhanced rigidity with steel-plastic combination for high-use applications. The R16324 20A has been certified to IEC 60669, has the British standard dimension of 86mm×86mm, and comes with a manufacturer 12-year warranty.
SPECIFICATIONS
| Series | R16 series |
| Item Code | R16324 |
| Description | 20A Double Pole Switch with Neon Indicator |
| Switch Type | Double Pole (DP) — switches both live & neutral |
| Current / Voltage | 20A / 250V~ |
| Mechanical Life | 10,000 cycles (rated under full 20A load) |
| Indicator | Neon — illuminates when circuit is live |
| Front Panel | Imported high‑transparent, high‑strength PC |
| Base | Imported high‑transparent, high‑strength PC |
| Middle Plate Options | Full plastic / Steel‑plastic combination |
| Switch Internal | Red copper bush, red copper stamping part, red copper bus bar, Φ3.5mm×0.35mm silver touch point |
| Standard | IEC 60669 (British Standard) |
| Warranty | 12 Years |
| Available Colors | White / Gold / Gray / Black |
| Dimensions | H 86mm × W 86mm (British Standard back box) |
| MOQ | 2,000 pcs per item |
| Packaging | 1 pc per plastic bag | 10 pcs per inner box | 100 pcs per outer carton |
Stock This 20A British Standard Double Pole Switch at Factory Pricing
White, Gold, Gray, Black PC panel. DP isolator with neon indicator. Full plastic or steel-plastic middle plate. OEM logo, custom packaging, 12‑year warranty included. Contact this 20A DP switch manufacturer for a wholesale quotation.
IEC 60669 Certified • Rated at Full 20A Load • Global Shipping
Factory-Direct Supply for Wholesale & OEM Partners
Your Source for British Standard 20A DP Isolator Switches — Factory Direct
As a specialist 20A DP switch manufacturer, we produce the R16324 double pole switch on our own production lines — giving your wholesale business consistent quality and direct‑from‑factory pricing without the retail brand markup. Stock White for volume residential and commercial projects, Gold and Gray for premium interiors, and Black for modern commercial fit‑outs — all with the same 20A DP mechanism and neon indicator. Two middle plate options let you serve both standard and heavy‑duty applications from one double pole switch factory. OEM branding on any color PC panel, custom packaging, and full IEC 60669 documentation included for wholesale distributors worldwide.
When to Specify a 20A Double Pole Switch: Applications, Colors & Installation
A practical guide to identifying DP isolator applications, selecting panel colors, and wiring a 20A double pole switch correctly.
Where Is a 20A DP Switch Required?
20amps Off and Button Type Installer: DP Switch Required as per Wiring Regulations for Fixed Appliance Circuits in the UK and Commonwealth using 20a DP Isolator as Safety Requirements for Maintenance Purposes on Water and Immersion Heaters; Electric Cookers/Ovens Must Have Visible DP Switch With Access; DC/A/C Units/Fixed HVAC Equipment with Neon Indicators for Visual Indication of Live Status; Commercial Kitchen Equipment Require Total Disconnect for Cleaning Services; if there are any of these appliances as part of the Approved Works R16324 is appropriate specification – Other Single Pole Switch will Not Meet Regulation of Total Isolation.
Color Selection — White, Gold, Gray, or Black?
White PC panel: The traditional British finishing standards apply to all homes with kitchen or airing cupboard combinations. The Gold finish is a warm, elegant finish for high-end homes & hotels where the isolator will be visible in an open area or to the public. The Grey completely controls the brightness for modern apartment buildings, commercial & office kitchen installations, and HVAC equipment in offices. The Black provides two separate shades of major contrast for darker color schemes, high-quality commercial fitouts, and industrial buildings. Both the Black, Grey, and Gold finishes use the same imported Polycarbonate material (highly transparent), have a 20amp DP mechanism, and have a 12-year warranty as certified by the Manufacturer of R16324 20amp switches.
Wiring & Installation
There are four terminals on the R16324 20A DP switch (one for each incoming and outgoing cable). Also, there is a separate earth continuity terminal. The neon indicator is internally wired to the load side and no extra wiring is required. The supply cable for the switch must be of an appropriate size to handle the rated load of 20A, therefore, 2.5mm² will need to be used for short runs while 4mm² will need to be used for longer cable runs. This switch will fit into a normal British-sized 86x86mm back box. Before commencing work on the switch, always isolate the circuit at the consumer unit and also ensure that all connections are securely torqued to withstand the full 20A current without overheating.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a 20A double pole switch used for?
A 20A double pole switch is used in applications where you require disconnecting both live and neutral safely, such as to a water heater, immersion heater, electric cooker, air conditioning unit and fixed pieces of equipment in a commercial kitchen. The R16324 is a 20A DP British Standard switch with a neon indicator to give you a visible means of total disconnection of power, which is required by UK and Commonwealth standards for connecting fixed appliances to the mains supply.
What is the difference between a DP switch and a standard light switch?
A regular light switch is a single pole switch which means that, will only be able to turn off the live wire but the neutral wire stays on. The double pole switch (DP), R16324, turns off both the live and neutral wire at the same time therefore providing full electrical isolation. A neon indicator located at the top will indicate to an individual when the circuit is live (on) and when both poles are off (no light). This provides a clear visual indication to maintenance personnel prior to performing any work on the equipment.
Can I buy this 20A DP switch directly from the manufacturer?
As a manufacturer of 20A DP switches, we ship R16324 straight from the factory to our wholesale distributors, electrical contractors, and project source buyers worldwide. By purchasing factory-direct you are avoiding the retail mark-up of an equivalent 20A double pole isolator from other brands such as MK, Crabtree or Schneider. Please contact our sales department for volume pricing, OEM branding options and current lead times.
What colors is this British standard DP isolator available in?
The R16 Series 20A DP Switch is offered in four colors of the PCB Panel, including White (traditionally used in residential applications), Gold (to create a warm premium finish for upscale interiors), Gray (a neutral contemporary option for modern apartments or commercial spaces) & Black (providing bold contrast to industrial & upscale commercial fit-outs). All four colors are manufactured using the same imported high transparency and high strength PC Material; all have utilized the same 20A double pole mechanism; all have the same factory warranty (12 Years).
