SELECTION NOTES / 01
How to choose flush switches and sockets
QIANXING flush switches and sockets coordinate the faceplate with the surrounding wall or panel finish while retaining socket openings and touch controls. Confirm the finish and installation structure first, then choose electrical functions: Star Ring A for painted walls, Star Ring B for wood and stone.
Start with the finished surface
For painted and decorative-painted walls, start with Star Ring A. For wood and stone panels, start with Star Ring B. Their back housings, fixing methods and space requirements differ, so faceplate colour alone is not enough to specify an order.
‘Invisible’ describes how the faceplate visually blends into the finish. Socket openings and touch controls still perform everyday functions; consider usability as well as the spatial effect.
Choose the installation system and functions separately
The installation system determines where and how the product is fitted. Function modules provide power, charging, data or lighting control. A space can combine five-pin, UK and universal sockets, USB, Ethernet and smart touch switches.
List appliances and lighting circuits by room, then decide the functions, quantities and arrangement at each position. USB ports cannot supply every appliance, and Ethernet ports are not power sockets.
When to decide
Confirm your selection before positioning back boxes, preparing wiring or cutting panels. For painted walls, locate back boxes relative to the final finished surface. For wood and stone, confirm actual thickness and rear clearance before fabrication.
If the renovation is already complete, send QIANXING site photos, structural dimensions and existing wiring details first. Retrofit feasibility depends on the actual site conditions.
Make a project list
Record the room, position, finish, thickness or back box conditions, module names, quantities and arrangement. For smart switches, also list lamp type and power for each circuit, and the live and neutral wiring available.
Use the list with the relevant system and installation instructions to identify structural or wiring mismatches early. If a custom finish is needed, then coordinate material shipping and fabrication.
Requirements at a glance
| What to confirm | Questions to check |
|---|---|
| Finish | Painted wall, wood or stone? |
| Installation space | Are the back box depth, finished-surface position and rear panel clearance suitable? |
| Everyday functions | Power, USB, Ethernet or how many lighting circuits? |
| Smart connection | Is a Mi Home hub needed, and are live and neutral wires available? |
Frequently asked questions
Are QIANXING ‘invisible’ switches concealed above the ceiling?
QIANXING’s approach retains socket openings and touch controls on the wall, focusing on coordinating the faceplate with the surrounding finish. Check the finished wall appearance, installation structure and function; the word ‘invisible’ does not make different installation methods equivalent.
Can the same function be used with Star Ring A and B?
Choose the installation system, then check the corresponding function configuration. Specify both the structure and the function when ordering.
Can I directly replace an existing conventional socket?
Check the existing back box, finished surface, wiring and installation space. Standard faceplate dimensions alone do not establish replacement compatibility.
Source documents
This page is based on QIANXING’s currently sold second-generation product documents and July 2026 installation instructions. Refer to the relevant product page for models and functions, and consult the complete diagrams in the original manual for construction.