Abstract: A rocker switch assembly includes a switch body, a mounting strap, a frame, and a paddle for actuating the switch between an on and an off position. The paddle has a uni-convex cylindrical exterior surface. The rocker switch assembly further includes a faceplate in the form of a frame having an opening. The exterior front surface of the faceplate has a uni-convex cylindrical surface profile. In an assembled condition, the paddle substantially occupies the faceplate opening. Due to the selected convex shapes of the paddle and faceplate, a portion of the paddle front surface is always substantially flush with a portion of the faceplate surface and at no time does any part of the paddle surface protrude past the faceplate front surface.

Abstract: A low voltage dimmer is shown with the dimming function being on a primary side of a low voltage transformer. Live voltage feeds through a triac to the primary side of the transformer with the gate for the triac being controlled by a microprocessor. To prevent burnout of the transformer if the secondary load side is open, zero crossing of the incoming signal is determined by the microprocessor. If the time constant between the zero crossing of the live voltage and the charging of a capacitor with resistance being provided by the primary side of the transformer exceeds w predetermined time period, the microprocessor will be inhibited from generating a pulse to fire the triac. When the primary side of the transformer has been opened, the load on the secondary side can be re-established, i.e. light bulb replaced. Power for the microprocessor is from the charging of a capacitor used to provide the triggering signal to the microprocessor. Also the microprocessor may be triggered from remote locations.