1958 - 1965

The age of the rotary and the tumbler switch gave way to that of the rocker switch. This early example featured a luminous rocker.

Despite its rather awkward name, the "Glandless Uniform Combination Outlet" was a highly versatile piece of equipment. For instance, the splash-protected surface-type WASKO switch with integrated light signal could be easily exchanged for any other product from the Berker damp-proof range. This meant reduced storage space for the wholesaler, problem-free installation for the electrician, and easy acquisition of replacement parts for the customer.

While some manufacturers went for a thick rocker dolly, and others a thin one, Berker split the difference and chose the golden mean. The design was so well received that the switch was singled out by an international jury at the Hanover Trade Fair of 1963 for its "good industrial form".

A surface-mounting switch from 1962 with a large rocker.

Maybe it had something to do with the spirit of the times, or the political climate, or even just that things had moved on, but the fact is that in the middle of the Sixties, the trend moved increasingly from round to square switches. This especially elegant model marked the end of an era at Berker.