SELECTION NOTES / 02
Choosing flush switches and sockets for painted walls
QIANXING Star Ring A is for painted and decorative-painted walls. The concealed mounting plate is white; the faceplate finish must coordinate with the wall. A standard 86-type back box is not included in the kit and must be sourced separately.
What paint and decorative paint share
For both finishes, confirm the concealed assembly before planning the wall finish. The white mounting plate is an installation component; its factory surface is not the final finish.
Standard paint calls for consistent colour and surface quality; decorative paint also involves texture and application technique. Confirm the faceplate and wall together, using site samples where appropriate, rather than simply matching colour codes.
Position the back box for the final finish
The July 2026 instructions require a standard 86-type back box at least 48mm deep, recessed 10mm below the final finished surface. Allow for subsequent finish thickness when setting its position.
Check back box placement, the concealed mounting plate and the surface preparation sequence against the installation drawings. Do not treat the unfinished wall as the final finished surface or derive opening dimensions from website illustrations.
Check functions and wiring together in advance
Select power, USB and Ethernet functions and quantities for the actual equipment. Single- and dual-circuit smart touch switches require live and neutral wires.
Live and neutral are required even if the switch is used conventionally without Mi Home. Buying a hub does not replace the required wiring.
What to give the site team before construction
Give the design and installation teams the final finish type, back box depth and position, module arrangement, lighting circuits and correct manual version. For decorative paint, also agree how the faceplate finish will continue into the wall.
Read the painted-wall wiring guidance together with page 8 of the panel manual. Suitably qualified personnel should carry out wiring and installation according to the instructions.
Requirements at a glance
| Item | Star Ring A |
|---|---|
| Suitable finishes | Painted and decorative-painted walls |
| Concealed mounting plate | White |
| Standard 86-type back box | Required separately; depth ≥48mm |
| Back box position | 10mm below the final finished surface |
Frequently asked questions
Does decorative paint require Star Ring B?
Decorative paint is a painted-wall finish, so selection usually starts with Star Ring A. Star Ring B is for panel applications such as wood and stone.
Does the Star Ring A kit include a back box?
A standard 86-type back box is not included. Source it separately and check the manual’s depth and position requirements.
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.