LS 990 - The Classic Switch
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What is a classic? A true classic, it is said, is a product from anotherera that effortlessly survives any trend. A classic is design in perfection. It adapts to new circumstances and challengeeasily and with just minimal changes. A true classic sets standards. It is universal, timeless, and even today, unsurpassed

12 In conversation with: Harald Jung and Herbert W. Richter 34 A classic demonstrates diversity 60 A switch conquers architecture In conversation with: Harald Jung and Herbert W. Richter 12 A classic demonstrates diversity 34 In conversation with: Till Schneider 48 A classic shows its colours 54 A switch conquers architecture 60 In conversation with: Wolfram Putz 70

Timeless since 1968 The LS 990 is the classic among flat switches: Launched back in 1968, 50 years later its timeless elegance is still just as popular. With the aesthetics of the reduced form, the great user-friendliness thanks to the flat surfaces, and a clear structure, it is still winningover architects and developers to

Urban villa, Duisburg Architect: Drusche und Grosser Architekten BDA, Duisburg Fitted with JUNG LS 990 in Les Couleurs® Le Corbusier, 32140 ombre naturelle 31. Minimalistic and austere, organic and playful, or sensually opulent: With its reduced design and classic shape, the LS 990 suits any architectural concept. Different versions in plastic or genuine metal, not to mention various colours, make for far-reaching possibiliti

A classic is born In order to understand the revolutionary designconcept the range is based on, one must bear in mind just what light switches usually looked like back then: The actual rocker switch was scarcely wider than a fingerand the large panel surrounding it was primarily for protecting the wall or wallpaperfrom the user’s hand. But JUNG wanted a flat switch, and Herbert W. Richter came up with the ideal solution. Inspired by the Bauhaus philosophy, which calls for a plain design based on practical value and champions clear, elementary forms, he pared down the design to the bare...

81 mm LS 990 is based on the classic square and exploits the possibleswitch area to the full. The maximum of 71 milli metres on the inside with a cover measuring 81 millimetres results in a 70 x 70-millimetre switch with a 5-millimetre surroun

In conversation with: entrepreneur Harald Jung and designer Herbert W. Richter Mr. Richter, you are a trained graphic artist. At the time, how did you approach the task of designing a light switch, and how did you arrive at its shape? Herbert W. Richter: In principle the basic shape almost came about on its own: JUNG wanted a switch with a large surface area, so I asked the technicians how big the sur faces could be. The largest-possible inside measurements (for technical reasons) of 71 x 71 millimetres and the 81 x 81-millimeter cover gave rise to the design possibilities: a control...

And what’s coming next? Harald Jung: Right now it’s primarily a case of integrating all manner of electronic applications for building control systems, such as small screens for door intercoms or radios. But we are not going to alter the basic design. Herbert W. Richter: For a long time now I’ve wanted a 71x71-mm display for the range, which for a wide range of reasons we don’t yet have. Furthermore, there is a whole host of ideas that still have to be put to the feasibility test. Mr. Jung, you just mentioned your foreign competitors. Have you yourself ever consideredproducing at sites...

Every year 14 million sockets and 8 million flush-mounting units for switches, produced on fully automated production lines, leave the JUNG production in Schalksmühle and Lünen. This is achieved using high-performance punching presses with a capacity of 700 supporting rings per minute. Over 1,000 varieties are produced on flexible assembly lines, in line with client specifications, and also in smaller numbers. This way JUNG is able to offer a wide range of products and high delivery capacity. The tools the company developed and produces itself guarantee the highest of precision with regard...

The light switch is the visible element that forms a link between the electrical installation and the relevant space. As such, it has to satisfy both aesthetic and functional standards. The obvious quality of the surface conceals the many mechanical parts inside the switch. The valid standard requires 40,000 acts of switching during testing. JUNG itself demands that its switches be activated 50,000 times. Only then are JUNG switches marketed.

The JUNG SCHUKO® socket en ables non-stationary consumers to be operated. Clearly visible, it withstands the mechanical load and delivers the requisite voltage. The actual quality, however, is concealed in the contacts and base, and as such in the wall. Eighty tons of high-performance punching presses shape the metal parts, which are then assembled in complex modules. During production the socket is fully checked for abnormalities on several occasions. JUNG likewise tests its sockets 25,000 times, which is 2.5 times more than the German standard requires

The F 40 push-button sensor serves control functions in KNX systems. It boasts a spacious flat surface, and with the compact form of its electronics enables up to eight functions to be operated with a single push-button. As such, the regulation of temperature, light, and shutters can be integrated in the electrical installation without trace. Here too, JUNG succeeded in realizing the metal versions with genuine materials. In line with works guidelines, the 40,000 successful changes of setting during testing required by standard EN60669-1 are exceeded by at least 25 

In line with contemporary tastes, the switch has been available in various brown tones, including a grained leather version, for several years now. Likewise in keeping with the decade, the version with a marble look. The switch in black was launched for the Cubus Hotel in Düsseldorf, and is still popular with architects today. Architects: schneider+schumacher Architekten, Frankfurt/Main The stainless steel version was the first JUNG switch in the LS range in genuine metal. Another design for a specific construction project, the Office of the Federal President in Berlin. The light grey...