Installing an older style switch

[zzz123]

We're installing this older type switch. According to the shop, it doesn't require a back box or a pattress, and can be fixed directly to the wall, screwing into plaster. But electricians are not convinced.
Has anyone done this? Does it fall out of the wall after a while? Any advice is appreciated!

www.hollowaysofludlow.com/shop/lighting/switches_and_mounting/traditional_switches_and_sockets/white_bakelite_light_switch

We have a house full of these - all are on pattresses. I don't know why pattresses are used. Perhaps if you find that out you'll have your answer?

We are about to have our house rewired and I really want to keep the old Bakalite switches but the electrician says they are unsafe. How can that be right if they are still being made and sold?

Use plastic wall plugs, don't screw into the plaster directly. Do ensure that the switches are CE marked.
The reason why you can't keep the old Bakalite switches is that they don't meet modern standards and become brittle. The modern replacements are developed to modern standards and use more stable material.

We have them on pattresses. In places where we need more than one (eg bottom of stairs where they control lights at top and bottom of stairs) the pattresses ensure that they're all nicely lined up, but they do make them quite proud. One was knocked off the wall when we had a sofa delivered.

I don't think it's the fact they are made of "brittle" Bakelite that's the issue - they don't meet regs if they are the old ones that don't have the cover fixed on with screws. Some of them just unscrew meaning you can get to the wires without using tools, just your hand.