Our History & Italian Heritage

BTicino electrical switches catalogue from the 50s with a vintage illustration of a lit small candle on a metallic cone-shaped candle snuffer.

The evolution of the BTicino Logo

The BTicino logo is more than a visual mark: it is a statement of identity and a guarantee of quality. Over the decades, the logo has evolved in harmony with the brand’s commitment to pure shapes and overall simplicity, reflecting the values of Italian design and technological innovation.
Each iteration has maintained the essence of BTicino’s DNA: clarity, minimalism, and a distinctive presence in every product.

  • First logo with the name Bassani handwritten in a continuous, cursive black line.

    1940. The first logo originates from the founders, the Bassani brothers.

  • Trademark logo in black.

    1947. A trademark was registered with a handwritten 'B' inside a circle, placed above the word 'TICINO'. This symbol was also used to sign the products.

  • Evolution of the logo with the rectangular orange background.

    1959. A redesigned 'B' appeared, styled to match the era, paired with 'TICINO' on an orange background and followed by the payoff GUARANTEED ELECTRICAL SWITCHES.

  • BTicino logo with the word quality inscripted in.

    1968. As the company grew internationally, the logo included multilingual inscriptions to highlight safety, reliability, and quality worldwide.

  • Bticino logo with geometric shapes above the brand name.

    In the early 1970s, a simplified switch symbol was added to the logo design.

  • BTicino logotype, currently in use.

    1973. A new logotype was introduced: the word 'ticino' and the letter 'b' in lowercase, merged into a single line. This version, slightly updated over time, is still in use today.

    BTicino: A Historic Brand of National Interest

    BTicino, historically linked to the region and with a trademark registered and used continuously for at least 50 years, as a recognition of the "history" of national entrepreneurship and Made in Italy, has obtained registration in the Register of Historic Brands of National Interest from the Ministry of Economic Development, reserved only for national companies of excellence.

    Female worker, 1960s circa, inspecting BTicino electrical switches at a workstation with large indicators and control panels. The 1950 BTicino logo is visible.
    THE STORY OF BTICINO

    Timeline of innovation

    BTicino’s story begins in 1948, inspired by the creative spirit and industrial progress of post-war Italy.

    • BTicino Ticino round electrical switch with two black toggles, on a patterned background.
      1948

      TICINO

      The range with the characteristic round bevelled glass cover plate and bakelite or porcelain push-button or lever controls.

    • The BTicino Domino white wall plate features three rectangular switches set against a patterned gray background.
      1950

      DOMINO

      The first monobloc three-button switch, the ivory-coloured resin Domino range with rounded edges interprets the design of the period with extraordinary precision.

    • BTicino Magic silver plate with 3 white switches, on a dark patterned background.
      1962

      MAGIC

      A true revolution: the first modular offer, incredibly innovative due to its rigorous design, technical functionality and installation versatility, Magic immediately became the archetype of the domestic switch in Italy.

    • BTicino Living Classic red 3-module cover plate, on a dark patterned background.
      1985

      LIVING CLASSIC

      Living broke the rules of the industry with an unusual black button combined with an extensive range of cover plate colours, becoming, for the first time in the sector, an object with many functions. In 1989, it won the Compasso d'Oro, a prestigious design award.

    • Two BTicino Livinglight cover plates on a dark background: a rounded bronze one and a square silver one.
      1996

      LIVING INTERNATIONAL

      Two alternative ranges with differing shapes, materials and colours, to meet the need for a wealth of choices. The two ranges also mark a new step towards home automation, offering new systems such as the burglar alarm and the sound system.

    • BTicino Axolute 3-module aquamarine cover plate, on a light blue background.
      2005

      AXOLUTE

      The Axolute series is designed for interiors where excellence is a must. The range combines two shapes, novel materials and sophisticated technology, and the axial button always guarantees the flatness of the light switch.

    • BTicino Livinglight metallic 3-module rectangular wall plate on a purple gradient background.
      2011

      LIVINGLIGHT

      A single range, but many combinations of shapes, colours, materials and technological innovation to meet every need.
      A perfect combination of technological and stylistic research, with the possibility of customisation of the home system to suit personal taste and needs.

    • BTicino Living Now black 3-module light switch, on a black blurry background.
      2018

      LIVING NOW

      Living Now is the development of the Living universe: the next-generation range with an innovative design in terms of form and finishing.
      Living Now is the first range of connected cover plates that can be controlled using an app or voice commands.

    • BTicino Light Now 2-module in sand stone color, mounted on a textured gray wall.
      2024

      LIGHT NOW

      Merging timeless minimalist design with cutting-edge smart technologies, Light Now is compatible with both traditional installation systems and the latest smart home solutions.
      Light Now is also an eco-friendly range that prioritizes sustainability by minimizing energy use and utilizing green materials, to reduce the ecological footprint.

      THE STORY OF BTICINO

      A journey of innovation and style

      BTicino is a distinguished name in the world of electrical systems and smart home innovation, with a legacy rooted in Italian craftsmanship and technological excellence. From its origins in Milan in 1936 to its evolution as part of the Legrand Group, BTicino has consistently pioneered solutions that combine functionality, safety, and design.

      OUR STORY

      1936-1943

      BTicino’s journey began in Milan in 1936, when the Bassani brothers (Arnaldo, Luigi, Ermanno) founded Ticino Electric Switches, initially specialising in small-scale metalwork production. In 1943 BTicino is relocated from Milan to Besnate due to war-related reasons.

      Black and white portraits of Ermanno and Luigi Bassani, with the Bassani handwriting signature below.
      A 60s multi-storey office building in Milano with BASSANI S.P.A. signage, parked cars and trees.
      OUR STORY

      1948

      During the post war years, the company shifted its focus towards the development of electrical components for residential and infrastructure applications. In 1948 the company adopted the name Bassani SpA and launched its first series of switches and sockets, setting new benchmarks for quality and reliability in Italian households. That same year, the headquarters were relocated to Bizzozero, Varese.

      OUR STORY

      60s-70s

      In 1961, the Magic Series was introduced as the first modular power socket system, simplifying installation and offering greater flexibility. By 1965, BTicino had patented the residual current device, significantly enhancing domestic safety through advanced circuit protection.
In 1974 the company rebranded as Bassani Ticino, embracing a more contemporary identity.

      Salvamotore electrical device advertising and a view of the BTicino pickup trucks inside a large industrial garage.
      Assorted colored electrical switch and socket frames from the Living series, featured in the Wiring devices catalogue.
      OUR STORY

      80s

      BTicino’s dedication to design was further reinforced with the launch of the Living Series in the 1980s, which redefined switches as integral elements of interior design. In the early 1980s, the acquisition of Terraneo took place, bringing the company into the world of video door entry systems.

      OUR STORY

      1989

      In 1989, Bassani Ticino joined the Legrand Group, and the company name was officially changed to BTicino. This strategic partnership enabled the development of video door entry systems, energy management solutions, and the expansion of BTicino’s international footprint.

      White high-rise once used as Bticino headquarter in Milano, with glass skybridges linking modern office structures.
      Polyx video handset Interface with a screen displaying a woman’s face and numbered buttons below the display.
      OUR STORY

      Early 2000s

      In the early 2000s, BTicino introduced the OpenWEBNet protocol to enable smart home system integration, and launched the MyHome system based on the SCS bus architecture. In 2005, BTicino acquired Zucchini, a company specializing in busbar production. Later, in 2010, BTicino received the 'Design for All' Award for its Polyx video handset interface.

      OUR STORY

      The 2010s

      In 2015, BTicino acquired IME, a company specialized in analog and digital measurement instruments. Previously, in 2010, BTicino had acquired Meta System, and in 2017, it entered into a joint venture with Borri. Both companies specialize in UPS systems, and the partnership aimed to strengthen BTicino’s presence in the UPS and data center market.

      Logos of IME, BORRI, and MetaSystem Energy displayed vertically on a white background.
      Modern office space with mesh-walled meeting room, lounge chairs, a TV screen, and round cushioned stools.
      OUR STORY

      21st Century - to date

      BTicino has continued to lead in smart home innovation, introducing advanced home automation systems and integrating digital technologies for intuitive control and enhanced living experiences.

      Excellence in Design and Innovation

      BTicino’s heritage is inseparable from the values of Italian design: harmony, essentiality, and emotional resonance. Our products are more than functional objects: they are expressions of culture, craftsmanship, and technological mastery.

      A modern, minimalist BTicino Light Now 3-module white switch panel on a white wall.