Light Switches, Easy Question!

Willing_Learner · Post by **Willing_Learner** » Thu Jun 07, 2007 8:54 pm

Am renewing the light switches and other switches in my place. But am stuck on the light switches....

There appear to be two kinds, a Single Intermediate Switch and a Single 10A 2 Way Switch. I have standard light switches, just one switch on them and they power one light. But which are for me and how do i work it out?!

Cheers

Post by **ultimatehandyman** » Thu Jun 07, 2007 9:07 pm

Willing_Learner wrote:Am renewing the light switches and other switches in my place. But am stuck on the light switches....

There appear to be two kinds, a Single Intermediate Switch and a Single 10A 2 Way Switch. I have standard light switches, just one switch on them and they power one light. But which are for me and how do i work it out?!

Cheers

If all the switches only control one light, so that you can not switch a light on and off from two different places then you just need 1 gang 1 way switches.

Many switches are now 1 gang two way switches, but these can be used with no problems at all.

If you have a light that can be switched on and off from two different locations then you need 1 gang two way switches and if you have any lights that can be switched on or off from three locations then you will require 2- 1 gang two way switches and an intermediate switch..

Hope this makes sense.

You can use two way switches on a one way system, but you can't use a one way switch on a two way system.

Willing_Learner · Post by **Willing_Learner** » Thu Jun 07, 2007 9:17 pm

Ive just realised the hallway light has a switch at each end, and has two lights. So two lights, two switches. But each switch controls both lights (only one actual button/ switch though) so would that mean for that light id need a 1 gang 2 way switch?! And all my other switches that just control their individual lights id need a single intermediate switch?! If so, your an excellent teacher!

Post by **ultimatehandyman** » Thu Jun 07, 2007 9:24 pm

Willing_Learner wrote:Ive just realised the hallway light has a switch at each end, and has two lights. So two lights, two switches. But each switch controls both lights (only one actual button/ switch though) so would that mean for that light id need a 1 gang 2 way switch?! And all my other switches that just control their individual lights id need a single intermediate switch?! If so, your an excellent teacher!

Yes, for the light that can be switched on or off from two locations you need two way switches. For all the other switches you only need one way switches, but you could use two way switches if you like! Many modern light switches are now only available in two way

If all of your switches onle have one switch per switch plate then they are all single gang switches

Willing_Learner · Post by **Willing_Learner** » Thu Jun 07, 2007 9:34 pm

Thats that problem all sorted then! Just a general knowledge question then, on the site I am looking at buying them from they word one as "single intermediate switch" is that the same as a 1 gang 1 way switch? that is £4.99 each whereas the 1 gang 2 way is only £3.99, so as you say, may as well just buy all 1g 2w ones then!?

Post by **ultimatehandyman** » Thu Jun 07, 2007 9:38 pm

Willing_Learner wrote:Thats that problem all sorted then! Just a general knowledge question then, on the site I am looking at buying them from they word one as "single intermediate switch" is that the same as a 1 gang 1 way switch? that is £4.99 each whereas the 1 gang 2 way is only £3.99, so as you say, may as well just buy all 1g 2w ones then!?

Yes, they are the ones that you need (1 gang 2 way )

Willing_Learner · Post by **Willing_Learner** » Thu Jun 07, 2007 9:47 pm

Thats one problem solved! I take it things like shaver points, aerial points, extractor fan switches are all standard things, dont need "gangs" and all that malarky!?

Post by **ultimatehandyman** » Thu Jun 07, 2007 9:57 pm

Willing_Learner wrote:Thats one problem solved! I take it things like shaver points, aerial points, extractor fan switches are all standard things, dont need "gangs" and all that malarky!?

Yes, these are normally just like for like replacements.

Willing_Learner · Post by **Willing_Learner** » Thu Jun 07, 2007 9:59 pm

Post closed

THANK YOU!

Rich-Ando · Post by **Rich-Ando** » Fri Jun 08, 2007 2:27 pm

the ONLY time you will ever need an "intermediate" switch is where you have 3 switching points (or more) for one light. so if you don't have that you may dismiss anything that says "intermediate".

out of curiosity, where are you looking at for those prices because i honestly think they are very highly priced for a switch. (you wouldn't be looking at places like B & Q would you?

find yourself a local electrical wholesaler. even if they charge you a higher price than a tradesman you should get them at half the price you have quoted.

Willing_Learner · Post by **Willing_Learner** » Fri Jun 08, 2007 2:33 pm

Screwfix.com was where I was looking. They are brushed stainless steel, im guessing thats why a tad higher! £17 for a shaving point! But they seem to be the only online place I can find. Maybe someone can help out!

Rich-Ando · Post by **Rich-Ando** » Fri Jun 08, 2007 2:52 pm

ahh i was wondering weather they were SS switches. understood, a fair price for that no worries.

the reason i asked is i didn't want you getting ripped off by B&Q as they are the sort of prices they charge for plastic.

screwfix is very fairly priced m8, if you were asking for other online stores, sorry i don't know as i only go to wholesalers.

Willing_Learner · Post by **Willing_Learner** » Fri Jun 08, 2007 3:05 pm

I thought they were reasonable. So will stick with them. But cheers for the advice/ help!

Rich-Ando · Post by **Rich-Ando** » Fri Jun 08, 2007 3:10 pm

no problem at all.

this is the reason i use this forum, it good, helpful and most of all, you don't get ripped off for what is the cheapest method of honesty, advice!!

Willing_Learner · Post by **Willing_Learner** » Fri Jun 08, 2007 3:14 pm

Indeed! And from what I have read its not full of know it alls! Thats a BIG bonus! People who know what they know and know what they dont know!

Light Switches, Easy Question!

Light Switches, Easy Question!

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