3 Gang Switch Question???

[telectrix]

The OP doesn't actually say where the 3 gang switch will be installed, only that it will be controlling lights in the 3 different locations with 2 of them being 2 way.

yes, i know, but re-reading the post, it would be logical for the 3 gang to be in the hall as 1 of the lights it controls is the porch light. if it's going to be in or adjacent to the kitchen,ok. nice diagram btw.

 

[topquark]

The OP doesn't actually say where the 3 gang switch will be installed, only that it will be controlling lights in the 3 different locations with 2 of them being 2 way.

Yep, hence the question JUD, it could be read either way. I kinda guessed it would be two switches in the kitchen and two switches in the hall. The switch nearest the porch able to control the hall/OS light and kitchen (hence that being the 3 gang). One the other end of the hall just to control the hall light. So I envisaged the kitchen switch nearest the hall being an intermediate.

Could be read as if the 3 gang were in the kitchen as well (as it doesn't say where it is). I think there are four separate switches though from the way I read it.

 

[JUD]

yes, i know, but re-reading the post, it would be logical for the 3 gang to be in the hall as 1 of the lights it controls is the porch light. if it's going to be in or adjacent to the kitchen,ok. nice diagram btw.

In that case....

 

[topquark]

In that case....

Yep, spot on mate. What drawing package are you using

 

[Des 56]

Just skipped through this thread and my own head is fried with all the instructions
The kitchen light switching is getting like an Agatha Christie who done it,but in this case what is it

The poor fellow must have formula 1 speed neurons racing arouind his head trying to grasp it allarty:

 

[telectrix]

just where i visualised it, jud. top artistry mate. only thing is would look better in red / black. LOL. damn brussels and their stupid colours. iv'e not eaten their sprouts since 2005.

 

[JUD]

Yep, spot on mate. What drawing package are you using

Paint.NET - Free software downloads and software reviews - CNET Downloads

 

[topquark]

You must be VERY quick on the draw, but defo no cowboy

 

[chrisgc]

Hi people,

Just want to add to the information.

The Kitchen/Diner, Front porch and Hallway are all open plan so the 3 gang switch is kind of just past the front porch but just around the corner from the porch (small porch) and on the diner part of the kitchens wall - hope that makes sense.

Also would like to thank all the replies as think the information given throughout this site is brilliant and I really do appreciate your replies.

Chris

 

[JUD]

Hi people,

Just want to add to the information.

The Kitchen/Diner, Front porch and Hallway are all open plan so the 3 gang switch is kind of just past the front porch but just around the corner from the porch (small porch) and on the diner part of the kitchens wall - hope that makes sense.

Also would like to thank all the replies as think the information given throughout this site is brilliant and I really do appreciate your replies.

Chris

There was a bit of confusion as to how many switches would be controlling your kitchen lights.

If it's just the 3 gang switch and the single 2 way switch at the other end of kitchen then you want this....

If it's the 3 gang switch and then separate 2 way switches at either end of the kitchen then it's this...

 

[chrisgc]

Hi Jud,

Drawings are excellent by the way.

The plan has slightly changed but no doubt the info you guys have given can be adapted to what has changed.

3 gang switch just inside kitchen/diner top operate the following, (kitchen and diner are split into 2 areas and have downlights installed):
Switch 1 of 3 gang to operate kitchen
Switch 2 of 3 gang to operate diner
Switch 3 to operate a pendant type light that will be centred over a dining table

and then opposite area of where the 3 gang switch there will be a 2 gang - 2 way switch which will operate following located in hallway:
Switch 1 of 2 gang will operate kitchen lights
Switch 2 of 2 gang will operate diner lights

Also the power I have located for lights are in a junction box as ceiling has been completely taken down.

Hope I have got this right from memory.

If a diagram could be redrawn would be appreciated - (think I just like looking at your diagrams (electrical **** lol).

Chris

 

[JUD]

Something like this...

What happened to the porch light???

 

[telectrix]

kamikazi needed it for an interstallar project. to boldly go where no porchlight has gone before

 

[chrisgc]

Jud thanks again.The porch light is staying in its original place and having the original switch location kept wherei it currently is.With regards to the loop in wiring method as I have noticed junction boxes which has the live feed from where the old lights have been taken away. Does the presence of the junction box change the way I should wire up the lights?Chris

 

[JUD]

No. The live feed coming in at the top left of the diagram would come from the junction box.

 

[Spudnik]

Some fantastic replies on this thread, so you should be able to sort it Chris!!

Dont forget the thanks button.

 

[chrisgc]

Just a brief question. If the switches were upgraded would it be ok to put just the kitchen and dinner on dimmers? Off top of my head the downlightes are split into two (10 on one side and 6 on the other section)?

 

[JUD]

Just a brief question. If the switches were upgraded would it be ok to put just the kitchen and dinner on dimmers? Off top of my head the downlightes are split into two (10 on one side and 6 on the other section)?

You could swap the 2 gang switch for a 2 gang 2 way dimmer. However, depending on the wattage of the bulbs you use, 10 downlights could potentially be drawing 500 watts so you would have to make sure that you get the correctly rated dimmer switch.

Dimmer switches used to require to be de-rated by half for halogen bulbs. I read somewhere that this is no longer required. Perhaps someone else could confirm that.

 

[1shortcircuit]

Jud, fantastic assistance in this thread.

I think that the only other help that can be given here is for someone to physically go and carry out the work in person lol:stuart:

I would suggest though if you are having doubts about how to install this lighting circuit then perhaps simulate it on a mock up board before going to the property. :crazy:

I'm surprised that this thread has got to 6 pages though? There's having a blank moment that requires a poke in the right direction but this now seems as though it's turning into a DIY step by step guide for someone that doesn't know what they're doing?

When are you going back to the job to complete this work? You're not actually TOO far away from me

:thumbsup

 

[Engineer54]

Jud, fantastic assistance in this thread.

I think that the only other help that can be given here is for someone to physically go and carry out the work in person lol:stuart:

I would suggest though if you are having doubts about how to install this lighting circuit then perhaps simulate it on a mock up board before going to the property. :crazy:

I'm surprised that this thread has got to 6 pages though? There's having a blank moment that requires a poke in the right direction but this now seems as though it's turning into a DIY step by step guide for someone that doesn't know what they're doing?

When are you going back to the job to complete this work? You're not actually TOO far away from me

:thumbsup

I was thinking exactly the same thing shortcircuit, ...This is all very basic stuff were talking about here... Could of just simply :book: .... ..lol!!!