3 Gang Switch Question???

Discuss 3 Gang Switch Question??? in the Electrical Wiring, Theories and Regulations area at ElectriciansForums.net

C

chrisgc

Hi

I need to put a 3 gang switch so that it controls the following 3 items Independently:

1) Main hall lights (this will be controlled 2 way from either end of hall)
2) Front inside porch light (controlled from only one location)
3) Kitchen lights (this will be controlled 2 way from either end of room.

Can someone please give me some step by step instructions please to help guide me. I would be very grateful.

Also do some place like tlc do 3 gang switches for my scenario above.

Chris
 
Are you replacing an existing switch arrangement or is this a completely new installation?
 
feed L/N looped through each light fitting. take a switch wire from each light to the 3 gang switch. run 2 3 cores from 3 gang switch, 1 to each of the other 2 way switches. i could draw a diagrtam, but can't put it on computer. no doubt a member with better computer skilss can do that.
 
telectrix said:
feed L/N looped through each light fitting. take a switch wire from each light to the 3 gang switch. run 2 3 cores from 3 gang switch, 1 to each of the other 2 way switches. i could draw a diagrtam, but can't put it on computer. no doubt a member with better computer skilss can do that.
Click to expand...

A diagram would be good if someone can please.

Also do tlc or similar sell the 3 gang switch as the only ones I have seen are 3 gang - 2 way. Not sure if this is the correct type for my situation.

Definately would be good if someone could do the diagram.

Chris
 
Two of the circuits are bog standard 2 way switches, the other is an intermediate. You can buy at any good wholesaler a multi functional switch. You don't need a diagram, just think about each circuit one at a time.
 
paul.m said:
Two of the circuits are bog standard 2 way switches, the other is an intermediate. You can buy at any good wholesaler a multi functional switch. You don't need a diagram, just think about each circuit one at a time.
Click to expand...

paul.m - any chance you can give me correct name for type of switch I am after?

I have the usual tlc and b&q near me (couple of others but not been to them before) but cant appear to find what I am looking for?

Thanks
 
There's a few members looking at this right now, can you tell him what he needs. All I can come up with is:- ask your wholesaler for a 3 gang, 2 x 2 way and an intermediate switch please, that's what I ask for and that's what I get. Just make sure you ask for a 45mm deep back box to make it easier for yourself.
 
Murdoch said:
This isn't rocket science!
Click to expand...
I'm guessing that he hasn't done it before. Give him some slack mate. I was like this when I had the same problem, at least he's got us lot to ask. Ps don't forget about the deeper backbox, you now owe me a pint ;).
 
Last edited:
paul.m said:
Two of the circuits are bog standard 2 way switches, the other is an intermediate. You can buy at any good wholesaler a multi functional switch. You don't need a diagram, just think about each circuit one at a time.
Click to expand...

May be my glasses of red have impaired my judgement but why the imtermediate?
 
Yes Murdoch and Waynel I've just re-read the op. All he needs is a 3 gang 2 x 2 way and a single way. To the op just ask for that at a wholesalers and he will give you what you need, just remember when your wiring it that its 3 circuits (basic I know but) take each circuit at a time and you will be fine. Any problems give us a shout.
 
Anyone with a definitive answer as this is bugging me as done a lot of searching. And eyes are starting to look like a Chinese Insomniac.

WayneL - So with a 3 gang 2 way what is the correct wiring arrangement?

Thanks
 
Ok Chris listen:- how would you wire up a one way switch? How would you wire up a 2 way switch x 2? That's all your asking. Break it down to each circuit at each switch point. Draw a circuit diagram first if your not too sure.
 
chrisgc said:
Hi

I need to put a 3 gang switch so that it controls the following 3 items Independently:

1) Main hall lights (this will be controlled 2 way from either end of hall)
2) Front inside porch light (controlled from only one location)
3) Kitchen lights (this will be controlled 2 way from either end of room.

Can someone please give me some step by step instructions please to help guide me. I would be very grateful.

Also do some place like tlc do 3 gang switches for my scenario above.

Chris
Click to expand...

WayneL - So with a 3 gang 2 way what is the correct wiring arrangement?
Click to expand...

All your power should be at the lights using the 3 plate system

The easiest one is the porch which will just be a case of run the switch wire from the light to the switch.

The other two both require a switch wire but they will also need connected with them a 3 core and cpc that will go from the 3 gang switch to the ones at the other location.

Easy, as taught by the 5MW lol ---

PS Don't forget to ident your switch wires (blue) with brown sleeving at the rose and switches. Including the black and grey on the 3 core and CPC ;)
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Ok Chris let's put it this way. If the customer said he wants 3 single switches to operate the 3 lights that wouldn't be a problem as you can picture in your head 3 different switches. A 3 gang switch is just 3 different switches in one box. As your running each cable for each circuit one at a time just think that your only going to one switch (witch you are really). Then do the same for the other two circuits. Keep to the basics my friend, live feed in = live switch wire out = live feed to the light. Regardless of a 1 way, 2 way or intermediate circuit they all need a live in, live feed and a switch live to the fitting.
 
So,

What you actually want is a 3 gang, two way switch and two 1 gang, two way switches.(one for the other side of the kitchen, one for the other end of the hall).
You need some T&E and some 3-core & E.

Switch 1 of 3-Gang:

T&E
Connect Common to 'live' feed (Brown) and L1 to porch light (Blue, sleeved Brown).

Switch 2 of 3-Gang and Kitchen 1-Gang/two way.

T&E
Connect L1 to 'live' feed (Brown) and L2 to 'switched live' (Blue, sleeved Brown)....to light.

AND.....

Using the 3-Core & E, connect each of the following on Switch 2 to the kitchen 1-Gang/two way:

L1 to L1
L2 to L2
Common to Common

Sleeve conductors brown.

Switch 3 of 3-Gang and Hall 1-Gang/two way:

Follow exact same procedure as 'Switch 2 of 3-Gang' above, only this time for the hall light.

Job done.

I would do it this way - you could also use 'conventional' two way switching method.(where the live feed comes in to one switch and exits via the other switch).

And if you want to be clever, don't drop your T&E, 'live' and 'sw/live' from the light to the switch, just run your 3-core via the light.
 
just dropped back on this thread, after a good kip. after reading posts, nothing to add to wayne's post. do it exactly as wayne says ( his 1st way ). as for the 3 gang switch, all 3 gang are 2way, so thats it, and 2 2way 1 gang.
 
i know i'm not very far behind lenny. never thought of it as a competition. was just about to change my avatar.
 
Can i over complicate this please but reduce the number of cables slightly at each switch just for an alternative?!

3 gang 2 way switch

T+E 1 - Permanent live and neutral in (permanent live to common of first switch then linked to common of other two switches.
T+E 2 - To porch light (brown to L1 of 2nd switch)
3 core and earth 1 - To 2nd switch in kitchen (brown and black to L1 and L2 of 1st switch)
3 core and earth 2 - To 2nd switch in hallway (brown and black to L1 and L2 of 3rd switch)

All blue and grey (sleeved blue) wires in connector block (neutrals). All black wires sleeved brown to show they are live connections.

Kitchen switch, 1G 2way

3 core and earth 1 - From 3G switch (brown and black to L1 and L2 of switch).
T+E 1 - To kitchen lights (brown to common of switch)

All blue and grey (sleeved blue) wires in connector block (neutrals). All black wires sleeved brown to show they are live connections.

Hallway switch, 1G 2way

3 core and earth 2 - From 3G switch (brown and black to L1 and L2 of switch).
T+E 1 - To hallway lights (brown to common of switch)

All blue and grey (sleeved blue) wires in connector block (neutrals). All black wires sleeved brown to show they are live connections.

This is very similar to a conduit wiring method of wiring lighting except for the fact that you have neutrals at the switches. It's a bit more efficient on cable in my opinion and leaves you with less cables at the 3 gang switch which is a bonus. Probably a little over complicated but i like doing it this way and do it regularly too.
 
nothing wrong with that, dunc, but think the loop at lights method is simpler for the op to follow.
 
chrisgc said:
A diagram would be good if someone can please....
Click to expand...

telectrix said:
feed L/N looped through each light fitting. take a switch wire from each light to the 3 gang switch. run 2 3 cores from 3 gang switch, 1 to each of the other 2 way switches. i could draw a diagrtam, but can't put it on computer. no doubt a member with better computer skilss can do that.
Click to expand...

3Gang2Wayswitching.jpg
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Sorry to but in a bit late here. Is this 3 gang switch going to be one of the ones in the kitchen? If it's not then you do need an intermediate for the kitchen; one of the requirements was for this 3 gang to control the kitchen light that would be switchable also from either end of the kitchen.

I'd envisaged this 3 gang being in the hall given what it was controlling.
 
Last edited:
just re-read op. well spotted topquark. intermediate sw. can go between the 2 2way sw's for the kitchen
 
chrisgc said:
Hi

I need to put a 3 gang switch so that it controls the following 3 items Independently:

1) Main hall lights (this will be controlled 2 way from either end of hall)
2) Front inside porch light (controlled from only one location)
3) Kitchen lights (this will be controlled 2 way from either end of room.

Can someone please give me some step by step instructions please to help guide me. I would be very grateful.

Also do some place like tlc do 3 gang switches for my scenario above.

Chris
Click to expand...

topquark said:
Sorry to but in a bit late here. Is this 3 gang switch going to be one of the ones in the kitchen? If it's not then you do need an intermediate for the kitchen; one of the requirements was for this 3 gang to control the kitchen light that would be switchable also from either end of the kitchen.

I'd envisaged this 3 gang being in the hall given what it was controlling.
Click to expand...

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.
 
JUD said:
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.
Click to expand...

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.
 
JUD said:
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.
Click to expand...
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.
 
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
icon7.png



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

icon7.png
 
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.
 
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
 
chrisgc said:
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
Click to expand...

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....

3Gang2Wayswitching.jpg


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

3Gang2Wayswitching2.jpg
 
New posts

Reply to 3 Gang Switch Question??? in the Electrical Wiring, Theories and Regulations area at ElectriciansForums.net

Similar Threads

Archie22
How to wire two one gang dimmable switches and one intermediate switch ?
Hi all, currently doing a job at a house where there are 3 switches In the hallway to control the hall lights. All 1 gang switches, one at...
Replies
2
Views
572
Taylortwocities
T
M
Installing touch light switches on 3-way / 4-way circuit
Hello, I'm replacing standard light switches in my hall and landing with touch switches (not smart, just touch on/off) like these from Amazon...
Replies
7
Views
718
Avo Mk8
Avo Mk8
K
Canada - ON: does this wiring work?
Hi, New to the forum. I have two very specific questions, for the setup below. Setup details: Currently I have a setup with an outlet used for...
Replies
6
Views
651
krakatau
K
stodman
Lighting re-wiring solution
Hi all, Looking for someone to help with this dilemma. Image attached to try and explain it better. We have 3 separate lights currently...
Replies
3
Views
651
SJD
SJD
N
Wiring two 2 gang switches controlling 2 lights using the 2 plate method
Hi, I'm currently in my year of my apprenticeship looking for some help with the 2 plate method (feeding the switch). I understand it up to the...
Replies
3
Views
3K
nicebutdim
nicebutdim

OFFICIAL SPONSORS

Electrical Goods - Electrical Tools - Brand Names Electrician Courses Green Electrical Goods PCB Way Electrical Goods - Electrical Tools - Brand Names Pushfit Wire Connectors Electric Underfloor Heating Electrician Courses
These Official Forum Sponsors May Provide Discounts to Regular Forum Members - If you would like to sponsor us then CLICK HERE and post a thread with who you are, and we'll send you some stats etc

YOUR Unread Posts

Tags

advice aus cable circuit course earth electric electrical electrician hello led light lighting lights looking new please question rcd socket supply switch testing training wiring
This website was designed, optimised and is hosted by untold.media Operating under the name Untold Media since 2001.
Back
Top
AdBlock Detected

We get it, advertisements are annoying!

Sure, ad-blocking software does a great job at blocking ads, but it also blocks useful features of our website. For the best site experience please disable your AdBlocker.

I've Disabled AdBlock