Is this Intermediate switching image from the Student's Guide wrong?

[rewireIT]

If wired as per 2nd image the circuit would only ever close with intermediate in one position.

I've traced it and it looks like it would operate normally?

 

[nicebutdim]

I'm still rather confused as to what you're all saying - so is it the picture of the 'real' switch that is wrong physically, or is it labelled wrong?

The real switch picture and the diagram are laid out the same, so which part is wrong?

Look at the switching arrangement shown in the first image. I've never seen an intermediate switch configured in that way, but it is correct for wiring in second image.

I've traced it and it looks like it would operate normally?

It will operate normally according to images shown, but would not operate normally according to the top-bottom convention that appears to have given rise to this thread.

 

[davesparks]

I'm still rather confused as to what you're all saying -

Not all intermediate switches are labelled in the same way, different manufacturers have their own conventions on labelling the same as they do with normal 2 way switches.

so is it the picture of the 'real' switch that is wrong physically, or is it labelled wrong?

It is unconventional for an intermediate switch to work that way but the circuit shown is correct for the wiring diagram of the switch.

 

[davesparks]

I've traced it and it looks like it would operate normally?

Yes, the circuit as drawn matches the wiring diagram as drawn and will operate correctly.

in the real world the majority of intermediate switches would require one pair of strappers connected to L1&L2 and the other pair of strappers to L3&L4.

 

[rewireIT]

Not all intermediate switches are labelled in the same way, different manufacturers have their own conventions on labelling the same as they do with normal 2 way switches.

It is unconventional for an intermediate switch to work that way but the circuit shown is correct for the wiring diagram of the switch.

I get ya i think - so the top left image of how it switches is unconventional? What does it normally look like? I want to learn the common way which is applied to most switches and now feel like i can't really trust the guide i bought.

I mean i get how it's working in terms of the wiring, but it was GSH's comment here that completely threw me since he makes it sound like a rule.

 

[nicebutdim]

I get ya i think - so the top left image of how it switches is unconventional? What does it normally look like? I want to learn the common way which is applied to most switches and now feel like i can't really trust the guide i bought.

I mean i get how it's working in terms of the wiring, but it was GSH's comment here that completely threw me since he makes it sound like a rule.

I've never seen a switch that was configured for anything other than one cable in top terminals and other in the bottom, but that's not to say other arrangements don't exist and there's no reason why they shouldn't.

The guide you have has shown everything correctly, albeit in what could be considered an unconventional manner. It's worth remembering that exams are similarly devised, with questions intended to determine whether a candidate is paying attention, and understanding what is in front of them, or simply repeating mantras they've been taught.

 

[snowhead]

The intermediate in the GSH video is shown changing over differently to the one in the first post on this thread,
so his statement is correct for his switch / drawing.

 

[rewireIT]

The intermediate in the GSH video is shown changing over differently to the one in the first post on this thread,
so his statement is correct for his switch / drawing.

View attachment 109502

But would this be the normal way most switches would do it? Is the guide i'm using (IET Students Guide to the Wiring Regs) using an uncommon switching pattern to demonstrate an intermediate switch?

 

[Taylortwocities]

The wiring isn't done like that for the (common) loop in at lamp method. In fact, the student diagram is from wiring that was done a very long time ago.......

 

[nicebutdim]

The wiring isn't done like that for the (common) loop in at lamp method. In fact, the student diagram is from wiring that was done a very long time ago.......

A lot of loop in wiring is done in exactly this manner in NI and for good reason. I'm of the opinion it's important that students learn this method as it will be very common outside of domestic installations in GB.