Information
and diagrams below:
Step
by step instructions on wiring a one gang
three way light switch.
Three way switches can appear difficult
at first but if you take your time and study
the pictures/diagram below, it should be
pretty straight forward.
You will need 2x 2way light switch and also
a intermediat light switch , they can be
identified by looking at the terminals on
the back of the switch.
E.g. com (common) L1 terminal, L2 terminal,
L3 Terminal and L4 Terminal.
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One
Way Switch |
Two Way Switch |
Intermediate Switch |
6
Diagrams - Click
on the desired colours and difficulty to
show diagram
Brown sleeving
or tape would of been placed on the wires
as shown to show the blue is live.
“There
are other methods of wiring a one gang three
way switch but this is the most common way
and is the easiest by far”
- Jamie Vernon of Online
Electrical Services LTD.
For 1 gang 3 way switching
you will need 3 core and earth cable to
reach from your new intended light switchs
to your old existing light switch via the
easiest route. Click
here for permitted cable routes.
Once you have run the
3core + earth cables from A to B to C you
will need to place it in the appropriate
system. Click
here for different back boxes and containment.
After running your cables
and choosing the appropriate wiring system
prepare
the cables.
Below
there is 3 pictures listed per stage. The
reason being there is different cable colours
and this is to be sure that your colour
is listed here! (Only one of the pictures
per stage will apply for you).
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New
Colours
If your existing
light switch cables look like
this follow the top pictures.
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Old
Colours
And
Existing
old colours to new 3 core and
earth cable.
If your existing light switch
cables look like this follow
the bottom pictures.
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New
Colours
Now
change the brown from common
to the L1 terminal and the blue
from L1 to L2. (if your brown
is already in L1 just move the
blue to L2)
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Old
Colours
And
Existing
old colours to new 3 core and
earth cable
Now change the red from common
to the L1 terminal and the black
from L1 to L2. (if your red
is already in L1 just move the
black to L2)
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New
Colours
Add the 3
core and earth as shown in this
picture.
All the wires
should have brown sleeve/tape
on them, I have left some off
so you can see the colours.
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Old
Colours
Add the 3
core and earth as shown in this
picture.
All the wires
should have red sleeve/tape
on them, I have left some off
so you can see the colours.
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Existing
old colours to new 3 core cable
Add the 3
core and earth as shown in this
picture.
All the wires
should have red sleeve/tape
on them, I have left some off
so you can see the colours.
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New
Colours
Connect the 3 core + earth
cables as shown in this picture.
The wires on this switch should
copy/mirror the other switch.
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Awaiting
Image. |
Old
colours
and
Existing
old colours to new 3 core cable
Connect the 3 core + earth
cables as shown in this picture.
The wires on this switch should
copy/mirror the other switch.
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New
Colours
Shown to the left is the back
of the 3rd switch. The wires
in this switch should copy/mimic
the wires on the first switch.
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Old
colours
and
Existing
old colours to new 3 core cable
Shown to the left is the back
of the 3rd switch. The wires
in this switch should copy/mimic
the wires on the first switch.
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Tips
If you are using metal/chrome/brass switches
always make sure the switch is earthed.
Check if your lights have
earths, if there are no earths in your switches
or lights get in touch with a qualified
electrician.
Always use insulated tools
when working with electricity.
Take your time and
double over your single cables as good practice.
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