Double Switch Question

[stevef]

Morning all,

I have a double switch for the bathroom. one of the switches operates the light and the other the extractor fan.

What type of double switch do i need to replace it with please ?

The ones I seem to have dont have enough connections on the back ! (ie 4 and the existing one has 6)

any help will be gratefully received

S

 

[OnOff]

In your bathroom? A standard plate switch? Pull cords are the norm and safer.

Sounds like the existing switch is a standard 2-gang, 2 way light switch. On the back does it have 2 sets of 3 terminals each marked maybe COM,L1 & L2. Does it have an amperage rating on it maybe 10A?

Take a picture and post it up.

 

[Evans Electric]

Stevef ,  is the 2 gang switch outside the bathroom , it should be , unless the room is ABSOLUTELY HUGE ?

As Onoff has said , you must have purchased a 2 gang grid switch  ( 2 X 1 way switches)  I'm guessing as all 2 gang plate switches ever made , in the whole universe since time began have been a pair of 2 ways   ( that is , like yours with 6 terminals ) 

However , I'm guessing that all those terminals are not in use , just 4 of them .

 

[SLIPSHOD & SLAPDASH]

However , I'm guessing that all those terminals are not in use , just 4 of them .

I have seen the neutrals 'parked' in the unused terminal of a 2 way switch quite a few times, but lets not confuse things here.

 

[stevef]

started a post yesterday but site wont let me reply so I'll start again... ??

I have a double switch outside the bathroom. one switches on the bathroom light, the other the extractor fan

My challenge is to replace it with a brass effect switch.

The switch I have doesnt have enough connectors on the back..

The exisitng one is as follows :

i notice that the extractor switch says 20amp D Pole on the back and has four connections IN 1 / 2 and OUT 1/ 2 all utilised

the light switch has four connections but only 2 are used COMM and 1 way and this is 10a

current one is double switch and says extractor on one of the switches. i want to replace with a brass effect switch

any help of what i need to buy to fit will be gratefully received

Steve

 

[Doc Hudson]

Welcome to the forum Steve, if you can start new threads you should be able to reply to your previous thread. Duplicate threads just clutter the forum so I have merged these back together. It sounds as though your existing switch may be a grid system switch with double pole switches rather than the standard single pole switches used for traditional lights. With grid systems you purchase the individual switch modules and decorative face plates separately such as http://www.screwfix.com/c/electrical-lighting/grid-wiring/cat830532

Doc H.

 

[stevef]

Hi

Thanks Doc H. As the switches need to be a certain finish can I just replace the double switch with two single switches double poled of the required type ? would that work ?

S

Doc H.

AS I need a certain finish can I replace the existing with two singles of the right type ?

 

[OnOff]

Check out one of the forum sponsors UKES they do the Hamilton range of plain / decorative brass grid switches and inserts to match:

http://www.ukelectricalsupplies.com/search.htm?search=brass+grid

Sounds like you need a 20 amp double pole switch for the fan, sounds like L&N in on one side and out on the other. White or black with a fan symbol:

http://www.ukelectricalsupplies.com/search.htm?search=hamilton+fan

and a "standard" 1 way switch for the light, again choose your colour insert:

http://www.ukelectricalsupplies.com/search.htm?search=hamilton+insert+10ax

 

[ProDave]

A 20A double pole switch is somewhat overkill to switch a bathroom fan (mind we haven't seen your fan yet!!!!)

Just join the neutrals, you don't normally switch the neutral to a bathroom fan, and switch the live with a standard 2 gang light switch.

 

[OnOff]

A 20A double pole switch is somewhat overkill to switch a bathroom fan (mind we haven't seen your fan yet!!!!)

Just join the neutrals, you don't normally switch the neutral to a bathroom fan, and switch the live with a standard 2 gang light switch.

I assumed he wants it marked "FAN" in some way.............like what he has already.

 

[SPECIAL LOCATION]

A 20A double pole switch is somewhat overkill to switch a bathroom fan (mind we haven't seen your fan yet!!!!)

Just join the neutrals, you don't normally switch the neutral to a bathroom fan, and switch the live with a standard 2 gang light switch.

Whilst 20A may well be overkill.....

If this switch is satisfying a means of isolation as well as operation...

then the manufactures instructions may well say a double pole switch is required?

(or three pole for timer models!)

Guinness

 

[SLIPSHOD & SLAPDASH]

If it is a grid switch then there is a chance you can change the plate only and leave the wiring. Does the front come away from the switches ?  If so what make is it ?

 

[andy_spark]

A brass switch will need to be earthed, I assume that there is a satisfactory cpc (earth wire) at the current switch?

 

[batty]

Also if its on a dual box some metal plates may not fit as they are physically wider than standard plastic switches.

 

[stevef]

Hi all thanks for your replies. very grateful. the fan is just a bog standard bathroom fan..nothing fancy.  the switch turns it on and is indeed the only way of isolating the fan.

I have similar downstairs but this has an isolator at ceiling height as well as the switch outside the toilet.

im not bothered that it says extractor on the switch, I just want to know if there is a double switch out there with both 10a and 20a as mine is ?

 

[OnOff]

Hi all thanks for your replies. very grateful. the fan is just a bog standard bathroom fan..nothing fancy.  the switch turns it on and is indeed the only way of isolating the fan.

I have similar downstairs but this has an isolator at ceiling height as well as the switch outside the toilet.

im not bothered that it says extractor on the switch, I just want to know if there is a double switch out there with both 10a and 20a as mine is ?

Very much doubt there is a switch with both a 20A and a 10A side by side. They do have something similar I've seen in the States but never seen such here. Just sounds like each switch is a removeable "module" that clips into a grid with a front plate. So you could have a two 20A or two 10A or one of each. If you post a decent picture of inside & out we can prpbably give a definitive answer.

 

[ProDave]

Hi all thanks for your replies. very grateful. the fan is just a bog standard bathroom fan..nothing fancy.  the switch turns it on and is indeed the only way of isolating the fan.

I have similar downstairs but this has an isolator at ceiling height as well as the switch outside the toilet.

im not bothered that it says extractor on the switch, I just want to know if there is a double switch out there with both 10a and 20a as mine is ?

The only way to get that is grid switches where you clip different switch modules into a front plate.

But as already stated, you do NOT need a 20A switch for your bathroom fan, so just concentrate on getting a 2G light switch of a design that you like. 

 

[SLIPSHOD & SLAPDASH]

The only way to get that is grid switches where you clip different switch modules into a front plate.

Not correct. Hamilton offer a custom service to make any plate switch configuration. Its not that expensive and a quick turnround. I have had quite a few intermediate and two ways made up on one plate.

 

[stevef]

Can someone tell me how i post pics please ?

Very much doubt there is a switch with both a 20A and a 10A side by side. They do have something similar I've seen in the States but never seen such here. Just sounds like each switch is a removeable "module" that clips into a grid with a front plate. So you could have a two 20A or two 10A or one of each. If you post a decent picture of inside & out we can prpbably give a definitive answer.

Well mine says so ...can anyone tell me how i post a picture ?

 

[Sidewinder]

Click mini grid is not obviously grid at first look, so could be that.

You need 10 posts to be able to post pics, this can be changed by one of the mods or Admins, I don't know how to do it!

It is to minimise spamming of the forum.

You are obviously not a spammer, perhaps someone who knows how can change the OP's settings please?