How to replace a 2 Gang 3 Way Switch

[ed0906]

Hi,

I have a hallway that has 3 switches that control one light:

One downstairs which looks like a 2 Gang 3 Way Switch: 

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1qh0p65ihNSbZuVfIubZmtnAXoGaNT3MH/view?usp=sharing

Another upstairs which looks like a 2 Gang 3 Way Switch:

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1GasKyZ67bjOLOXEvIADc5_NRjXqeQOuR/view?usp=sharing

Another upstairs which looks like a 1 Gang Intermediate Switch:

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Y5WwBs6trSrO_vk2RVjORgQKkwdc8KGC/view?usp=sharing

I'm wanting to replace all three with more modern fittings, but I can't find any 2 Gang 3 Way switches on sites online.

Are these an old concept? The house was built in the late 80s so I wouldn't be surprised.

What type of switch would I buy to replace these?

Many thanks

 

[ProDave]

2 gang 2 way is the terminology. No problem finding 2 gang 2 way decorative switches.

there is a bit less choice for intermediate decorative switches, so look at those before deciding the make of switch to choose.

 

[SPECIAL LOCATION]

Hi,

I have a hallway that has 3 switches that control one light:

One downstairs which looks like a 2 Gang 3 Way Switch: 

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1qh0p65ihNSbZuVfIubZmtnAXoGaNT3MH/view?usp=sharing

 

Another upstairs which looks like a 2 Gang 3 Way Switch:

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1GasKyZ67bjOLOXEvIADc5_NRjXqeQOuR/view?usp=sharing

Another upstairs which looks like a 1 Gang Intermediate Switch:

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Y5WwBs6trSrO_vk2RVjORgQKkwdc8KGC/view?usp=sharing

I'm wanting to replace all three with more modern fittings, but I can't find any 2 Gang 3 Way switches on sites online.

Are these an old concept? The house was built in the late 80s so I wouldn't be surprised.

What type of switch would I buy to replace these?

Many thanks

Your images show 2-way switches..  (NOT 3-way switches)..

I think you are getting confused by the number of 'wires' to each switch..  not the number of 'ways' it can switch.

i.e.   A 1-way switch has TWO wires...   

1x supply wire in and 1x switched supply out to a single load.  (1-way)

and a 2-way switch has THREE wires...

1x supply wire in and 2x switched supplies out, to swap the supply connection between one or two possible ways.   (2-ways)

{in your first image.. The red wire in L1 is swapped between the yellow wire L2 and blue wire L3, as you move the switch}

If you had a a 2-gang 3-way switch you would have 8 connections not 6.

as a 3-way switch would need 1x supply in and 3x switched outputs..   (4 terminals needed for 3-way).

[An intermediate switch will have 2 pairs or 2 terminals, (that are crossed over each time you operate the switch)  4 wire connections)..    

The most important thing is want ProDave said...

A lot of manufactures have a limited range of intermediate switches, and/or,  some wholesalers / retailers don't stock the full range of available intermediate switches..

So 90%+ of the time it is much, much, much easier getting a 2-way switch to match the design of an intermediate switch...

Than trying to match an intermediate switch to the design of the 2-way switch!!!

Guinness  

 

[kerching]

Calling a "2 way" a "3 way" is an American thing

just saying

 

[Doc Hudson]

Calling a "2 way" a "3 way" is an American thing

just saying

Good point but  the cable colours and switches do look very much like UK items.

Doc H.

 

[kerching]

Good point but  the cable colours and switches do look very much like UK items.

Doc H.

To be fair i didn't look at any pics,  

 

[ed0906]

Your images show 2-way switches..  (NOT 3-way switches)..

I think you are getting confused by the number of 'wires' to each switch..  not the number of 'ways' it can switch.

i.e.   A 1-way switch has TWO wires...   

1x supply wire in and 1x switched supply out to a single load.  (1-way)

and a 2-way switch has THREE wires...

1x supply wire in and 2x switched supplies out, to swap the supply connection between one or two possible ways.   (2-ways)

{in your first image.. The red wire in L1 is swapped between the yellow wire L2 and blue wire L3, as you move the switch}

If you had a a 2-gang 3-way switch you would have 8 connections not 6.

as a 3-way switch would need 1x supply in and 3x switched outputs..   (4 terminals needed for 3-way).

[An intermediate switch will have 2 pairs or 2 terminals, (that are crossed over each time you operate the switch)  4 wire connections)..    

The most important thing is want ProDave said...

A lot of manufactures have a limited range of intermediate switches, and/or,  some wholesalers / retailers don't stock the full range of available intermediate switches..

So 90%+ of the time it is much, much, much easier getting a 2-way switch to match the design of an intermediate switch...

Than trying to match an intermediate switch to the design of the 2-way switch!!!

Guinness  

Thank you so much for the help + explanation! 

Calling a "2 way" a "3 way" is an American thing

just saying

Yeh these are UK switches