That old chestnut, a multi gang intermediate switch

[ProDave]

I need a 3 gang light switch, where two of them are 2 way, but the third is an intermediate.

And all in a 1G face plate.

Impossible?

The only solutions I've heard of are grid switches (which won't match anything else in the house) and Ithink will only do 2 switches in a 1G face plate. or a DIY swap of the switch mechanisms possible, but very fiddly on some makes only.

Any other ideas?

Why oh why can't I even find a 3 gang intermediate?

 

[NozSpark]

Click Mode mate....

Get a 3 gang switch and 3 x intermediates and swap the modules... IIRC there are only 2 screws holding the 3 gang modules in

You can configure them how you like

 

[steptoe]

cant you change the inter switch position to one of the 'end' switch positions?

its the only real solution I have ever found.

 

[tom1]

aren't the click ones interchangerble

 

[NozSpark]

Click Mode mate....Get a 3 gang switch and 3 x intermediates and swap the modules... IIRC there are only 2 screws holding the 3 gang modules in

You can configure them how you like

OOOOPS..

didn't register that you wanted a "2 way---2 way---INT" switch

Click mode will still do it though,, I did a "2way---INT---2way" a year or so ago,,, no problem

 

[ProDave]

Thanks, that's the ones.

I knew it was a case of swap the works over from one to another, I just needed to know which make of switch that was possible.

 

[a1]

Thanks, that's the ones.I knew it was a case of swap the works over from one to another, I just needed to know which make of switch that was possible.

Indeed, Dave.

But as I have, on more then one occasion, wondered why no manufacturer has produced these as standard. (can't be that much of a call for them, and if needed, click manufactures have the right idea of interchangeable bits etc).

 

[ProDave]

Indeed, Dave.But as I have, on more then one occasion, wondered why no manufacturer has produced these as standard. (can't be that much of a call for them, and if needed, click manufactures have the right idea of interchangeable bits etc).

What I can't understand is why nobody makes a 2 or 3 gang intermediate.

While there might not be much call for using all 3 as intermediates, you can of course use an intermediate as a 2 way switch, or even just an on/off switch. So a 2 or 3 gang intermediate as a standard product would be very versatile. Indeed you could argue that all switches should be intermediates, and would do any function.

 

[col]

Sorry Dave I don't want to hijack your post but in the interests of versatility....

While I was wiring up 2-way switching last week I wondered why we don't use 4-core to carry the neutral across from switch to switch?

Does anyone do this or am I being thick?

 

[ProDave]

Just to complete the thread, my Click Mode switches arrived today.

I like the look of them, considering they are still pretty cheap, and I like the way the modules interchange. I'm pretty much decided that I'm going to adopt this range of switches and sockets as my standard fitment.

the only downside is availability. The usual mail order people I deal with (screwfix, CPC, tcl direct etc or my local wholesaler) don't stock them.

I got them mail order from here: Click Mode White Switches and Sockets, White Switches and Sockets, Switches & Sockets, Electrical Accessories, Mode Intermediate Light Switch 10AX 1 Gang - White , astra247.com -

Very good service, next day delivery, highly recommended, so I think I will be using them a lot more.

 

[kerching]

Sorry Dave I don't want to hijack your post but in the interests of versatility....While I was wiring up 2-way switching last week I wondered why we don't use 4-core to carry the neutral across from switch to switch?

Does anyone do this or am I being thick?

4 Core? 4?...core? [said in the style of Peter Kays Garlic bread rant] never even knew it existed.... :coat

 

[ProDave]

Sorry Dave I don't want to hijack your post but in the interests of versatility....While I was wiring up 2-way switching last week I wondered why we don't use 4-core to carry the neutral across from switch to switch?

Does anyone do this or am I being thick?

Never felt the need for that.

You can carry neutral across, and the two switched live strappers with a 3 core & earth.

There are many ways to wire 2 way switching, but I've yet to find one that needed 4 core & earth. But if you want to draw a diagram of your wiring scheme it might make sense.

The only reason I could think of a 4 core would be if you are wiring spider fashion from a big junction box to each switch, then a 4 core to an intermediate switch would be handy, instead of two 2 cores.

 

[batty]

What I can't understand is why nobody makes a 2 or 3 gang intermediate.While there might not be much call for using all 3 as intermediates, you can of course use an intermediate as a 2 way switch, or even just an on/off switch. So a 2 or 3 gang intermediate as a standard product would be very versatile. Indeed you could argue that all switches should be intermediates, and would do any function.

Contactum do a 2 gang intermediate already to go and as I tend to mainly use contactum they do come in handy.