three-floor hallway lighting conundrum!

[europa]

Hi, guys.

Hopefully a very simple one for you, but i cannot figure it out myself. 

I have three floors with one hallway/landing light on each floor. Ideally, i would like to be able to control all three lights from all three floors. To me, the simplest way would be a three-gang intermediate switch on all three floors, but they don't seem to exist. So is it possible another way? If necessary, i'd be ok with just being able to operate the first floor light from all three floors with the ground- and second-floor lights operable from only two locations.

Thanks in advance!

 

[Andy™]

look at grid switches. all modular and put in what switch you want

 

[Murdoch]

Do you have the knowledge to rewire the lighting circuits? To achieve what you want this is almost certainly required.

 

[ProDave]

Also Klick mode switches although not strictly grid switches, allow the switch modules to be interchanged so you can easlily make a 3g interrmediate switch.

 

[europa]

Do you have the knowledge to rewire the lighting circuits? To achieve what you want this is almost certainly required.

No, i'm not planning to do it myself. I am trying to specify the number and type of switches for a house renovation. So all i really need to know is what i need to specify!

look at grid switches. all modular and put in what switch you want

Thanks, but what are grid switches exactly?...google is not much help!

 

[NozSpark]

For domestic I'd be looking at using Click Mode (plastic) or Click Minigrid (metal)

http://www.scolmore.com/_pdfs/mode.pdf

http://www.scolmore.com/_pdfs/minigrid.pdf

and stick to a brand that do the full range of accessories that you want or the job will look a mess

 

[Andy™]

easiest option would be to tell your sparky what you want to achieve with the switching and let him get the correct switches

 

[Manator]

This is an example of a 3 gang grid plate. The switches are sold separately so any configuration of switching can be achieved.

 

[Essex1]

https://www.mkelectric.com/Documents/English/EN%20MK%20Catalogue/Grid%20Plus.pdf

basically it is a system by which you can build a switch from scratch using any combination you require. 

 

[ProDave]

These are the klick mode ones. http://www.ukelectricalsupplies.com/click-mode-white-pvc-switches-and-sockets.htm

Buy a 3G switch, and three intermediate switches and swap the modules around.

I like them because they are cheap, versatile, quite nice looking and pretty good accessories.

Here's a rear view and you can see how the switch modules are separate and attached to the front plate by a screw so the modules can be swapped for an intermediate module

 

[Sidewinder]

The Click Mode modular are actually MiniGrid with Mode compatible front plates, excellent solution for a lot of switching things.

You can get 3 gang in a 1 gang plate, which you can't in MK!

You can get 6 gang in  2 gang plate.

 

[europa]

Thanks, everyone! I get it now. I quite like the Click mode wide-rocker switches (although metal would be nice): http://www.ukelectricalsupplies.com/click-mode-10a-3-gang-2-way-wide-rocker-switch.htm

But can i substitute the modules in these wide ones with an intermediate module from a standard switch: http://www.ukelectricalsupplies.com/Click-10amp-White-PVC-Intermediate-Switch.htm?

 

[Murdoch]

I would concentrate on writing the spec for the contractors for the job - the switches will not be of any use unless you specify what you want and where and the cables are all run during the first fix!

 

[Sidewinder]

Thanks, everyone! I get it now. I quite like the Click mode wide-rocker switches (although metal would be nice): http://www.ukelectricalsupplies.com/click-mode-10a-3-gang-2-way-wide-rocker-switch.htm

But can i substitute the modules in these wide ones with an intermediate module from a standard switch: http://www.ukelectricalsupplies.com/Click-10amp-White-PVC-Intermediate-Switch.htm?

They are ONLY interchangeable if you use "minigrid" kit.

 

[europa]

They are ONLY interchangeable if you use "minigrid" kit.

Indeed, just noticed that the wide rockers are non-modular. Shame.

 

[leesparkykent]

I regularly use click mode for this  reason. on a few  jobs  recently been using hager sollysta and impressed with it. I especially like the switches as have a neutral terminal and you can also change the modules over if necessary.  

 

[Marvo]

It can also be done using relays which might give you wider options for switch choice.

 

[Sidewinder]

It can also be done using relays which might give you wider options for switch choice.

Do you really think that domestic installers in the UK are competent & capable of designing, and installing safe & compliant systems that use contactors to switch lighting, really?  Contactors, seriously!!!  :slap

 

[Marvo]

It's a bit old fashioned admittedly but it wouldn't be that complicated if the job is still at the design stage which it sounds like it is. Contactors might be a bit overkill but surely most good sparkys, even domestic ones can wire up a couple of D-series relays.....????

 

[Sidewinder]

Marvo,

I never mentioned "sparkys" I stated specifically & used the specific words, "domestic installers".

In the UK there is a WORLD of difference.

"Domestic Installers" will not have been taught such nuances, and unless they bring prior knowledge to their job (note, I have NOT used the word "TRADE"), then it is doubtful that most will have ANY clue on how to design, a system correctly involving contactors and comply with BS7671 & other statute laws!