Switches

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Switches are manufactured to provide a number of different options.They may be the size of a single unit or double depending on the number of switches provided.

There are two terms used for identifying the function of switches, which need to be understood.

Way

This refers to the number of live outputs available.

One way light switch

One way switches have one terminal for the live coming in and one for the live going out. Operation of the switch connects or disconnects the two.

Two way light switch

Two way switches have one terminal for the live going in and two for the live going out. Operation of the switch makes connection to one or the other of the live out terminals.

Gang - single or multi gang light switch

This refers to the number of switches housed in the unit.

When switches have more than two terminals, the terminals will be marked for identification. ‘C’ standing for common is the live in terminal. ‘L1’ ‘L2’ are the live out terminals.

Where switches have more than one gang, the terminals belonging to each are separated by a raised line in the surface between them.

• Lighting circuits
• Replacing a switch