What does 1 way, 2 way and intermediate light switching mean?

There are 3 basic types of switches that are used for domestic purposes:

• 1 Way Switches: If a light switch is ‘1 way’ this means it is just an on/off switch. This is the simplest type of switch that you can get. The single switch controls a single light (or lighting circuit).
• 2 Way Switches: A ‘2 way’ switch means there is another switch controlling the same light. These are often used on a stair case, large room with switches by each door.
• Intermediate Switches: If you need to control the lights from three places, say you have 3 entrances to a large room and need a light switch next to each one, you will need an intermediate switch. The light(s) can be switched on and off from anyone of 3 places.

On the whole 2 or 3 gang switches will always be 2 way switches. If you are buying switches and don’t know exactly what you need, then it is often a good idea to get a 2 way switch anyway. This is because if you only need a 1 way switch, you can still use it by only connecting one of the terminals (L1 or L2) and common terminal. (If the switch doesn’t work the way you want it to, you can either turn the switch around or swap the L1 and L2 terminal).

Released for:Schneider Electric South Africa