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Electrical

Position of switches in 3 way setup

Anonymous user 28/02/2024 - 4.02 PM

I have a 3 way hallway light setup and a 2 way landing light setup and i had electrician replace switches and i not 100% happy with how the switches operate. The setup is: First Floor - 2 gang controls FF & GF landing light Ground Floor - 1 gang at one end of hallway for GF light. opposite end 2 gang controls GF light and FF light I expected that when all the lights are off that all switches are in the off (upwards position) when initially configured. I understand when that afterwards they will be in different positions when switched on/off from different locations. I am sure before they were replaced they all could end up in the off/upward position when all lights were off. I feel like i am being fobbed off in that i can't be done

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6 Answers

Internal Repairs

Rating: 5 out of 5

Epsom

If the switch positions don't feel quite right than what you were used to before you could try the following. Just undo the screws and turn 1 switch 180 degrees and screw back making sure no wires are under strain and see if you prefer this switching pattern. The wiring seems to be fine though by the sounds of it so don't try and alter this. The difference is the circuit will be closed and the light ON if both switches are in opposite positions. Turn 1 switch around and the circuit will be closed and the light ON when both switches are in the SAME position. It could be that the light circuit previously wasn't correct but you grew used to it. Just turn 1 switch around and see if you prefer it.

Answered14 September 2021

DEACON ELECTRICAL SERVICES

Rating: 5 out of 5

Grimsby

Just shows you can’t have a two way or intermediate switch ‘upside down’ had this with so many people over the years. Who seem to think I had connected them up wrong or upside down.

Answered15 September 2021

Anonymous user

No you are not being fobbed off. You can make the switches have different positions for on and off but its pointless. With two-way or even three-way at some point in the switching operation they will be up or down for on or off. Its just how it works. To reverse the up and down in a switch its just a matter of swapping the strappers around. As long as they work correctly and operate the correct light he's done the job right.

Answered14 September 2021

Nick Pearson

Rating: 5 out of 5

Whitehaven

2 way switching especially when there’s several switches operating several light all the switches regardless of whether they are all off or all on will be in a different switch position depending on where you last operated it from. As long as they are switch on/off as should then I don’t see any problem. I don’t think your electrician is ‘fobbing you off’ it’s just the nature of 2 way switching. If it bothers you so much then a pair of strappers on a switch can be swapped around but you will still have the same problem depending on where you switch them from. And I wouldn’t attempt this on your own. Call a professional

Answered14 September 2021

Harbz sparks

Rating: 5 out of 5

Kettering

This is normal when it is 2 way lighting, common sense

Answered14 September 2021

Cavern Electrical & Mechanical Services Ltd

Rating: 5 out of 5

Sidcup

From what you have described, it would seem that the light switches are working correctly, wouldn't suggest you undertaking any investigating work on the electrical system, just call in another local electrician to discuss your predicament.

Answered14 September 2021