Learn all About Switches – Gangs, Ways
Learn All About Switches - How we light up your world.
You used it today in the morning, you’ll use it tonight. Switches are an integral part of the modern life. Any lighting circuit is controlled by switches whether automatically or manually. To cater for the diverse requirements of the lighting world, switches come in a bewildering array of types and sizes.
A switch is an electrical device that allows you to control the flow of electricity. A physical switch has two important properties:
• Gang: -The physical actuator that you press to turn on or off the electric circuit. The vast variety of switches have gangs varying from 1 to 4. It is a bit rare to find more than 4 gangs but they do exist. A 4 gang switch can control 4 different circuits or lights from one location.
• Way: -The number of possible paths or connections a switch can make. For example, a 2 way switch can have a bulb controlled from two separate switches. This way you can have a switch at one end of a corridor and another at the end controlling the lighting of the corridor.
1 Gang 1 way
A 1 Gang 1 Way switch is used to control a light from one location. For instance; if the switch is located at the house entrance, you can only turn the light on or off from that one location.
The typical I Gang 1 Way switch has only 2 electrical ports at the back.
1 Gang 2 way switch
A 1 Gang 2 Way switch controls a single light or load from two different locations. It is convenient and flexible because it gives one the ability to turn the light on or off from either switch.
In a bedroom setup you have two switches one at the entrance and the other at the bedside. You use either switches to turn the light on or off.
The typical 1 Gang 2 Way switch has only 3 electric ports at the back
2 Gang 2 way
A 2 Gang 2 Way switch comprises of two switches that control two separate lights or load circuits.2 Way means that these two circuits can be controlled from two different locations.
For instance; at the staircase there is a switch at the bottom and at the top of the stairs giving the flexibility to switch the light on and off from either switch.
A 2 Gang 2 Way switch typically has 4 electric ports at the back
In the above set up you use a 2 Gang 2 Way switch to control the chandeliers and the down lighters.
3 Gang 2 way
A 3 Gang 2 Way switch comprises of three switches that can control three separate lights or three set of lights from different locations. Each switch can independently turn the lights on or off. It is convenient and flexible because of its multiple access points to turn the light on or off.
For instance; In a bedroom you could have three different lights; a chandelier, a wall bracket and down lighters. You put one 3 Gang 2 Way switch at the bedroom entrance and the other at the bedside. This allows you to switch the lights from either switch.
A typical 3 Gang 2 Way switch has 6 electric ports at the back.
In the above set up you use a 3 Gang 2 Way switch to control the chandeliers, the wall brackets and the down lighters from two locations.
4 Gang 2 way
A 4 Gang 2 Way switch comprises of four switches that control four separate lights or four set of lights from different locations. Each switch can independently turn the lights on or off. This set up is convenient because it gives the flexibility to control the lights from multiple locations.
For instance; you have a large living room with multiple entrances; you could have this kind of setup where each switch is located at different entrances to the room meaning no matter which entrance you use you can turn the lights on or off from all access points.
A typical 4 Gang 2 Way switch has 8 electric ports at the back
Intermediate switch
An Intermediate switch is used in a multi-way lighting setup where you want to control a single light or load from three or more locations. The intermediate switch allows you to turn the lights on or off from any of the intermediate switch positions. It is typically used in large areas, hallway or staircases where you want to control the light from different positions.
For instance; a long hallway with entrances at both ends. You might want to be able to turn on or off the hallway light from either end of the hallway, as well as from a switch located in the middle of the hallway. In this case you could use two (2 Gang 2 Way) switches and one intermediate switch in the middle.
It adds more flexibility and convenience in your lighting control.
An Intermediate switch typically has 2 or 4 electric ports at the back.
Dimmer switch
A dimmer switch allows you to adjust the brightness of a light. A dimmer switch controls a light or sets of lighting depending on the connection. It gives the ability to create different lighting moods and save energy by reducing the light output. It is the great option for creating ambiance in a room.
A typical dimmer switch has 3 electric ports at the back.
Bell switch
For security purposes a bell switch is used in alarm systems or entry systems. When pressed it triggers an alert notifying the occupant that there is someone at the door or a potential security breach.
A typical bell switch has 2 electric ports at the back.
At Vintage Lighting And Interiors, our switches are made of high quality materials, have a long lifespan and have been safety-tested.
For more information visit our shop Vintage Living And Interiors located at Longonot Place along Kijabe Street or visit our online store.
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