4 gang to 2x2

[BILLDIYNOT]

I am seeking to change a 4 gang wall light switch to 2x2 gang light switches next to each other. I am assuming that the 4 gang has a single power supply, so it might not be simple, for a mere DIYer, to make this mod. I would appreciate guidance how I can achieve my goal. Thanks, in advance, for advice offered.

 

[PBC_1966]

The existing 4-gang may or may not have a single feed; there are numerous ways in which it may have been wired. A picture of the existing arrangement would help.

 

[EFLImpudence]

Either way, you merely have to replicate the connections.

Four gang switches are four separate switches next to each other.
They are not some complicated device nor interconnected in any way.

 

[sparkwright]

May I ask why you choose to to replace a 4 gang switch for two 2 gang switches?

Nothing wrong with this, but a grid system should allow for a 4 gang switch with whichever switch modules you wish to use.

 

[BILLDIYNOT]

I have attached a couple of photos, as requested. Hope they help. I want to change to 2x2 as I want to have toggle switches with period style switch covers, which are not available as 4 but only as 1 or 2. 4x1 is not an option.

 

[Lectrician]

There is indeed 1 feed, which can be seen by the four "links" of wire. You can get 4 way dollys. https://www.google.co.uk/search?q=4...sm=93&ie=UTF-8#q=4+gang+dolly+switch&tbm=shop

Perhaps best to choose a manufacturer that does do them.

 

[ban-all-sheds]

Before you remove any wires, make absolutely sure you label them securely and unambiguously, and make a note of where each one goes.

Bear in mind that your existing switch has its terminals arranged like this (or the other way up) and an replacement switch might not invert every other gang and/or might use different labelling for them, C-L1-L2 vs L1-L2-L3 vs L-L1_L2 etc.

If you don't transpose the wires to functionally equivalent locations it won't work.

 

[EFLImpudence]

Do you realise that two single switches will not fit on your double back box?

You will have to change it for a DUAL back box.

 

[ban-all-sheds]

Would much more recommend two 1-gang boxes spaced a bit apart. Even if they fit (eg flat plate ones probably won't), two accessories on a dual box invariably looks sh*te.

 

[BILLDIYNOT]

Apologies if my stated intent was not clear. I do intend to have 2 single back boxes with a double light switch fitted to each with, as suggested, a small gap between each back box. This will allow me to have the period toggle switch covers I want. However, I am still unclear how I can wire both of these 2 gang switches, given the 4 gang configuration I currently have. I recognise that I will have some back box hole modification to do to accommodate the 2 single back boxes with the gap between them. I hope my clarification helps.

 

[ban-all-sheds]

I do intend to have 2 single back boxes with a double light switch fitted to each with, as suggested, a small gap between each back box.

Not too small. And I would recommend using 1 or 2 20mm steel conduit couplers bushed into the boxes to ensure they are lined up.

However, I am still unclear how I can wire both of these 2 gang switches, given the 4 gang configuration I currently have.

There are no internal connections between each gang. Whether you have 1x4G, 2x2G, 4x1G, 1x3G+1x1G or 1x2G+2x1G, the wiring of them is identical.

If you really don't understand that then PLEASE spend some time learning how switches work before trying to fiddle with them.

I recognise that I will have some back box hole modification to do to accommodate the 2 single back boxes with the gap between them. I hope my clarification helps.

Just use the knockouts on the sides, and the couplers as above.

 

[BILLDIYNOT]

Thank you for the advice regarding the couplers. However, I remain unclear regarding how to connect the available wires to the replacement switches. Self learning how switches work will not instantly make me a qualified electrician and the nature of the beast means I will take the utmost care about what I am doing. I can follow instructions on topics that I am not expert on, very well. I seek the instructions from experts. Hence my post on this site.

 

[ban-all-sheds]

I remain unclear regarding how to connect the available wires to the replacement switches.

As they currently are.

You have 4 switches combined into one lump with a total of 12 terminals.

You will have 4 switches combined into two lumps with a total of 12 terminals.

Look - two 2-gang switches:

If your switch actually had 4 separate modules on it (which quite a few do) would that make a difference?

Self learning how switches work will not instantly make me a qualified electrician

Indeed not, but it will not take long and it will mean that you have a full understanding of what you are doing within the context of this job.

I can follow instructions on topics that I am not expert on

There are some irresponsible people here who will tell you to blindly follow instructions to put-this-wire-in-that-hole without any idea as to why. Please don't listen to them - you must know what, and truly understand what, you are doing. Electrical-installation-by-guesswork is a foolish idea.

 

[EFLImpudence]

Do we know why two switch plates next to each other is wanted?

If you just want to separate or more clearly distinguish between the switches, do you realise you can buy -

which looks much better.

 

[ban-all-sheds]

I think a 4-gang is not offered in his chosen style of toggle switches.

Although how what he wants differs from any of these I'm not sure....