2 gang 2 way switch query

[lulu2608]

Hi,

I have the usual hall and landing lights controlled by two 2 gang 2 way switches upstairs and downstairs. For some reason one switch has the individual controls in opposing directions, when the other switch has them in the same direction. Can I easily change one switch so they both point the same way as well?

Yes I know it's a little thing to be annoyed about but maybe lockdown is adding to the frustrations! I just found this forum and thought it's worth asking.

Thanks

 

[EFLImpudence]

Not sure what you mean.

With two-way switching -

the light will be OFF with both switches in the same position (up or down) and ON when the switches are in different positions OR vice versa.

They can be rearranged to be whichever you want but as you can't see them both at the same time, it doesn't really matter.

 

[EFLImpudence]

If you want to alter the situation, then swap these two wires at one of the switches.

Be aware that one of the two switches might be inverted and the colours might not match.

 

[lulu2608]

I'm referring to existing wiring rather than something yet to be fitted which is obviously more restrictive. Hopefully you can see the pictures I've attached. switch1 is downstairs, switch2 is upstairs. It doesn't matter which way they point as turning the light on upstairs then turning it off downstairs will change the orientation. My issue is the upstairs switches point in different directions, one up and one down, whereas downstairs they both point in the same direction. Obviously I could reverse the situation but what I want is for both switches to have both controls in the same direction like switch1. Does that make more sense?

I wondered if I could just take the wiring out for one switch, flick it the other way then rewire it the same rather than swapping wires around?

 

[SUNRAY]

I'm referring to existing wiring rather than something yet to be fitted which is obviously more restrictive. Hopefully you can see the pictures I've attached. switch1 is downstairs, switch2 is upstairs. It doesn't matter which way they point as turning the light on upstairs then turning it off downstairs will change the orientation. My issue is the upstairs switches point in different directions, one up and one down, whereas downstairs they both point in the same direction. Obviously I could reverse the situation but what I want is for both switches to have both controls in the same direction like switch1. Does that make more sense?

I wondered if I could just take the wiring out for one switch, flick it the other way then rewire it the same rather than swapping wires around?

Yes that's what EFL's advice was referring to.
All you have to do is turn the power off [so it doesn't kill you] and swap 2 wires round to fulfill your preference.

 

[lulu2608]

turn the power off

Clearly!

swap 2 wires round to fulfill your preference.

Just swapping the wires hasn't flipped the switch though - I mean physically. So do I switch the wires AND flip the switch? The switch should have been flipped the right way when wired so shouldn't the wires be in the right place already given that the light turns on/off correctly?

 

[EFLImpudence]

Just do it.

 

[TimboTwo]

Why do people ask for advice and then argue with those that give it?

 

[sparkwright]

No need to flip any switches over.

Just find one of the switches that you're not happy with.

On that one individual, swap the two wires over.

Leave the other switches alone.

Test.

Please feel free to send pictures if you can of the wiring at the switches, with a description of what each switch does.

It's hard to describe this without seeing it, as there are no set rules as to which colour wires have been used, and where they might go.

 

[lulu2608]

All done, all switches are now in the right place after 15 years and nothing blew up. It was a tight fit as expected and there were more wires in one switch so I swapped the easier one.

Thanks everyone for info and clarification.

I'm sure you have more interesting things to think about but I've attached some pics. Lots of red wires!

Thanks again.

 

[flameport]

Early 1960s colour code and no CPC (earth wires).

 

[lulu2608]

Early 1960s colour code and no CPC (earth wires).

Yeah it was built in 1958.

 

[SUNRAY]

Ah lovely 3/0.029 in good old patriotic colours.

 

[SUNRAY]

All done, all switches are now in the right place after 15 years and nothing blew up. It was a tight fit as expected and there were more wires in one switch so I swapped the easier one.

Thanks everyone for info and clarification.

I'm sure you have more interesting things to think about but I've attached some pics. Lots of red wires!

Thanks again.

Thanks for letting us know the outcome.

 

[Risteard]

Yeah it was built in 1958.

The backbox needs to be Earthed.