3 way switch question!

[Minirock19]

I have a lighting circuit that has 3 switch locations.
Which one is the actual light connected to?
Apologies if it’s not clear to tell, but it doesn’t look like it’s the 2 gang or 3 gang, but must be the 4 gang??

Thanks

 

[EFLImpudence]

Yes the switch in the four-gang with five wires connected to the switch.

The two-gang has what is called an intermediate switch (with four wires) on the circuit.

 

[Harry Bloomfield]

The switch wire, leading directly to the light, could be connected to either the switch in the first photo, or the last one. In the middle photo, is an intermediate switch. Best way to test, is see which of the common terminals, becomes live, when the light is turned on - that is the switch wire, going to the light.

 

[Minirock19]

Thank you.
I think the brown cable out of L1 of the 4 gang switch is the one going to the light

Am I right in thinking the intermediate switch is in the middle of the 3 gang and the 4 gang and is making the connection between them?

 

[Harry Bloomfield]

Am I right in thinking the intermediate switch is in the middle of the 3 gang and the 4 gang and is making the connection between them?

The intermediate, crosses the strappers over, and uncrosses them.

I think the brown cable out of L1 of the 4 gang switch is the one going to the light

If the switches are working properly, with 2-2ways, with an intermediate in the middle - then you would be wrong...

Never guess, test! L1 should be one of the strappers, L2 should be the other strapper of the pair.

 

[EFLImpudence]

If the switches are working properly, with 2-2ways, with an intermediate in the middle - then you would be wrong...

Why?

 

[ericmark]

I think the brown cable out of L1 of the 4 gang switch is the one going to the light

Correct, I have marked SL for switched line and PL for permanent line. Since grey and black go to the intermediate then brown in com should go to a block connector in the intermediate switch, and the com on the three gang switch. Brown in L1 to light, and brown in L2 is clearly linked to the other switch.

 

[EFLImpudence]

 

[Harry Bloomfield]

Correct,

What?

Since grey and black go to the intermediate then brown in com should go to a block connector in the intermediate switch, and the com on the three gang switch. Brown in L1 to light, and brown in L2 is clearly linked to the other switch.

I didn't follow any of that?

The COM, at either end of the 2-way circuit, must be either one of the live feed in, or the switch wire. L1, as the OP seems to be suggesting, cannot possibly be the switch wire. L1 and L2 are always the strappers.

 

[ericmark]

What?

Until I enlarged it is hard to see the brown to the light.
The 4 gang switch plate is the master for the two-way lighting with two wires in both L1 and L2, the back box is being used as a junction box, so brown blue to light, and brown black grey to the intermediate.

 

[EFLImpudence]

I agree with Eric.

 

[Minirock19]

Thank you!

 

[Harry Bloomfield]

I agree with Eric.

View attachment 406871

I've not come across that version before!

 

[SUNRAY]

I agree with Eric.

View attachment 406871

Me too.
My assessment is this (black = purple to show up) I may have selected the intermediates incorrectly but I can't tell without testing