four gang two way switch

[sparkybird]

Hi there - hope someone can help.

I am replacing a metal four gang switch plate with a plastic one - just a straight swap. However, my existing switch don't look the same as the new one! The old switch is in four sections as follows: L1, L2, L1, L2, then 3 sections of Common, L1, L2.
The new switch is four sections, each of Common, L1, L2.

Thus I don't have enough terminals for all the cables in the first light switch. Each individual switch on the plate pops out, so I wondered if I can replace the first one with 3 terminals for one with 4 terminals? Do such things exist?

Over to you......

 

[plugwash]

you mention popping out.

it sounds so me like your old switch is a grid unit of some description with one intermediate switch module and 3 two way switch modules

if you want to replace this switch (what is this obsession people seem to have with swapping between p[lastic and metal units) then you will have to use another grid unit. The parts for grid units are NOT compatible accross brands and even withon one brind there may be several incomaptible systems.

as always photos are helpfull.

 

[Lectrician]

Sounds like the original switch in a grid switch. You could just change the grid front

Treat each com L1 and L2 as a seperate switch on the new plate. The indiviual switches from the old switch correspond to that.

Hope that helps?

 

[Lectrician]

I missed the intermediate bit! You need to stick to grid if one of them is an intermediate

 

[plugwash]

Sounds like the original switch in a grid switch. You could just change the grid front

If you can still get parts for the grid system used then sure.

Treat each com L1 and L2 as a seperate switch on the new plate. The indiviual switches from the old switch correspond to that.

did you read his post? He may not know the terminolgy but its pretty clear that one of the switches in his old grid is an intermediate. Thats why he has a problem in the first place

 

[sparkybird]

Wow - you lot don't hang about! This was my first post and I'm well impressed!

Yes, you're right of course, it'll be an intermediate switch. I'm swapping to MK, so I'll check with supplier if they have a grid system/intermediate switch which I can use to replace the two way. If they don't, I might well be back.....

By the way, you should see the metal switch plates - they're UGLY!

 

[plugwash]

mk have a grid system called grid plus availible in nearly all the fisishes they offer.

grid boxes while common in commercial installs are not very often seen in houses so most diyers who do encounter them are a bit confused the first time

 

[Lectrician]

Wow plug - yea I didn't interpret it well. I did ammend though!

What make is the current switches, and are the actuall switches in good order??

MK Grid Plus is the leading brand - take a look here - http://www.mkelectric.co.uk/products/ranges/rangelist.asp?RangeID=1026

 

[securespark]

Have you ever thought that "he" could be a "she"? Sparkybird???

 

[Lectrician]

LOL - a good posibility.......but does that matter

 

[sparkybird]

Thanks for the MK web site link - it looks like the only intermediate grid switch they do is 20A - can I use this on a lighting switch?

The old switches are in good nick, probably about 10 years old - their owner just wants rid. Not sure of the make.

I've just come back on line after watching Corrie and doing the washing up - so that should give you a clue as to my gender!!

 

[plugwash]

yeah it'll be fine

intermediate swtiches are not used in particularly large numbers.

when designing any range a balace has to be struck between increased cost due to parts specified higer than they need to be and increased cost due to handling of more differnt lines.

 

[Lectrician]

in other words, the 20amp intermediate is all they manufacture. And yep, it will be fine for your use

 

[sparkybird]

thanks for all your help guys and gals -you're the best.

I'm off to finish my knitting - nite, nite!

 

[securespark]

did you read his post?

LOL - a good posibility.......but does that matter

Well, I just want to point out that there is an assumption that everyone who posts on here is male, unless they have an obviously female screen name.

Just sticking up for female posters, that's all.