-
Looking for a smarter way to manage your heating this winter? We’ve been testing the new Aqara Radiator Thermostat W600 to see how quiet, accurate and easy it is to use around the home. Click here read our review.
How do I replace an old 3-gang, 1-way switch with L1 and L2 terminals with a new switch that has COM and L1 terminals?
Well,
it is common for manufacturers to have a choice of 1 way and 2 in their 1 gang versions and also have a choice of 2 way in their 1 gang versions, the price difference is minimal and if you look at the 1 way version it`s usually the two way with a terminal omitted.
Most electricians like me only get the 2 way versions because the two way can be used as either one way or a two way.
2 gang, 3 gang, 4 gang & 6 gang are all two way versions on every switch anyway.
Intermediate switches of the one gang variety are quite common and at least one manufacturer does a two gang intermediate too - the rocker spacing between the two gang version is a little bit bigger than the two gang two way version.
I think it would be nice if all manufacturers could just produce all of their switches as intermediate switches rather than one way or two way anyway because a two way can be used as a one way and an intermediate switch can be used as either a one way or a two way too - if they all were then the prices might come down compared to intermediate switches because production runs could be longer, just a thought.
some manufacturers label their terminals as Com, L1 & L2 and some of those intend Com & L1 as one way switching whilst others intend Com and L2 for one way switching.
Other manufacturers label the same terminals a L1, L2 & L3 instead.
Or, you can get "grid switch" types that allow individual switched to be ganged together therefore different switches in the same box - note the spacing is usually bigger therefore less gangs in a given box size.
It is quite common for 1,2 & 3 gang switches in a single type box and 4 & 6 way in a twin type box - if you needed a 5 gang switch you would get a 6 gang switch and one of those gangs would be redundant unless, probably, you used a gridswitch I think.
I hope that quick explanation of gangs and ways helps a bit - other countries might have differing terms for their names of switches.
it is common for manufacturers to have a choice of 1 way and 2 in their 1 gang versions and also have a choice of 2 way in their 1 gang versions, the price difference is minimal and if you look at the 1 way version it`s usually the two way with a terminal omitted.
Most electricians like me only get the 2 way versions because the two way can be used as either one way or a two way.
2 gang, 3 gang, 4 gang & 6 gang are all two way versions on every switch anyway.
Intermediate switches of the one gang variety are quite common and at least one manufacturer does a two gang intermediate too - the rocker spacing between the two gang version is a little bit bigger than the two gang two way version.
I think it would be nice if all manufacturers could just produce all of their switches as intermediate switches rather than one way or two way anyway because a two way can be used as a one way and an intermediate switch can be used as either a one way or a two way too - if they all were then the prices might come down compared to intermediate switches because production runs could be longer, just a thought.
some manufacturers label their terminals as Com, L1 & L2 and some of those intend Com & L1 as one way switching whilst others intend Com and L2 for one way switching.
Other manufacturers label the same terminals a L1, L2 & L3 instead.
Or, you can get "grid switch" types that allow individual switched to be ganged together therefore different switches in the same box - note the spacing is usually bigger therefore less gangs in a given box size.
It is quite common for 1,2 & 3 gang switches in a single type box and 4 & 6 way in a twin type box - if you needed a 5 gang switch you would get a 6 gang switch and one of those gangs would be redundant unless, probably, you used a gridswitch I think.
I hope that quick explanation of gangs and ways helps a bit - other countries might have differing terms for their names of switches.
- Joined
- 6 Nov 2023
- Messages
- 3,613
- Reaction score
- 1,079
- Country
The L1's will go to each COM then the L2's will go to each L1.
Its a pleasure, we hope we have helped you 
DIYnot Local
Staff member
If you need to find a tradesperson to get your job done, please try our local search below, or if you are doing it yourself you can find suppliers local to you.
Select the supplier or trade you require, enter your location to begin your search.
Are you a trade or supplier? You can create your listing free at DIYnot Local
