How to cable for 3 Gang Switches linked in three positions.

[thehammermaster]

In my loft conversion bedroom i have 2 no over bed wall lights and the main bedroom light, 3 individual lights total. I would like to be able to switch each light on/off from R/H bedside L/H bedside and at the door to the bedroom from a 3 Gang switch at each position.

My question is what cables do i need to pull to each position for this to work and how would they be connected in each switch.

 

[PrenticeBoyofDerry]

Are you wanting to be able to turn the L/H bedside light off from the R/H side of bed and visa versa ?
and the main light from both sides of bed?

 

[thehammermaster]

yes i would
thanks

 

[riveralt]

//www.diynot.com/wiki/electrics:lighting:intermediate
This part of wiki gives an indication of the wiring necessary for managing one of your lights from three different points. You will need to replicate this with each of the three gang switches and some more - so it is going to be complicated.

Is there a specific reason why you want the lights to operate in this way?
Surely it would be easier just to have the main light operating as a two way at say the door and by the bed with the bedside lights operated as per normal.

 

[PrenticeBoyofDerry]

You will need three core and earth cable. http://www.tlc-direct.co.uk/Products/CA1slash3G.html

and intermediate switches for each light.

 

[thehammermaster]

I would like to be able to turn off boyh bedsides at the door to.

thanks

 

[thehammermaster]

i can do the intermediate but where can i get a 3 gang intermediate?

 

[Taylortwocities]

These lights are existing, yes?

If so, can you describe what switching arrangement exists at the moment. The cabling will depend on what is there already.

 

[PrenticeBoyofDerry]

i can do the intermediate but where can i get a 3 gang intermediate?

Your best bet would be by using a gird switch.
Three of these http://www.tlc-direct.co.uk/Products/MKK4893.html
in one of these http://www.tlc-direct.co.uk/Products/MKK3633.html

 

[riveralt]

i can do the intermediate but where can i get a 3 gang intermediate?

You will probably need to get MK or equivalent grid switches see here
http://www.tlc-direct.co.uk/Products/MKK4893.html

 

[thehammermaster]

These lights are existing, yes?

If so, can you describe what switching arrangement exists at the moment. The cabling will depend on what is there already.

no this is a new installation on bare 1st fix

 

[Taylortwocities]

no this is a new installation on bare 1st fix

So you have Building Regulations approval.

When you applied how did you say you would comply with P1. If you said "registered electrician" then he is the guy who should know the answers.


But per the aboove, you'll need to wire three separate 3-way circuits, one 3-gang switch will need to be all intermediates and grid is probably the only solution there.

 

[PrenticeBoyofDerry]

also need this http://www.tlc-direct.co.uk/Products/VLGRID3.html
This may be helpful http://www.tlc-direct.co.uk/Technical/DataSheets/MK/GridPlus.pdf

 

[thehammermaster]

no this is a new installation on bare 1st fix

So you have Building Regulations approval.

When you applied how did you say you would comply with P1. If you said "registered electrician" then he is the guy who should know the answers.


But per the aboove, you'll need to wire three separate 3-way circuits, one 3-gang switch will need to be all intermediates and grid is probably the only solution there.

if he was avaible i would ring him thats why im asking this question.

 

[ban-all-sheds]

no this is a new installation on bare 1st fix

Then why is the electrician not available at this stage?

If it's just because of a scheduled holiday, or slightly extended Xmas/NY break then you'll just have to wait.

The electrician will be signing documents to say that he did all of the work, and that includes all the design and all of the installation.