What is intermediate switch and how it works?

An intermediate switch is a three way light switch. It is used when you have three or more switches controlling one light, the middle switch needs to be an intermediate light switch. This can be continued for multiple switches, so it applies to three or more switches.

How is an intermediate switch connected?

Fig 1: What is Intermediate Switch & How it Works? in other words, When the knob of the switch is UP, then the vertical contacts are connects in such a way like AC and BD as shown in fig 1a). And when the knob is DOWN, then the Horizontal contacts are connected (i.e. AB and CD as shown in fig 1b).

What is the function of an intermediate switch?

Intermediate Switches are used for when there are three switches (or more) controlling one light. An example of this could be on a landing, with a switch at the bottom of the stairs, at the top of the stairs and at the end of the landing space.

How can you tell if a switch is 1 way or 2 way?

The one-way switch has two contacts and the two-way switch has three contacts. In a two-way switch, there are two, one-way switches combined in one. One of the terminals can be connected to either of the two, but not both at the same time.

Can you use a 2 way light switch for 1 way?

Yes, a two way switch can easily operate as a one way. A two way switch is, at least in all the cases I know of, identical to a one way switch, except that it has two sets of contacts and a common. Simply omit wiring the second contact, and, of course, omit the second switch.

How many 2 way switches can an intermediate switch have?

Wiring this switch in the middle of the staircase to turn ON/OFF a light from three different locations through 2 two way switches. The lamp can be controlled from six locations with the help of 2 two-way switches & 4 intermediate switches.

What is the difference between single way two way and intermediate switch?

One-way switches only have two terminals while two-way switches have three. A two-way switch can be used to control a light from two locations while a one-way switch cannot. 3. One-way switches have definite on and off states while two-way switches don’t.

How many terminals are there in intermediate switch?

four terminal
Intermediate. The intermediate switch has no ‘off’ position. It is a four terminal switch that provides a path between two active wires and two load wires.

How do you use an intermediate switch as a two way switch?

To use an intermediate switch as a two way switch you can use one of the top L1 terminals for the COM, then use the bottom two terminals for what would be the L1 and L2 on a normal two way switch.

Is L1 live or neutral?

The faceplate of a single, one-way switch has two terminals: “L1” is the terminal to which the neutral core wire is attached – the blue wire (traditionally black, before the change). “COM” or “Common” is the terminal to which the live core wire is attached – this is the brown wire (formerly red).

What is difference between 1 way and 2 way switches?

1 way is an on/off switch and means there’s only one place you can turn your light on or off. This is the most common kind of switch found in most homes. Most 2 way switches can also be used as a 1 way on/off switch. 2 way means there’s another switch controlling the same light.

How does an intermediate switch work?

Construction & Working of Intermediate Switch In an intermediate switch, there are four terminals by which it changes the flowing of electric current from one circuit to another (see fig 1 & 2) and also known as three way switch. It has the ability to ON and OFF the electric supply by two ways.

What is a 2 gang intermediate light switch?

2 gang intermediate light switch. The intermediate light switch is used where three or more switches control one light and used in conjunction with two two way light switches to achieve this. It is effectively two single gang intermediate switches on one face plate.

How are the switches connected in a circuit?

The circuit consists of a two way switch at each end (top and bottom switches in Fig 2) and an intermediate switch in the middle. All three switches are connected together by a three core and earth control cable. Notice that the wire connected to the COM terminals is looped straight through the intermediate switch using a cable connector.

What are the terminal contacts of intermediate switch?

When the switch knob is up, the terminal contacts of intermediate switch connect terminal A with terminal C and terminal B with terminal D as shown in fig 1a. On the other hand when knob is down, terminal A is connected to terminal B and C to D then.