2 way switch using singles cable Ask questions and find answers to many subjects relating to electrics and electrical work

[spangle]

hi im stuck on how to wire 2 two switches using singles cable then up two a light .not sure how many cables two put through the conduit :D

[ericmark]

Assuming power is at the light then 2 plus earth to switch one then 3 plus earth switch one to switch two all being brown except earth. I would normally use cable markers L, S, C, 1, 2 to show line switch common L1 and L2 but since L and 1 connect together and S and 2 connect together L, S, C or 1, 2, 3 could cover all marking or even marker pen on cables. Where the switch 2 has another switch for another light sometimes you don't need live wire between switches.

[Andrew Betteridge]

you need to find a book or similar with diagrams as there is more than one way of wiring two way switching.

where possible use three core and earth cable, wiring in singles can make Hearing Aids Whistle as you may create a Induction Loop!

with three core and earth you join the three matching switch terminals together, the switch wires from the light then go into L1 and L2, it doesn't matter at which switch.

Andy

[Andrew Betteridge]

I'm going to have to revise that, picked up a switch today and the manufacturer used different numbering! the original switch wires go into the ones NOT marked COM (known as Strappers in the trade).

Sorry.

Andy

[spangle]

[quote="ericmark"]Assuming power is at the light then 2 plus earth to switch one then 3 plus earth switch one to switch two all being brown except earth. I would normally use cable markers L, S, C, 1, 2 to show line switch common L1 and L2 but since L and 1 connect together and S and 2 connect together L, S, C or 1, 2, 3 could cover all marking or even marker pen on cables. Where the switch 2 has another switch for another light sometimes you don't need live wire between switches.[/quote]hi its something that im doing at collage would i need a neutral , would one go from c/u straight through up to the light thanks.

[sparx]

Hi spangle, just seen your question, as was posted on a Mon. night maybe only due back at Tech next Mon. if so not too late to reply!
As wiring in conduit then assuming usual college layout with conduit from CU to tee box above each switch position and on to light :
From CU: Line (Live) to common of first sw. 2 browns between switches,
L1-L1 & L2-L2, then common of second sw. to light in Brown. Blue from CU neutral term to lights N term direct. College may well want you to put in CPC which should go from CU to each sw. and to light.

[so in conduit from CU will be 3 wires, down to first sw = 5wires, between switches = 4 wires, down to second sw. =5wires, to light = 3wires!]

Don't worry about numbers until wired then give a count to reasure yourself,
good luck, SPARX

[spangle]

hi sparx thanks for that explanation so basically you have to make sure that you match L1 to L1 and L2 to L2 thankyou spangle