2 gang 2 way switch with a single rocker

Stu435 · Jun 14, 2024

Does such a thing exist but with one single rocker controlling the switch? i.e. exactly like a normal 2 gang 2 way switch except it is only possible to have both switches in the down position or both in the up. For low current 240V circuit like lighting.

timhoward · Jun 14, 2024

There will be a way of doing this, but maybe explain what you are wanting to achieve as we could be leading you up the garden path when there's an easier solution.
It sounds as though there is a simpler solution!
Why can't you use a 1 gang two way switch to switch both loads? Are they on different circuits?

Avo Mk8 · Jun 14, 2024

As above, knowing what you would like to achieve would help.

But to answer the question, if I understand it correctly, the type of switch you speak of is known, at least in my old fashioned parlance, as double-pole, double-throw (DPDT) on-on (to distinguish it from centre-off (on-off-on).
Here's an example: RS PRO Toggle Switch, Panel Mount, On-(On), DPDT, Screw Terminal, 250V | RS - https://uk.rs-online.com/web/p/toggle-switches/7346805?
I'm not aware of any domestic light switch plates made with this type of switch, as I imagine there's little demand!

davesparks · Jun 14, 2024

No, no such thing exists.

If you only need 1 way switching then you could use a double pole switch.

If it needs to be 2 way and a standard plate switch then you coulse a 1 gang switch to operate a relay.

Stu435 · Jun 14, 2024

Thank you both especially Avo. Wow that is pretty cool and looks like the DPDT is exactly what I'm after. If the sheds sold it maybe they'd call it a "double pole switch - 2 way".

Food for thought. As for what I'm doing its a bit crazy so don't intend embarrassing myself here.

Stu435 · Jun 14, 2024

davesparks said:
No, no such thing exists.

If you only need 1 way switching then you could use a double pole switch.

If it needs to be 2 way and a standard plate switch then you coulse a 1 gang switch to operate a relay.

Yes that was my first idea but buying an enclosure etc etc makes it a really ugly solution. The DPDT seems ideal (although granted the relay method means you could use a regular light switch)

timhoward · Jun 14, 2024

Stu435 said:
Food for thought. As for what I'm doing its a bit crazy so don't intend embarrassing myself here.

We like crazy!
You could also consider contactors, or two Quinetic switches paired with one receiver.
Or araldite a piece of spam across both switches.

littlespark · Jun 15, 2024

Some fan isolators come as two way for some reason… I’m sure I’ve fitted one.

So you get 3 gang 2way, switching symultaneously
Physically a wider rocker, but will do as you need.

timhoward · Jun 15, 2024

littlespark said:
Some fan isolators come as two way for some reason… I’m sure I’ve fitted one.

So you get 3 gang 2way, switching symultaneously
Physically a wider rocker, but will do as you need.

I did wonder about a fan isolator but thought the 2 way element of the question ruled it out - interesting if there is a 2 way version out there, I need to find that now!

Avo Mk8 · Jun 15, 2024

Also intrigued I've been having a look, but so far no joy. Let us know if you find one!

The BG Nexus fan switches (upper pic.) seem to use the same moulding as their 3 gang 2-way light switch, (lower pic.) but the fan version is not equipped with 2 way contacts.
I hesitate to admit this, but wondered if it might be possible to fit the mechanism of the latter light switch into the faceplate of the fan switch. But I have no idea why anyone would want to do this

[ElectriciansForums.net] 2 gang 2 way switch with a single rocker

Stu435 · Jun 21, 2024

That last idea is ingenious and I might well try it out.

I think what I'm doing is ok from an electrical standpoint (and indeed allowed I think for a DIYer like me) although I suspect tinkering with manufacters products is probably not allowed by the wiring regs but lets park that for now.....

However, its definitely not allowed from a gassafe point of view. I'd be ok to share if I don't get shouted at for GS related issues....(i.e. a DIYer shouldn't be doing any gas/boiler work whatsoever)

Thanks a lot by the way for the discussion so far - very interesting.

nicebutdim · Jun 21, 2024

Stu435 said:
That last idea is ingenious and I might well try it out.

I think what I'm doing is ok from an electrical standpoint (and indeed allowed I think for a DIYer like me) although I suspect tinkering with manufacters products is probably not allowed by the wiring regs but lets park that for now.....

However, its definitely not allowed from a gassafe point of view. I'd be ok to share if I don't get shouted at for GS related issues....(i.e. a DIYer shouldn't be doing any gas/boiler work whatsoever)

Thanks a lot by the way for the discussion so far - very interesting.

If gas installations were tinkered with in the same manner as electrical installations, there'd be quite a few explosions reported each night on local news bulletins.

Avo Mk8 · Jun 21, 2024

Finally a more definitive answer to the original post - there is such a thing as a single rocker 2-pole 2-way switch on a single plate to fit a wall box, made by Legrand. Their part no: "5 720 48".
It's a modular type large format rocker switch which fits into a support frame and faceplate to suit a back box, 20A 250V rated.

572048 | Product catalogues, technical information and pricing | Electrika

www.electrika.com

(I don't know why their illustration shows on & off symbols, none of the photo's of the actual switch I've seen have that!)

brianmoooore · Jun 21, 2024

Interesting that Avo 8 has brought Legrand into the conversation, as it certainly could be done with the Legrand IP55 switches I've used for about 40 years or so. These have 1/2 width rockers for the 2G2W versions and full width rockers on the 1G2W type. If a full width rocker is clipped into a 2G2W switch, the result will be the desired two x 2W switches, operated by one rocker.

2 gang 2 way switch with a single rocker

Stu435

timhoward

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Avo Mk8

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davesparks

Stu435

Stu435

timhoward

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littlespark

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timhoward

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Avo Mk8

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Stu435

nicebutdim

Avo Mk8

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572048 | Product catalogues, technical information and pricing | Electrika

brianmoooore

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