Intermediate switch first in 3 way?

[Capra]

So.. we've dropped a clanger.

3 way switching for large Hallway.
Switch wire drops to 1 gang switch(2way), then 3-core to 4-gang switch, then 3-core to 1-gang(2way). This means our 2nd switch isn't an intermediate - but a 2-way.
(Not aware of anyone who makes a 4-gang switch with an intermediate module - which would sort this straight away)

Just wondering if anyone has an ideas of how we can get this to function - other than removing a module from an intermediate and getting it to work in our 4-gang.

Is there any method in which the intermediate switch can used as the first switch in the group? I can't think of one... but i know there's some clever folks on here.........

 

[Leesparkykent]

What do you mean using the intermediate switch 1st? If the switch wire is at the intermediate and either end are just 2-way then of course you can wire it up like this.

 

[Toneyz]

He has taken the two 3 core & E 's to the 4G switch and realised that a 4 G switch only contains 2-way switches and didn't know about interchangeable switches eg Click.

 

[Capra]

indeed. That's that's the dropped b0ll0ck

 

[Resu]

You can swap the modules out on Hager switches. 1, 2 & 4 gang switches all have individual modules and any could be swapped for intermediate ones.

 

[123]

You can swap the modules out on Hager switches. 1, 2 & 4 gang switches all have individual modules and any could be swapped for intermediate ones.

You can do it with most brands (MK iirc is one that you can't). The difference with Click is you can buy the individual modules, rather than having to buy switches to dismantle.

 

[123]

Then do them ALL using grid switches.

An expensive "fix". And Grid switches will never tie in and look the same as the sockets of the same brand.

 

[rolyberkin]

The intermediate module on a click mode switch doesn't line up 100% with a normal two way, if your customer has OCD it will drive them mad!

 

[marconi]

Could you swap the current 4 gang metal back box for one of these and put the single intermediate on one side and a triple gang switch plate on the other?

Might have the advantage to the client that the 3-way switch is separate to the others and thus obvious.

There is a similar dry-lining box:

 

[Toneyz]

Could you swap the current 4 gang metal back box for one of these and put the single intermediate on one side and a triple gang switch plate on the other?

Might have the advantage to the client that the 3-way switch is separate to the others and thus obvious.

There is a similar dry-lining box:

IMO in practice, it looks s....t. sorry.

 

[Capra]

Maybe.. but still a potential fix to a problem for future reference....

 

[7029 dave]

Could you swap the current 4 gang metal back box for one of these and put the single intermediate on one side and a triple gang switch plate on the other?
used these many times.
Might have the advantage to the client that the 3-way switch is separate to the others and thus obvious.

There is a similar dry-lining box:

Used these many times.

 

[EbolaSideRoom]

Click Mode is the easy way out here. Even if the client wants a decorative finish that can be catered for. I don't think many other manufacturers do this; certainly not MK or Crabtree.

 

[Capra]

Click mode ordered - back there friday to fit.

 

[marconi]

Click mode ordered - back there friday to fit.

Capra, Nice to get a response on what you have decided to do. So often folk do not post back to say what they have done or the outcome or the usefulness or not of some advice that's been offered.

In a social network of knowledge such feedback is how participants learn from others.

(In one of my previous lives I worked in a team to promote knowledge sharing and information/advice seeking behaviour through networked computer systems. A finding from research we did was that feedback to those that contributed, encouraged and rewarded them and helped to stimulate and reinforce the behaviours we wanted. Most folk said they were eager to know about outcomes. Those that did provide feedback found others were more ready to help them on the next occasion. )

 

[uksrevivor]

IMO replies from any OP on the conclusion or final outcome on how the problem was solved shows not only gratitude and thanks to the people who posted there advice it also helps the trainees who read them on this forum.