How to Wire 2 Way Switches - Electrical Wiring

In this video we look at a lighting circuit using the 2 plate method and I explain the connections within a one gang 2 way switch. The 2 plate method takes the feed (supply) to the switch and is often used in installation that have lots of downlights fitted (LED) because it reduces the number of cables at the lighting points..

== 🕐 Time Stamps - Cut to the action 🕕 ==
00:00 - How to connect a 2 way light switch
00:20 - 2 way switch terminals
00:55 - Connection in the first switch
01:42 - Video on exposed conductive parts
01:54 - Removing the 1 way switch
02:13 - Identifying conductors
02:39 - Black is common
03:42 - Doubling cable ends
04:21 - L1 and L2 connections
05:11 - Connections recap
05:46 - New switch position
06:25 - Black into common
07:09 - 2 plate method for downlights
07:57 - L1 and L2 connections
08:20 - 2 way switching

Videos are training aids for City and Guilds (C and G) and EAL courses Level 1, 2, 3 plus AM2, AM2S and AM2E.

You can follow me day by day on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and TikTok lookout for "GSH Electrical”.

#GSHElectrical #Electricaltrainingvideos #lighting #switch #connections #electricalwiring

[andysims]

Might be worth mentioning lots of electricians use brown as common including myself. In fact in my area I would say at least 60% of electricians use brown and probably more.
I believe it gos back to the old days when most electricians used red for common. . Occasionally we would see yellow for common but not often .

[rajnirvan]

Like you said brown on brown is how you do it. Likewise I do same thing. In the older wiring methods would use red on red black on blue yellow as common

[tedlahm]

North America, we call it a 3 way switch, because we count the load (bulb) etc.

[ColinDH]

Why Oh why on CPC (...earth, get it?!) is there not a standard for the Common on 2 ways, and why no agreement on SWA cable colour usage. Long overdue. Nice video.

[Bibliotechno]

I like leaving it so "that both switches in the off position" is "all lights off". Have done same in my own hallway where there's an intermediate switch.

[noelfaithfulkari]

Could you do videos on how to wire, 2, 3 and gang switches

[Ghgh]

How do you wire a 2 way switch but for a device? I'd like to do it for a shower pump. Basically so I can switch the pump on and off from the ensuite and main bathroom

[davidwilliams]

Need some help, i have 1 gang 2 way switches.

(Switch 1) black wire brown sleeve into L1, brown wire into L2 and grey wire brown sleeve into L3

(Switch 2) black wire brown sleeve into L1, 2 brown wires into L2, grey with brown sleeve+blue wires L3
2 earth wires go into connect box.

I want to change one switch with a dimmer switch ( BG electrical evolve single touch 2 way master) at the rear there are 3 connections. 1) wavy line with arrow through it. 2) s.link. 3) L

Does black wire brown sleeve go into wavy line with arrow, brown wires go into L, and grey with brown sleeve+ blue wire into s.link ?

I would really appreciate your help 👍

[simonr]

Interesting videos as always but why two operations on stripping cable with a knife, don't get that one. Side cutters do both as one operation.
Another more important point is, why do you never show 2 way switching using a twin between the switches(not 3c&E), with a switch wire at the second switch and your common on the other switch?? Gives you alternatives in real life situations and another switch wire if required.

[rehaanq]

So any non brown wire with brown sleeving just indicates it's live rather than its function? i.e. A switched live. I thought brown sleeving meant it's a switch wire.

[scots]

Why sleeve a black wire with a brown sleeve when you have a brown wire?

[JayGK]

whats the difference betwen 2 plate and 3 plate?

[rickthescrewballpeacekeepe]

Oh dear things went complex.
Brown is L, blue is N and grey
2 way switches in my world is simple, red is common, blue is L1 and yellow is L2.
Oh jeez I live pre-2004😁