Light Switches One Way, Two Way, Intermediate

Three types of light switch, how they are used, and a look inside each type.

More on lighting circuits:

[tonydyer]

This is brilliant - I've been looking for a simple explanation like this for ages!!!! Clear explanation of 1, 2 and 3 way switching and a look at how the switches actually work. 10/10.

[iestynjones]

Clearest explanation I’ve ever heard. Brilliant as always. Thank you John.

[matthewashton]

I really appreciate the time you put into the videos and for sharing your knowledge of all things electrical with us.

[Roda]

Brilliant. So much more information than just 'this is how to wire it'. Clear diagrams and explanation made it easy to understand. Thank you.

[hollyhillbilly]

Excellent video's. This channel is the best. No nonsense and just explains everything so clearly. I am after learning so much already

[TheChipmunk]

Complex arrangement... had one of them this last week. 5 storey building, customer wanted each landing to be switchable from that level, above, and below... so the 3 intermediate landings ended up with 3 gang switches (below/here/above)... the bottom and top ended up with 2 gang switches... (here/above, or here/below, depending). Had to use grid switches (to US viewers, the grid arrangement is similar to how you guys do it, the switch modules are separate from the cover plate, you can mix and match). Fairly 'bread and butter' electrical work, but when the customer comes in halfway thru the job and sees dozens of wires at one switch position, then comes back an hour later and it's all working as designed, you get kudos :)

[mariah]

I tune in as much for your dry sense of humour as I do for the educational value. Love it :-)

[martinthompson]

Life saver John! I just opened the switch mechanism and all internals fell out; it all looked a complete mystery until coming across this video after a long frustrating search.

[gopherbar]

Thanks John for a thorough explanation, excellent work.

[identitywithheld]

I concur with similar comments. Appreciate your time and effort, very generous.

[madbstard]

Nice explanation. And loved the LN connection "There's a huge explosion and the word comes to an end" :D

[paulfaulkner]

You are a very good teacher, John. Keep it up.

[AviKhali]

Thank you for making it easy to understand these switches

[DanstheEngineer]

Great explanation JW. I'll be sending this to my apprentices to give them an understanding of the different types.

[craigm]

Thank you. You have just helped me out with my understanding of these issues!

[yogayama]

You Channel is a life saver!. Thank you for explaining what I have always thought of as Black Magic. I can now understand how 2 way switching works and can use it in my van build. Excellent Video

[martinwinfield]

Thank you another clear and consice explanation of an item we all use in one form or another.

[bobrose]

Great explanation John and very clear. There is more than one way(excuse the pun) to cable two way and intermediate switching - a follow up showing the practical ways to do this would be useful.

[jhale]

Thank-you JohnWard for your videos they are more than educative.I am really great full for your work.

[spidiq]

This is a great tutorial and it has just been a lightbulb moment for me, I've tried to understand how 2 way switches work for a while, thank you.