Lighting Circuit 2 Plate Method How to Wire up and Connect 2 Way and Intermediate Switches (3 Way)

In this video we look again at a lighting circuit using the 2 plate method and I explain the connections within the switches for 2 way and intermediate switching (3 way switching). The 2 plate method takes the feed (supply) to the switch and is often used in installation that have lots of downlights fitted (LED lights). I show and explain the connection at all switches making it easier for learners to connect up both the 2 way switches and the intermediate switch. The 2 plate method is a very common wiring method used on site so it’s important apprentice electricians and trainees understand it.

Learner question when can a Wago connector be classed as maintenance free..?

= 🕐 Time Stamps - Cut to the action 🕕 ==

00:00 - Connections in 2 way and intermediate light switches
01:21 - Recap of the connection in the first 2 way switch
01:41 - Neutral go into a connector
02:07 - Black is common
03:17 - Intermediate switch
04:26 - Connecting the intermediate switch
05:03 - Adding brown sleeving
05:54 - Wago 221 connector for the black conductors
06:43 - Connecting the brown and grey conductors
07:54 - Intermediate connection completed
08:08 - Learner question - when can Wago connector be classed as a maintenance free..?
08:25 - Connecting the the 2 way switch position
08:52 - Adding brown sleeving
09:12 - Connections in the back of a 2 way switch
10:22 - Learning summary

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 #ledspotlight

[Jack-xhrj]

Studied Level 3 at college. Lecturers didn't help you to fully understand.

Found GSH 2 months into my apprenticeship and understood everything I couldn't before from the easy to learn videos

And 5 years later thanks to all Gaz's I'm qualified level 3 electrician with 2391 and about to take course in Electric Vehicle Charging

Without GSH I wouldn't have got through my college so thank you Gaz for all your helpful videos👍🏼💪🏻

[thomassheridan]

Excellent video i just fitted my 2 way wirh intermediate switches, really helpful and simple examples.

[andysims]

When I was an apprentice we was always taught the red was common. When the cable colours changed we automatically used brown for common. I still find these days in my area 50% of electricians use brown and 50% black for common. The point I’m making is when replacing a switch always check to make sure what colour has been used for common

[no_short_circuit]

Thanks for the video - well explained - if anyone doesn't understand how these two way/intermediate switches work after watching this series of videos they should perhaps find another career path!!

[Dog-whisperer]

Fantastic video Gaz you always explain things in simple terms so the learners can understand And find there learning easier.
Fantastic video as always mate 👍👍👍❤️
Have a great weekend and stay safe may I call you tonight please ?

[GSHElectrical]

This wiring diagram video with help the understanding of the video 👍🏻

[shrekshrek]

Thank you for sharing your knowledge 🙏🏽


You should become a sparky for a living 😉

[ashvanbro]

Another great video Gaz have a good weekend mate

[gavinfitton]

Thanks for the video they have all been really useful in getting my head around lighting/switching. Would you consider doing one that covers an extractor fan connected to ceiling rose with isolation switch. I really enjoy watching and learning. Thanks again!

[paul_my_plumbs_uk]

You know a quinetic makes sense Gaz😂😂 #wotk smarter not harder. Wishing you and your family a very happy Christmas 🎄🎄🎄🎁🎁🎁🎈🎈🎈🎅🤶

[Anonviewer]

Hi Gaz, another helpful video. Please can you confirm why they’re called 2 plate and 3 plate?

[Daniells]

Now there's a recommendation in the regs to have a neutral at every switch position, I thought the wiring through the switch method would be the method of choice for 2 way and intermediate switching now but doesn't seem to be the case. The 2 plate method is still being used on new builds.

[Monkey]

You should have a cable stripper job for someone, you will damage it without cable stripper

[BobBenz]

Still confuses me 😊. Beautifully explained though 👍🏼

[tedlahm]

UK two ways are called three way in North America? North America counts the luminary in
the total count?

[rudidudi]

Can the light be connected to the intermediate switch?

[dvrn]

For some reason in Canada it's called 3 way and 4 way switching and a lot of electricians have no idea how to do it.lol

[tedlahm]

Without a diagram (drawing) much too much verbal communication.