Varilight 1 Gang (Single), (3 Way) Intermediate 10 Amp Switch, White Moulded Bevel - XO7W

Product Information

A panel can have multiple ‘gangs’ on it, or a single dimmer with on/off, brighter and darker buttons. Pro tip: It’s likely you’ll also need to replace the existing switch box with a larger one to accommodate the extra wires for the 3 way switch. Let’s start with ways. A ‘way’ is a term for how many switches are controlling the same light. The most simple switch is a standard 1-way on/off switch. Most of the lights in your house will likely be controlled by these 1-way switches. A 1-way switch can have 1, 2, or 3-gangs (we’ll get to gangs in a bit), or have a single dimmer switch.

Manufacturers don’t really use the same naming for the way their products work which leads to a lot of confusion regarding ways, gangs, panels, and switches. We’re going to clear that up for you. We’ll also include images explaining some of these concepts that you can also find in the product description in our lighting store. We have a 30-day return policy, which means you have 30 days after receiving your item to request a return.

Introduction

A panel can have up to three buttons on it. They can come in either 1, 2, or 3 gang configurations or with a dimmer switch. There are two ways in the smart-switch world to have 2-way switches. One is the traditional way where both switches are wired to the light and each other. Another way has a primary and secondary switch only the primary switch is connected to the light and the secondary switch is wirelessly connected to the primary switch. I prefer the traditional way because it still functions even if your WiFi goes down but there are cases where the primary-secondary setup is useful, for example if you don’t have the control wire connecting the two switches. So now you know your stuff about ways, gangs, panels and switches! Every house is a little different in how it’s wired and can differ in what you want and where you want it. But it’s really just about understanding what you want to do and what the terms are so you can find the exact product you need. To add the switch, you’ll use one of two wiring a light switch diagrams (shown below), depending on whether the power comes to your light switch first (the most common situation) or to the light fixture first. Either way, follow these five steps for 3-way light switch wiring:

Some of your lights may be controlled by 2-way switches. A 2-way switch means two separate switches control the same light. They always work in pairs (or more). Examples of 2-way switches are a light in your hallway controlled by switches at each end, or a light in your stairwell controlled by a switch at the top and bottom of the stairs. Confusingly, a 2-way switch is also sometime called a 3-way switch, multi-way switch or hotel switch. You have two clusters of lights in your bathroom, a set in the ceiling and a set around the mirror. These are controlled from a single panel with two buttons on it. The first button controls the ceiling lights, the second button controls the mirror lights. This is a 2-gang switch. Here are step by step instructions on how to wire up a three way lighting circuit or to change a existing two way light circuit to a three way system, this is very useful on stairs etc. as you can have a switch at the bottom of the stairs and one at each end of the landing. Ensure the electricity is isolated before working on any electrical circuit! For three way switching you need a special light switch with 4 terminals, this is called a intermediate switch and is easily identifiable. You will also need two light switches that are "two way", these will have three terminals.Pro tip: The switches will be identified by a label on the common terminal and/or the terminal screw will be a different color. A switch is the control mechanism behind the panel. A switch can be 1, 2, or 3-gang. Alternatively, you can have a dimmer switch with on/off, brighter, and darker buttons. We don’t carry, and haven’t found, dimmer switches that are more than 1-way or 1-gang. The switch is also the part that you connect to your wiring. The switches we carry all require at least 3 wires, a L (Line), N (Neutral), and L1 (Load) wire.The Line wire is the wire that comes into the switch from your electrical box. It carries power to the switch. The L1 (L2, L3) wire(s) are the Load wires and carry power from the switch to the light.The Neutral wire completes the circuit and allows the switch itself to be powered. This is also why your lights have a Neutral wire but the wiring to your switch may be missing it. Older mechanical switches didn’t need a Neutral wire because that switch isn’t powered. If you need to bring a Neutral wire to your switch, this requires a bit of elbow grease and fish tape (aka wire snake).Now you know!