About this deal
It is very important to be safe. Please have a look at our project on electrical safety before you begin any project. What is a 1 or a 2 gang light switch? It is also possible to install or fit a variation on this theme by combining dimmer and "throw" switches on the same plate. You are then able to set the light to the required ambiance and turn it on and off. The ambiance setting is remembered by the switch but can be altered just like any other dimmer. With this in mind, this DIY project looks at the different types of light switch and what each should be used for. Rules and Regulations for Electrical Work
The rules on what you can and cannot do to the electrics in your home are extremely strict, however when it comes to changing light switch faceplates and a few others, you are allowed to do this without the assistance of a qualified electrician. However, if you need two switches to control a single lighting circuit, in the same manner that you would have a switch at both the top and bottom of a staircase to control a landing/stairway light, you need to use what’s known as a 2 ‘way’ switch. Don’t take any chances; if you don’t understand the job from start to finish then don’t attempt it, it’s that simple! If you are wanting to add new lights and light switches to an existing circuit or the similar then this is not possible, this will need to be done by a registered Part P electrician. A ceiling switch is mounted to the roof and is switched on and off using a pull cord – see our project on how to fit a pull cord switch. This prevents any water or moisture coming anywhere near any electrical source.When working on or around the electrics you are allowed to do yourself at home such as changing switch faceplates it’s essential that you know exactly what type of light switch does what so that, when changing them, you change like-for-like. Way Switches: If a light switch is ‘1 way’ this means it is just an on/off switch. This is the simplest type of switch that you can get. The single switch controls a single light (or lighting circuit)
A 1 gang switch will control a single lighting circuit, or turn 1 light on and off, with a 2 gang switch you can control two individual lighting circuits, and so on. If you have a dimmer switch they are described in the same way; a 1 gang dimmer switch will have a single dimmer on the plate, and a 2 gang dimmer switch will have 2 dimmers and so on. Way Switches: A ‘2 way’ switch means there is another switch controlling the same light. These are often used on a stair case, large room with switches by each door
In this project we have been talking about plate switches which are the most common types of light switch that are used in peoples homes.