3 way switch- how to identify

[PETERTHEEATER]

One for Crossy.

Wiring my new house I need to the same group of lights from swiches in different locations. For example I want to be able to be able to control upstair light from downstairs and the same light from upstairs.

Plenty of how to wiring advice on the web but how do I identify suitable switches in Thailand? There must be three terminals instead of two?

My electrician calls them 'two-way' but looking at US switch terminolgy it is a 'three -way' so I can imagine the pretty young thing in my local store being confused!

I have used mostly HACO brand so how do I identify a suitable switch from their range?

[Crossy]

That's because they use UK terminology here. Just call it two-way and you'll be good to go.

You cannot just count the terminals, I have regular on-off switches with three terminals (two are linked), two-way are usually more expensive than the normal type. Most of the manufacturers do two-way switches in all their ranges, but if you have a specific manufacturer / range of switches in mind, get on their website for a part number.

If you need intermediate switches as well (three or more switching points) your choices are more limited, many manufacturers simply don't do them

EDIT As you like Haco their Deco Series has the W2711L (on-off) and the W2711L-2 (two way).

[PETERTHEEATER]

Thanks Crossy, very helpful.

I struggled with the HACO website Product Catalogues so giving me a Part Number is good.

UK terminolgy but US wiring codes and standards is a recipe for confusion.

[wayned]

The national switches that I buy have a black line on the face of the switch to indicate the "on" position. That side of the switch should on top when it is installed in the box. The 2 way switches are blank as they can be on in either position depending on the position of the other switch on the line.

[Daffy D]

Just thought I'd post these:-

WiringDiagrams.pdf

Might be useful to you or someone else.

[PETERTHEEATER]

Thanks, if I can't find the HACO type in Hua Hin I will need to look at alternative brands

My 'lekky' says he needs six but I think he forgot that one set has double switches for downlighters and separate fluorescent tubes so I aim for eight. That's when it starts to get tricky. Places such as Home Pro, Boonthavorn and Watsadu usually have only the display and no backup stock so I end up driving to all three to make up quantities.

[bankruatsteve]

Whether you call it two-way or three-way, it is a SPDT switch that you need 2 (and only 2) of for each circuit that you want to on/off from 2 separate locations. For additional on/off within such circuit, you will need one or more DPDT switch (which are almost impossible to find here).

While I'm sure there are many that do know, I have yet to see a 'local' spark that has any clue how to wire a "two way" circuit - or maybe, how it works.

[wayned]

My local "spark" does! It's me! The only thing that I use the village electroidiot for is to climb the pole if it has to be done!

[IMHO]

While I'm sure there are many that do know, I have yet to see a 'local' spark that has any clue how to wire a "two way" circuit - or maybe, how it works.

I don't recall seeing any two storey houses that didn't have a 3-way switch on the staircase lights, so there has to be a few that understand the basic principles. It;'s not exactly rocket science

[bankruatsteve]

While I'm sure there are many that do know, I have yet to see a 'local' spark that has any clue how to wire a "two way" circuit - or maybe, how it works.

I don't recall seeing any two storey houses that didn't have a 3-way switch on the staircase lights, so there has to be a few that understand the basic principles. It;'s not exactly rocket science

Yeah, I wasn't referring to the electricians that are part of construction crew. Here's example: the village guy that is usually called on to pull wire couldn't get a two-way to work and and somebody asked me to take a look. He had one SPST and one SPDT. So, got that corrected but then he kept trying to connect neutral to one of the contacts and wondered why the fuse kept blowing.