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Two-Way Switch

Three terminals instead of two: two of these and a pair of strappers let you work one light from two places.

Photorealistic two-gang two-way light switch
Real part — tap a marker

Two-Way Switch

Three terminals instead of two: two of these and a pair of strappers let you work one light from two places.

Terminals
  • COM — common, from the supply or to the lamp
  • L1 — strapper to the other switch
  • L2 — the second strapper
  • Earth — plate earth where a metal plate is used
  • Faceplate — one or two gang, two-way on every gang
  • Rockers — one or two, each switching between L1 and L2
  • Four fixing screws on a two-gang plate
  • Three terminals per gang: COM, L1, L2
  • Strappers — the two conductors running between the switches
Cutaway of a two-way switch showing the rocker, changeover contact, common terminal and the two strapper terminals
Cutaway — tap a marker
⚡ Meet it in a circuit

Terms used here

Defined in the glossary — each one opens at its own entry.

⚠ Safety note

COM is not interchangeable with L1 and L2. Landing the supply on a strapper terminal produces a switch that works from one end only, or one that blows the fuse when both switches are operated. Identify COM (it is usually a different coloured terminal) before you connect anything.

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