Multipule switching

**Gdavis** · 23rd July 2010, 06:57 PM

I have just been asked to install a curcuit of switching as follows.......is this possible, I'll try and explain if I can.

The client wants to be able to switch the downstairs hall from upstairs and the normal upstairs hall from downstairs, so far so good, no problemo with that! but he also wants installed and additional facility where the downstairs hall can be switched on and off from the same switching plate and an aditional one further up the hall. So effectivly the downstairs has two switches installed at either end of the hallway and also on the main switch is the link to the upstairs so that it can be turned on from there as well. I thought about intermediate switching but this seems to be different. Can anyone advise, it's a configuration that i have never had to install before.

Gary

**JohnC** · 23rd July 2010, 08:13 PM

Hi

I've read the post a few times and just to clarify your client wants to be able to switch the downstairs hall lights form 3 positions.. 2 downstairs at either end and 1 at the top of the stairs.. and that he wants to be able to turn the landing lights at the top of the stairs from 2 positions 1 at the top of the stairs and 1 at the bottom.. Is this correct ?? If so wht can you not fit a 2 gang swicth at the bottom of the stairs, a 2 gang at the top. and an intermediate at the other end of the down stairs hall..

**Gdavis** · 24th July 2010, 12:09 PM

You got it, I know it sounds a bit complicated to explain but well done, that is excatly what the client wants. thanks for the suggestion that would certainly work, I just need to source a 2 gang switch if possible as a 2 way on one gang and an intermediate on the other gang so think it's a modular jobbbie, what a pain!

Thanks for your reply

**JohnC** · 24th July 2010, 03:33 PM

As i said above why not put a 2 gang at the top of the stairs and a 2 gang at the bottom, use one of the gangs on each to switch the upstairs lights then you just need to fit a 1 gang intermediate at the other end of the downstairs hall.

run a 3 core top to bottom of stairs for the landing light, then a 3core form bottom of stairs to the intermediate at he other end of the hall then back upto the top of the stairs for the 3 way controll of the hall lights.

**Gdavis** · 27th July 2010, 01:39 PM

Thanks again for the info, what you have suggested is excactly how I have planned the 1st fix, but I have another light in the downstairs/lobby that is required to be switched on at two points of entry, right where the intermediate is going to go so unless I can get a 2 gang (1x intermeddiate 1X 2 way) plate I think I may have to wack in a dual box for two seperate switches. Sorry, I don't think I explained about the additional lobby /hall light, this gezza just want's to be able to turn every light on and off from every entry point, which from a design and planning stage should be catered for anyway.............................so best get too it, thanks again.

Gary

**Ohmslaw** · 27th July 2010, 03:26 PM

Could you not use a grid type switch then, i.e 1 x 2 way module, 1 x intermediate module and a 2g yolke and cover plate.

**Gdavis** · 2nd August 2010, 09:47 AM

Yep, I ended up going to my local wholesaler and made one up using MK grid and the bloody client now whants all designer face plates so got to try and get one made, luckly my wholesaler can get this done with a 2 week turnaround...............customers eh! where would be without them......................I'll leave that final thought with you all.

GD

**jasminemasih** · 2nd September 2010, 09:43 AM

Circuit switching' implies that the system has a circuit which is dedicated to the transaction for the length of the transaction, and from one party to the other party--whether the parties are actually actively exchanging information all the time or not.

Packet switching aggregates the information at some central office, and then has a single link (which is shared) to the other central office. If neither party is using the link at some time, then neither party occupies bandwidth on the shared link--which means it's available for somebody else. Packet switching is inherently more complicated, because one has to deal with the peak bandwidth and quality of service issues, but you save on total system cost due to reducing the number of long-distance links