i have a 3 gang switch. inside it has three connection for each switch. the connections are numbered 1, 2 and 3.
i have the input in live, neutral and earth.
my outputs are one in live, neutral and earth and two sets of live and neutral wires for xmas tree type lighting.

how should i wire the switch to have three lighting sets working individually through the 3gang switch

jimmy, December 2009

If Terminal 1 on the switches is the common terminal and if you have joined the return for each set of lights to the common neutral then it sounds as if it will work correctly - meeting the safety requirements is another matter and I'm not qualified to offer advice.

Connection to a lighting circuit - correct insulation - correct fusing and RCD protection are all important.

Good luck... Take care...

Peccavi, December 2009

i am using a waterproof switch since the switch will be fixed inside the gazebo.

i have connected the live into connection 1; then used small connection to link to the other two switches. this means that i have incoming live on all three switches.

i made a connection forneutral and earth outside the switch connections.

then i used connection three to bring in the switched live in the three switches.

of course while i was working i switched off the connection from the consumer unit.

should this work or not?

jimmy, December 2009

If it were me I'd do it on a 13A multiple socket with an appropriate 1A or 3A fuse in each plug - pull the plug to switch the lights off... and have it running through an RCD for safety. What you propose all sounds very scary especially if the lights are outdoors.

* * *

A light switch has Live going into it and Switched Live coming out - to turn the lights on and off.

Switches with three terminal connections are Single Pole and control only one conductor - Live. i.e. they do not have Neutral connected to them.

One of the 1,2,3 connections on each switch will be a Common connection and the switch will connect that terminal to each of the other two in turn as it's operated.

You will need to arrange for a common neutral connection (not connected to any of the switches) and you will need to determine which of the 1,2,3 terminals is the common connection for each switch.

An electrician may be safer - remember Lord Finchley...

Lord Finchley tried to mend the Electric Light
Himself. It struck him dead: And serve him right!
It is the business of the wealthy man
To give employment to the artisian.

Good luck...Take care...

Peccavi, December 2009