2 way lighting circuit wiring diagram is a type of wiring that is used to control lighting from two different locations. This type of wiring is commonly used in stairs, hallways, and large rooms where the lighting needs to be controlled from multiple locations. This article provides an overview of 2 way lighting circuit wiring diagram, including its components, operation, and installation.
Components of 2 Way Lighting Circuit Wiring Diagram
The following components are required for a 2 way lighting circuit wiring diagram:
- Two-way switch
- Intermediate switch (optional)
- Light fitting
- Cable (twin and earth)
- Junction box (if needed)
The two-way switch is the most important component of the 2 way lighting circuit wiring diagram. It is used to control the lighting from two different locations. The intermediate switch is an optional component that can be used if the lighting needs to be controlled from more than two locations. The light fitting is used to provide light, and cable is used to connect the various components. The junction box is used to connect the cables if needed.
Two-way Switch
The two-way switch is a switch that has two terminals. It is used to control lighting from two different locations. The switch can be either a single pole or double pole switch. The single pole switch is used when only one conductor needs to be switched. The double pole switch is used when both conductors need to be switched.
The two-way switch is connected to the live and switched live conductors. When the switch is on, the live conductor is connected to the switched live conductor, and the light is on. When the switch is off, the live conductor is not connected to the switched live conductor, and the light is off.
Intermediate Switch
The intermediate switch is a switch that is used to control lighting from more than two locations. It is usually placed in between the two-way switches. The intermediate switch has four terminals, and the wiring is more complex than the two-way switch.
The intermediate switch is connected to the live and switched live conductors. When the switch is on, the live conductor is connected to the switched live conductor, and the light is on. When the switch is off, the live conductor is not connected to the switched live conductor, and the light is off.
Light Fitting
The light fitting is used to provide light. It consists of a lamp (light bulb), a socket, and a casing. The lamp is the source of light, and the socket is used to hold the lamp in place. The casing is used to protect the lamp and the socket from damage.
Cable
The cable used in a 2 way lighting circuit wiring diagram is usually twin and earth cable. The twin and earth cable consists of two conductors (live and switched live) and an earth conductor. The live conductor is connected to the switch, and the switched live conductor is connected to the light fitting. The earth conductor is connected to the earth terminals in the switch and the light fitting.
Junction Box
The junction box is used to connect the cables if needed. It is a box that contains terminals for connecting the conductors. The junction box is usually placed in the ceiling or wall.
Operation of 2 Way Lighting Circuit Wiring Diagram
The operation of 2 way lighting circuit wiring diagram is simple. When the two-way switch is on, the live conductor is connected to the switched live conductor, and the light is on. When the switch is off, the live conductor is not connected to the switched live conductor, and the light is off.
In a 2 way lighting circuit wiring diagram, the intermediate switch is used to control lighting from more than two locations. When the intermediate switch is on, the live conductor is connected to the switched live conductor, and the light is on. When the switch is off, the live conductor is not connected to the switched live conductor, and the light is off.
Installation of 2 Way Lighting Circuit Wiring Diagram
The installation of 2 way lighting circuit wiring diagram can be done by following the steps below:
- Turn off the power supply to the lighting circuit.
- Install the two-way switches and intermediate switch (if used) in the desired locations.
- Connect the live conductor to the terminal of the first switch.
- Connect the switched live conductor to the terminal of the first switch.
- Connect the live conductor to the terminal of the second switch.
- Connect the switched live conductor to the terminal of the second switch.
- If an intermediate switch is used, connect the live and switched live conductors to the terminals of the intermediate switch.
- Connect the cable from the light fitting to the switched live conductor of the first switch.
- Connect the earth conductor to the earth terminals of the switches and the light fitting.
- Turn on the power supply to the lighting circuit and test the wiring.
FAQ
What is a 2 way lighting circuit wiring diagram?
A 2 way lighting circuit wiring diagram is a type of wiring that is used to control lighting from two different locations. It is commonly used in stairs, hallways, and large rooms where the lighting needs to be controlled from multiple locations.
What components are required for a 2 way lighting circuit wiring diagram?
The components required for a 2 way lighting circuit wiring diagram are two-way switch, intermediate switch (optional), light fitting, cable (twin and earth), and junction box (if needed).
How does a two-way switch work?
A two-way switch has two terminals and is connected to the live and switched live conductors. When the switch is on, the live conductor is connected to the switched live conductor, and the light is on. When the switch is off, the live conductor is not connected to the switched live conductor, and the light is off.
What is an intermediate switch?
An intermediate switch is a switch that is used to control lighting from more than two locations. It is usually placed in between the two-way switches. The intermediate switch has four terminals, and the wiring is more complex than the two-way switch.
What cable is used in a 2 way lighting circuit wiring diagram?
The cable used in a 2 way lighting circuit wiring diagram is usually twin and earth cable. The twin and earth cable consists of two conductors (live and switched live) and an earth conductor.
| Component | Function |
|---|---|
| Two-way switch | Control lighting from two locations |
| Intermediate switch (optional) | Control lighting from more than two locations |
| Light fitting | Provide light |
| Cable (twin and earth) | Connect the components |
| Junction box (if needed) | Connect the cables if needed |
