Gangs & Ways - Lightswitch Terminology Explained

Gangs & Ways - Lightswitch Terminology Explained

When buying a new light switch, one of the first hurdles many shoppers encounter is the confusing lexicon used. While some terms might seem pretty self-explanatory, others sound more at home on the mean streets of New York. In this article, we’ll help to explain the key terms used and cut through some of the jargon when it comes to lightswitch categorisation.

Gangs

Move over De Niro - there’s nothing threatening about these gangs. In fact, they’re pretty easy to identify and explain. Put simply, gangs refer to the number of switches on the faceplate. Got three rectangular switchy bits on your rocker switch? Then you’ve got yourself a three-gang switch. Got just one? Then - sorry Billy-no-mates, you have a one-gang switch. 

It’s a simple concept, made unnecessarily confusing by the terminology used. Unless you’re rejigging your existing wiring, you normally won’t need to deviate from the amount of gangs your lightswitch already houses. With this in mind, shopping for a new unit is simply a matter of counting up the amount of switches, and then buying a similarly configured replacement. And the concept is the same, whether buying a rotary switch, touch switch, or your more traditional rocker switches. 

Right, glad that’s cleared up. Now onto the next term…

Ways

In a more reassuring nod to common sense, ‘ways’ is a little more descriptive, but still requires a bit of clearing up for those not in the know. Ways refer to how many individual switches control the same lighting fixture.  

For domestic purposes, there are typically up to three ways used:

1 Way Switches: If a light switch is ‘1 way’ this means that it’s just a typical on/off switch. This is the simplest type of switch that you can get. A single switch controls a single light = simple!

2 Way Switches: A ‘2 way’ switch means there’s another switch controlling the same light. These are often used on a staircase (so you won’t need to make unnecessary journeys up and downstairs), as well as larger rooms such as your main living area. 

Intermediate Switches: If you need to control the lights from three places,you’ll need an intermediate switch. The light(s) can be switched on and off from any of 3 places, and are typically used in larger living areas, and long hallways. 

When shopping for a new lightswitch, ‘ways’ won’t be as obvious to identify as ‘gangs’, as it will come down to the wiring setup on the back of the switch. Just check that the model you’re about to purchase allows for multiple ways, or if you’re still not sure about your lighting setup, speak to a professional.