Can you wire an intermediate switch as a 2 way?
Matthew Wilson
Published Apr 07, 2026
Can you wire an intermediate switch as a 2 way?
An Intermediate Switch can indeed be used as a One Way or Two Way switch however is far more expensive due to being a more complicated circuit, this means they are only used when necessary for circuits with three or more switches.
How many 2 way switches can an intermediate switch have?
An intermediate switch is a three way light switch. It is used when you have three or more switches controlling one light, the middle switch needs to be an intermediate light switch.
What’s the difference between an intermediate switch and a 2 way switch?
An Intermediate Light Switch is where 3 lighting points control the same circuit. One light switch in a bedroom controlling say a central light would be a 1 gang 1 way light switch. On a staircase, a light switch at the bottom and at the top of the stairs controlling the landing light circuit would be a 2 way circuit.
How does an intermediate switch work?
In an intermediate switch, there are four terminals by which it changes the flowing of electric current from one circuit to another (see fig 1 & 2) and also known as three way switch. It has the ability to ON and OFF the electric supply by two ways.
What is a DP switch?
A double pole switch is referred as a double pole, single throw switch. It’s just the combination of two SPST switches that are controlled simultaneously by one mechanism. This is how you can use a double pole switch as a single pole : Either you can do it yourself or take help of an expert.
How do you split a light switch into two?
2 Answers
- Get a 2-gang box to replace your existing 1-gang box.
- Get a new switch.
- Remove your existing box and install the 2-gang box in its place.
- Run your supply hot wire to both switches.
- Connect the light/fan hot wire to one switch and the exterior light to the other.
- Join all neutrals and ground wires.
How can you tell if a switch is 1 way or 2 way?
In its working, the main difference between them is the number of contacts they each have. The one-way switch has two contacts and the two-way switch has three contacts. In a two-way switch, there are two, one-way switches combined in one.
Are all light switches 2 way?
Most of our switches are suitable for use as a two way. Intermediate means you can turn your lights on or off from three places. For example in a bedroom you can turn the main light on or off from a switch at either side of the bed or, a switch by the door.
How are 2 way switches and intermediate switches used?
Below is a given schematic circuit to control a light point from three different places by using two 2-way switches and intermediate switch in the middle of stairs. In fig 5, a lamp is controlled from six different places by using two, 2-way switches and four intermediate switches.
Where do you put an intermediate light switch?
It should be fitted between the first and the last switches on the circuit. If replacing an existing switch, note the location of the terminals and the colour and position of cable connections. The diagram shows the common method of wiring an intermediate switch into a two way light switch circuit.
How to wire a three way light switch?
Please try again later. This video shows how to wire a three way lighting circuit, this means that you can have three separate switches for example one in the hall way, one on the landing and one at the top of the stairs. To wire a three way lighting circuit you will need 2 two way switches and an intermediate switch.
Do you need line wire for two way switching?
Do NOT connect the Line wire to the Line terminal because then your light would be permanently ON. What we need is to utilise the two-way and intermediate switching available. Once you complete this, you will need a new length of flat Twin & Earth cable which will go from your light to the first two-way switch.
It should be fitted between the first and the last switches on the circuit. If replacing an existing switch, note the location of the terminals and the colour and position of cable connections. The diagram shows the common method of wiring an intermediate switch into a two way light switch circuit.
Can you use an intermediate switch for 2 way switching?
Intermediate switches can be used for 1 and 2 way switching. Always ensure that the mains supply has been suitably isolated before commencing installation. Remove the existing socket or switch from the wall (if replacing). Remove any plaster debris and dust from the inside of the wall box.
Please try again later. This video shows how to wire a three way lighting circuit, this means that you can have three separate switches for example one in the hall way, one on the landing and one at the top of the stairs. To wire a three way lighting circuit you will need 2 two way switches and an intermediate switch.
Where does the electricity go in a 2 way switch?
Let’s assume the load you are controlling is a light. The electricity flows from the hot wire (black) through the 2-way switch (shown in off position) and then to the light and returns through the neutral wire (white). This is a completed circuit.