Electric switches

[bond]

Hi, I have two separate single wall switches, however the backs of them are different. One has two holes (where you insert the coloured wires) at the bottom and one hole at the top, but the other just has one hole at both top and bottom. What is the difference/what should be used for what ? Thanks.

[Carol Anne]

hubby says the one with the two holes at the bottom is a two-way switch such as you would have where two switches are on the same circuit. ie: top and bottom of staircase. The other is for single application only.

[raysparx]

Carol annes Hubby is dead right.

[bond]

Thanks. Does it apply to two things that operate on the same circuit aswell (as opposed to two switches) eg when I turn the bathroom light on, the extractor turns on at the same time, so presumably there are more wires to connect to the one switch.

[jon1968]

No, the connection for the extractor will be done elsewhere in the circuit.
The 2-way switch is for when you want to have the same light (or lights) operated by separate switches - as you say for example at the bottom and the top of the stairs.

[jon1968]

Apologies, I may not have explained that concisely, you do not need a 2 way switch to operate an extractor fan as well as the light but you may find you have an third wire (excluding earth) which should be connected to the L1 terminal on the switch. What are you trying to do - replace a switch?

[ezapf]

Um, actually it is a three way switch and here is how it is used:
Three Way Switch

[ezapf]

Wait a minute�It seems there is a difference in terminology between UK and US switches (unless I am completely bonkers (which may be the case)). I would call it a three way switch in the US, but you are all correct � it is a two way switch in the UK. My bad. Anyway, I hope the link helps in some way.