What does 1 gang, 2 gang, 1 way and 2 way mean??

[duurrhh]

Sorry probably a really really dumb question but can't find the answer!

I want to replace an old light switch - went to buy one thinking it is that simple but I need to know what 1 gang, 2 gang, 1 way and 2 way means!!??

Please help a dumber one...

[sparx]

'Gang' refers to number of switches on the plate
'1Way' means it is just on/off
'2way' means there is the ability to have another switch connected to the same light, as in staircase, large room with sw. by each door etc.
So....
in lounge you might have a 3gang sw. individually controlling say 2 centre lights plus 4 wall lights ,
if you look at a switch it may have 2 or 3 terminals on each gang.
at the bottom of the stairs there often is a 2gang switch, 1 gang for hall light ,only 2 wires connected to it the other gang being the stairs which will prob have 3 terms in use for two way on stairs this may have 3 or 5 wires connected for 2 way.
to make it more difficult all two or tree gang switches are three term 2 way switches....
thats how they make them!!!!!!!!
if you buy 2 way switches you can't be wrong, if only one way reqd u just use common(com) plus L1 or L2, it doesn't matter which u use if switch works wrong way either rotate 180 deg. or swap L1-L2
regards Sparx

[duurrhh]

Wow that is brill - thank you so much for that - makes perfect sense now!!

You made a dumb blonde very happy!!

[thedoctor]

Hi, there is a huge amount of basic electrical info on our electrical pages here: https://www.diydoctor.org.uk/project_tra ... trical.htm and we also have a project on gang switches: https://www.diydoctor.org.uk/projects/wh ... switch.htm

I hope all this helps!

The Doc