How to replace the architrave switch?

smoyi · 01-19-2013, 07:25 AM

I need to replace the architrave switch. I have checked online, but the switch is different to mine. Most switches online has only three wires. But my one has four. I wonder if anyone can tell me the difference between the four and how to replace it?

Much appreciated.

joecaption · 01-19-2013, 09:14 AM

Sounds like you have a three way switch instead of a two way.
Can you turn the light on from more then one place with two differant switches? That would take a three way switch.
You need to be looking someplace local for that switch, electrical supply, hardware store ECT.

AllanJ · 01-19-2013, 10:12 AM

Switches with four terminals are used for lights controlled by switches in three or more locations. Also for certain kinds of equipment where both hot wires are switched as opposed to just one.

To find out for sure you would need either the switch instructions or to conduct tests by taking a multimeter and measuring continuity between every combination and permutation of terminals taken two at a time. Repeat the tests with the switch in the other position.

If the switch is defective, it will require intuition that experienced electricians have to interpret the test results. (You don't need an electrician's license to have that intution.)

joed · 01-19-2013, 10:24 AM

Is this possibly a low voltage controlled system?

kbsparky · 01-19-2013, 11:58 AM

Unless there are other switches that control the same light, maybe you have a double-pole switch?

Did you check for replacement switches at Mitre10?

Billy_Bob · 01-19-2013, 12:51 PM

Well as usual, 4-way switches are called something else in other parts of the world...

[Readers in the UK should read "two-way" for the American "three-way" and "intermediate" or "crossover" switch for the American "four-way".]...
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Multiway_switching

01-19-2013, 07:25 AM	#1
smoyi Newbie Join Date: Jan 2013 Location: Australia Posts: 10	How to replace the architrave switch? I need to replace the architrave switch. I have checked online, but the switch is different to mine. Most switches online has only three wires. But my one has four. I wonder if anyone can tell me the difference between the four and how to replace it? Much appreciated. Attached Thumbnails

01-19-2013, 09:14 AM	#2
joecaption Member Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: Hartfield VA Posts: 18,816	How to replace the architrave switch? Sounds like you have a three way switch instead of a two way. Can you turn the light on from more then one place with two differant switches? That would take a three way switch. You need to be looking someplace local for that switch, electrical supply, hardware store ECT.

01-19-2013, 10:12 AM	#3
AllanJ Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Nashua, NH, USA Posts: 6,775	How to replace the architrave switch? Switches with four terminals are used for lights controlled by switches in three or more locations. Also for certain kinds of equipment where both hot wires are switched as opposed to just one. To find out for sure you would need either the switch instructions or to conduct tests by taking a multimeter and measuring continuity between every combination and permutation of terminals taken two at a time. Repeat the tests with the switch in the other position. If the switch is defective, it will require intuition that experienced electricians have to interpret the test results. (You don't need an electrician's license to have that intution.) __________________ The average homeowner who lost his house in the Oklahoma tornadoes should move for good and not rebuild. Too much complexity watchdogging the contractor. Too much a chance to be defrauded.

01-19-2013, 10:24 AM	#4
joed Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Welland, Ontario Posts: 6,101	How to replace the architrave switch? Is this possibly a low voltage controlled system? __________________ Do not PM with questions that can be asked in a forum. I will not respond.

01-19-2013, 11:58 AM	#5
kbsparky Electrical Contractor Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Delmarva Posts: 3,148	How to replace the architrave switch? Unless there are other switches that control the same light, maybe you have a double-pole switch? Did you check for replacement switches at Mitre10? __________________ -KB Life is uncertain -- eat dessert first!! To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 10 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.

How to replace the architrave switch?