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How to Wire Double Switch? 2-Gang, 1-Way Switch – IEC & NEC

Installation of Combination Double Switch (NEC) AKA 2-Gang, 1-Way Switch (IEC) for 120/240V & 230V AC

What is Combination Double Switch (AKA 2-Gang, 1-Way Switch)?

Double Switch (NEC) or 2-Gang, 1-Way Switch (IEC) represent the same thing i.e. it is a two single pole (SPST) switches in a single unit as a dual rocker switch. It is used as double rocker or double pole switches to control the residential small load appliances such as light bulbs and fans etc.

Good to know: Double switch is known as Double Rocker. Duplex Toggle, or Dual Rocker, Combination device of 2 single pole switches, Combo Double Toggle Switch or Combination Double Switch in North America (US – NEC). While it is known as Two Gang, One-Way switch (combination of two single-way switches) in the Europe, UK and IEC following countries. The “Gang” just represents the number of switches on the plate which is also known as “Throw”, “Rocker” or “Dimmer” while the “Way” describes the number of controlling circuits per switch e.g. one-way, two-way, three-way, four way etc. For example. a 1-Gang, 1-Way switch only control a single circuit (such as lighting) for ON and OFF operation.

Caution: Switches are always wired on the Phase (Line or Hot) wires same as fuses.

Related Wiring Diagrams:

Construction of Combination Device (Double Switch or 2-Gang, 1-Way)

The following figures represent the basic construction of  double switch (NEC) and two gang, one way switch (IEC).

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How to Wire Double Switch 2-Gang, 1-Way Switch - IEC & NEC - Construction of Combination Device (Double Switch or 2-Gang, 1-Way)

The following diagram shows the the working operations of a Double switches (Combination of two switches in a single unit).

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Double Switch - Combo Device of 2 Single Pole Switches

The following figures show the different views of Double Switch Combo Device.

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Double Switch Combo Device (US - NEC)

 

Let’s see how to wire them one by one for different load circuits according to NEC & IEC.

Wiring Double Switches for 120V/240V Circuits – NEC

How to Wire a Double Switch to a Ceiling Fan with a Light Bulb in One Unit?

The following wiring diagram shows how to control both light and fan using a combination double switch. It clearly shows that the Hot (Line) wire is connected to common screws that are bonded together via break-off fin. There are four wires connected to the terminal box of the ceiling fan with a light bulb.

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How to Wire a Double Switch to a Ceiling Fan with a Light Bulb in One Unit

The Red wire as Hot connected to the ceiling fan and the Black wire as hot connected to the light bulb from the double switch load terminals. Finally, the Ground and Neutral wire is connected to the (common for both appliances) terminals in the ceiling fan box. This way, the upper switch controls the fan and the lower switch controls the light bulb in it for ON and OFF operations..

Keep in mind that you may use the combination fan and light control dimmer switch for the same purpose as it has the same wiring connections.

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Wiring Combination Device with Duplex Single Pole Switches to a Ceiling Fan & a Light Bulb?

The following diagram shows the controlling of an ordinary fan and a separate light bulb using a double switch (combination). It has the same wiring connection as above. The incoming hot wire is connected to the common screw of the double switch. The load terminals connected to the ceiling fan and light bulb. Also, both Neutral and Ground wire are connected to the fan and light.

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Wiring Combination Device with Duplex Single Pole Switches to a Ceiling Fan & a Light Bulb

In this case, the upper switch (Red wire from the switch to the Fan) controls the ceiling fan and the lower switch (Black wire from switch to the light) controls the light bulb.

Wiring a Ceiling Fan & Light using Double Combination Dimmer Switch

This is the recommended way to wire a fan and light using a dimmer double switch combination to control the fan speed as well as light density.

As shown, the line (hot) is connected to the common screw of the dimmer switch. The load terminals of the double dimmer switch are connected to the fan and light bulb. Finally, both Neutral and Ground wires are connected to both load points.

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Wiring a Ceiling Fan & Light using Double Combination Dimmer Switch

As shown, the upper switch is used to control the fan speed while the lower switch is used to control the light density as well as both ON and OFF operations.

Related Posts:

Wiring 2-Gang, 1-Way Light Switches for 230V Circuits – IEC

Controlling a Fan & Light Bulb in One Unit using a Two-Gang, One-Way Switch

The following wiring diagram shows how to control both ceiling fan and light bulb in it using a 2-Gang, 1-Way switch. As shown, the phase (line) wire is connected to both common screws. There are four wires connected to the terminal box of the ceiling fan with a light bulb.

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Controlling a Fan & Light Bulb using a Two-Gang, One-Way Switch

The Brown wire as phase from the L1 terminal of switch is connected to the ceiling fan and the Black wire as phase from the L2 terminal of switch is connected to the light bulb. Finally, the Neutral and Ground wire is connected to the common terminals in the ceiling fan box. This way, the first switch controls the fan and the second switch controls the light bulb in it for ON and OFF operations..

Keep in mind that you may use the combination fan and light control dimmer switch for the same purpose as it has the same wiring connections.

Related Posts:

Wiring a Ceiling Fan & Bulb using a 2-Gang, 1-Way Switch

The following wiring diagram shows the controlling of a typical fan and a separate bulb using Two-Gang, One-Way switch. It has the same wiring connection as shown above. The incoming phase wire is connected to the common terminal of the 2-gang switch. The load terminals (L1 and L2) connected to the ceiling fan and light bulb respectively. Also, both Neutral and Ground wire are connected to both the fan and light bulb.

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Wiring a Ceiling Fan & Bulb using a 2-Gang, 1-Way Switch

In this case, the Right side switch (brown wire from L1 terminal of switch to the Fan) controls ON and OFF operations of the ceiling fan and the Left side switch (Black wire from L2 terminal of switch to the light) controls the ON/OFF operations of the light bulb.

Related Posts:

  • The brass screws should be connected to the Hot (line, live or phase) wire using the IEC & NEC Wire color codes. In case of SPDT and 4-Way (Intermediate switches), black colored screws are used for Hot or common terminals. In short, the color for common terminal is different than other terminals.
  • The silver screws should be connected to the Neutral wire (in case of switched outlet)
  • The green screw should be connected to the ground / earth wire (Green/Yellow or naked wire)
  • If there are no color coded screws on outlets, refer to the user manual or contact a licensed electrician.
  • Neutral Wire is not required in 240V outlets wiring (US) Also, Neutral is never connected to the switches.
  • Use the suitable voltage and ampere rating of switch with appropriate wire size and proper size MCB according to the load rating.

Precautions:

  • Switch off the main circuit breaker to make sure the power supply is OFF before wiring an existing or new outlet or switch with an electrical/junction box.
  • Contact the authorized and licensed electrician for switch installation if you are not sure about the wiring diagrams.
  • The author will not be liable for any losses, injuries, or damages from the display or use of this information or if you try any circuit in the wrong format. So please! Be careful because it’s all about electricity and electricity is too dangerous.

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