10 Things to Consider When Buying 3 gang switch

Buying light switches seems like an easy purchase, but when faced with all the options, you may realise it’s not as simple as you think. So, before you buy, it’s worth doing your research to ensure you get the right switches for your needs. 

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This buying guide tells you all you need to know about light switches. It covers how they work, what ‘gangs’ and ‘ways’ mean and the types and styles of light switches available. We also look at other types of switches and give tips on fitting light switches and things to consider before buying. 

Light switches are made up of three main parts:

1. A backplate is recessed into a wall 
2. The electrical wiring is housed inside the backplate 
3. A faceplate is the visible part with the switch. 

The wires within the switch are connected to the home’s consumer unit and light fitting through electrical cables hidden in the walls and ceilings. The faceplate is then wired to the backplate to form an electrical circuit. Flicking the switch to the off position breaks the circuit, so the light goes off. 

There are many types of light switches available. Some only control a single light, while others can have multiple switches to control multiple lights from one place.  

Homeowners or businessowners often replace their light switches simply because they want to update them to suit their room décor. But, for safety, they should be replaced if they’re showing any of the following signs of wear and tear: 

• Crackling or popping sounds when the switch is on 
• The switch or faceplate feels hot 
• A delay between flicking the switch and the light coming on 
• The switch feels loose 

Smart Switch Types

Smart light switches are like standard light switches, but with the added benefit of internet connectivity. Using WiFi, they connect to an app on a smartphone or tablet and allow users to turn lights on and off any time, from anywhere, automate them with schedules or set timers. They can also be connected to other smart devices as part of a more extensive smart home system. Read our smart plugs and switches buying guide to find out more. 

Smart light switches offer many benefits. For example, they can help reduce energy bills because users can check to ensure lights have been turned off when they’re not at home. Some even have built-in energy monitors. They also increase security as lights can be turned on remotely at night to deter burglars if no one is home. And they offer convenience because lights can be controlled with a voice command through a smart speaker. 

Smart light switches are available with dimmer functions and come in 1 or 2-ways and up to 4-gangs. 

Appliance Switch Types

Appliance switches are installed in kitchens, utility rooms and bathrooms. They are used to control power to appliances, such as cookers, washing machines and dishwashers. They’re typically installed in easy to reach areas, such as above a worktop because the location of the appliance would otherwise make access to the power source difficult.  

There are many types of appliance switches available. Some come pre-labelled with the name of the appliance, making it quick to identify when the power needs to be switched off in an emergency. Pull-cord versions are available for bathrooms to control electric showers and extractor fans. Some faceplates combine appliance switches with a switched socket. And many come with red lights to indicate when the power is switched on.  Appliance switches are available in a choice of styles and finishes, so a suitable switch can be found to suit any home’s décor. 

Retractive Switch Types

itches are mainly used in commercial settings for operating door openings or bell systems. The switch is only on while the button is being pressed. Once the button is released, the switch automatically returns to its original position and goes off. In a home setting, these switches can be used, for example, to control electric garage door openings or in flats where a communal door needs to be opened to let visitors in.  

Retractive switches look like standard light switches and come in various styles and finishes. Some retractive switches, designed for commercial use, have words such as ‘press to exit’ printed on them.  

Switched Fused Spurs

A switched fused spur is another type of switch used for electrical appliances such as washing machines and boilers. It contains an individual fuse that protects the appliance it's directly wired to by breaking the connection if excess current is detected. As well as the fuse, these switches also have a rocker switch, so the appliance can be manually switched off as required. 

Switched fused spurs are available in a choice of styles and finishes to suit any decor. Some come pre-labelled with the name of the appliance, making it quick to identify when the power needs to be switched off in an emergency. And many come with red lights to indicate when the power is switched on.

Outdoor Switch Types

Outdoor switches are installed on exterior walls and are used to control outdoor electrics such as lighting, water features and electronic gates. The switches are designed to be weatherproof, and they all carry an IP (ingress protection) rating to indicate how weatherproof they are. The IP rating is shown using the letters IP, followed by two numbers. The first number (a 5 or 6) indicates dust resistance, and the second number (a 5, 6 or 7) indicates water resistance. The higher those numbers are, the more resistant they are. 

Outdoor switches are typically grey and have wide rocker switches, although some have standard switches. They are available with up to 4-gangs and 2-ways. 

The most common light switches are white plastic. But there’s a wide range of other, more decorative colours and finishes available, so homeowners can match their switches to their décor. 

For example, other light switch colours available from Screwfix include black, brown, cream, grey and blue. Then there are metal effect switches, such as steel, brass, bronze, chrome, copper, iridium, and silverl. These metal effects can come in different finishes, such as gloss, matt, antique, brushed, polished or satin. Finally, there are even some more unusual switches, such as glass switches and wood effect switches. 

Switches also come with different profiles, describing how the switch stands out from the wall. For example, raised profiles with rounded or square edges stand a few millimetres out from the wall. There are slim raised profiles that stand out less. And there are flat profiles that are almost flush with the wall. 

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And finally, switches can be screwed or screwless. On screwed switches, the screws are visible. But a screwless switch has a clip-on faceplate which means there are no visible screws. 

Fitting a light switch can be a simple or complex task, depending on what light switches you're replacing or adding. 

For example, carrying out a like-for-like replacement of a 1-way switch is a simple task for a competent DIYer. It involves removing the faceplate of the old switch and fitting the new one. You can take a photo of the wiring in the old switch to make connecting light switch wires in the new one easier. Also, keep hold of the old screws – modern switches come with metric-sized screws, while old fittings use imperial-sized screws. So, you may need to use the old screws to fit the old backplate.  

Three or two way light switch wiring may be more complicated. A like-for-like replacement should be easy for a competent DIYer. However, caution should be taken when working on multi-way switches. The lights they control should be connected to the same circuit, but there may be live cables on another switch if they're wired incorrectly.  

Swapping a 1-way switch for a multi-way switch is more complicated. It involves replacing the original switch, installing other multi-way switches at the other control points, and running a cable between them to connect them. This is a job that's best carried out by a qualified electrician.   

It’s always important to do your research before buying switches to ensure you’re getting the right product for your needs. 

Here are four other things to consider: 

1. How many separate light fittings do you want to control?

If you're planning to change or add switches throughout a home, it's worth thinking ahead about how many switches you need to ensure you get the right amount. Go from room to room and count how many lights need to be controlled. Then work out if any of these can be combined on a 2-gang, 3-gang or 4-gang switch and whether, in some cases, you need to control one light with multiple switches.

2. What colour or finish are you looking for?

White plastic switches are often the default switch people go for but consider if other colours and finishes would suit the décor better. For example, brushed or polished chrome or slate grey are perfect finishes to match contemporary décor. Or if the décor is more traditional, there’s antique brass or wood effects. Also, think about how the colours will complement or match other items in the room, such as appliances, door handles or window openings. And don’t forget, you can choose different colours and finishes for different rooms if necessary.

3. Do you want a dimmer switch?

Dimmer switches are ideal for rooms where people want to relax in softer light, such as living rooms and bedrooms. So, consider if a dimmer switch is needed. If so, ensure the light bulb used in the connected fitting is compatible with a dimmer switch. If not, simply change the light bulb.

4. Smart compatibility

If the home already has other smart devices installed (i.e., smart security, plugs, speakers etc.), smart switches can be connected to them to create automation. For example, you can set up an automation where the lights switch off automatically when a room is empty. If there are no other smart devices installed yet, consider what may be needed in future. Either way, always check that smart devices are compatible with each other. 

If you’re replacing existing light switches — not wanting to adjust the light circuit or how the room mood is controlled — it’s really simple to replicate the format of modules that already exist, e.g. replace a Single Toggle Switch with a Single Toggle Switch.

That said, it is also possible to update a Toggle Switch to a Dimmer Switch, provided your light bulb is compatible.

Assuming it's in good condition, you'll be able to use the existing back box that's within the wall. However if you need a new one, we offer both plastic and metal options in 1 and 2 gang formats.

If you’re building a new home, or starting a space from scratch, you’ll likely be making decisions about where you want your switches to be placed. You therefore have free range to select the format, controls and design of each switch.

You'll also need to select and install a compatible back box to house your switch within the wall cavity. A 1 gang back box is suitable for 1 and 2 gang switch plates, then a 2 gang back box works with 3 and 4 gang switch plates.

For optimal performance and cooling, we recommend using a 35mm back box with Dimmer Switches, to prevent overheating.

If you’re building a new home, or starting a space from scratch, you’ll likely be making decisions about where you want your power supply to be and so installing brand new ports for your sockets. You'll need to choose a back box to house your socket. A 1 gang back box is compatible with a single plug socket, whilst a 2 gang back box is required for a double plug socket.

If in a small space with few power requirements, you might opt for a single socket. This could be suitable for powering a radio, next to your bedside table.

For kitchen work surfaces, where you’ve multiple electrical appliances in use, a double socket will be more practical. Think about everything you use on a daily basis; kettle, toaster, air fryer, digital radio, blender, coffee machine, etc.

If charging your modern smartphone or laptop is of importance, you’ll like our double sockets with USB and USBC functionality. Shop these knowing that your existing and future devices will be compatible, as tech products shift from USB to USBC ports.

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