“Gang switches are commonly used electrical switches that control one or more light fixtures or electrical devices from multiple locations. These switches are often used in homes and buildings where you want to control a single light or set of lights from different entry points or rooms.
The term “”gang”” refers to the number of switches that are grouped together in a single unit or frame. Each switch within a gang switch setup controls the same electrical load (light or device), but they can be operated independently from different locations. The most common types of gang switches are 1 gang, 2 gang, 3 gang, and so on. Let’s break down what each of these terms means:
1 Gang Switch: This is a single switch in a single unit or frame. It controls one electrical load (e.g., a single light fixture) from a single location.
2 Gang Switch: This setup consists of two switches in a single unit or frame. Both switches control the same electrical load, and you can operate the load from two different locations.
3 Gang Switch: This setup includes three switches in a single unit or frame, all controlling the same electrical load. You can operate the load from three different locations.
The concept continues for switches with higher gang numbers.
For instance, in a hallway, you might have a 2 gang switch setup at both ends. This would allow you to turn on or off the same hallway light from either end of the hallway. Similarly, in a larger room, you could have a 3 gang switch setup to control the lighting from different sides of the room.
Gang switches are a practical way to provide convenient access to control lights or devices from multiple points, eliminating the need to walk back to the original switch location to turn off the lights. They are commonly used in spaces like hallways, staircases, and larger rooms.”