Phase and neutral (France)

Two-way switches in France can be wired just like the same in UK.
Here's two examples, but both require two wires between the switches.

For intermediate switching there aren't any intermediate switches available. The French use the teleinterupteurs.
Here's an explanation.

You can use the teleinterupteurs instead of two-way if you want. Then it's easy to add further switches in the future.
Intermediate switches are available in France, if difficult to get. They are called PERMUTATEURS.
 
Just got a photo of the back of one.
Am I right in assuming terminal 1 & 2 are the strappers in one direction, and terminals 3 & 4 the strappers in the other direction?
1668514433488.png

 
Not wishing to HIjack, but what is the point of running the Neutral all over the place ?
In my house, bedroom1, it stops at a JB.
A single core (in a 2xbrown T & E because there are two lights) goes to the first2 way switch, twin goes (via two intermediates) to the other 2-way switch, then another single comes back to the JB.

In other words the 2 wire method in the French link. is that OK in the UK?
1668642773713.png
 
Last edited:
Not wishing to HIjack, but what is the point of running the neutral all over the place ?
In my house, bedroom1, it stops at a JB.
A single core (in a 2xbrown T & E because there are two lights) goes to the first2 way switch, twin goes (via two intermediates) to the other 2-way switch, then another single comes back to the JB.
I assume you are not in France as T & E is not used there. I believe France requires a neutral at the switch in case it is needed for neon indicators or smart switches etc.
 
Not wishing to HIjack, but what is the point of running the Neutral all over the place ?
Yes, but if you start by running the supply - L & N - to the switch, then you also have to take that N to the light, whether this is from a single switch or the second switch of a two-way system - i.e. all over the place in your words.

In the diagram you posted, where does the Neutral come from?
 
Occasionally it's not possible, or undesirable to run a single wire from the remote two-way switch to the lamp.
Then a three wire option is available between switches.
This video explains the options. There is also a video on intermediate switches.

 
Yeah - but why would you do that if you had a choice?
You have an additional switched live running between the switches (usual three strappers) instead of the neutral.
It depends on the location of the various parts.

Look at it like this:

View attachment 285944
@EFLI
It's not laid out like that. That would mean a lot more wall channelling. Are you saying the N runs separately, or within the switch boxes?

The light bulb is connected in the ceiling with the junction box, the switches aren't.
Think of SW1 by the door (below the JB).
The two intermediates are low level, each side of the bed, and the furthest, SW2, is equally low, by the dressing table.
I only need 2 strappers per light.

It's double because there are 2 lights. No neutrals anywhere.

Question is, is it OK according to the UK regs to not have neutrals running through the switches? I can't see any point.

1668712807916.png

I've drawn a bit of redundancy in the L's before the first switch. I probably did it that way.

The only floor to ceiling cable is by the door. The long cable at the bottom, doesn't run between the switches. It's under the floor.
 
Last edited:
@EFLI
It's not laid out like that. That would mean a lot more wall channelling. Are you saying the N runs separately, or within the switch boxes?
It depends on the location of the various parts and where L & N are run and how you want to do it.

I was endeavouring to explain (or counteract) your comment about Neutrals being run all over the place by pointing out that there has to be one conductor - either Neutral or another Switched Live - run somewhere.
 
Question is, is it OK according to the UK regs to not have neutrals running through the switches? I can't see any point.
So, I take it that that's a yes it's OK, then ?????
Yes the SL has to go out and come back, but , then, not as a strapper all the way, and no neutral.
 
So, I take it that that's a yes it's OK, then ?????
Yes, it's ok.

Yes the SL has to go out and come back,
It doesn't have to come back if the light is at the far end.

but , then, not as a strapper all the way, and no neutral.
Not as a strapper all the way, no.

There has to be a Neutral somewhere, as I keep trying to explain.

The schematic diagrams are not representative of the actual locations of the conductors.
 
Back
Top