Key Features & Typical Use
The Third Switch Position
The standard two-way connection is limited to two locations. If you require more than two locations, you will need the E10-003 device located in between the two-way switches and along the rest of the wire run. This device can be placed in the wire run anywhere between the two-way switches, and will allow you to switch on light(s) from more than the two point in the circuit – for example in a hotel corridor or in a landing where you have several doors leading into the same area.
It Cannot Be Used Alone
The intermediate switch operates using four connectors and functions by means of the circuit being in one of two positions. The intermediate switch does not have its own on, off action. In a two-way switch system, the intermediate switch is installed at both ends of the circuit; this is the most common type of error in multi-point circuits.
One More Conductor, Not One More Circuit
If you are extending control to another one, you will need to run more conductors from the switches, instead of bringing in another switch feed back to the panel. When it comes to long corridors or big floors, there’s a huge saving on copper and containment – thus it is easy to see why intermediate switching is used as standard practice in commercial work.
Same Footprint, Same Frames
Matching the other devices in the E10 series, this module too has a dimension of 80 x 80mm. As such, an intermediate switch is situated with sockets or data modules without a unique plate on a multi gang frame. The mechanism is made from red copper having contact points of silver alloy the same as used in other switches.
Specifications
| Series | E10 EU standard series |
|---|---|
| Item Code | E10-003 |
| Description | 1 gang intermediate switch module |
| Module Size | 80 x 80mm |
| Rated Current / Voltage | 10A 250V~ (listed as 10AX on the E10 module sheet) |
| Wiring | Intermediate — four terminals, sits between two 2 way switches |
| Installation | Flush mounting |
| Housing Material | PC (polycarbonate) |
| Contacts | Red copper with silver alloy contact points |
| Frame Options | 1 to 5 gang, horizontal or vertical (E10-044 to E10-048) |
| Related Modules | E10-001 (1 way), E10-002 (2 way, one at each end of the run) |
| Packaging | Finished product packaging, or module + frame packaging |
E10-003 – Intermediate Switching for Corridors, Landings and Open Plan Floors
Whenever light has to be accessed from more than two entrances, two-way switching stops being effective. The E10-003 expands the circuit to include a two-way switch on each end of its length and an intermediate module at any other control point. This is key in spaces such as a hotel floor, a gallery landing, or an open-plan office where the difference between lighting installed according to actual walkways and lighting that does not in accordance with the way people walk.
The business case for specifying it relates to the number of conductors involved. When a third control station is provided with the required intermediate switching capability then the only extra run required will be between the two adjacent switches. However, if extra positions are added through another arrangement then an additional run of switched cable will be needed back to the distribution board. In long corridors and multi-story public areas such savings quickly add up across multiple circuits and usually cover the extra costs involved in the change, and the module is still the compact 80 x 80mm size compatible with the other units in the E10 series.
Factory-Direct OEM / ODM Manufacturer
We Manufacture, You Brand
EU module tooling in-house · PC moulding and copper contacts · OEM branding
- OEM branding – logo on the plate, custom carton and instruction sheet.
- ODM options – plate colour, module mix, frame layout and packaging format.
- Testing – function and electrical tests recorded for each production batch.
- MOQ – flexible per item; confirmed with the quotation for your configuration.
Buying Guide
- List each lighting circuit and write down how many positions it must be controlled from.
- Two positions: a pair of E10-002. Three or more: E10-002 at each end plus E10-003 at the middle positions.
- Check the wiring plan allows the intermediate modules to be inserted in the route between the two way switches.
- Group the positions into plates so a corridor with several circuits can use multi gang frames.
- Confirm the supply format — finished plates, or modules plus frames for local assembly.
- Approve a sample module and confirm the quantities and configuration with our team.
How We Support Your Business
OEM / ODM
Custom housing colour, module mix, frame layout and retail packaging built on our standard EU wiring device platform — your logo on the plate, your carton on the pallet.
Custom moulding · Branded packaging · Private label
Wholesale
Factory-direct pricing with a flexible per-item MOQ, mixing modules, frames and finishes in one container for importers, wholesalers and retail chains.
Factory pricing · Mixed models · Container loading
Distributor Support
Account management, market-specific socket format advice and priority production slots for channel partners building a European wiring device range.
Account manager · Market advice · Priority lead times
Ready to Order the E10-003?
Indicate the number of control points for every circuit and we will provide the EU standard intermediate switch module on factory terms along with the required two-way modules for each end of the run.
Contact Our Sales Team
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an intermediate switch used for?
This creates an additional control point in a lighting circuit where there should be two-way switching, enabling the same light to be controlled from at least three locations. Typical applications include hotel and office corridors, galleried landings, staircases serving many floors, and large open-plan rooms with several entrances.
Can an intermediate switch work on its own?
No. It does not have an on and off position itself and must be connected between two two-way switches. A circuit made only of intermediate switches will not operate. Always use E10-002 for the end of the circuit and E10-003 for the intermediate switches.
How do I calculate how many intermediate switches I need?
The number of excess control positions is less than two. In a circuit using three control positions, one intermediary module is employed; in a circuit utilizing four positions, two are required and in a circuit using five positions, three are required. Therefore, the plates can be clustered together to allow more than one circuit to share a frame.
What is the difference between intermediate and 2 way switches?
The two-way switch has 3 terminals and works in pairs to create 2 different control positions. An intermediate switch has 4 terminals and is put in between the two-way switches, which creates an extra control position. They look the same on the wall plate, so more importance is given to the part number than to the looks.
Can it be used on the same plate as a socket?
Yes. E10 is a modular system, which means that an intermediate switch module has the ability to use the same frame as a one-gang to five-gang combination with any type of socket, data, or other type of switch module. This is of particular importance in circulation areas where point of light and cleaning socket need to be located at the same position.
Is the current rating suitable for corridor lighting?
This module possesses a rating of 10A and 250V and is listed as 10AX, which applies to lighting circuits used in the corridors and passageways. If you are using a standard circuit that operates a large number of LED drivers, or has a high inrush, please provide us with your details and we will confirm the best module for your purposes.
