Switch or hotel switch what is the difference?

Many people look for one hotel switch and arrive at one changeover switch. That is no coincidence, because they are simply two names for exactly the same product. A hotel switch is therefore nothing more than a changeover switch. On our website we deliberately use the term changeover switch, because this is the official and most commonly used name.

A changeover switch is used when you want to operate one lamp or a group of lamps from two different places. You switch the same lighting on and off with two switches. It doesn't matter which switch you use. The light always responds to the last operation.

Why is it also called a hotel switch?

The name hotel switch comes from its use in hotels. In a hotel room, the light is often switched on at the door and off again at the bed. That is exactly what a changeover switch makes possible. In homes, this same principle is often applied in stairwells, long corridors and landings.

A recognizable example is the stairs. You turn on the light downstairs, walk upstairs and switch it off again. This is comfortable, logical and prevents unnecessary walking back and forth.

Where do you use a changeover switch in your home?

Changeover switches This is especially noticeable in places where you move through a room. Think of hallways, stairs, bedrooms or a combination of hall and living room. Wherever you do not want to keep going back to one switch, a two-way switch is the right solution.

Combining single and double changeover switches

At Livolo Single and double changeover switches can be combined with each other. For example, you can place a single changeover switch for one lamp downstairs, while you use a double changeover switch upstairs. One button then controls the same lamp, while the other button switches an additional lamp or lighting group. This gives you a lot of freedom when arranging your lighting.

Connect to existing changeover switch wiring

Livolo touch changeover switches can simply be connected to standard changeover switch wiring. Additional cabling is not required and existing installations do not need to be modified. This makes replacing traditional switches with touch changeover switches easy, even during renovation.

Up to five touch switches can be linked together within one changeover circuit. Single and double changeover switches can be used interchangeably without any problems, as long as they operate the same lamp.

Smart switching in the bedroom

Comfort is extra important in the bedroom. No one wants to walk through the room at night to turn off the lights. With two-way switches you can create a practical and luxurious solution here.

When entering the bedroom, place a single changeover switch to switch on the main lighting. This way you have direct light when you walk into the room. Place a double changeover switch next to the bed on both the left and right sides.

The inner button of both switches controls the same main lighting. This allows you to easily switch the ceiling light on and off from either side of the bed. The second button of each double toggle switch is used for the bedside lamp on that side of the bed. 

This setup provides peace and quiet, convenience and logical operation. You always have the right light within reach, without having to get up unnecessarily. A small adjustment in switching material that noticeably increases daily comfort in the bedroom.

How is the master changeover switch determined?

The changeover switch to which a lamp is connected is automatically the master changeover switch. This applies to both a single and a double changeover switch. Once a lamp wire is connected to an output of the switch, that switch acts as the starting point for the changeover circuit. The other changeover switches are taught-in from this switch.

With a single changeover switch, the lamp is connected to L1. This switch is therefore automatically the master for that lamp.

With a double changeover switch, each button has its own output. The left button is L1 and the right button is L2. When you connect a lamp to L1 or L2, that button becomes the master toggle switch for that lamp.

With a double changeover switch, this applies per output. If a lamp is connected to one button, that button becomes part of the changeover circuit and functions as a master for that lamp. The second button can also be used completely separately as a normal switch for another lamp or lighting group. This does not have to be set as a changeover switch and can function independently.

This means that a double changeover switch is very flexible in use. You can operate one lamp via multiple switches, while simultaneously switching another lamp locally with the second button, without affecting the alternating circuit.

Combining touch and rocker switches is not possible

A two-way switch and a hotel switch are technically the same. The difference is not in the name, but in the type of operation. A touch changeover switch only works in combination with another touch changeover switch. It is not possible to combine a touch changeover switch with a traditional rocker switch within the same switching circuit.

Touch and rocker switches work in different ways. That is why touch switches can only be combined with other touch switches and rocker switches only work with rocker switches. By using one type of switch within one alternating circuit, operation remains reliable and trouble-free.

When do you choose a changeover switch?

A changeover switch, or hotel switch, is the right choice when you want to operate lighting logically, comfortably and in multiple places. Whether it concerns a staircase, hallway or bedroom, with a changeover switch the lighting fits perfectly with how you move through your home.

Changeover switch dimmer within a changeover circuit

A changeover switch makes it possible to operate one lamp or lighting group from multiple places. If you also want to be able to dim this lighting, this can easily be combined within the same alternating circuit.

Within such a switching circuit only one changeover dimmer required. This dimmer is always connected where the lamp wire enters. This switch controls the dimming of the lighting and automatically functions as a master changeover switch.

The other switches within the same alternating circuit may not be dimmers. These must be normal on/off changeover switches, with which you switch the lighting on and off from other places. The dimming itself is always done via the dimmer changeover switch.

Frequently asked questions about changeover switches and hotel switches

Is a two-way switch the same as a hotel switch?
Yes. A hotel switch is another name for a two-way switch. They are two names for exactly the same switch and operation.

Where is a two-way switch most commonly used?
Changeover switches are mainly used in stairwells, long corridors, landings and bedrooms. Wherever you want to control one lamp from two places.

Can I replace a changeover switch myself?
Yes, provided the existing wiring is present and you are familiar with electrical installations. When in doubt, it is always wise to call in an installer.

Can I connect multiple changeover switches to one lamp?
Yes. With touch changeover switches, up to five switches can be linked together to control the same lamp.

What is the difference between a two-way switch and a cross switch?
Traditionally, a two-way switch is used to control one lamp from two places. If you want to switch a lamp from three or more places, a cross switch is normally used between the changeover switches.

Bee Livolo However, a separate cross switch is not necessary. The system makes it possible to connect up to five changeover switches to control the same lamp. This can be connected to the same wiring normally used for a cross circuit. Additional cabling or adjustment of the existing installation is therefore not necessary. This eliminates the need for a cross switch.

Can I combine a touch changeover switch with a regular switch?
No, that's not possible. Touch changeover switches only work in combination with other touch changeover switches. A combination with a traditional rocker switch is not possible, because they both work in a different way.

Touch only works with touch and seesaw only works with seesaw. A combination of these two types of switches within one alternating circuit is not possible.

Which changeover switch is the master?
The changeover switch to which the lamp wire is connected is automatically the master changeover switch. This applies to both single and double changeover switches. This switch is always directly connected to the lamp and also operates the lamp independently. All other changeover switches linked to the same lamp work together with this master and follow its operation.

Do I need multiple dimmers for an alternating circuit?
No. Within a changeover circuit, only one changeover switch dimmer is required. This dimmer controls the dimming of the lighting for the entire circuit.

Where do I place the changeover dimmer switch?
The changeover switch dimmer is always placed at the position where the lamp wire (terminal L1 or L2) is connected. 

Why do people often search for hotel switch?
The term hotel switch is widely used because this circuit is often found in hotels, for example at the door and the bed. Technically this is just a changeover switch.