In electrical work, a “gang” refers to the number of switches or devices mounted together in a single wall plate or box.
Simple idea:
- 1 gang = 1 switch in one plate
- 2 gang = 2 switches in one plate
- 3 gang = 3 switches in one plate
- 4 gang = 4 switches in one plate
…and so on.
Where it’s used
- Light switches
- Power outlets (GPOs)
- Data/communication plates
- Smart switches (e.g., multi-button panels)
Important notes
- “Gang” refers to the physical grouping, not the number of circuits.
- A 1-gang device can still control multiple lights (e.g., via a smart switch or dimmer).
- In some regions, the physical box size differs (US vs UK/NZ standards).
