A switch is a thing so familiar to our eye that you do not even think about what you can do with it. But everything changes when the apartment starts to make repairs: old switches need to be replaced with new ones, and even it is absolutely necessary to correct the lighting system. The question arises - how to make the installation in order to reliably install the switch, and at the same time not to disturb the wiring? This article will help you understand this.
Types of switches
For most of us, the word "switch" is associated with a plastic box (box) and a button in the middle. However, progress does not stand still, and the market has long been represented by a variety of types of switches that allow a person to adjust lighting in the most convenient way for him.
• Pushbutton (key) switches
Classic, all the long-familiar option; as a rule, it is a one-key switch or a double switch. Pressing the button allows either switching on or off lighting - there are no other functions.
• Adjustable switches (dimmers)
Allows you to smoothly adjust the lighting in the room. The undoubted advantage is the ability to save electricity and extend the life of the lamps while working in low light.
• Timer switches
They have a built-in mechanism that allows you to include light sources for a certain period of time.
• Switch-keychains
The main advantage of switches of this type is the ability to control lighting from anywhere in the room. For example, you can turn on / off the light without getting up from the couch.
• Wireless Switches A relatively new product for the market.
The main argument for its purchase is the lack of construction and installation works for its installation and multifunctionality.
Wiring diagram of the circuit breaker
Before starting the installation work, it is necessary to determine the location of the switches. The most common option is at the entrance to the room, but there are times when the switches are located in the immediate vicinity of the furniture. As for the height, here everything is done at the discretion of the tenants: someone is accustomed to seeing the switches at eye level, and for someone the most convenient option is at the level of the lowered hand.
The next point to consider is the type of posting. With concealed wiring, the switch mechanism can be hidden in the wall, but an open wiring type will not allow this, it is necessary to install external switches (this type of wiring remained in the old houses). It is necessary to remember the main rule: never carry out any actions with outlets and switches when the wiring is connected! The general sequence of actions is as follows:
1.Otklyuchaem electric network, we are dismantling the old switch
2. The electrical network is switched on in order to determine the live wire - the "phase"
3.The electrical network is cut off again, work is carried out
After a well-made installation, no wires should protrude from the switch box, the more current-carrying!
The diagram shows the connection of a European type circuit-breaker (this can be determined from the three wiring "entering" in the junction box). If we briefly describe the principle of action, then it is as follows:
- In the open position of the circuit breaker, the alternating current is at the terminal.
- Pressing the switch key closes the circuit and supplies current to the wire connected to the lamp; As a result, the lamp lights up.
- When opening, the contact breaks - the lamp goes out.
The other two wires exist in order to divert current from those areas in which there should be no voltage in the event of a short circuit. When installing the circuit breaker, it is always necessary to pay attention to the fact that the breaker opens the phase wire, not the zero! This serves as an additional security guarantor.
Watch the video about connecting the switch:
Diagram of connection of a two-button switch
The second scheme is the connection of a two-button switch. Having carefully examined it, we can conclude that there is no fundamental difference between them - the scheme is the same as if two single-key switches were combined in one box.
Circuit breaker connection scheme
The pass-through switch is another interesting point to stop, because it allows you to control the same light source from different points. Actually this is for those who have long corridors, stairs, and simply does not like to return every time just to turn off the light.
The peculiarity of these switches is that they contain not two contacts inside but three (if it's a single-key switch). When it comes to a two-key switch, there are already six contacts inside, etc. Simply put, each key has one contact per input and two - to the output.
This diagram clearly demonstrates that the presence of an additional contact makes it possible to close / open / the circuit without touching the switch that was originally used.
Watch the video on the connection of the switch:
It should be noted that for the installation of such a scheme it is necessary to purchase special switches, since only they are able to provide a high-quality switching mode of "changeover", and, as a consequence, completely eliminate the situation in which three contacts could be closed at once.
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