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Do-it-yourself pass-through switch from ordinary switches. Pass-through switch - design feature and difference

Do-it-yourself pass-through switch from ordinary switches. Pass-through switch - design feature and difference

13mm 14-02-2012 08:22

Here is a two-core wire sticking out of the wall, on which a regular switch is placed.
How can he connect two pass-through switches without changing the wiring or picking at the walls?

Flg 14-02-2012 10:30


So I thought of a diagram.

Well, the circuit, as a circuit, is quite normal for pass-through switches.

Steelyard 14-02-2012 12:08



What do electricians say?


that the diagram shows not SWITCHES, but SWITCHES
A two-key switch would be suitable here, but its diagram looks different (too lazy to draw), and the process of operating a pass-through switch assembled from two two-key switches, kmk, will give you an unforgettable experience.

passerby 14-02-2012 12:08

quote: Originally posted by 13mm:
So I thought of a diagram.
What do electricians say?

The idea is common. BUT! You need to use a switch, not a switch - a regular switch does not have a second terminal, it does not transfer the connection, but simply breaks it. And the switch - yes, either line A or line B. The switch can also be used as a switch if the second terminal is not connected to anything.

euh.vsq 14-02-2012 13:00

A pass-through switch is essentially a switch. The seme is common for pass-through switches.

Pavel_A 14-02-2012 13:13

Will work.

DrLupus 14-02-2012 13:47

I raised this topic. A couple of years ago.
Don't be lazy to look, there was a lot there practical advice, with many pictures.
I don't want to offend anyone, I just want to enrich useful information!

DrLupus 14-02-2012 13:49

Raised in 2008. Was successfully implemented. True, particularly talented individuals still managed to ruin one of the three “branches” of lighting. But there's nothing you can do about it... human factor!
I'll tell you if anyone is interested...

13mm 15-02-2012 14:42

Isn't there any crime here?

passerby 15-02-2012 15:04

quote: Originally posted by 13mm:
Oh damn! I didn't express myself correctly!
I have pass-through switches with two triangles on the key!
It's just that my wiring is made for a regular switch. And I want to insert one pass-through switch into a socket in the wall, and from it along the wall, in the corners, under the baseboard, run a three-core wire to the second switch. We will hide the wire during the first repair.
Isn't there any crime here?

If the switches are pass-through, then do it... There is no “crime” here. Just look at the load of the lamps so that the contacts do not burn out (at 220 volts there is no need to worry - there will be a small current there).

Sometimes it is necessary to make pass-through switches. What it is? This is when the light can be turned on in one place and turned off in another. Or vice versa.

Here are examples of real situations where you need to turn lights on and off different places. I encountered some of them in practice, some I observed in different places.

  1. In a hotel, the light can be turned on at the entrance to the room, and turned off with a switch at the head of the room while already lying in bed.
  2. On the balcony, which has two exits (from the kitchen and the room). When you exit through one door, the light on the balcony turns on, and when you exit through another, it turns off.
  3. At the dacha you can place two switches: at the bottom of the stairs to the second floor, and at the top.

There are two main ways to implement such a scheme:

  • using pass-through switches;
  • using special relays.

A pass-through switch is a device with a changeover contact. Outwardly, it looks exactly like a regular one. The diagram on such switches looks like this.

The disadvantage of this scheme is that the position of the switch when the light is off is not very clear. The switch key can be in either an “up” or “down” position. That is, the position of the keys of both switches when the light is off is in antiphase.

The second drawback is that you cannot turn it on/off at three points. For example, in the bedroom I would like to have light on both sides of the bed and near the entrance. Then you need to use a special relay.

In my practice, I used the MR-41 relay manufactured by the Czech company Elko. It is quite expensive, about 1400 rubles. But it solves the problem completely.


The relay is installed in the electrical panel in the same way as a regular one. There are many buttons connected to it (apparently up to 80) without locking. And a lamp is connected to the power contacts of the relay.


Both Legrand and ABB have similar devices, but are much more expensive. When choosing such devices, it is important to ensure that two functions are available.

  • ensuring that the backlight of the switch key is lit (not everyone does this);
  • restoration of the current state after a power failure.

Elko implements both of these functions. Another problematic issue is the search for a switch without latching. I managed to find such switches in the popular Legrand Valena series. However, an attempt to order showed that you can buy such switches right away, without pre-ordering, even in Moscow, in only a few places.

Related materials:

  • How to make pass-through switches?

Comments: 16

    ABB has a 3-point pass-through switch. In my house, I have organized the switching on of the corridor lights at three points without a relay. I don't remember the model.

    “The second drawback is that you can’t turn it on/off at three points”

    Let me disagree, intermediate switches have existed for a long time, that is, they are installed in the gap between the end passages. Almost all manufacturers have them, from cheap WI-KO to expensive Italians. The use of a relay, by the way, greatly simplifies installation, because, in most cases, a two-wire line is sufficient to control lighting. The only BUT is that all switching occurs in the distribution board. Well, somewhere like that)))

    seriously

    tell me if anyone knows)

    The issue is resolved by purchasing a P2K type key switch or a 2-position toggle switch for a few rubles in a radio parts store.

    P2K is a low-current low-voltage switch; when switching lighting in a house, it burns out after a dozen switchings.

    28 Dec. saw these switches in OBI and Leroy Merlin stores. price from 72 rubles? and 240 rubles. This is in Moscow. On Altufvskoye Highway. and on Borovsky. I don’t know about others. Yes, I heard that there is one in Voronezh.

The work of a pass-through switch is that it can be used to turn off the lights in two different places.

Pass-through switch diagram

This wiring diagram for a pass-through switch differs from connecting a conventional switch only in the design of the switch itself and the number of wires.

The design differs in that it does not have an “Off” position. The pass-through switch directs current to one of the terminals. The lighting is turned off when the pass-through switches are in different positions.

In the case of a conventional switch, only 2 wires are involved in the circuit, but in a pass-through circuit there are 3. One is the supply and phase output for pass-through switches, and the other 2 are jumpers between two route switches.

Connecting a pass-through switch with your own hands

    The neutral wire runs through the junction box to the lamp.

    Comparison

    Unlike a switch, where the electrical circuit is simply interrupted, when you press the switch key, switching occurs from one contact to another. And instead of interrupting the electrical circuit, the contacts are switched and a new circuit is created (that’s why switches are also called changeover switches). This feature allows the same light source to be manipulated from different points using a switch. A system consisting of several switches (changeover switches) is called a pass-through switch.

    EMAS switch (3 positions)

    Conclusions website

    1. The switch has two contacts and serves to disconnect and connect an electrical circuit.
    2. The switch has three contacts and serves both to connect and disconnect an electrical circuit, and to create a new circuit.

To control lighting devices on stairs or in a long corridor usual scheme with one “on/off” device is not suitable. To turn off the light in such a situation, you will have to go back to the only switch in the room. Not too convenient, don't you agree?

By installing a pass-through switch that allows you to control light bulbs from two places, you will significantly increase the level of comfort in your home or office. We will tell you how to choose the right device and how to install it correctly. Our article discusses popular connection options.

Before you go to the lighting store for necessary materials, first you need to understand the terminology and various electrical switching devices.

For most novice electricians, a switch and a switch are the same thing. However, they are only superficially similar to each other. According to the principle of operation, these devices differ radically.

Both household switches and light switches look the same and have uniform housings, but are designed to fundamentally different schemes connections

A regular “SWITCH” is the simplest key that opens/closes an electrical circuit. It has one incoming and one outgoing wire. Plus, there are two- and three-key devices with a large number of contacts. However, these are simply two or three switches assembled together in a single housing.

A “SWITCH” is a switching device in which one incoming electrical circuit is switched to one of several output circuits. Often, such a device is also called a “changeover switch”, since it has a key for switching contacts from one position to another.

At a minimum, such a single-key device has three contacts (one incoming and a pair of outgoing). If there are two keys, then there are already six terminals (a pair at the input and four at the output).

The term “PASS-THROUGH SWITCH” refers to several switches connected to each other according to a specific circuit. Such a switch is designed to turn on/off a single light source from several points in a room or fenced area with lighting at once.

It is impossible to make a “pass-through” device from classic switches in order to save on purchases; for this it is necessary to use only switches

As a result, a two-pin switch is designed to break one electrical circuit with the phase through which the light bulb is powered. And a three-pin switch is used to create new separate power circuits.

The first option is needed to stop the flow of current through any circuit, and the second option is needed to switch between circuits. Externally, both devices look exactly the same. This is a housing with one or more keys. In this case, the switch can be used in switch mode, but vice versa cannot.

It is impossible to turn a two-pin device into a three-pin one. But eliminating the use of one of the circuits is quite acceptable. But to organize light control from several points, you need to buy only switching devices with three or more contacts.

Types of household switching devices

Switches come in push-button, key and rotary types. The first option is usually used only as a call front door. It is not suitable for lighting control.

But the second type for turning on/off lights in a residential building is just what you need. The rotary version is more intended for production and utility rooms. Such products are not very presentable appearance.

Depending on the number of keys, switches are:

  • single-key;
  • two-key;
  • three-key.

They are divided into ordinary (pass), combined and (intermediate). The first ones have three contacts. For the latter, this three terminals is increased by multiplying by the number of keys. And the third has two entrances and exits. The latter are intended for circuits with not two, but several light switching points.

By type of control in private homes, light switches are usually standard keypads, but there are also models with sensors and remote control

According to the wiring diagram, switches are available for open () and hidden (built-in analogues) wiring. The first ones are fastened to the wall with self-tapping dowels, and the second ones are fixed in the socket boxes with the help of expanding legs.

When choosing switches for connection according to the pass-through switch circuit, it is necessary to correctly select the number of keys (one for each connected group). If you plan to make two control points, then you will only need a pair of ordinary three-pin devices.

If more of these points are needed, then for each such place you will have to additionally take an intermediate crossover device to be included in a single system.

In the vast majority of cases, the key of a household switch has two positions for closing one of the circuits. But there are also modifications with a zero middle state. In this situation, both circuits are broken.

Marking on the switch body

The part of the switch where the contacts are located usually has special markings indicating the characteristics of the switching product. At a minimum, these are the rated voltage and current, as well as the designations of the wire terminals.

If the switch is selected for circuits with fluorescent lamps, then its marking must contain the letters “X” or “AX” (on ordinary ones there is only “A”)

When the light is turned on fluorescent lamps a sharp surge of inrush current occurs in the circuit. If LED or incandescent light bulbs are used, then this jump is not so large.

Otherwise, the switch must be designed for such high loads, otherwise there is a risk of burning the contacts in its terminals. This is why it is so important to choose special switches for fluorescent electric lamps.

For installation in a bedroom or hallway, a switch with IP03 is quite suitable. For bathrooms, it is better to raise the second digit to 4 or 5. And if the switching product is installed outdoors, then the degree of protection should be at least IP55.

Contact clamps for electrical wires on the switch can be:

  • screw with and without a pressure plate;
  • screwless spring.

The former are more reliable, while the latter greatly simplify electrical installations. And the most best option- These are screw clamps with an addition in the form of a pressure plate. When tightened, they do not destroy the wire core with the tip of the screw.

According to GOST requirements, if the conductor has a cross-section of up to 1.5 mm, then it is unacceptable to use a screw clamp in which the end of the screw is rotated along the core to connect it to the switch

Also in the switch markings there are terminal designations:

  1. “N” – for the neutral working conductor.
  2. “L” – for a conductor with a phase.
  3. “EARTH” – for the neutral protective conductor to be grounded.

Plus, usually using “I” and “O” the position of the key in the “ON” and “OFF” modes is indicated. Manufacturer logos and product names may also be present on the case.

Lighting control from several places

There are several schemes for installing switches to turn on light from different ends of the corridor. The simplest of them involves the presence of switch keys in two places in the room remote from each other and one power line for the lamps.

If it is necessary to make more than two lighting switching points, then wiring the electrical wires will be somewhat more complicated. But there is nothing particularly wise here either.

If you follow the presented diagrams for connecting switches, then there will be no special problems with organizing control of the lamp from several points - you just need to avoid mixing up the wires

If, using a pass-through switch, you plan to supply voltage to a chandelier with two or three separate sets of light bulbs, then the circuit will become somewhat more complicated. Here you will have to mount switches with several keys, and there are much more terminals for wires.

Scheme #1: to turn on the light from two points

The easiest way is to organize control of the lighting fixture from two different places in the room. To do this, you only need a couple of standard switches and a few meters of electrical wiring.

Plus, you will need to follow the simplest rules of electrical installation to prevent electric shock and ensure the safe operation of the entire system in the future.

The “pass-through corridor switch” circuit with two switches is the most popular, it is widely used in corridors and bedrooms, as well as on stairs and verandas

When implemented, the outputs of both switches are connected by a pair of wires to obtain two separate supply circuits. Then a wire with a phase is connected to the input of one switching product, and a lead to the light bulb is connected to the input of the second.

As a result, in any position of both keys, the common power circuit of the “pass-through switch” will be either broken or connected. The light can be turned on and off from two different points.

This solution allows you to supply voltage to the lighting device when only one key is turned on. The second, on the other side of the room, always commutes one of the existing lines.

Scheme #2: for two lamps

The first scheme is the simplest and cheapest to implement. It is used most often. However, if there are several lamps in the room or the light bulbs in the chandelier are divided into two groups, then a similar version of a pass-through switch will not work.

If you need to supply power to two separate lines of lighting lamps, you will have to resort to installing two-key switches with six contacts each

In terms of installation technology and the devices used, this scheme practically repeats the first basic option. Only in this case you will have to lay more wires.

And in order to save at least a little on them, it is recommended to make the supply wire to the first switch in the circuit with a jumper. Pulling a couple of separate wires from the distribution box will be too expensive.

If there are three lines with lamps, then they are replaced with three-key analogues. In all other respects, the wiring diagram remains the same, only their number increases.

Scheme #3: for several switches

With two light switching points and one or more lighting groups, everything is quite simple. It needs some wiring and a couple of switches. But if you need to organize control from several places, you will have to purchase another type of switching device.

If you need to install several switches for one lamp, then you cannot do without a cross switch. In this device one of the circuits is transit

In such extreme switches, ordinary pass-through switches are placed, as in the first case. And between them a crossover analogue with four terminals for connecting the electrical wiring is then mounted.

When you press a key in such a switching device, the connected contacts are opened and immediately cross-connected into a new supply circuit. In addition to single-key cross switches, there are devices with a large number of keys. They are designed for circuits with several groups of light bulbs.

However, in this case, much more cores will have to be connected to the terminals. And here it is extremely important not to confuse anything. It is necessary to pay special attention to the correct electrical installation during such wiring.

If another “on/off” point is needed, then another crossover is installed with serial connection wires to existing ones

Electricians recommend connecting switches to each other through a junction box. However, it is much easier to do this directly using a two-wire wire. Practice shows that such a connection is more expedient and does not violate electrical engineering standards. And the consumption of electrical wires is seriously reduced.

Practice-tested cross-switch connection diagrams are given in, the contents of which we advise you to familiarize yourself with.

Conclusions and useful video on the topic

There are few nuances of connecting switches so that lighting can be controlled from several points. But they exist. And you cannot miss them out of ignorance of their type when performing installation. To make it easier for you to understand all the intricacies of the schemes described above, we recommend that you watch the video materials below.

All about walk-through switches - principles of operation and installation:

How to connect a two key switch:

Connection diagram for pass-through (changeover) switches through a distribution box:

The use of pass-through switches greatly simplifies lighting control in large room, making this process more convenient. It is not difficult to independently install such a system from several switches and wires. You just need to choose the right set of necessary switching devices.

How did you choose a pass-through switch for installation in country house, office or apartment? What was the decisive argument for you in choosing a device? Please write comments in the block below, post photographs related to the topic of the article, share useful information and ask questions.

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A pass-through switch is a special type of electrical fittings, which is also often called a backup or changeover switch.

The difference between a pass-through switch and a switch is that when using a switch, you can only close or open the circuit, while a walk-through switch is equipped with three contacts, as well as a switching mechanism. A rocker switch allows you to control one luminaire or a group of luminaires from different places.

Scope of application of pass-through switches

A pass-through lighting switch in an apartment or house can be used in different cases:

  • on the stairs. Switches are located on different floors - a person turns on the light downstairs, goes up and turns it off upstairs;
  • in the bedroom. One switch is located at the entrance, the other at the bed;
  • in a long corridor. Switches are installed at different ends of the corridor.

In addition, pass-through outdoor lighting switches are also used, which are mounted to illuminate paths, various entrances, etc.

Types of pass-through switch

Currently, there are several types of switches, both in appearance and in design. There is a single-key option and a two-key pass-through switch, the connection diagram of which is slightly different.

A pass-through two-key switch has six contacts and is, in fact, a connection of two single-key switches. It allows you to control several lamps and turn them on step by step.

There are also crossover switches that have four contacts and allow you to turn on the lamp from three places. In such a connection scheme lighting fixture You will need 2 pass-through switches and 1 crossover switch.

In addition, pass-through switches vary in appearance - there are push-button, key, and rotary switches, and the choice of a specific type depends on the preferences and needs of the owners.

Currently exists a large number of companies selling quality options, for example, a Legrand switch, the connection diagram of which does not differ from the switch diagrams of other brands.

How to design a pass-through switch?

When renovating an apartment or building a new house, you must immediately determine where the pass-through switches will be located. Since the switch connection diagram requires the use of more cable, it is necessary to think about this before starting electrical work.

It is also necessary to decide from how many places access to the lamps is needed, and how many devices will be under its control. Once you have determined all the points, you will need a diagram pass-through switch, suitable for your plan.

How to connect a pass-through switch?

As mentioned above, the connection diagram for a pass-through switch with three and six contacts is slightly different. In addition, the design of a pass-through light switch depends on the number of points from which the light can be controlled.

Let's consider single-key electrical switches. Since pass-through switches switch from one circuit to another, it is necessary to provide power to the first pass-through switch, and from the second switch a phase wire will leave, connecting to the wire from which the light bulb is powered, in distribution box. The switches are also connected to each other using a two-core cable. See the diagram for more details.

If you want to switch lights from multiple places, this will work for you next diagram. It is similar to the previous one. However, in in this case The switch must have two input contacts and two output contacts.

Connection diagram two-gang switches, also not much different from single-key ones. In essence, this circuit is a connection of two single-key switches and allows you to control two lighting fixtures from two places at once.

If for some reason there is a need to turn on/off lighting from different places in the corridor or room, then optimal solution there will be a walk-through switch: what it is, how it works, possible connection diagrams and application options - all this must be understood so that its use is as efficient as possible, and its connection is the least expensive.

What is a pass-through switch and how does it work?

It would be more correct to call this device a switch - it is a switch for users rather out of habit, since it is used to turn lighting on and off. If you call it correctly, then it is much easier to understand how it differs from standard switches - this name most fully reflects the essence of its effect on a working electrical circuit.

Additional names are changeover, duplicate or cross switch.

Like standard switch, the pass-through has only two positions, but the fundamental difference is that in a conventional device it is strictly defined, for example, up is on, and down is off, but with a pass-through, these sides are constantly changing.

The principle of operation of a pass-through switch becomes clearest when comparing electrical diagrams- between him and standard device, which is shown in the figure:

If a regular one in an open state simply breaks the circuit, then in the case of a pass-through one it all depends on the position of two switches at once:

From the diagram it is clear that each of the switches must have three terminals - one for the phase that comes from the power source and two for the “control” wires. When either of the two switches changes position, the circuit either closes or opens, depending on what state it was in before.

Additionally, we can formulate one more difference between a switch and a switch - the latter can always be connected as a simple switch, but doing the opposite will not work.

Important! When repairing such a circuit, it must be taken into account that one of the wires between the switches is always live.

Where is the pass-through switch used?

Most ordinary people are not aware that, in addition to the usual one, there is also a walk-through switch - they usually find out what it is either in advance from electricians, if a competent specialist does the wiring, or when over time they have to start actively wondering how one lamp can be turned on from different places.

The need to use a pass-through switch most often arises in large rooms, long straight and curved corridors, as well as on staircases and corridors.

The advantage of using them is the ability to turn lamps and other electrical appliances on and off not only from two, but from an unlimited number of places - it all depends on the number of switches. An example of a case where such a solution needs to be applied could be stairs to the second or third floor of a house - they usually require additional lighting, especially when located on a load-bearing wall.

It is clear that when there is only one switch here, then after turning on the light and going upstairs, it will no longer be possible to turn it off. Alternatively, you can install two lighting sources, but you will have to run up and down the stairs - turn on the light at the bottom, go upstairs, turn on the top one, go downstairs, turn off the bottom one and go up again.

Motion sensors can also be a way out of the situation, but they will also have to be installed on each floor, and the cost of such devices is higher than switches. You also need to take into account that they do not always work correctly - sometimes in order for the light to come on, you will have to not only walk up the stairs, but also step left or right. There is no such solution yet suitable for those, who are used to manually turning the light on and off when he needs it, and not the sensor.

In addition to corridors, large rooms and on the street, pass-through switches can be installed in the bedroom so that you can go to bed in the light and only then turn it off.

Types of pass-through switches and symbols on diagrams

Depending on how and where you plan to use such switches, their corresponding varieties will be used:

For installation in the thickness of the wall and on its surface - in the second case, such switches are most often used for open wiring in wooden houses.

Wires to the switch terminals can be secured with bolted connections or spring clamps. The second option is considered more preferable, since its use does not weaken the connection over time.

You can turn on several lamps from one place - for this they make double, triple, etc. switch models.

If there is a need to turn on lighting from three or more points, then for two walk-through points it is necessary to additionally purchase crossover (reversible) switches - according to the number of places from which the lighting will need to be turned on.

The type of control does not differ from conventional ones - they can be keyboard, touch, or with a remote control.

All types of pass-through switches in the diagrams are drawn the same schematic designation- essentially the same as for standard ones, but turned in both directions.

In order to make the final choice, you need to understand exactly where and how these switches will be used.

Connecting a pass-through switch

Since more wires are used to operate a circuit with a pass-through switch, the connection in the junction box will look more complicated - it will appear additional elements. Initially, phase and zero from the power source enter the box. The neutral wire goes directly through the connection to the lamp, and the phase wire goes to the first switch. Further in the switch it is divided into two lines and both of them return to the box, where they go through a connection to the second switch, after which again one wire enters the junction box and goes through the last connection to the lamp.

It would be possible to save on wires by running “control” branches directly from one switch to another, but a competent electrician will never do this for a number of reasons:

Connecting through a box is the most correct from the point of view of creating electrical circuits.

In the event of a breakdown, another electrician will be able to call, determine the fault and repair the wiring without additional searches.

This scheme simplifies the installation of the third, fourth, etc. switch, if necessary.

As a result, a high-quality connection will be made only through a junction box.

Scheme for connecting three or more switches

From the above diagram it is clear that pass-through switches can only be used in pairs - a third similar device cannot be connected in the same way. This problem is solved by using a so-called cross or reversing switch - outwardly it looks like a regular one, but unlike a pass-through switch, it has not two or three, but four terminals.

Its purpose is to swap the connected wires when switching. For example, if we number the terminals, then let the input terminals be 1 and 2, and the output terminals 3 and 4, respectively. The current through one wire can be supplied to terminal 1 and passing through the switch to terminal 3, and through the second it can enter terminal 2 and be output through terminal 4. After switching, the current is still supplied to terminal 1, but is output through terminal 4, and if it goes to terminal 2, it will be output through terminal 3. An unlimited number of such devices can be used in the circuit. The principle of their operation is shown in the figure:

For clarity, the circuit is shown in the on state, but it is clear from it that if you change the position of any of their pass-through or reversing switches, the circuit will open. If, for example, this is the first reversible, then the current will flow through the circuit as follows:

The lamp will not light, because on the second pass-through switch the circuit will be open. Again, it is clear that now again it is enough to change the position of any of the switches for the circuit to close and the lamp to light up.

General disadvantages of this connection method: high consumption wires and complexity of installation. It is especially easy for an inexperienced technician to get confused in the connections of wires in the junction box, because their number grows in proportion to the number of switches used.

Each subsequent switch adds four wires to the box and two twists between them.

In fact, it’s not all that scary - even three or four switches are rarely used, let alone more.

The operation of the pass-through and reversing switches is clearly shown in the video:

Conclusion

From the above diagrams it is clear how a pass-through switch works and what options there are for connecting it - if you have minimal skills in working with electrical equipment, anyone can handle its installation House master. If you have no experience working with wiring, then it is better to entrust such switches to professionals - still this is not the most simple circuit, even despite its apparent simplicity.

Today we will look at interesting topic, let's figure out what kind of switches and switches there are, what they are, and what they are used with. There are a lot of switches, among which there are absolutely incredible types. There are single-key, two-key and even three-key switches, walk-through switches, touch switches and generally a great variety of design options. There are also many options for design, color, shape and other factors that affect the appearance of the switch. They also come in open and hidden wiring, But first things first.

The first thing we'll talk about today is the difference between a switch and a switch. If we talk in simple language, the switch either turns on or off, the switch switches accordingly. If a little more scientifically, then in the switch there is switching of the phase passing through it to the lamp. A switch switches two circuits between each other. If it has a pass-through design, it can switch three circuits between each other. But this is a huge rarity, so we won’t talk about it today. That is, by pressing the switch, the light turns on, and the phase is connected inside. If you press it again, the light will go out, as the phase will open. If we click on the switch, then our light comes on. Now let’s imagine for a second that we are in the corridor at this moment, although no, it’s better in the bedroom. It’s more pleasant to think about the bedroom, and in general it’s a magical place. So, we have a very large bedroom, and there is a switch at the entrance...

There is also a switch by the bed. Why, you ask? The answer is actually simple. By turning on the light with one switch at the entrance, you can turn it off from the bed with another without getting out of bed. Again, nothing is clear? I'll explain. The switches are connected to each other by two wires through which a phase can be closed. Accordingly, there are two ways through which the circuit can be connected. And there are two points at which you can close or open the circuit. How it works? You ask. It's actually simple, the switch doesn't open anything, it just switches between the two wires that connect them. So it turns out that in one position the switch connects a wire that is connected by another switch into a circuit, and the light comes on. And while lying on the bed, you switch the current to another wire that is not connected on the other side and the light goes out. Here is such a complex simple scheme.

Another important fact is that there are switches, and there are pass-through switches. If you want, I'll tell you terrible secret? Are you sure you want it? It is the same. Yes, yes, you heard right. A pass-through switch and a switch are the same thing, and even have exactly the same wiring diagram.

Let's now talk about what types of switches there are. There are, as we have already told you, single-key, two-key and three-key switches. And with them everything is very clear. Depending on the number of keys, several lamps can be connected to it. Or, for example, you can turn on the chandelier in three stages. There are also switches with a slide switch, remember those used to be on old lamps? Or, for example, switches that need to be pulled by a string, remember?

Next, newfangled ways to turn on the light stand apart. There are switches that respond to room lighting or movement, and some switches also respond to noise. Correctly, such switch options are called sensors. But this is more likely for entrances, places common use, rarely does anyone use them in an apartment. Imagine you are watching TV in a room in which there is a switch with a motion sensor, for example, it turns out that you need to constantly move. And therefore, such methods of controlling light are not popular in apartments and private houses, but they are incredibly popular in housing and communal services, as they save energy.

Next, it is fashionable to include touch switches among the newfangled switches. This is a switch that closes or opens the network when touched. The design is actually not complicated. This switch consists of touchpad, which, when pressed, signals a special semiconductor circuit to close the circuit, and it closes it. The same thing happens when turning off only in the opposite direction.

Another very interesting switch is the remote controlled switch. Such switches are now making leaps and bounds towards their popularity. For remote control With such a switch, your apple or green robot will have to get a special application. By logging into this application from the other side of the planet, you can control the switching on of the lights and, in general, absolutely any processes in the house. Such systems are called smart home, but that's a completely different story. There are more simple options, these are switches with a control panel. That is, there is a switch built into the wall, but there are no buttons on it, how is that possible? And like this. The buttons are on the remote control, which is in your hand, and from it you control the switch. Lately Chandeliers with remote control are gaining popularity.

Another switch option is a dimmer. A dimmer is a device that is installed instead of a switch, in the same exact socket box. But this is not a simple device, but a magical one. Joke. The dimmer actually regulates the power supplied to the lamp, thereby allowing you to adjust the brightness of the lamps. Can you imagine having your own sunrise and sunset in your room? And if you have children and they love to put on theater shows at home, then you can light these shows almost professionally.

You should carefully consider the choice of dimmer. You should not buy cheap dimmers, as they either will not adjust the brightness, but not only that, they can also damage the lamps. Another important fact is that not all lamps are suitable for dimmer. There are either Ilyich light bulbs or special energy-saving and LED ones. But even special fluorescent lamps are not recommended for use with a dimmer, as this shortens their service life. Plus, such lamps are rare, difficult to find, and they cost “like a cast-iron bridge,” forgive me for such a comparison. It's much better to buy right away LED bulbs and forget about replacing them with long years. The main thing when buying is to pay attention to the lamp box; it must be compatible with a dimmer.

The last thing we'll talk about today is switch design. It is worth noting that in most cases we buy switches specifically for the apartment, and there is hidden wiring. So, all of the above switches have hidden way installation But don’t despair, any switch can be found for open mounting, although if push-button versions for open wiring are available in every store, then you will have to look for others.

A switch for hidden wiring, as a rule, consists of two parts - the mechanism itself and the frame. Also, some switches have the ability to be backlit. Some switches have it already built-in, but sometimes it is sold separately, it’s worth paying attention to. Such switches, as you already know, cannot be used with energy-saving lamps.

The result is a great variety of switch options. If we add to this that most manufacturers have both frames and mechanisms for hidden wiring of all colors and shapes of the rainbow. Some manufacturers produce the same variety of switches for open wiring. Here's the whirlpool for you. See you again!

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