Switches in electrical engineering are used to turn off and turn on low voltage electrical circuits alternately. For example, pass-through switches are designed for convenient lighting control in different rooms, stairs, corridors. Such electrical switches are mounted between floors, near the doors of rooms with several entrances.
It is convenient to manage other premises as well as from home. Switches allow you to control the operation of lighting while being in another place, which creates certain convenience and comfort, and also saves energy.
A simple switch has a key with two positions and one pair of contacts to which conductors are connected. A switch, unlike a switch, has three or more contacts. One contact is common, the rest are changeover. Each of these contacts has wires connected to it. To control lighting from other locations, a multi-pin switch is needed. Electrical switches allow you to control the operation of any electrical devices, and not just lighting.
Operating principle
Electric switches work as follows. The meaning of their work is to transfer the main contact from one circuit to another. Most often, on the back of the switch housing there is a diagram of the wire connections.
One contact is common (1), the other two contacts are changeover (2 and 3). Using two of these switches, and placing them in different places, you can perform the most popular and simplest lighting control scheme from two different places.
Terminals 2 and 3 matching the designations with switches PV-1 and PV-2 are connected by conductors to each other. Input 1 from PV-1 is connected to the phase, and PV-2 is connected to the lighting fixtures. The other end of the lamp is connected to the neutral conductor of the network.
The functionality of the circuit is checked by turning on the switch. First, voltage is applied, and the lamp alternately lights up and goes out from the individual action of any of the switches. When the circuit of one of the switches is opened, the other line of the circuit is switched on.
Types and design features
For the right choice switch, it is necessary to determine the type of control movement of the handle, the tasks being solved, the connection diagram, and the properties of the connected circuits.
There are electric switches, divided into types according to the type of movement of the handle control:
- Angular.
- Push.
- Rotary.
Corner switches such as toggle switches are manufactured according to two schemes:
- With cut-in contacts (Figure “a”).
- Rocker type (Figure “b”).
Both types of switches have two stable handle positions. When the handle (1) moves, the spring (2) is compressed, concentrating the compression energy. When in the position shown by the dotted line, the device is in unstable equilibrium.
A slight shift of the handle and the spring suddenly moves the moving contact (3) to a stable position. As a result, the moving contact is intermittently connected to the fixed contact (6).
According to the connection diagram, toggle switches with cut-in contacts are divided into:
- Single-pole (Figure “a”).
- Single-pole double (Figure “b”).
- Bipolar in two positions (figure “c, d”).
The handles of these switches can be in two fixed positions. Switching schemes can be very different. Toggle switches are used to switch AC and direct current. They are capable of withstanding circuit loads of up to 6 amperes. The resistance of their contacts is very low (0.02 Ohm).
The reliability of toggle switches can be expressed by the possible number of switchings, which reaches 10,000 times.
Microtoggles
Such toggle switches small sizes They benefit in size and weight compared to other types of toggle switches.
Electric push switches
Electrical switches in the form of buttons are classified according to the type of control:
- Regular. The circuit is open or closed only when pressed.
- Sticky. The circuit closes when there is no pressing force. To open the circuit, you must press again.
- Twin. The circuit is closed when one button is pressed, and opened when another button is pressed. The button device is made on the basis of toggle switches and microswitches. In addition to the basic ones, there are original devices.
Connection diagrams for regular and sticky buttons are divided into:
- Single-pole inclusions (Figure “a”).
- Switching off (Figure “b”).
- On/off (Figure “c”).
- Bipolar inclusions (Figure “d”).
Push switches are made with protection from dust and moisture, and without protection.
Rotary switches
Electrical switches
Among electrical rotary switches, the most popular are biscuit switches. With their help, you can simultaneously connect several electrical circuits connected to each other.
The biscuit switch device is designed in such a way that a metal ring (2) with a protrusion is rigidly connected to the switch axis (1). The total number of contacts located at 30 degrees is 12 pieces. When the axis is rotated 330 degrees, the common output is switched with 11 different circuits that are connected to contacts (4).
There are some modifications of biscuit switches. For example, the ring can be cut. A protrusion is made on each part. When the axis rotates, two common terminals are synchronously connected to 5 different circuits.
In biscuits rotary switches, cut-in blade contacts are used, which are made of copper alloys (bronze, brass), coated with a layer of silver. Blade contact makes it possible to reduce the influence of manufacturing errors in the assembly and parts, increase its vibration resistance and reliability.
Wire switches are capable of switching electrical circuits with currents up to 3 amps and voltages up to 350 volts DC. For alternating current permissible voltage is no more than 300 volts. The reliability of such switches is up to 10,000 switchings.
Switches are installed by soldering, except for toggle switch types, which are connected to the circuit with screws. The main requirement for mechanical installation of switches is the requirement: do not change the position of the housing and the inside of the switch when applying control force. In this regard, when using a switch, it is necessary to use only those fastening methods that comply with technical specifications certain type of switch.
Light cross switch circuit
To install switches in three places you need assistive device with cross switching circuit. Such a device consists of two 1-key switches with internal jumpers, made in one housing.
The cross switch is mounted between 2 ordinary ones. It is used only in conjunction with them, and is distinguished by the presence of 4 terminals. To control lighting from 4 places, you need to add the same device to the circuit. The crossover switch is connected to the changeover contacts of the switches in such a way that a working lighting power supply circuit is formed.
Complex groups of contacts require a large number of conductors and connections. The best option there will be an assembly of several simple circuits, instead of one complex one, since they will work more reliably and are more convenient to use. All basic must be produced in . Twisting of wires is not allowed.
If you are a true connoisseur comfortable stay, then you also need crossover and pass-through switches, such as, for example, soft sofa or TV remote control.
At the same time, the parameters of your home do not matter at all: and in small apartment, and in a multi-storey cottage you can successfully use this kind of switches. So, let's take a closer look at those electrical products that can improve the comfort of your home.
In fact, pass-through switches are not switches in the usual sense; rather, they are switches. In terms of external design and internal design, as well as itself, it is no different from ordinary ones.
However, differences are still present. Thus, a single-key pass-through switch has three contacts, unlike a conventional switch, which is equipped with only two contacts. Thus, with the appropriate connection, using pass-through switches, it is possible to turn on/off lighting from two or more points.
If you need to turn off one light fixture or a whole group of such fixtures from more than two places, then you can use a cross switch to solve this problem. With its help, it is possible to control lighting from three or more points at once.
Structurally, the switch has four terminals, which are located on the back side of the device and are intended for connection to it electrical wires. In this case, two electrical lines, switching of which is carried out “in a cross”.
Thus, when you press one key, two contacts are switched, which do not have an electrical connection with each other.
These switches can be used, for example, in long corridors where there are quite a lot of doors, on multi-story staircases, in halls with more than two entrances and, finally, in a simple room, so that you can turn on the lighting from anywhere in the room without leaving your seat.
For example, cross switches installed on both sides of the bed so that both husband and wife can turn off the light with their own separate switch.
Pass-through switches, as a rule, are sold in pairs since it makes no sense to buy one switch (unless one of the workers fails).
Installation of a pass-through switch
It should be noted that it is advisable to provide for the installation of such switches during the construction process or during overhaul apartments in order to lay the electrical wiring in advance, because upon completion finishing works Laying the cable will be quite problematic.
In order to install the pass-through switch, it is first necessary to install the mounting box in the required location. First, you should unscrew the screws from it and carefully break out the plugs of the holes for supplying electrical wires.
Then you can proceed directly to the installation. At the beginning of work, you need to make sure that the mounting box moves freely in the niche previously hollowed out for it. Next you will need to prepare a solution from building gypsum(alabaster), mixing it with water until medium thickness is obtained.
Using a narrow spatula, a small amount of this solution is placed in the hollowed out niche and a small amount of the solution is applied to the outer back of the box. After this, the box is carefully inserted into the niche, installing it so that the edge of the box is in the same plane with the surface of the wall.
If necessary, in order to ensure the strongest possible fixation of the box, add alabaster mortar. Now there is some free time until the plaster hardens completely.
During this time, you can clean the ends of the electrical wires, removing 5-7 mm of insulation from them. It should be noted that the total length of free wires should not exceed 10 centimeters. This is due to the fact that an excessively long wire will not allow the switch to be placed in the box, while an excessively short wire will be problematic to work with.
How to fix a pass-through switch in a socket box
Before installing the switch in the installation box, it must be disassembled. In most cases, to do this, it is enough to remove the key (or keys, if the switch is double or triple), carefully prying it off with a flat-head screwdriver.
Next you need to remove the clamp holding the top cover. After removing the cover, you can connect electrical wires to the switch, for which the stripped ends are inserted into the technological sockets and secured with a locking screw.
After connection and installation of a pass-through switch will be completed, it is necessary to secure it well in installation box. This is done using special levers provided on the switch, as well as using screws previously unscrewed from the mounting box.
If you plan to wallpaper the walls in the future, then there is no point in replacing the switch keys; it is more advisable to carry out this operation after completing the “wallpapering” work.
Similar materials on the site:
Is it possible to turn on/off full lighting on the stairs from any floor? Easily! For this you need pass-through switches.
You entered a long corridor, turned on the light; walked along it to the exit, turned off the lights... How did this happen?
Current switching is carried out using pass-through switches, so you can control the same luminaire from different places.
The pass-through switch looks similar to a regular one. Moreover, it can work like a regular switch if you connect two wires to it: input and output.
The difference between a pass-through and a simple switch is that a pass-through switch is, in essence, a switch.
It transmits the voltage supplied to the input to one of the outputs; when switched back on, voltage from one of the two inputs is transmitted to one output.
Fig.1. Switch and pass-through switch diagrams
In order to switch luminaires from different points, assemble a circuit using the following devices:
- Pass-through switch
- Cross switch
- Two-key pass-through switch
- Two-key skew switch
Using one pass-through switch, you can switch the light between two bulbs, or turn one on and off.
What's happened pass-through switch, 3-point connection diagram?
This is not one device, but a circuit of several - we will talk about this later.
First, let's look at how to organize control of one light bulb using two pass-through switches installed at different ends of a long corridor.
Connection diagram for a pass-through switch with 2 places
Consider the diagram in Figure 2.
When the switches are in the position shown, the light is on. If you click any switch, it will go out. But the most important thing is this: if you then flip any switch, the light will come on again. A very simple scheme allows you to solve the problem: how to turn off the lights on the second floor by turning them on on the first; how to turn on the light when entering the bedroom, and turn it off while lying in bed.
Fig. 2 Diagram of turning the light on and off from two points
Three-point light switching diagram
The previous section discussed turning electricity on and off from two points: the circuit is very simple.
Well, what if you need to turn the light on and off from three points?
This problem arises when trying to save light in multi-storey building and do not walk on stairs in the dark. There is nothing complicated about it. But you will need an additional switch, and not a pass-through switch, but a cross switch.
Rice. 3 Cross switch circuit
Using a crossover switch, phase can be transferred from any input to any output, and the circuit between any input-output pair can be interrupted.
Using a cross switch and two pass-through switches, you can assemble a light on/off circuit from those points, for example, on a staircase in a three-story house:
Fig. 4 Light on/off diagram from three points
Figure 4 shows the position of the switches at which the light is on.
By clicking a key on any of those switches, we turn off the light. After this, press a key on any switch and the light will turn on.
What if there are not three floors, but five or six?
You can assemble a circuit so that the light will turn on and off from any floor.
You always need only two pass-through switches: at the beginning and the end of the chain. Cross switches are placed between them. An example diagram for a four-story staircase is shown in Fig. 5.
Rice. 5. Four-point light on/off circuit
Armed with a pencil and paper, you can draw different variants and make sure that pressing any key on any switch leads to a change in the situation: the light that was on goes out, and if the light was turned off, it lights up.
This wonderful circuit can grow by adding more crossover switches.
No matter how many crossover switches there are with four contacts, there should only be two pass-through switches: at the beginning and at the end.
Connection diagram for a two-key pass-through switch
The circuits shown in the previous sections can be characterized as follows: one light bulb and many switches, or rather pass-through and cross switches.
403 Forbidden
These devices are similar to regular switches and have one key.
But it's on sale checkpoints two-gang switches, connection diagram which in Fig. 6,
as well as crossover two-key switches. These devices are used if you need to control two lamps independently of each other.
Fig.6 Switches for turning two light bulbs on and off
It is necessary to distinguish between controlling several light bulbs that light up and go out synchronously, and those that can be turned on independently of each other.
In the first case, use pass-through switch, connection diagram for 1 key, in the second case, two-key ones are needed.
Single-key pass-through switches can switch two, three, four light bulbs connected in parallel; the limitation is imposed by the permissible current that can be switched by the contacts.
Two-key switches are two independent switches in one housing.
They can switch two independent groups of light bulbs. Switch connection diagrams are two independent chains, each of which controls its own lamp or group of lamps.
Pass-through switch connection diagram for 2 keys
Switching of two lamps, in which it is used Schneider pass-through switch, connection diagram shown in Fig.
7.
Rice. 7. On/off circuit for 2 light bulbs from 3 points.
Two-key switches require careful handling. If, when you press a single key, the light either lights up or goes out (depending on the current state), then in a two-key device each key is responsible for switching its own group of lamps.
Transit corridor switch
To enable, disable two point lighting corridor switch. Buy and install them in pairs. After entering the mind, the short circuit is very similar to the normal one, but most of them turn on the key or change the two triangles. By the way, with the help of a switch they can be used instead of the usual one, the prices are about the same.
Switch switch it has three connectors - an input (centered) (sometimes close to the input arrow) and two switches (one key connects to the input terminal to the input jack, and the other to the other).
The photo on the left shows the switching on and off with backlight (bottom view). On the right is the transfer switch.
Consider this Connecting terminals to switches different manufacturers installed differently, has different marks and labels. Before connecting the required continuity, determine where the input terminal is (bottom photo labeled L) and where it turns off (labeled by arrows in the image below).
You can connect two terminals to each terminal.
Switching method is different from usual
Sound for the wire - two entrance holes. The painting is surrounded by black.
The picture on the left shows the pass-through switch from above with the key removed and the right view from below. "L" is the input terminal, arrows indicate output/switched. On a double switch, the front (front) has two keys, the last three clips have one input and two outputs.
On the pass, the front has one key, and the last has three clips - one in and two out.
For comparison, you can see a regular two-button switch. The view from below is almost the same as the entrance.
Verbal description of the circuit for connecting the switch:
- The input phase wire is connected to the nearest input contact.
- The switching switches of the first switch are connected to the switching contacts of the other.
The order of the links does not matter. Often, near the switch contacts, draw arrows pointing outward.
- From the central contact of the second switch, the wire enters the lamp holder, its central contact.
- From the contact side of the lamp holder, the wire runs to the neutral electrical wire.
Below are the link diagrams for various options components: with box and without control.
Special free artboards are now available for the unpackaged version of the assembly
There is also a significantly different approach to multi-person control lamps.
It consists of using a special relay. And instead of a switch, place a button (it cannot look different from the appearance of the lock). If you press any button, the lamp voltage will be turned on or off.
Created: 20:14:07 Registration date: 06/10/2012 | Updated: 07:49:28
Changing a switch is a fairly common problem that almost everyone has to deal with. You need to know the basic nuances of connecting the switch and operating features.
Key points for choosing a switch
It is best to purchase switches in specialized stores, which have a fairly large assortment in order to choose the best option.
Thus, you will certainly be able to choose good product both in design and functionality. In the store you can usually find high-quality branded switches from the best manufacturers.
When purchasing a switch for electrical wiring general purpose, in which the voltage level is 250 V and the load is 10 A, you need to make sure that it corresponds state standards. The product must bear the quality mark of the country that is the manufacturer.
For example, if the switch was manufactured in Russia, then it must have the Rostest badge on it.
It is necessary to pay attention to what level of current and voltage the switch is designed for. For example, products with metal-ceramic contacts containing silver can operate reliably at currents of up to 4 A.
It is imperative to find out the number of poles and switching circuits. You should also pay attention to the design of the switch mechanism and its housing.
For example, a single-key switch for hidden electrical wiring has distinctive features in a design that provides for connecting wires after fixing the switch itself into a socket on the wall.
The single-key switch can be open-mounted. It is customary to mount it on special wooden supports.
It is attached with a pair of screws. If the switch will be installed in a place where there is a risk of moisture getting inside, then you need to take into account the fact that such switches are splash-proof.
When you select the model that has the optimal characteristics, you need to check how soft the keys will work. To do this, you just need to press a key. Everything should function quite smoothly. There should be no snags or squeaks.
Finally, you need to pay attention to the build quality.
Installing a pass-through switch can be used where traditional lighting control is not very practical or convenient. For example, you can mark long corridors, flights of stairs and other similar places. Typically, they use unique single-key switches, which are equipped with three contacts.
They implement a special connection scheme. During operation of this device the electrical circuit does not break, but switches between a pair of output-type contacts.
Single-key pass-through switch
When choosing a pass-through switch, you need to evaluate the modification of the device. It may differ depending on the specific wiring, which in turn can be open or closed.
When purchasing, it is worth considering the main characteristics of the device, because the contacts are usually designed for different loads and currents.
Differences traditional switch from the entrance
The key difference between these products is the presence of a special mechanism in the pass-through switch. With its help, normal switching between three contacts is ensured. The operation of a pass-through switch is based on switching capability rather than simple interruption electrical circuit.
Connection diagram for pass-through switch
Connection diagram for pass-through switch
From all this follows the main advantage of pass-through switches.
It consists in the fact that you can turn on lighting fixtures from two or more points. Previously it was said that such devices can be installed on flights of stairs or in long corridors. You can, for example, turn on the staircase lighting on the first floor, and turn it off on the second.
Pass-through devices can also be installed in a regular bedroom.
For example, one can be installed near the door, and the other directly next to the bed. Such switches can also be used on personal plots, when the need to illuminate paths at night is urgent.
Installation of a single-key switch
When you need to replace an old switch that has broken down, such work will take very little time. Usually during this process there are no particular difficulties.
But, if we are talking about arranging a new circuit in a private house or apartment, then the work can be very complex.
Installation of a distribution box for a specific lighting group
Before work, it is imperative to check that the power is turned off.
If you need to create a new circuit, conduct new wiring, then you need to decide in advance what kind of circuit it will be, that is, closed or open. Of course, with open wiring there will be fewer problems because it can be laid along the surface of the building.
A surface mounted switch can be used for this type of wiring.
But if you want to make hidden wiring, you will have to use quite serious equipment for gating walls. In this case, the switch is installed in a box that is mounted into the wall.
If a new circuit is being installed and a junction box will be installed, then six wires need to be installed. Two of them will go to the lamp, a couple will go to the switch, and two more will be power supplies.
After inserting each wire into the junction box, you need to use an ohmmeter to determine the condition of the wires.
Connection diagram for pass-through switch
You need to find a neutral working conductor that connects directly to the lamp wire. The phase conductor is connected to the wire that goes to the switch. The two wires that remain must be connected to each other.
Installation of surface-mounted switch
The installation process is quite simple, because there is no need to groove the walls or install a mounting box.
The size is the only disadvantage of an external single-key switch.
Category: Switches and sockets
Very often we encounter misunderstandings among Buyers regarding the differences between switches and switches. It is also not entirely clear what kind of pass-through, intermediate and cross switches and “two-way” switches these are.
Let's figure out what the difference is between these devices.
We will try to write in a language accessible to everyone, so we ask you in advance not to find fault with the writing style, terms, etc.
Switch
Switch - a device, usually having two contacts, which, when turned on, connects the contacts (turns on the lamp), and when turned off 
state, accordingly, disconnects the contacts (turns off the lamp).
Everything here is very obvious and understandable. What the white switch looks like, article number 774401 series Valena (Valena), is shown on the reverse side in the photo on the right.
Manufacturers usually indicate with arrows which contacts are which. The arrows indicate that the “phase” conductor must be connected to the “input” (this is the arrow pointing to the center of the switch) of the switch, and the conductor going to the load (i.e.
Pass-through switch - design feature and difference
light bulb) to the “output” (arrow indicating the direction from the center of the switch). “Why should the switch be connected this way? It will work if you connect it the other way around!” - you ask. That’s right, it will work either way, but there are two nuances:
- For correctly mounted switches, when turned on, the key occupies the “up” position, and when turned off, the button occupies the “down” position.
When connecting according to the diagram, if the phase conductor is connected to the “output” of the switch, and the “load” to the input, then the switch key will always be “upside down”. That is, when turned on, the key will occupy the “down” position, but should occupy the “up” position, and vice versa.
- When connected according to the diagram “phase” -> load (lamp) -> switch -> “zero”, the phase will first pass through the lamp and break at the switch (i.e.
When the switch is off, the lamp will always be energized). And this is wrong! With the correct connection diagram, the “phase” in the off state is broken at the switch and there will be no voltage on the lamp (i.e., when you change a burnt-out lamp, you will not get an electric shock).
There are also two-pole switches that break not only the phase wire, but also the zero (neutral) conductor, but they, as a rule, are used only in specific cases.
Switch
A switch is a device that has three (or more) contacts.
In the “On state” it closes the first and second contacts, and in the “Off state” it closes the first and third contacts. Essentially, the switch is always on - either in one state or the other.
Hence the name “Switch” - switches from one contact to another.
If a switch only has two contacts, it will act like a switch.
In its catalogues, Legrand uses the concept of a "two-way switch" - this is what it is, because the switch switches between two contacts.
In general, a switch can switch between three or more contacts, but in electrical installation mechanisms, if such occurs, it is extremely rare, so no one specifies how many directions the switches switch. Switches are also often called “pass-through switches,” but this concept, in our opinion, is incorrect and should not be used.
One of the most popular uses of a switch is to control lighting from two places.
To control lighting you will need only two switches, and to control lighting from three or more places you cannot do without the use of pass-through (cross) switches.
Switches in our catalog:
Pass-through switch
An intermediate (also known as cross) switch is a device that switches two separate lines crosswise (that is, if before the cross switch the phase was on the right and the zero on the left, then when switching they will switch places).
The appearance of intermediate switches is no different from conventional switches. For clarity, see the diagrams in the pictures.
An intermediate switch is usually used to control lighting from three or more places.
This switch is called “cross” because it seems to cross the lines when switching, and it is called “Intermediate” because in the switching circuit when controlled from three or more places it is located in the gap between the “two-way switches”.
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Often those people who want to install electrical wiring in their home choose a switch based on their own taste. People look at him design decoration, color, quality of the material from which it is made. Then they bring the selected switch home and the problems begin. Why? Yes, because it turns out that the switches are all different, and you should choose them not according to their appearance, but according to their working functionality.
Industry produces switches three types functioning: pass-through, regular, cross (or otherwise intermediate). What is the difference between them? All three types of these devices will be described below.
Regular switch
The operation of a conventional switch is carried out by regulation from one point. Simply put, a person presses a switch to turn off the light, and the electrical circuit that children know about in physics class is broken. When a person turns on the light, the electrical circuit, on the contrary, is restored. Simpler than a device it is impossible to think of anything for this purpose. A regular switch can be used everywhere: both in a residential area and in production. This device is installed easily and quickly.
Pass-through switch
This type of switches is much more complicated. It would be more correct to call this thing not a switch, but a switch. This device does not just turn off the electricity, but switches it, that is, it forces the electric current to flow in a different direction. This type of switch-switch regulates the flow of electric current not from one, but from two points. That is, the circuit is not interrupted, but simply the electricity is redirected to another place. In an example, it looks like this: A man walks into a long corridor and turns on the light. He goes to the other end of the room, and clicking another switch there, turns off the electricity.
However, one should not think that this type switches are convenient only for large rooms, so that people do not have to walk a lot to turn on or off the lights. Modern interior designers advise installing them in simple apartments. Especially recently, such devices have become popular in bedrooms. For example, a person comes in, turns on the light, and gets ready for bed. To go to bed, you have to turn off the electricity and then walk in the dark. It’s inconvenient, you can bump into furniture, especially if a person comes to visit someone and is in the room for the first time. And with such a switch you can turn off the light while lying on the bed. Very comfortably. However, it is better to hire a professional to install such a system.
Cross (intermediate) switch
Such switches allow you to control electric currents from three or more points. The cross switch is shown for both large spacious premises, and for ordinary houses and apartments. For example, it is often mounted in modern bedrooms. One switch is placed at the entrance to the room, and the other two are on the sides of the double bed. You can turn the lighting on or off from each of these points. Some will say that this is an unnecessary luxury, while others, on the contrary, will consider it very comfortable and rational.
During installation similar system Both pass-through and crossover switches are used. Moreover, the pass-throughs go on the sides of the circuit, and the cross-switch is installed between them. And if you install, for example, at the entrance to an electrical circuit, the switch will not the right type(instead of a pass-through - cross or regular), then the system will not work. You can’t do this without the help of an experienced specialist.
To sum it up, then specifications All types of switches force the person installing electrical wiring to take into account the following points:
1. When installed, intermediate and pass-through switches can perform the functions of a conventional switch. However, in a more complex electrical circuit, the intermediate switch will not be able to perform the functions of a pass-through switch.
2. If an electrical circuit is being installed, where the connection will be from more than three points, then pass-through switches are installed along the edges, and transition switches are installed only between them (for this they are called intermediate).
3. When installing an electrical circuit that plans to include pass-through or crossover switches, you will need more cable, since the current flows in several directions, and the switches simply redirect it.
Therefore, it is very important to check the type of switch with the seller in order to avoid unnecessary problems. The type of switch is also indicated in the accompanying documents. If you have strong doubts, you can ask the seller for this documentation.
And if a person is not an electrician by profession, then for correct installation complex circuit with switches different types, it would be better and safer to invite a specialist.
A home is a place of comfort, a family hearth, where you want to arrange everything not only beautifully, but also comfortably. Lighting plays a role in this matter. important role. Placing lamps, as well as their control elements, is not an easy task.
Even a child knows why a switch is needed, but how does it differ from a switch? What happens if you put a switch, rather than a switch, to turn on/off the lights in your apartment?
Even electricians with little experience behind them can confuse these concepts, let alone us, ordinary people. Misunderstanding occurs not only in terms, but also in the principles of operation of the mechanisms. If you have already decided to install this or that device yourself, study the diagram in detail, understand the differences for yourself, then start completing the task.
It’s better, of course, to invite a specialist with experience if you have even the slightest doubt, because wiring in a house or apartment must be done 100% correct.
Switches and switches (there are two types) serve the same purpose - they open or close an electrical circuit at a certain time. That is, to put it simply, they turn the lights on or off. The devices come in different types, they differ in design, and they can look whatever you want. Basically, at the other end of the electrical circuit there are lamps as an electrical receiver, Appliances.
Breaker Definition
Switch – switching device, operating in electrical networks with a maximum voltage of 1000 Volts. It is a two-position device, has two normally open contacts (one state is active - the contacts are closed, and the other is passive - open).
It is not difficult to guess that when the switch is on, the contacts are connected, that is, the lamp is on. Conversely, in the off state, the contacts are disconnected and the light goes out. Where are which contacts is not difficult to understand, their manufacturer marked with arrows.
An experienced electrician will immediately notice that it does not have an arc extinguishing device, so when short circuit(short circuit) it will not be possible to turn off short circuit currents with a switch. Automatic machines are designed for this, but this is a completely different type of electrical device.
Switches are distinguished by type of design, which is their main determining parameter.
There are these types:
- external installation - wall mounting
- internal installation - wall mounting.
They are also classified by the number of keys - single-key, two-key, three-key, and so on. The controls can also have different types of switches: touch, key, push-button, etc.
Switch Definition
A switch is a device that has three or more contacts. The switch switches one or at once several electrical circuits to others or serves to open the circuit. In other words, when it is on, it closes the first and second contacts, and when the switch is off, it closes the first and third.
This is probably why they called it that - it switches contacts from one to another. That is, it is not difficult to understand that the switch almost always remains on. If only two contacts are involved, then it will work on the principle of a switch. Sometimes it is also called a changeover switch.
Switches can be different, for example, by the number of keys:
- single-key – goes to three contacts
- two-key – for six contacts and so on.
Thus, the difference between a switch and a switch is obvious - the point is in the number of contacts available on the back side. The switch does only one thing - interrupts the electrical circuit, and with a switch it can be switched from one contact to another, that is, switched.
If you want the light of a lamp, which is located, for example, on a staircase, or at different ends of a long corridor, to be turned on and off in several places, then you cannot do without a switch called a pass-through (crossover) switch. If we're talking about about lighting control from three or more places, you will even need several of them.
Let us highlight these main differences between switches and switches:
- different number of contacts;
- the switch turns on and off lighting fixtures located in the same room, and the switch can
- control the same light source from different places.
It can be concluded that the switch is more functional device, allowing you to comfortably arrange and decorate the interior location of all lamps, household appliances. The switch is perfect for large, illuminated rooms.
The specialist whom you invite to resolve the issue, if you cannot decide on your own, will help with the choice and indicate the equipment that will be needed specifically in your case.
Where to place the switch? This is a difficult question if you need to turn the lights on and off in a large hall with several entrances, or in long corridor. If there is only one switch and there is a lot of space, this is inconvenient.
Is it possible to do better - to turn the lights on and off from different ends of the corridor or staircase in the entrance, at local area from the house, garage, from the gate, etc.? In our digital age, radio-controlled remote controls, motion sensors, etc. immediately come to mind. This is great, but it can be done simpler, cheaper and more convenient. You just need to use a pass-through switch.
Many of us have come across a circuit of a pass-through switch in a school problem book. The problem for the seventh grade suggests creating a diagram in which you can turn on and off a light bulb at either end of the corridor. To understand the operating principle of a pass-through switch, let’s look at the solution to this simple problem.
First, a simple diagram of “one light bulb and one switch”:
Key K1 is closed, the light is on. If you open the contacts, the lamp will go out. Using such devices, the problem of turning on and off from different ends of the corridor cannot be solved: even if we can turn on the light with different switches, we will not be able to turn it off just as easily.
Pair of pass-through switches
To solve the problem, you need not switches, but switches, and you also need an additional wire. The switch transmits voltage to one of two wires:
Here the phase is transferred from pin 1 to 2. If you click the switch, the voltage from pin 1 will flow to 3.
In any position of the switch, only one of the wires will be energized: 2 or 3.
That's what it is electrical diagram pass-through switch: simple switch.
But for operation you need at least one more walk-through light switch. You need to run two wires to it from the first switch.
What happens if we click switch 1? The circuit will open. What if there is switch 2? The same.
This means that the light can be turned off from either end of the corridor. And after that, you can turn it on by clicking any of the switches. For example, first:
The single-key pass-through switch does not have On or Off positions. Any switching of one of the pair of switches changes the state of the system: if the light was on, it will go out, and if it was turned off, it will light up.
What to buy to implement the scheme
Understanding how a pass-through switch works, you can independently install a convenient lighting control circuit. Products from several companies are popular on the electrical goods market, for example legrand pass-through switches. They are functional and have attractive design, some with LED lighting.
The legrand valena pass-through switch, if it is without a pair, can work as a simple one. But usually they are bought in pairs.
Buyers often ask how a pass-through switch looks different from a regular one. There are few differences: enterprises use single design housings for different devices. There is no marking on the pass-throughs indicating switching on (sometimes there is one, due to the use of standard components, but they do not pay attention to it). Differences in the connection of electrical contacts can be easily determined by a person familiar with electrical engineering.
The figure shows the connection of a pair of legrand pass-through switches operating for one group of lamps.
Pass-through switches, like regular ones, are available with one or two keys. Two-key controls control two groups of lamps. You can, for example, adjust the brightness of the lighting by turning on and off groups of light bulbs in a chandelier.
No worse than products from other companies: lezard, lexman, abb, schneider electric.
Lezard pass-through switches are connected in the same way as those made by legrand and other companies.
It is very simple to assemble a circuit from devices from any manufacturer, but sometimes difficulties arise because circuits with errors are found on commercial sites on the Internet. Sometimes cheap Chinese devices are accompanied by paper instructions with errors in the circuits.
Use it the simplest scheme, in which everything is clear, which you understand.
Turning lights on and off from ten places
We examined in detail the switching scheme for lamps from two different places.
But is it possible to make the light turn on and off from three, four places, and so on? For example, when leaving an apartment, on any floor, turn on the light on the stairs, and when leaving the entrance, turn it off. And do the same in reverse order: turn on the light when entering the entrance, and turn it off at your door. Or late at night, leaving the office into the corridor, where the zealous caretaker has already turned off the light, do not wander in the dark, but flip the switch at your door, let there be light! And then turn it off on the way out. And there should be several such switches in the corridor - at different doors.
To organize such lighting, you need to use more complex pass-through switches, they are called cross switches. Let's consider their functioning.
A crossover switch is something that has two input terminals and two output terminals. A phase comes to one input, an empty wire to the other, in random order.
Accordingly, at the outputs we have: on one - phase, on the other - nothing. By clicking the cross switch key, we will reverse the phase and “blank” on the output terminals.
If you place a crossover switch between two pass-through switches, you get three switching points. Each switch, if you change its state, changes the lighting: if the light was on, it will go out, and if it was off, it will turn on.
Look at the picture. At the moment the circuit is closed, but what happens if you click any of the three devices? The circuit between the input and output will open and the light will go out.
Interestingly, after turning off, we can turn on the light, again by clicking ANY switch.
You can put two cross switches, three, four... in the middle of the circuit. no matter how much it’s a pity. And any switch will change the state of the system.
This may seem surprising, especially since a long chain of switches can be difficult to understand. But nevertheless the scheme works! After all, no matter the position of the switching devices, the phase is not “lost” - it comes to one of the two outputs of each cross-switch, and only the last pass-through “selects” the phase or its absence.
Clip-on crossover switches are in demand
Pass-through switches are produced in the same housings as conventional ones. There are overhead and built-in models, in versions for internal and external wiring. Overhead models of pass-through and crossover switches are in demand because they are in large quantities used to improve lighting systems, including outdoor lighting.
When building your home, a convenient switching system with pass-through switches can be included in the electrical wiring project.
New technologies: touch pass-through switches
Stylish touch switches are more expensive than regular ones, but are in demand - they have become a natural part of modern “digital culture”.
Touch devices are quite complex electronic devices. To switch the current, a thyristor or high-power transistor is used, and the signal, thanks to which the device opens (or closes), comes from a sensor - a sensor that responds to some external influence.
The sensor can be a motion sensor, or acoustic, or capacitive - responsive to touch. Sensitive sensors react even before touching, just bring your hand to a distance of 1-3 centimeters. Homes usually install capacitive touch switches, or those combined with a motion sensor. All touch devices can be controlled remotely. If the control panel is not included, it must be purchased separately.
The semiconductor device responsible for turning the current on and off can also be used to control the current strength and brightness of the light, if equipped with a dimmer. It is important to know that dimmers are not suitable for all lighting fixtures.
Pass-through and cross touch switches, like mechanical ones, are used to control lighting fixtures from different points. Compared to mechanical ones, they are more functional: they can be controlled remotely and control the light intensity.
Externally, touch devices are a smooth glass panel; when connected, there is a visible indication on it: blue firefly - OFF, red - ON. For driving lighting device you just need to touch the device panel.
The photo shows a touch switch.
The paradox is that technologically advanced sensor devices do an excellent job of controlling incandescent or gas-discharge lamps, but problems arise when turning on advanced LED lamps. In the circuit “touch switch - LED lamp» in the off state, weak electrical impulses can be induced, due to which the LEDs “wink”. Sometimes there are problems with the dimmer if it regulates the current through the LEDs.
The figure shows a diagram of connecting the adapter in parallel with the LED lamp.
In this picture, the adapter is connected to distribution box and affects all LEDs included in this circuit.
Let's look at the connection diagrams for pass-through touch switches.
This shows the connection of two touch pass-through switches.
Shown here is the connection of three pass-through touch switches.
Note that in the middle there is the same touch switch as at the edges. That is, touch devices are not divided into “simple” and “cross”.
In the chain of touch switches there is a “main” one - which is shown on the left; three wires go to it (one wire is from the load). Before starting work, the system must be synchronized. Touch the panel of the main device and wait for a beep for 5 seconds. After this, you need to touch the second switch. Synchronization completed. Next, the third, fourth, and so on are synchronized with the main switch.
Pass-through socket - it's very simple
Having become familiar with the remarkable properties of walk-through switches, we expect miracles from such an object as a walk-through socket. But there's nothing special here. There is simply an end socket (it fits electric wires, which do not go anywhere else), and a walk-through - it is connected to the wiring, to which several more sockets are connected.
Pass-through sockets have neither design nor circuit features. The name simply reflects their place in the electrical supply system.
What limits the number of pass-through switches
A chain of switches that allows switching electric current from several points should not be too cumbersome. Contacts offer resistance electric current. It is small, but over a long chain of contacts the current can decrease noticeably. With a large number of switches connected one after another, the reliability of the circuit decreases and failures are possible. Therefore, we rarely see a string of pass-through and crossover switches of ten or more pieces. Most often this is a pair of switches, somewhat less often - a chain of three, four, five.
Using these devices makes life more convenient and saves energy.
Types of pass-through switches
So, we looked at different options for this class of devices. In conclusion, we list their types.
By technology:
- mechanical;
- semiconductor (touch, with remote control).
By the number of independent loads:
- single-line;
- multi-line (for 2, 3 groups of lamps).
In addition, mechanical switches come in two types:
- simple checkpoints;
- cross.
Connecting pass-through switches is very simple. Good luck!
Video on the topic