The switch and the switch are the main differences. The Difference Between a On / Off Switch and a Switch You may be interested in this

Switches: what are

One of the most common actions for each of us is turning on and off the light. I went into the room, flipped the switch, left - clicked. We do this all the time when we are indoors. That is why the question of choosing switches is one of the most important in the process of repairing and arranging an apartment. When a person begins to select switches, he begins to get lost from the abundance of names: what is a transition switch, how does it differ from an ordinary one, why does the switch need a backlight? What is a dimmer? .. Detailed technical descriptions with diagrams of the electrical circuit device generate even more questions and boredom. Therefore, we will try to understand all this without resorting to the professional knowledge of electricians and definitions from reference books (after all, we understand the main principle and purpose, and let specially trained people deal with the technical side of the issue!).

Variety of switches

Device material and properties

The switch is regularly exposed to external influences, therefore it is necessary that it is made of appropriate material. Basically, the switches are made of heat-resistant and shock-resistant plastic. If we talk about instrument calipers, then they can be both metal and plastic. The latter are found in two series: Legrand Etika and Schneider Electric Odace. Plastic calipers, by the way, are no worse than metal ones - they are made of durable polycarbonate plastic. The essential difference between switches with plastic and metal supports is the price: the former are cheaper.

There is also a special category of moisture-proof switches, which are made of moisture-resistant reliable polymers that protect the mechanism from moisture. Such switches must be considered if the device is to be located in a room with high humidity (bathroom, production room) or on the street. That is why the abbreviation "IP44" or "IP54" is given in the characteristics of some products, which denotes the degree of protection of the device against the ingress of dust and water - Ingress Protection Rating. There are similar devices in the Quteo series from Legrand, Hermes IP54 from IEK (for installation in an apartment); Palmiye by VIKO, Plexo by Legrand (for outdoor installation).

Protection type	Description
IP44	Objects with a diameter of more than 1 mm cannot get into the structure. The design is protected from splashing water, which can be directed at the product from any direction.
IP55	Dust can enter the cabinet in small quantities. Complete protection against touching live parts of the equipment. Water jets, for example from a hose, do not harm the equipment housed in the enclosure.
IP56	Dust can enter the cabinet in small quantities. Complete protection against touching live parts of the equipment. Flooding the equipment with water will not damage the equipment.

Waterproof switches

Speaking of switches, one cannot fail to mention the frames that cover the mechanism of the device and are an important component of its appearance. The material can also be organic (wood, glass), frames are usually made from it. Such frames are beautiful and pleasant to the touch, but the price for them is quite high. Frames made of wood can be found in the series Schneider Electric Unica Top, ABB Zenit, Legrand Celiane, Gira System 55. There are also frames made of glass (Gira System 55, ABB Zenit, Schneider Electric Unica), metal (Gira Edelstahl, ABB Zenit). There are also quite exotic materials - for example, a natural slate frame from ABB.

Appearance and functionality

Some features of the external design of switches (and switches) affect their capabilities, which is important to consider when choosing. Devices can be key, touch, with a cord. Also, when choosing a device, you need to decide whether you need a backlight in it.

1. Key switches.

Key switches can be one-key, two-key and three-key. The number of keys depends on the number of light sources. For example, two-button and three-button switches are convenient in the presence of main and decorative lighting: you can alternately turn on both types of lighting or choose one, while saving energy. Thus, the multi-rocker switches represent a compact and practical light control device. One-button and two-button switches are presented by almost every manufacturer, three-button switches can be found in the series, Etika from Legrand, Glossa from Schneider Electric, E22 and System 55 from Gira.

2. Light indication

The presence of a backlight significantly reduces the search for the switch in the dark. Almost all key switches and some pushbuttons have a backlit version. The illumination also serves an aesthetic function: for example, Legrand's Celiane silent switches are equipped with ring illumination.

3. Rope (cord) switches

This type of switch is controlled by a cord or chain in the housing. Rope switches are often purchased for aesthetic reasons, to maintain a certain style in the interior. Also, switches with a cord can be convenient in practical terms: to use them, you do not need to touch the wall in search of a switch, just pull the cord. But at the same time, such a switch must be treated carefully - a small effort is enough to a slight click for the mechanism to fall into the desired position. There are cord switches in the Legrand Valena and Legrand Mosaic series from Legrand, Unica from Schneider Electric.

4. Touch switches

Technology is advancing inexorably, and therefore it is becoming easier to control light - now you can do it with a touch without any effort. Touch switches look modern and very convenient, but they are also quite expensive.

Celiane Legrand touch switches (colors: titanium, ivory, white)

5. Dimmers

A dimmer is a dimmer that allows you to control the brightness of the lighting. A significant advantage of this device is that it saves energy. Dimmers can be of the following types:

rotary - the brightness depends on the angle of rotation (available in the series Sedna, Unica, Odace, Glossa from Scnheider Electric, System 55 from Gira);
rotary-push - in addition to rotation to adjust the brightness, the dimmer can be pressed to turn on / off the light, while the device will remember the last set brightness level (available in the series System 55 from Gira)
push - the brightness is adjusted by pressing the +/- key (available in the series Valena, Etika and Celiane from Legrand);
touch - brightness control is carried out through a light touch (available in the series System 55 from Gira).

Switches and Switches - What's the Difference?

They have one function - to turn on and off the light. Externally, switches and switches are also not particularly distinguishable. The difference is that the switch has two contacts and the switch has three. Unlike a switch, when pressed, the electrical circuit is interrupted, when the switch button is pressed, switching occurs, switching from one contact to another. The chain is not interrupted, but a new one is created. It is this feature that allows the switches to be used to control light from different points. For example, you use a switch if you use the button of the same device that is there to turn on / off the light in the room. And if you enter a room, turn on the light, go into the corridor and turn off the light from the corridor, in this case you use the switch.

Switches: pass-through and crossover

Pass-through switches are used only in pairs, allowing you to control the light from two places. As the name suggests, this type of switch should be installed in the aisles. So, the use of walk-through switches is relevant for controlling the lighting of stairwells: you can turn on the light while at the bottom of the stairs, and then turn it off by going up. Pass-through switches are convenient to use both in long corridors and in passage rooms, so as not to return to turn off and on the light every time.

Crossover (or intermediate) switches are used in combination with pass-through switches. They are needed to control lighting from three locations. You can control the light in the corridor from both ends using two pass-through switches, but in the corridor there may also be a door leading to another room (for example, to the kitchen), upon exiting which it may also be necessary to turn on / off the light in the corridor. Then cross switches will be needed, which will allow you to control lighting from different places.

Thus, in the course of arranging a room, both switches and switches can be equally useful. (Devices of both types can be found in each series presented on the website manufacturers.)

Installation of devices: outdoor or hidden

An important factor when choosing switches and switches is the type of wiring in the room. Wiring can be either open (external) or hidden, according to which devices are selected - for open or for hidden installation. Open wiring is laid openly on walls, ceilings and other structures, not inside them. This type of wiring is most often found in wooden houses and various industrial premises; for apartments, switches and switches for flush mounting are usually needed.

Surface wiring and hidden wiring

Surface-mounted switches are presented in series Plexo from Legrand, Rondo or HIT from Schneider Electric, Hermes IP54 from IEK.

To the question of choice

Our site contains a huge variety of different products, but in order not to get confused in them, we have prepared a small overview of key manufacturers and their series.

Legrand is a leading manufacturer of electrical products, which includes both expensive design series (Celiane, Galea Life) and popular-budget high quality (Valena, Etika). Each series is manufactured and assembled in Portugal, Hungary and France. The Valena series is the most popular in the Legrand line, primarily due to the optimal price-quality ratio. A more affordable price is offered by the Etika series, the cost of which is lower due to the plastic calipers. Celiane and Galea Life, as mentioned above, are designer and prestigious series from a French manufacturer that combine high quality, sophisticated design and a price corresponding to it. It is also in Celiane that touch switches and touch dimmers can be found.


Legrand Valena	Legrand Etika


Odace series by Schneider Electric	Celiane by Legrand	NIESSEN Zenit from ABB

From Legrand another French company is not far behind Schneider electric , which also offers a wide range of choices. Products Schneider electric produced in France, Portugal and India. The Glossa series, falling into the mid-price segment, is an inexpensive switch and socket product featuring a classic, versatile design with flowing lines. The Sedna and Unica series are slightly more expensive, but there is more choice. So, in the series Unica the expanded color range of frames for switches is presented. The Odace series, despite the plastic calipers, is the most expensive in the line. Schneider electric due to the well-developed design, it can be compared with Celiane by Legrand.

Schneider Electric Glossa

Schneider Electric Unica

In general, when choosing switches, it should be borne in mind that there are "universal" positions that can be found from all manufacturers (for example, one / two-button switches, with or without backlighting), but there are those that can only be found in certain series. This largely depends on the prestige and design component of the brand. These include the manufacturer GIRA, some series Legrand, ABB, Schneider Electric. For example, the series NIESSEN Zenit by ABB presents products from rare and natural materials (frames made of slate, glass, wood), switches of this series have strict and futuristic contours.

The most inexpensive manufacturers include the Chinese manufacturer IEK, which we have presented in two series - the Kvarta series for concealed installation and the Hermes series for outdoor installation. A feature of the Hermes series is that its products are waterproof with IP54. The Turkish company Lezard also belongs to budget manufacturers, which has three series in its line: Nata and Demet for surface mounting and MIRA for hidden. The latest series has the most extensive color palette. Among her products are not only switches and sockets, but also dimmers.

Sometimes it becomes necessary to control light from different places in the same room. This need is especially relevant in long corridors, staircases, basements, and large rooms.

To be able to independently turn on and off lighting devices from several points, you will need pass-through and cross switches. A pair of pass-through devices will provide the ability to control two remote points, and a cross switch will allow you to turn on and off the light from three or more locations.

Functioning principle

Below is a diagram for connecting intermediate switches, which provides independent switching on and off of light from two different places.

Zero is connected directly to the lighting device, the phase is connected through a pair of switches connected by a two-core conductor. With two switches PV1 and PV2, the first and third contacts close, as a result, the circuit is closed, and electricity is supplied to the lamp.

To open the chain, press the button of any switch, for example, PV1. As a result, the first and second contacts will close. When you press the PV2 switch button, the same thing happens. Thus, we get a lighting system independently controlled from different points.

Cross switch functions

To create multiple control points, the capabilities of loop switches are not sufficient. You will need to include a cross switch in the wiring diagram. The switch is included in the gap of the two-wire conductor - between the pass-through devices.

The connection diagram of two pass-through switches and one crossover is shown in the figure below.

All contacts are closed. The current flows through the conductors (indicated in red). When you press the button of any of the three switches, the chain is opened. Pressing a key on another device will close the circuit and flow electricity through the blue wires.

The four control points use the diagram shown in the figure below. The circuit uses two pass-through and two cross-over switches.

To control the light, not only keys are suitable, but also motion or pop sensors. However, such devices, for all their convenience, are not without drawbacks:

high prices;
not too high reliability;
false positives.

Varieties of switches

There are two types of cross switches: rocker switches and rotary switches.

Keyboards

Devices of this type are the most common. Switches break one circuit and close another. Standard fixtures work with only one circuit.

Outwardly, different types of switches differ in the following features:

one-key cross switch has 2 contacts;
straight through - 3 contacts;
cross - 4 contacts.

The devices are equipped with one, two or three keys. Three-gang and two-gang cross switches are used to independently control multiple strings.

Swivel cross

Switches of this type are not so widespread. They are used to control light in industrial and warehouse buildings, to organize street lighting. Less commonly, rotary crossover devices are used in residential premises. Closing and opening of contacts is carried out by moving the lever.

Overhead and embedded

According to the method of installation, the switches are usually divided into two types - built-in and overhead. Built-in models are installed at the stage of building a building or in the process of replacing box parts. Conductors are laid in wall ducts or fixed to walls. After that, the wires are covered with a layer of plaster or other finishing material.

Overhead devices are fixed to the wall. In this case, there is no need for special channels. Surface switches are not very convenient, as they are prone to contamination. However, the overhead models fit well with modern interiors.

Crossover device characteristics

A wide range of electrical devices for light control is on sale - both Russian and foreign companies. The differences between switches from different manufacturers are mainly related to pricing.

As an example, here are the technical data of the double cross switch:

Voltage - 220 Volts.
The current strength is 10 Amperes.
Materials of construction - polycarbonate, plastic, thermoplastic.
The protection class differs depending on the model. Some devices are equipped with a high level of moisture protection.

Installation instructions

Installation work is carried out in the following sequence:

We lay and fix the two-core wire for connecting the pass-through switches.
At the installation site of the cross switch, we leave a small loop, but we do not cut the wire.
We mount the switches to the desired locations.
We bring the ends of the conductors to the pass-through devices - two-core, zero or phase.
We are testing the network for control from two points.
We turn off the power supply to the network.
At the installation site of the crossover device, cut off the two-core cable. We put a cross switch in the gap.
We supply power.
We check the network for operability with three control points.

An indoor cross-feed switch is suitable for any insulated 2-core cable with a suitable cross-section for the load. For street lighting, double insulated conductors are used.

If you are a true connoisseur of comfortable living, then cross and pass-through switches are also necessary for you, such as, for example, a soft sofa or a TV remote control.

At the same time, the parameters of your home do not matter at all: both in a 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 performance and internal design, as well as itself, it does not differ from ordinary ones.

However, there are still differences. So, a one-key pass-through switch has three contacts, in contrast to the usual switch, which is equipped with only two contacts. Thus, with the appropriate connection, using the pass-through switches, it is possible to turn on / off the lighting from two or more points.

If you need to turn off one lighting 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 of the device and are designed to connect electrical wires to it. In this case, two electrical lines pass through such a switch, the switching of which is carried out "in a cross".

Thus, when you press one key, two contacts are flipped, 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 few doors, on multi-storey 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 getting up.

For instance, cross switches installed on both sides of the bed so that both husband and wife can turn off the light each 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 breaks down).

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 the overhaul of the apartment in order to lay the electrical wiring in advance, because after finishing the finishing work, it will be quite problematic to lay the cable.

In order to install the pass-through switch, it is initially necessary to install a junction box in the required place. First, unscrew the screws from it and carefully break off the plugs of the holes in it for the supply of electrical wires.

Then you can proceed directly to the installation. At the beginning of the work, you need to make sure that the junction box moves freely in the niche previously hollowed out for it. Next, you will need to prepare a solution of plaster of paris (alabaster), mixing it with water until a medium density is obtained.

Using a narrow spatula, a small amount of this solution is placed in the hollowed-out niche and a little solution is applied to the outer back of the box. After that, the box is carefully inserted into the niche, setting it in such a way that the edge of the box is in the same plane with the wall surface.

If necessary, in order to ensure the most durable fixation of the box, an alabaster solution is added. Now there is some free time until the plaster is completely solidified.

During this time, you can clean the ends of the electrical wires by removing the insulation from them by 5-7 mm. 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 placing the switch in the box, while it will be problematic to work with an excessively short conductor.

How to fix the pass-through switch in the socket

Disassemble the switch before mounting it in the back box. In most cases, it is enough to remove the key (or keys, if the switch is double or triple) by gently prying it off with a flat screwdriver.

Next, you need to remove the retainer holding the upper pad. After removing the cover, you can connect the electric wires to the switch, for which the stripped ends are inserted into the technological sockets and fixed with a locking screw.

After connecting and installation of a pass-through switch will be completed, you need to properly fix it in the back box. It is carried out by means of special levers provided on the switch, as well as with the help of screws previously unscrewed from the mounting box.

If in the future it is planned to paste over the walls with wallpaper, then there is no point in replacing the switch keys, it is more expedient to carry out this operation after the completion of the “wallpaper” work.

Similar materials on the site:

Is it possible to turn on / off full lighting on the stairs from any floor? Easy! For this, pass-through switches are needed.

You entered a long corridor, turned on the light; walked along it to the exit, turned off the light ... How did it happen?

The current is switched using pass-through switches, so you can control the same luminaire from different places.

The pass-through switch is similar in appearance to a conventional one. Moreover, it can work like a regular switch if two wires are connected to it: input and output.

The difference between a pass-through and a simple one is that the pass-through switch is, in essence, a switch.

It transfers the voltage supplied to the input to one of the outputs; at reverse connection - voltage from one of the two inputs is transmitted to one output.

Fig. 1. Circuit breaker and pass-through switches

In order to carry out the switching of lamps from different points, a circuit is assembled using devices:

Loop switch
Cross switch
Two-key pass-through switch
Two-key rocker 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, wiring diagram for 3 points?

This is not one device, but a diagram of several - we'll talk about this ahead.

First, we will consider how to organize the control of one light bulb using two pass-through switches installed at different ends of a long corridor.

Wiring diagram of a pass-through switch with 2 places

Consider the circuit 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 main thing is this: if you then flip any switch, the light will turn on again. A very simple scheme allows you to solve the problem: how to turn off the light on the second floor by turning it on on the first; how to turn on the light in the bedroom and turn it off while lying in bed.

Fig. 2 Scheme of switching on and off light from two points

Three-point light switching circuit

In the previous section, we considered turning electricity on and off from two points: the circuit is very simple.

Well, what if you need to turn on / off the light from three points?

Such a problem arises when trying to save light in a multi-storey building and at the same time not walking up stairs in the dark. There is nothing complicated about it. But an additional switch is required, and not a pass-through, but a cross switch.

Rice. 3 Cross switch circuit

A cross switch can transfer phase from any input to any output, and the circuit can be disconnected between any input-output pair.
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 Three-point light on-off circuit

Figure 4 shows the position of the switches when the light is on.

By clicking a key on any of those switches, let's turn off the light. After that, press a key on any switch - the light will turn on.

And if the floors are not three, but five, six?

You can assemble the circuit so that the light will be turned on and off from any floor.

Only two pass-through switches are always needed: at the beginning and at the end of the chain. Cross switches are placed between them. An example of a diagram for a four-story staircase is shown in Fig. 5.

Rice. 5. Scheme of switching on / off the light from four points

Armed with a pencil and paper, you can draw different options and make sure that pressing any key on any switch leads to a change in the situation: the turned on light goes out, and if the light was off, it lights up.

This wonderful circuit can grow with the addition of new cross switches.

No matter how many cross switches with four contacts, there should be only two switches: at the beginning and at the end.

Wiring diagram of 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-over switches.

403 Forbidden

These devices are similar to conventional switches and have one key.

But on sale there is pass-through two-button switches, wiring diagram which in Fig. 6,
as well as cross-over two-rocker switches. These devices are used if you want to control two luminaires independently of each other.

Fig. 6 Switches for on-off of two lamps

It is necessary to distinguish between the control of several bulbs, which are simultaneously switched on and off, and those that can be switched on independently of each other.

In the first case, apply pass-through switch, wiring diagram for 1 key, in the second case, two-key ones are needed.

One-key pass-through switches can switch two, three, four lamps connected in parallel; the limitation is imposed by the permissible current that can be switched by the contacts.

Two Rocker Switches are two independent switches in one housing.

They can switch two independent groups of bulbs. Switch connection schemes are two independent chains, each of which controls its own luminaire or group of luminaires.

Pass-through switch wiring diagram for 2 keys

Commutation of two luminaires, in which is used Schneider pass-through switch, wiring diagram shown in fig.

Rice. 7. On-off circuit of 2 bulbs with 3 points.

Double rocker switches require careful handling. If, when you press a single key, the light either turns on 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, turn off the two-point lighting corridor switch... Buy and install them in pairs. After entering the mind, short circuits are very similar to normal short circuits, but most of them turn on a key or change 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 (center) (sometimes approaching the input arrow) and two switches (one key connects to the input terminal to the input connector and the other to the other).

The photo on the left shows a backlit on and off (bottom view). On the right is a transition switch.

Consider this Connection of terminals to switches of different manufacturers is set up differently, has different labels and tags. Before connecting the required continuity, determine where the input terminal is (bottom photo labeled L) and where it turns off (in the image below, indicated by arrows).

You can connect two terminals to each terminal.

Switching method is different from usual

Sv for the wire - two inlets. The painting is surrounded by black.

The illustration on the left shows the pass-through switch from above with the key removed and the right bottom view. "L" is the input terminal, arrows indicate output / switched. On a dual switch, the front (front) has two keys, the last three clips are one in and two out.

On the aisle, the front has one key and the latter has three clips - one in and two out.

For comparison, you can see the usual two-button switch. The bottom view 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 terminal.
The switching switches of the first switch are connected to the switching contacts of the other.
The order of the links doesn't matter. Often, pull the arrows pointing outward near the changeover contacts.
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 goes to the neutral wire.

Below are the reference diagrams for the different component options, with box and without control.

Special free artboards are now available for unpackaged assembly versions

There is also a significantly different approach to multi-person control lamps.

It consists of using a dedicated relay. And place a button instead of a switch (it can't look any different than the appearance of the lock). If you press any button, the voltage to the lamp will be turned on or off.

Created: 20:14:07 Date of registration: 10.06.2012 | Updated: 07:49:28

Breaker replacement is a common problem that almost everyone has to deal with. You need to know the basic nuances of connecting the switch and the features of work.

Key points for choosing a breaker

It is best to purchase switches in specialized stores, which have a large enough assortment in order to find the best option.

Thus, you will probably be able to choose a good product both in design and functionality. In the store, you can usually find quality branded switches from the best manufacturers.

When purchasing a breaker for general electrical wiring that has a voltage level of 250 V and a load of 10 A, you must ensure that it complies with national standards. The product must have the quality mark of the country that is the manufacturer.

For example, if the switch was made in Russia, then the Rostest icon must be on it.

It is necessary to pay attention to what level of current and voltage the switch is designed for. For example, products with a cermet contact, in which there is silver, will be able to reliably operate at a current of up to 4 A.

It is imperative to find out the number of poles and switching circuits. It is also necessary to pay attention to the design of the switch mechanism and its housing.

For example, a one-button switch for hidden electrical wiring has distinctive features in its design, which provides for the connection of wires after fixing the switch itself to a socket on the wall.

The one-key switch can be open-sided. It is customary to mount it on special wooden display stands.

It is secured with a pair of screws. If the switch will be installed in a place where there is a risk of moisture penetration inside, then it is necessary to take into account the fact that such switches are splash-proof.

When the optimal model has been selected, you need to check how soft the keys will work. You just need to press a key to do this. Everything should function smoothly enough. There should be no snags or squeaks.

At the end, you need to pay attention to the build quality.

The installation of a pass-through switch can be used where traditional lighting control is not very practical and convenient. For example, you can mark long corridors, flights of stairs and other similar places. Usually unique one-button switches are used there, which are equipped with three contacts.

They have a special connection scheme. During the operation of this device, the electrical circuit is not broken, but switches between a pair of output contacts.

Single-gang switch

When choosing a pass-through switch, it is necessary to evaluate the modification of the device. It can differ depending on the specific wiring, which in turn can be open and closed.

At the time of purchase, it is worth considering the basic characteristics of the device, because the contacts are usually designed for different loads and amperage.

Differences between a traditional circuit breaker and a pass-through

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 the pass-through switch is based on the possibility of switching, and not on a simple interruption of the electrical circuit.

Circuit breaker connection diagram

Wiring diagram of the switch through

From all this follows the main advantage of the pass-through switches.

It consists in the fact that you can turn on lighting fixtures from two or more points. Earlier 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 at the door, and the other - directly next to the bed. You can use such switches on personal plots when the need to illuminate the paths at night is urgent.

Installing a one-button switch

When you need to replace an old switch that has broken, such work will take very little time. Usually, during this process, there is no particular difficulty.

But, if it comes to arranging a new circuit in a private house or apartment, then the work can be very difficult.

Installation of a junction box for a specific lighting group

Before work, it is imperative to check the fact that the electricity is off.

If you need to create a new circuit, conduct a new wiring, then you need to decide in advance what kind of circuit it will be, that is, closed or open. Of course, there will be fewer problems with open wiring, because it can be laid over the surface of the building.

A patch switch can be used for this type of wiring.

But if you want to make hidden wiring, then you will have to use a fairly serious equipment for chipping the walls. In this case, the switch is installed in a box that is built into the wall.

If a new circuit is being drawn and a junction box is installed, then six wires must be routed. Two of them will go to the lamp, a couple to the switch, and two more will be supplying.

After inserting each wire into the junction box, it is necessary to determine the condition of the wires using an ohmmeter.

Circuit breaker connection diagram

You need to find a neutral working conductor that connects directly to the wire of the lamp. In this case, the phase conductor is connected to the wire that goes to the switch. The two wires that remain must be connected together.

Installation of the surface-mounted switch

The installation process is quite simple, because you do not need to groove the walls, as well as install a junction box.

Size is the only drawback of the outdoor one-button switch.

Category: Switches and sockets

Very often we meet with a misunderstanding of Buyers in the difference between switches and switches. It is also not entirely clear what kind of pass-through, intermediate and cross switches and switches for "two directions" are.

Let's see what is the difference between these devices.

We will try to write in a language accessible to everyone, so we ask you not to find fault with the writing style, terms, etc. in advance.

Switch

A switch is a device, usually having two contacts, which, when on, connects the contacts (turns on the lamp), and when off
state, respectively, disconnects the contacts (turns off the lamp).

Everything here is very obvious and understandable. What a white switch, article 774401 Valena series (Valena) looks like, from the reverse side is shown in the photo on the right.

Usually, manufacturers indicate with arrows where the contacts are. The arrows show that the "phase" conductor should 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 "exit" (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 both ways, but there are two nuances:

For properly mounted switches, the key is in the up position when it is on, and down when it is off.
When connected according to the scheme, 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 “inverted”. That is, in the on state, the key will occupy the "down" position, but should occupy the "up" position, and vice versa.
When connected according to the scheme "Phase" -> load (lamp) -> switch -> "zero", the phase will first pass through the lamp, and break at the switch (i.e.
in the off state of the switch, the lamp will always be energized). And this is wrong! With the correct wiring diagram, the "phase" in the off state is broken at the switch and there will be no voltage on the lamp (that is, when you replace a burned out lamp, you will not be electrocuted).

There are also two-pole switches that break not only the phase wire, but also the neutral (neutral) conductor, but they are usually 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. In fact, the switch is always on, either one or the other.

Hence the name "Switch" - switches from one contact to another.

If a switch has only two contacts, it will act as a switch.

In its catalogs Legrand uses the concept of a bi-directional switch, which it is, because a switch switches between two contacts.

In general, a switch can switch between three or more contacts, but in wiring mechanisms, if such are found, it is extremely rare, therefore 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 the switch is to control lighting from two locations.

To control the lighting, you need only two switches, and to control the lighting from three or more locations, you cannot do without the use of pass-through (cross) switches.

Switches in our catalog:

Loop switch

An intermediate (aka cross) switch is a device that switches two separate lines crosswise (that is, if the phase was on the right before the cross switch, and zero was on the left, then when switching they will change places).

The appearance of intermediate switches is no different from conventional switches. For clarity, see the diagrams in the figures.

An intermediate switch is usually used to control lighting from three or more locations.

This switch is called "cross", because when switching, it kind of crosses the lines, and "Intermediate" is called because in the switching circuit, when controlled from three or more places, it is in the interval between the "switches in two directions".

Eleko - Internet shop of electricians in Irkutsk www.eleko.pro

A house is a place of comfort, a family hearth, where you want to equip everything not only beautifully, but also comfortably. The lighting in this case plays important role... Placing lamps, as well as their controls, 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 on / off the light in the apartment, not a switch?

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 the mechanisms. If you have already decided to independently install this or that device, study the diagram in detail, understand the differences for yourself, then proceed with the task.

It is better, of course, to invite a specialist with work experience, if you have even the slightest doubt, because the wiring in the house, in the apartment must be done 100% correct.

Switches and switches (there are two types) serve the same thing - they open or close an electrical circuit at a certain time. That is, to put it simply - turn on or off the light. Devices are of different types, differ in performance, and outwardly there are any, just you wish. Basically, lamps are located at the other end of the electrical circuit 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 is active - 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 it is not difficult to understand which contacts, their manufacturer marks with arrows.

An experienced electrician will immediately notice that there is no arc extinguishing device in it, therefore, in the event of a short circuit (short circuit), it will not be possible to turn off the short circuit currents with the switch. Automatic machines are intended for this, but this is a completely different type of electrical apparatus.

Switches are distinguished by the type of execution, which is their main defining parameter.

There are such types:

outdoor installation - wall mounting
indoor installation - wall mounting.

They are also classified by the number of keys - one-key, two-key, three-key, and so on. In control, there can also be switches of different types: touch, key, push-button and so on.

Switch definition

A switch is a device with three or more contacts. The switch switches one or directly multiple 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 if the switch is off, it closes the first and third.

This is probably why it was called that - it switches contacts from one to the other. That is, it is not difficult to understand that the switch almost always remains on. If only two contacts are involved in it, then it will work according to the principle of a switch. It is sometimes also called a rocker switch.

Switches are different, for example, by the number of keys:

one-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 essence is in the number of contacts available on the back. The switch does only one action - interrupts the electrical circuit, and the switch can switch it from one contact to another, that is, switching.

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 turn on and off in several places, then you cannot do without a switch called a crossover. When it comes to lighting control from three or more places, then even several of them will be needed.

Let's highlight these main differences between switches and switches:

different number of contacts;
the switch turns on and off the lighting fixtures in the same room, and the switch can
control the same light source from different locations.

We can conclude that the switch is a more functional device that allows you to comfortably equip and beat in the interior location of all fixtures, 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, indicate the equipment that will be needed in your case.

Walk-throughs were created to conveniently control lighting in long corridors, on stairs, in walk-through rooms and in other places. They are installed between floors, when descending into the basement, near the doors of rooms with several entrances. While in your home, it is convenient to switch between utility rooms. Or control the lights on the porch and backyard. The checkpoint switch makes it possible to control lighting from different places, saving people from inconvenience. This also saves electricity.

A conventional switch contains a button for two positions and a pair of contacts. Wires are connected to them. In contrast, the built-in switch of the pass-through switch consists of three contacts: one common and two changeover contacts. Each of them is also connected to a wire. To control the lighting from several places, for example from two, a switching device with 4 contacts is required. In addition, there must be one lead to each one. So, you can control not only lighting, but also any other electrical appliances, although the installation of the circuit is complicated.

How does a one-rocker switch work?

The principle of operation is that one circuit is opened by a changeover contact, and the other is closed. The connection diagram of the pass-through switch is always on its reverse side. One of the contacts is common (1), and the other two are changeover contacts (2, 3). From two such devices located in different places, it is possible to assemble the simplest and most common scheme for controlling a luminaire from two different points.

The terminals 2 and 3 of the PV1 and PV2 switches that match the numbers are interconnected by wiring. Input part 1 from PV1 is connected to the phase, and PV2 is connected to the luminaire. The other end of the lamp is connected to the neutral power wire. How the loop-through switch circuit works is checked by turning it on. For a start, voltage is applied. In this case, the lamp sequentially lights up or goes out with independent switching of any of the switches. If one of them breaks, the circuit stops working. But at the same time, another line is being prepared for inclusion.

How to connect the simplest pass-through switch?

Before installation, draw a diagram of all connections.

(RK) is installed first. All wires will be collected and connected in it. Power is supplied here from the control panel. For this, a 3 x 1.5 mm three-core cable is laid. It is the most common for all wiring diagrams. Here, two conductors are supplying, and the third is for grounding electrical appliances. In addition, 2 socket boxes are installed in which the switches will be placed. Three-core cables are laid from each glass and from the lamp to the RK.

After all wires and cables are in place, connections are made. First, a wire of phase L is connected between the output of the machine and the input of PV1 (No. 1). Then the corresponding output contacts (2-2, 3-3) of the switches are connected to each other. Next, they are installed in a socket box. Two terminals of the cartridge to the input PV2 (No. 1) and to the blue neutral conductor from the control panel. If it is connected from its output contact, if single-pole - from the zero bus. The end of the grounding conductor is insulated. Or it is connected to the luminaire body if it is metal.

When all connections are completed, a light bulb is screwed into the socket. Then the circuit of the pass-through switch is checked by turning on the machine in the dashboard. The lamp may light up immediately. Or after switching on PV1 or PV2. You can extinguish it by pressing the key of any of the switches. Important! The switches have no fixed on and off positions.

Cross switch

Connecting loop-through switches at three locations requires additional installation of a cross-connect device. It consists of 2 single-key devices with internal jumpers, assembled in one housing.

A cross switch (PC) is installed between the two conventional ones. It only applies to them. Its distinctive feature is the presence of four terminals (2 inputs and 2 outputs). To control from four points, you need to add another such device to the circuit. The PCB should be connected to the changeover contacts of the pass-through switches in such a way that a working power supply circuit of the luminaire is created.

Complex contact groups require a lot of wires and connections. It is preferable to collect several simple circuits. They work reliably and are easy to use. Note! All main connections are made in junction boxes. No twists should be done on the lead wires.

Which model should you choose?

Which pass-through switch to use depends primarily on the type of wiring. For open, overhead models are selected. Under the hidden socket will be required. Suitable sizes should be chosen so that they can be connected together. It is important to install the normal and crossover switches with the same appearance. Devices are rotary, keyboard, lever, touch. Contacts are selected for the appropriate load. Switching should be easy. In this case, the devices must be securely fastened.

Installation of a three-point switching system

To do this, you need to perform the following actions:

Draw a connection diagram.
Mark and grind grooves and grooves for wiring and boxes.
Install distribution parts. They are selected in large sizes so that 12 connections can be made inside.
Install socket boxes.
Lay the cable from the box to the connection points.
Connect wires to switches and terminals in boxes. Mark the wires. Collect the circuit sequentially, checking the correctness of the connections.
Set the switches to their places.

Connecting double-rocker switches

The device consists of 2 one-button independent switches. They are collected in one body. They work according to the same principle of flipping contacts. But the number of inputs is 2, and outputs - 4. The difference is that 2 switches are located at different points. Their keys work for different lights.

Installation of two-rocker switches for control from two locations

The sequence of actions should be as follows:

A diagram is drawn up, without which it is difficult to make connections.
Junction boxes and socket boxes are installed.
2 lighting groups are mounted.
Three-core cables are laid based on the connection to the 6 contacts of each switch and to the luminaires.
According to the drawn up diagram, the cable cores are connected in the junction box, to the lamp holders and to the switches.

The two-key pass-through switch can be replaced with a circuit of four one-key switches. But it will be irrational. As more junction boxes will be required and cable consumption will increase.

Control of two lighting systems from three locations

A two-key pass-through switch is crossover. It is installed in the kit. That is, it also includes two two-button limit switches if you want to control the lighting from three points. It will have 4 entrances and 4 exits.

Installation is carried out as follows:

For mounting the circuit, a standard box with a diameter of 60 mm is not enough. Therefore, its size should be larger. Or you need to install 2-3 pieces in sequence. ordinary.
There are 12 wire connections for the connection. To do this, you will need to lay 4 three-core cables. The cores should be labeled correctly here. 6 contacts are suitable for two limit switches, and 8 contacts for a cross.
A phase is connected to PV1. Then you need to make the necessary connections. On the back side of the device, a two-key pass-through switch diagram is shown. It must match properly with external connections.
PV2 is connected from luminaires.
Four outputs of PV1 are connected to the inputs of the cross switch, and then its outputs are connected to 4 inputs of PV2.

Conclusion

The checkpoint switch is convenient. No extra walking up stairs and long corridors is required to turn a light on or off. Sometimes it is simply necessary. In addition, electricity is saved through fast switching times. It is important to choose the right devices and correctly install the electrical connections.