What do switches mean? Pass-through switch from a conventional switch. Switch and switch are the main differences. Scope of application of pass-through switches

All switches and switches serve one thing - at the right time to close or open the electrical circuit (turn on or off the lighting). These devices are the most different types and vary in performance. In this article, we will understand what switches and switches are and how they differ from each other.

Definition

Switch- this is a two-position switching device with normally open two contacts, designed to operate in networks with voltage up to 1000 V. The switch is not designed to disconnect short-circuit currents (short circuit), if it does not have special arc extinguishing equipment. For a household switch, its execution is very important - for internal installation (for hidden wiring, built into the wall) or for external installation (for open wiring, installed on the wall). Switches are mainly used to turn lights on/off.

Switch(it is also a pass-through, toggle or backup switch) is a device that switches one or more electrical circuits to several others. Outwardly, it almost does not differ from the switch, only it has more contacts. So, for example, a single-key switch has three contacts, a two-key switch has six (it is two independent single-key switches).

Comparison

Unlike a circuit breaker, where there is simply an interruption electrical circuit, when you press the switch key, switching from one contact to another is carried out. And instead of interrupting the electrical circuit, the contacts are flipped, and a new circuit is created (therefore, the switches are also called toggle switches). This feature allows you to manipulate the same light source from different points using a switch. A system consisting of several switches (toggle switches) is called a pass-through switch.

EMAS switch (3 positions)

Findings site

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

Where to place the switch? This is a difficult question if you need to turn on / off the light in a large hall with several entrances, or in a long corridor. If there is only one switch, but there is a lot of space, this is inconvenient.

Is it possible to do better - to turn on / off the light from different ends of the corridor or stairs in the entrance, in the local area from the house, garage, from the gate, and so on? In our digital age, radio-controlled remote controls, motion sensors, and so on immediately come to mind. This is great, but you can do it easier, cheaper and more convenient. You just need to use the switch.

Many of us have come across a circuit switch in a school problem book. In the task for the seventh grade, it is proposed to draw up a diagram in such a way that you can turn on and off the light bulb at any end of the corridor. To understand the principle of operation of the pass-through switch, we will analyze the solution to this simple problem.

First - a simple scheme "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 task of switching 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 walk-through switches

To solve the problem, not switches are needed, but switches, and an additional wire is also needed. The switch transmits voltage to one of two wires:

Here, the phase is transferred from pin 1 to 2. If you flip the switch, the voltage from pin 1 will go to 3.

In any position of the switch, only one of the wires will be energized: 2 or 3.

This is the electrical circuit of the pass-through switch: a simple switch.

But for work, at least one more light switch is needed. To it from the first switch you need to stretch two wires.

What happens if we click switch 1? The chain will open. And if switch 2? The same.

This means that the light can be turned off from any end of the corridor. And after that it can be turned on by clicking any of the switches. For example, first:

The single-gang switch has no positions On, Off. 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 off, it will light up.

What to buy to implement the scheme

Understanding how the pass-through switch works, you can independently mount 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, have an attractive design, some with LED lighting.

The legrand valena pass switch, if it is without a pair, can work as a simple one. But usually they are bought in pairs.

Customers often ask what is the difference between a pass-through switch and a regular one. There are few differences: enterprises use a single case design for different devices. On the checkpoints there is no marking indicating the inclusion (sometimes it is still there, 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 walk-through switches operating for one group of luminaires.

Pass-through switches, like conventional switches, are available with one or two keys. Two-button controls two groups of lamps. You can, for example, adjust the brightness of the lighting by turning groups of light bulbs on and off in the 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 easy to assemble a circuit from devices from any manufacturer, but sometimes difficulties arise because there are circuits with errors on commercial sites on the Internet. Sometimes cheap Chinese devices are accompanied by paper instructions with diagram errors.

Use the simplest diagram, on which everything is clear, which you understand.

Turn on and off the light from ten places

We have examined in detail the circuit for switching 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 the apartment, on any floor, turn on the light on the stairs, and turn it off when leaving the entrance. And do the same in reverse order: turn on the light at the entrance to the entrance, and turn it off at your door. Or leaving the office late at night into the corridor, where the diligent supply manager has already turned off the light, do not wander in the dark, but flip the switch at your door, let there be light! And turn it off at the exit. And so that there are 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 cross switch is one 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 - a phase, on the other - nothing. By clicking the cross switch key, we will swap the phase and "blank" on the output terminals.

If you place a cross switch between two feedthroughs, 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 drawing. At the moment the circuit is closed, but what happens if you click on 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 by again clicking ANY switch.

You can put in the middle of the circuit two cross switches, three, four .... no matter how sorry. 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 figure out. But nevertheless the scheme works! After all, at no position of the switching devices, the phase is “lost” - it comes to one of the two outputs of each cross switch, and only the last pass switch “selects” the phase or its absence.

Overhead cross 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 walk-through and cross switches are in demand because they are used in large numbers in the improvement of lighting systems, including outdoor lighting.

When building your home, a convenient switching system with walk-through switches can be included in the wiring project.

New technologies: touch switches

Stylish touch switches are more expensive than usual, but are in demand - they have become a natural part of modern "digital culture".

Sensory devices are fairly complex electronic devices. A thyristor or a high-power transistor is used to switch the current, and the signal due to which the device opens (or locks) 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 to touch, it is enough to bring your hand at a distance of 1-3 centimeters. In houses, capacitive touch switches are usually installed, or combined with a motion sensor. All touch devices can be controlled remotely. If the remote control 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, light brightness, 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, as well as mechanical ones, are used to control lighting fixtures from different points. Compared to mechanical ones, they are more functional: they can be controlled remotely, control the intensity of light.

Externally, the touch devices are a smooth glass panel, in the connected state, an indication is noticeable on it: a blue firefly - the state is OFF, red - ON. To control the lighting device, you just need to touch the panel of the device.

In the photo - touch switch.

The paradox lies in the fact that technologically advanced touch devices do a great job of controlling incandescent or gas discharge lamps, but when turning on advanced LED lamps, problems arise. In the "touch switch - LED lamp" circuit, 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 the connection diagram of the adapter in parallel with the LED lamp.

In this figure, the adapter is connected to the junction box and affects all the LEDs included in this circuit.

Let's consider the connection diagrams of the pass-through touch switches.

The connection of two touch switches is shown here.

Shown here is the connection of three walk-through touch switches.

Note that in the middle there is the same touch switch as on the edges. That is, touch devices are not divided into "simple" and "cross".

In the chain of touch switches there is a “main” - which is shown on the left, three wires are suitable for it (one wire is from the load). Before starting work, the system must be synchronized. By touching the panel of the main unit, wait 5 seconds for a beep. After that, you need to touch the second switch. Synchronization done. Then the third, fourth and so on are synchronized with the main switch.

Pass-through socket - it's very simple

Having become acquainted with the remarkable properties of the pass-through switches, we expect miracles from such an object as a pass-through socket. But there is nothing special here. There is simply an end socket (electric wires are suitable for it, which do not go anywhere else), and a pass-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 power supply system.

What limits the number of walk-through switches

A chain of switches that allows switching electric current from several points should not be too cumbersome. Contacts resist electrical current. It is small, but on 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, failures are possible. Therefore, we rarely see a string of through and cross switches of ten or more pieces. Most often this is a pair of switches, somewhat less often - a chain of three, four, five.

The use of these devices makes life more convenient and saves energy.

Types of walk-through switches

So, we have considered different variants of 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 are of two types:

• simple checkpoints;
• cross.

Connecting the switches is very easy. Good luck!

Related videos

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

At the same time, the parameters of your home absolutely do not matter: 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 increase 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 execution and internal design, as well as itself, it is no different from ordinary ones.

However, differences still exist. So, one-way switch has three contacts, unlike the usual switch, equipped with only two contacts. Thus, with the appropriate connection, with the help of walk-through switches, it is possible to turn on / off the 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 of the device and are designed to connect electrical wires to it. At the same time, two electric lines pass through such a switch, the switching of which is carried out "in a cross".

Thus, when one key is pressed, two contacts are switched, which do not have an electrical connection between them.

These switches can be used, for example, in long corridors, where there are quite a lot of doors, on multi-storey stairs, 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 example, cross switches installed on both sides of the bed so that both the husband and wife can turn off the light each with their own separate switch.

Through switches, as a rule, are sold in pairs, since it makes no sense to buy one switch (unless one of the workers fails).

Installing a walk-through switch

It should be noted that it is desirable to provide for the installation of such switches during the construction process or during the overhaul of an apartment in order to lay electrical wiring in advance, because after finishing work, it will be quite problematic to lay the cable.

For what to produce installation of a pass switch Initially, it is necessary to install a junction box in the required place. First, unscrew the screws from it and carefully break out the plugs of the holes in it for supplying electrical wires.

Then you can proceed directly to the installation. At the beginning of work, it is necessary 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 of building gypsum (alabaster), mixing it with water until an average density is obtained.

Using a narrow spatula, a small amount of this solution is placed in a 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, alabaster mortar is added. Now there is some free time until the plaster completely hardens.

During this time, it is possible to strip 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 the switch to be placed 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

Before mounting the switch in the mounting 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), gently prying it with a flat screwdriver.

A pass switch is, strictly speaking, not a switch but a switch. Although the people call it a switch, because it serves to turn off the light. I will also adhere to folk traditions in this article.

Using a walk-through switch is very convenient where you need to turn on or off the lighting from different places. As its name implies, such a switch can be placed in the aisles. Other application examples are large rooms, corridors, stairs, etc.

In order to turn the light on or off, in this case it is necessary to switch one of the switches (there are usually two of them, but there may be more) to the opposite position.

Wiring diagram for walk-through switches

Pass-through switches are always used only in pairs, that is, there can be only two of them in the circuit, but not one or three. The connection diagram in the case of using two pass-through switches will look like this:

The classic scheme for switching on lighting from two points with walk-through switches

In practice, I usually use a VVG 3x1.5 cable, in which there are three wires - white, blue, yellow-green. See installation example below. So, in order not to get confused, I do it according to the rule: the circuit input (pin 1 SA1) is white, the second and third contacts are connected blue and yellow, respectively, the circuit output (pin 1 SA2) is white. Always white (phase) and blue (zero) wires are suitable for the light bulb.

As can be seen from the diagram, the EL lamp will only light when the switches SA1 and SA2 are in the same position - either up or down. When the positions are different, no current flows in the circuit.

Light control from multiple locations: cross switch

There can be only two pass-through switches in the circuit. If it is required to control lighting from three or more places, then a scheme with a cross (double pass) switch is used:

Circuit with a cross switch for turning on the lighting from three places

A cross switch can be made from a double pass switch. To do this, just fasten the two keys together and connect the necessary contacts according to the diagram. If you use several cross switches, you can control the lighting from several places.

I live on the fifth floor. It happens that when I go up to my floor, I notice that it is a bit dark, and I had to turn on the light on the second floor. On the second one, I didn't think about it, because there is a light on there, which turns on on the first one. But the diagram above - on several floors - would completely eliminate this problem - turn on the light in the entrance wherever you want.

In practice, cross switches are rarely used.

If you need to turn on the lighting from several places, then you can (and better, and easier) use the stair switch as described in the article about SamElectric.ru.

From the checkpoint - a regular switch

There are situations when you need to install a switch, and there is only a pass-through switch at hand. The question arises - how to convert a pass-through switch into a regular one?

It doesn't matter, you can set the gate as normal, no difference.

A pass switch, if used alone (without a pair), becomes a normal switch. In this case, one contact is either not used, or the switch can switch two lighting lines to the selection:

The two-gang pass-through switch consists of two independent pass-through switches. Using two double pass switches is like using four regular pass switches. The only difference is the number of mounting boxes.

Therefore, if you need to convert a pass-through switch into a regular one, you just need not to connect one of its extreme terminals, otherwise connect it in the same way as a regular one.

Here, just the answer to a similar question from a reader (see comments, dated August 16, 2017) - what to do if there are pass-through switches, but ordinary ones are needed?

Here is the circuit shown in the photo of the switch:

In this case, a dual feedthrough switch is shown (i.e. two feedthrough switches in one housing). Contacts 2 and 5 are medium, they are constantly supplied with phase. Accordingly, the phase is removed from contacts 3 and 4 after switching, and enters the light bulb. And zero is constantly applied to the light bulb.

Maybe this will be interesting too?

If the bulbs are turned on with keys in different directions, then you just need to connect the bulb to another output contact of the switch. For the left - not to 3, but to 6. For the right - not to 4, but 1.

Important! I'm not quite sure that the middle contact in the switch is 2 and 5. The circuit is drawn somehow implicitly ...

In conclusion, I note one more difference between pass-through switches and conventional ones. The number of wires to the pass switch is not two, but three. And four wires should be connected to the crossover. This must be taken into account in advance when laying the wiring.

Scheme of connecting the pass-through switch

For an example of connection, we use the Gunsan Visage two-gang pass-through switch, the photo of which is shown below:

Gunsan Visage two-gang switch. Appearance assembled from the front.

By the way, there is no backlight in such switches. At least I haven't met.

Remove the keys and decorative panel:

Front view. Through the transparent plastic, the switch contacts are clearly visible - it is immediately clear what to connect where.

Back view. Pass-through switch terminals

During installation, 3 wires should be suitable for the through switch, in our case, 6 wires for a two-gang switch.

Connecting a walk-through switch

There is no need to be afraid of the abundance of wires, the connection of a single-gang switch from a two-gang pass-through switch differs only in that a two-gang switch is actually two one-gang switches in one housing.

The colors of the wires must be clearly remembered, but it is better to sketch on the diagram so as not to make a mistake during installation. Above in the quote is a mnemonic rule that is best used when installing and connecting.

We put on the cover, put the keys - and the connection of the pass-through switch is completed!

Article update.

This is more of a joke...

Installation option of a “through” switch

Option to install a “pass-through” switch from different rooms

Checkpoint - this is after all with the ability to turn off from different places, right?

A switch is used to control lighting from different places. The 2-point connection scheme is the most common at home, so it will be considered. Options with manipulation from several places at once are more suitable for commercial and industrial premises.

Two point lighting control scheme

Based on the working principle, electrical switches the pass-through type could be called switches. In appearance, it is difficult to distinguish them from ordinary counterparts, because the differences lie in the contact system. They are usually classified according to the method of control.

Keyboard instruments

The main operating options are shown below.

• In one device can be installed next to the door, and the other - near the bed. Thus, when entering the room, you can turn on the bedtime light and turn it off without having to go back.
• Next to the stairs, the devices are mounted on different floors. For example, when approaching it, you can turn on the light, and after lifting it, turn it off.
• In the corridor, fixtures are usually installed at the beginning and end.

Note! The most important criterion when choosing the presented switch can be considered the number of keys. It must necessarily correlate with the number of groups of lighting fixtures that are turned on at the same time.

Familiarization with the principle of operation

Before connecting a feed-through switch with any type of connection diagram, it is necessary to understand the principle of its operation. Each device has three contacts, one of which switches from one circuit to another. The principle of operation is based on changeover contacts.

When the switch position is changed, electricity redirected to a specific terminal. Only one of the existing chains remains closed. The lighting device starts working when both toggle switches are in the same positions.

Pass-through switch: connection diagram for 2 points of devices with a different number of keys

The most popular scheme for connecting a pass-through switch from two places, but it can be carried out for devices with a different number of keys. All of them have a different number of contacts, so some difficulties may arise when connecting wires.

Scheme of connecting a pass-through switch from 2 places with one key

One lighting group can be controlled from two places using single-gang switches. They are connected according to a fairly simple scheme, which should be considered as a tutorial for a deeper understanding of the principle of operation.

From the central power line, the phase is connected to the incoming contact of one of the working switches. The output terminals of the two switches are connected to each other. The second contact of the device is connected to the lighting device, taking into account the above diagram.

The process of connecting two-button devices for two main points

More complex is the scheme with the connection of a two-gang pass-through switch directly from two places. This option makes it possible to control two lighting groups at once. Devices with two keys are capable of working in two main directions.

Two-gang blocks are mounted in certain places directly in the installation boxes. All lighting groups are located in the desired zones. A three-core cable is connected to the light sources (N - zero, L - phase and ground).

Installation, if desired, can be done using four single switches, but in this case there will be no rationality. Installation of two-key analogs is more profitable, as the cable is saved along with junction boxes.

The presented two-way switch circuit opens up much more functionality than the one mentioned above.

Prices for the products of the main manufacturers

The cost of products may vary depending on the number of keys, the control method and the popularity of the manufacturer. The table considers the average prices for two-key counterparts.

Table 1 . Average cost of switches

Image	Manufacturer and model	Cost in rubles
	Werkel WL02-SW-2G-2W-LED	556
	ABB BASIC 55	611
	MAKEL Manolya	239
	Schneider electric Sedna SDN0500170	395
	TDM Lama SQ1815-0207	440
	Lezard Mira 701-0701-105	325
	LEGRAND VALENA	496

From touch switches, Livolo products can be distinguished. The front side of the devices is usually made of tempered glass, resistant to mechanical stress. The surface is capable of withstanding at least 100,000 on and off cycles.

LED backlight makes it easy to find the device in complete darkness. When touched with wet hands, negative consequences do not occur, since the products are moisture resistant. The price of such devices ranges from 1500-3000 rubles.

It is possible to remotely control the device via a special radio channel. Thus, you can turn on and off the lighting from different rooms that are in the range of the remote control. This control option is more convenient than with an IR system operating in the line of sight.

Making a pass-through switch from a conventional analogue

If necessary, it is quite possible to convert a conventional switch into a pass-through analogue on your own, because outwardly they do not differ from each other. Differences begin only when considering the internal parts.

Alteration involves adding a contact to a conventional switch, that is, instead of two terminals, three should be obtained. To do this, you need to take two simple devices: one-key and two-key. They must be made by the same manufacturer. For a two-key device, the conclusions simply change.

Summarizing

To increase the comfort of living, you can purchase or make your own pass-through switch with a 2-point connection diagram. Access to certain categories of lighting fixtures will help simplify everyday activities. The choice of a specific connection option will depend on the number of sources.

Today we will consider an interesting topic, we will figure out what switches and switches are, what they are, and what they “eat” with. There are a lot of switches, among which there are absolutely incredible views. There are single-key, two-key and even three-key switches, walk-through, touch, and in general a great variety of design options. There are also many design options, colors, shapes and other factors that affect the appearance of the switch. They also come in open and hidden wiring, but first things first.

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

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

Another important fact is that there are switches, and there are walk-through switches. Do you want me to tell you a terrible secret? Are you sure you want? It is the same. Yes, yes, you heard right. A pass switch and a switch are one and the same, and even have exactly the same wiring diagram.

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

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

Further, it is fashionable to attribute touch switches to newfangled switches. This is a switch that closes or opens the network when touched. The design is actually not complicated. Such a Switch consists of a touch panel, which, when pressed, signals a special semiconductor circuit to close the circuit, and it closes it. The same thing happens when you turn off only in the opposite direction.

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

Another switch option is a dimmer. A dimmer is a device that is installed instead of a switch, in the exact same socket. But this is not a simple device, but a magical one. Joke. In fact, the dimmer controls the power supplied to the lamp, and by doing so, you can adjust the brightness of the lamps. Can you imagine having your own sunrise and sunset in your room? And if you have children and they love to put on home theatrical performances, then you can cover these performances almost professionally.

It is worth considering carefully the choice of a dimmer. You should not buy cheap dimmers, as they will either not dim the brightness, but not only that, they can also ruin the lamps. Another important fact is that not all lamps are suitable for a dimmer. There are either Ilyich light bulbs or special energy-saving and LED ones. But even special fluorescent lamps are not recommended for use with a dimmer, as this shortens their service life. Plus, such lamps are a rarity, they are difficult to find, and they cost “like a cast-iron bridge”, sorry for such a comparison. Much better to buy now LED bulbs and forget about their replacement for many years. The main thing when buying, pay attention to the lamp box, it must be compatible with the dimmer.

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

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

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

Switch and switch are electrical devices that are designed to perform similar functions. However, these devices have fundamental differences from each other.

What is a switch

The switch is designed for electrical circuit interruptions. It is used to control lighting fixtures. These products operate on and off. Accordingly, they perform two functions - turning on the lighting or electrical device and turning it off. The simplest example of a product is a single-button switch, which can be found in any room that is illuminated by electric lighting fixtures.
Product completes an electrical circuit and is a means to control lighting.

What is a switch

Such devices are used for switching contacts of the electrical circuit. Their work is expressed in the transfer of contacts and the creation of a new electrical circuit. In my own way appearance A switch is very similar to a switch. However, these devices have a different number of contacts.

So, standard switch has three contacts, and the switch is six. In the on position, the device closes the first, as well as the second contacts. And when transferred to the off position, the third and first contacts are closed. Thus, talking about the off position can be very conditional. The switch is permanently on.

Differences

These devices differ in working principle so they are used in different situations. Among the most characteristic features switches and switches, it is necessary to highlight the following:

1. The switch is characterized by the presence only two contacts. His work is expressed in the connection and disconnection of the electrical circuit. This is how the light turns on and off. Meanwhile, the switch has more features. It is able to connect, disconnect an electrical circuit, that is, act as a switch. But besides this, the switch can also create a new electrical circuit. This is achieved by having three contacts.
2. Switches are installed in the respective rooms and are used to turn on or off the lighting fixtures that are located in the same room. At the same time, using the switches, you can control the same lighting fixture from several places. An example is the control of lamps in the corridor. Entering the corridor, you can use the switch to turn on the light. And after passing through it and being at the end of the corridor, with the help of another switch it will be possible to turn off the light.
3. In order to be able to turn on or off the lighting from three or even more different points, you should use the so-called pass switches. In this case, closer to the beginning and to the end of the electrical circuit, one single-key switch should be mounted. And already between them you can install any number of transitional switches.

So the switch is more functional product. It is great in cases where a fairly large area is illuminated. It can be a long corridor or several flights of stairs. Thanks to the capabilities of the switches, it will be possible to control the operation of lighting devices throughout the electrical circuit from anywhere.

At the same time, such places can be determined by the customer himself, when performing electrical work. That is, it will be possible to create a simple, reliable and comfortable lighting control system. At the same time, the fundamental difference between switches and switches lies precisely in the number of contacts. This value determines the broader useful possibilities of the switches.

What is the similarity

Despite the significant differences, these devices have many common features. Among them, the main ones should be indicated:

• They are designed to control lighting and electrical appliances.
• These products are of several types. They can be mounted indoors and outdoors.
• There are models with waterproof cases. They are designed for outdoor installation, as they are adapted to various weather phenomena.

Thus, the switch has a more complex design and more useful features than the switch. At the same time, they are not inferior to switches in strength and design.

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

The pass switch and the switch differ in that when using the switch, you can only close or open the circuit, while the pass switch is equipped with three contacts, as well as a switching mechanism. The toggle switch allows you to control one luminaire or a group of luminaires from different locations.

Scope of application of pass-through switches

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

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

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

Types of pass switch

Currently, there are several types of switches, both in appearance and in device. There is a single-key version and a two-key pass-through switch, the connection scheme of which is somewhat different.

A two-gang pass-through switch has six contacts and is, in fact, a connection of two single-gang switches. It allows you to control multiple lights and turn them on in stages.

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

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

Currently, there are a large number of companies that sell high-quality options, for example, the Legrand switch, the connection diagram of which does not differ from the switch diagrams of other brands.

How to design a pass switch?

When repairing an apartment or building a new house, you must immediately determine where the pass-through switches will be located. Since the switch connection diagram assumes the use of more cable, so you need to consider this before you begin electrical work.

It is also necessary to decide how many places you need access to the fixtures, and how many devices will be under his control. Once you have determined all the points, you will need a feed-through switch circuit suitable for your plan.

How to connect a pass switch?

As mentioned above, the wiring diagram for a three-pin and six-pin pass-through switch is somewhat different. In addition, the light switch circuit depends on the number of points from which it will be possible to control the light.

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

If you want to switch the light from several places, the following scheme will suit you. It is similar to the previous one. However, in this case, it is necessary to make two input contacts and two output contacts in the switch.

The wiring diagram for two-key switches also does not differ much from single-key switches. In fact, this scheme is the connection of two single-key switches and allows you to control two lighting fixtures from two places at once.