What is the difference between a switch and a legrand switch. What is the difference between an electrical circuit breaker and a switch. Perhaps you will be interested

Sometimes novice electricians get confused in terminology, in the schemes and principles of operation of these two, or rather three mechanisms (because There are also two types of switches.), not to mention ordinary buyers who themselves are trying to mount or buy the necessary devices for further installation. In this article, we will try to shed some light on the difference between a switch and a switch.

So, switches and switches are used to switch electrical circuits of lighting and household appliances, outwardly they also look the same, the difference is only in the number of contacts on the back side. But the switch is designed to break one circuit, and the switch to switch between circuits. The switch is used to control the light from one place, while the switches are used to control the light from two or more places, while "pass-through" switches are used to implement control from three or more places. Below we will see in the diagrams how it works:

1. One-key switch - switches the phase coming to it and going to the lamp.

As we see in the diagram, only two contacts are enough on the switch, one for the incoming phase, the second for the outgoing one.

2. One-key switch - switches the phase with one of the two circuits passing between the two switches.

Such a scheme used for example in the hallway By setting one switch at the entrance to the apartment, we can turn on the light, and after walking along the corridor, by setting the switch at the end of the corridor, we can turn off the light. As can be seen from the diagram, there should be three contacts on one key switch, one for the incoming (or outgoing phase), the second and third for two circuits between the switches. It is important to note that switches are always used in pairs, and also that the switch can be installed instead of the switch and it will work as a switch, but the switch will not cope with the functions of the switch.

3. If we want to turn on the same lamp from three or more places, for example, on the stairs, so that we can turn the staircase lighting on and off on any floor, then in addition to the usual switches, “pass-through” ones are used.

Ordinary switches are placed in two places, and arbitrarily pass-through switches are placed in series between them. As can be seen from the diagram, the single-key switch has four contacts - two for two circuits between the first switch and two for the circuit between the second.

Hope we made it clear difference between switch and switch. And if we have two groups of lights(for example, lamps on one and the other side of the corridor) and we also want to turn them on and off in different places, and even one or the other, or all together? If you need no more than two on / off points, then it doesn’t matter - firstly, you can install multiple one-key switches, secondly, most manufacturers have two key switches, in this case the number of wires and contacts is doubled. If it is necessary to control the light from three places or more, then by mounting it under a two-key pass-through switch, you will encounter the problem of buying it, because on such a switch it is necessary !eight pins, not all EIM manufacturers offer such products, but they are still available, as a rule, in modular series, for example ABB Zenith.

Switches in electrical engineering are used to turn off and turn on low voltage electrical circuits in turn. For example, pass-through switches are designed for easy control of lighting in various rooms, stairs, corridors. Such electrical switches are mounted between floors, near the doors of rooms with several entrances.

From home it is convenient to manage other rooms as well. Switches allow you to control the functioning of lighting while being in another place, which creates certain conveniences and comfort, as well as saves energy.

A simple switch has a key for two positions and one pair of contacts to which conductors are connected. A switch, unlike a switch, has three or more contacts. One contact is common, the rest are changeover. Wires are connected to each of these contacts. To control lighting from other locations, a multi-pin switch is required. Electrical switches allow you to control the operation of any electrical devices and not just lighting.

Operating principle

Electric switches work as follows. The meaning of their work is to transfer the main contact from one circuit to another. Most often on reverse side the switch housing shows the wiring diagram.

One contact is common (1), the other two contacts are changeover (2 and 3). Using two of these switches, and placing them in different places, you can perform the most popular and simple lighting control scheme from two different places.

Terminals 2 and 3, coinciding in designations, with switches PV-1 and PV-2 are connected by conductors to each other. Input 1 from PV-1 is connected to the phase, and PV-2 is connected to the lighting fixture. The other end of the luminaire is connected to the neutral conductor of the network.

Checking the operability of the circuit is carried out by turning on the switch. First, voltage is applied, while the lamp alternately lights up and goes out from a separate operation of any of the switches. When the circuit of one of the switches is opened, the other line of the circuit is switched on.

Types and design features

For right choice switch, it is necessary to determine the type of movement of the handle control, the tasks to be solved, the connection diagram, the properties of the connected circuits.

There are electric switches, divided into types according to the type of movement of the handle control:

• Corner.
• Pressure.
• Swivel.

Toggle-type corner switches are manufactured according to two schemes:

• With cut-in contacts (figure "a").
• Rocker type (Figure "b").

Both types of switches have two stable handle positions. When the handle (1) is moved, the spring (2) is compressed, concentrating the compression energy. When in the position depicted by the dotted line, the device is in unstable equilibrium.

A slight movement of the handle and the spring abruptly moves the moving contact (3) to a stable position. As a result, the moving contact is abruptly connected to the fixed contact (6).

According to the connection diagram, tumbler switches with cut-in contacts are divided into:

• Single-pole (figure "a").
• Single-pole double (figure "b").
• Two-pole for two positions (picture "c, d").

The handles of these switches can be in two fixed positions. Switching schemes can be very different. Toggle switches are used to switch AC and DC circuits. They are able to withstand a load in the circuit with a current of up to 6 amperes. The resistance of their contacts is very small (0.02 ohm).

The reliability of the toggle switches can be expressed by the possible number of switches, which reaches 10,000 times.

micro toggle switches

Such toggle switches small size win in size and weight, compared with other types of toggle switches.

Push switches electrical

Electric switches in the form of buttons are classified according to the type of control:

• Ordinary. The circuit is open or closed only when pressed.
• Sticky. The circuit closes when there is no pressing force. To open the circuit, press again.
• Double. The circuit closes when one button is pressed, opens with another button. The button device is produced on the basis of toggle switches, microswitches. In addition to the main ones, there are original devices.

Connection diagrams for ordinary and sticky buttons are divided into:

• Unipolar inclusions (figure "a").
• Shutdowns (figure "b").
• On-off (figure "c").
• Bipolar inclusions (Figure "d").

Push switches are made with protection against dust and moisture, and without protection.

Rotary switches

Electric switches

Among electrical switches rotary type, the most popular are biscuit switches. With their help, you can simultaneously connect several electrical circuits interconnected at once.

The device of the biscuit switch is made in such a way that the metal ring (2) with a ledge is rigidly connected with the axis (1) of the switch. The total number of contacts located after 30 degrees is 12 pieces. When the axis is rotated by 330 degrees, the common output is switched with 11 different circuits that are connected to the contacts (4).

There are some modifications of the jack switches. For example, the ring may be cut. A protrusion is made on each part. When the axis rotates, two common outputs are connected synchronously to 5 different circuits.

In rotary rotary switches, cut-in knife contacts are used, which are made of copper alloys (bronze, brass), coated with a layer of silver. Knife contact makes it possible to reduce the influence of assembly and parts manufacturing errors, increase its vibration resistance and reliability.

Switches are capable of switching electrical circuits with currents up to 3 amperes, voltages up to 350 volts DC. For alternating current, the permissible voltage is not more than 300 volts. The reliability of such switches is up to 10,000 switching.

Switches are installed by soldering, except for tumbler types of switches, which are connected to the chain with screws. The main requirement for the mechanical installation of switches is the requirement: not to change the position of the housing and the inside of the switch when the control force is applied. In this regard, when using the switch, it is necessary to use only those methods of fastening that correspond to specifications certain type of switch.

Cross Light Switch Diagram

A cross-wiring accessory is required to mount the switches in three locations. Such a device consists of two 1-key switches with internal jumpers, made in one housing.

The cross switch is mounted between 2 conventional switches. It is used only in conjunction with them, and is distinguished by the presence of 4 terminals. To control lighting from 4 places, you need to add the same device to the circuit. The cross switch is connected to the changeover contacts of the switches in such a way that a working lighting supply circuit is formed.

Complex contact groups need large numbers conductors and connections. The best option would be to assemble several simple circuits, instead of one complex one, as they will work more reliably and are more convenient to use. All major must be produced in . Wire twisting is not allowed.

Why do we need a conventional switch and why - a switch? Why is a switch called a toggle switch? What is a transfer switch?

In electrical networks and the control of various mechanisms and devices, devices called switches and switches are used. At first glance, the difference between them is not worth talking about. But there is a difference, and it is noticeable.

switch referred to as a two-position switching device having a pair of normally open contacts. Its functional purpose is to switch the load in power networks with a voltage of 220 V. An ordinary switch cannot turn off short-circuit currents (i.e., a short circuit), since there is no device for arc extinguishing in its design. There are automatic switches for this, but this is a completely different type of electrical apparatus.

In simple switches, the primary selection parameter is their execution. Products can be manufactured for indoor installation (embedding the switch into the wall when concealed wiring), as well as be oriented to an open installation, when the wiring in the room goes on top. Mostly switches are needed to turn on / off the lighting.

Switch Let's just say it has several names. Most often it is called a backup, transitional or toggle switch (switch). The switch can switch one network to several or several networks to several. It is practically indistinguishable from a simple switch from outwardly, but it has more contacts. A single-key switch has three contacts, for example, while a two-key switch has six. The second variety is, in fact, a double switch, where a pair of independent switches are combined.

Didn't see the difference? Let's try to explain in more detail. The switch simply interrupts the electrical circuit, while the switch can switch it from one contact to another. In other words, the circuit is also interrupted here, and a new circuit is formed by switching the contacts. And it becomes clear why the switch is called a toggle switch. Thanks to this scheme.

Two-gang pass-through switch (switch)

The light source can be controlled from different points. When a system consists of several given switches, it is already pass switch.

Thus, the electrical circuit can only be connected / disconnected with a switch, and new electrical circuits can also be created with a three-pin switch.

The walk-throughs were created for convenient control of lighting in long corridors, on stairs, in walk-through rooms and in other places. They are installed between floors, when going down to the basement, near the doors of rooms that have several entrances. Being in your home, it is convenient to switch utility rooms. Or control the porch lights and personal plot. The pass switch makes it possible to control lighting from different places, saving people from inconvenience. This also saves electricity.

A conventional switch contains a two-position key 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 by wire. In order to control the lighting from several places, for example from two, a 4-pin switching device is required. In addition, there must be leads to each one by one wire. 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-button switch work?

The principle of operation is that a changeover contact opens one circuit, and at the same time another closes. The connection diagram of the pass 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, you can assemble the simplest and most common scheme for controlling a lamp from two different points.

The terminals 2 and 3 of the switches PV1 and PV2 that match in numbers are interconnected by wiring. The input part 1 from PV1 is connected to the phase, and PV2 is connected to the lamp. The other end of the lamp is connected to the neutral power wire. How the pass switch circuit works is tested by turning it on. To begin with, voltage is applied. In this case, the lamp sequentially lights up or goes out when any of the switches is switched independently. If the circuit of one of them breaks, the circuit stops working. But at the same time, another line is being prepared for switching on.

How to connect the simplest pass-through switch?

Before installation, draw a diagram of all connections.

Installed first (RK). It will collect and connect all the wires. Power is supplied here from the control panel. For this, a three-core cable 3 x 1.5 mm is laid. It is most common for all connection schemes. Here, two cores are supply, and the third is for grounding electrical appliances. In addition, 2 sockets are installed in which the switches will be placed. Three-core cables are laid from each glass and from the lamp to the RC.

After all the wires and cables are in place, the connections are made. First, the 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 the socket. Two cartridge terminals to the PV2 input (No. 1) and to the blue neutral wire from the control panel. If it is supplied from its output contact, if single-pole - from the zero bus. The end of the ground wire is insulated. Or connected to the body of the lamp, if it is metal.

When all connections are completed, a light bulb is screwed into the cartridge. Then the circuit of the through switch is checked by turning on the machine in the shield. The lamp may light up immediately. Or after turning on PV1 or PV2. You can turn it off by pressing any of the switches. Important! There are no fixed "on" and "off" positions in the switches.

cross switch

Connecting pass-through switches in three locations requires additional installation devices with cross switching contacts. It consists of 2 single-key devices with internal jumpers assembled in one housing.

A cross switch (PP) is installed between two conventional ones. It only applies to them. His distinctive feature is the presence of four terminals (2 inputs and 2 outputs). To control from four points, you need to add one more such device to the circuit. Connect the PCB to the changeover contacts of the feed-through switches in such a way that a working power supply circuit for the lamp is created.

Complex contact groups require a large number 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 on the lead wires can not be done.

Which model to choose?

Which pass-through switch to use primarily depends on the type of wiring. Overhead models are selected for the open. Under the hidden socket boxes will be required. Appropriate sizes should be chosen so that they can be connected to each other. It is important to set the normal and cross switches with the same appearance. Devices are rotary, keyboard, lever, touch. Contacts are selected for the appropriate load. Switching should be easy. Devices must be securely fastened.

Installation of a three-point switching system

To do this, you must perform the following steps:

1. Draw a connection diagram.
2. Mark and drill grooves and recesses for wiring and boxes.
3. Install distribution parts. They are chosen in large sizes so that 12 connections can be made inside.
4. Install sockets.
5. Lay the cable from the shield to the connection points.
6. Connect wires to switches and terminals in boxes. Mark wires. Assemble the circuit sequentially, checking the correctness of the connections.
7. Set the switches in place.

Connecting two-button switches

The device consists of 2 single-key independent switches. They are collected in one building. They work on the same principle of throwing contacts. But at the same time, the number of inputs is 2, and the outputs are 4. The difference lies in the fact that 2 switches are located at different points. Their keys work on different lamps.

Installation of two-gang switches for control from two places

The sequence of actions should be like this:

1. A diagram is drawn up, without which it is difficult to make connections.
2. Junction boxes and socket boxes are installed.
3. 2 groups of lighting are mounted.
4. Three-core cables are laid at the rate of connection to 6 contacts of each switch and to lamps.
5. According to the drawn up scheme, the conductors of the cables 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 single-key switches. But it will be irrational. Since more junction boxes will be required and cable consumption will increase.

Control of two lighting systems from three places

The two-gang switch through passage is cross. It is installed as a kit. That is, it also includes two two-key limit switches, if you want to control the lighting from three points. It will have 4 inputs and 4 outputs.

Installation is carried out as follows:

1. For circuit mounting standard box 60mm is not enough. Therefore, its size should be larger. Or you need to sequentially install 2-3 pcs. ordinary.
2. 12 wire connections are made for connection. This will require laying 4 three-core cables. Here it is necessary to correctly mark the cores. 6 contacts are suitable for two limit switches, and 8 for a cross switch.
3. A phase is connected to PV1. After you need to make the necessary connections. On the back of the device is a diagram of a two-key pass-through switch. It must be properly combined with external connections.
4. PV2 is connected from lamps.
5. 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 pass switch is handy. No extra walking up stairs and long corridors is required to turn a light bulb on or off. Sometimes it is simply necessary. In addition, energy is saved due to fast switching. It is important to choose the right devices and correctly mount the electrical connections.

Switches: what are

One of the most familiar actions for each of us is turning the light on and off. He went into the room, flipped the switch, went out - clicked. We do this all the time when we are indoors. That is why the issue of choosing switches is one of the most important in the process of repairing and arranging an apartment. When a person begins to pick up switches, he begins to get lost from the abundance of names: what is a transitional switch, how does it differ from the usual one, why does the switch need a backlight? What is a dimmer?..Details technical descriptions with the reduction of diagrams of the device of the electrical circuit, they generate more large quantity questions and boredom. Therefore, let's try to figure it all out without resorting to the professional knowledge of electricians and definitions from reference books (after all, we need to 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, so it is necessary that it be made of the appropriate material. Basically, switches are made of heat-resistant and impact-resistant plastic. If we talk about instrument calipers, 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 calipers is the price: the former are cheaper.

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

Waterproof switches

Speaking of switches, one cannot fail to mention the frames that cover the mechanism of the device and are an important part of its external 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 Schneider Electric Unica Top, ABB Zenit, Legrand Celiane, Gira System 55 series. 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 keyboard, 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 single-key, two-key and three-key. The number of keys depends on the number of light sources. For example, two-gang and three-gang switches are convenient if there is a main and decorative lighting: You can turn on both types of lighting alternately or choose one of them while saving energy. Thus, multi-gang switches are a compact and practical light control device. Single-gang and two-gang switches are available from almost every manufacturer, while three-gang 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 a switch in the dark. Almost all keyboards and some pushbutton switches have a backlit option. The backlight also has an aesthetic function: for example, Legrand's silent Celiane switches are equipped with ring lighting.

3. Rope (cord) switches

This type of switches is controlled by a cord or chain located in the housing. Rope switches are often purchased for aesthetic reasons, to maintain a certain style in the interior. Also, cord switches can be convenient in in practical terms: to use them, there is no 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 with care - a small effort until a slight click is enough to put the mechanism in 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 the light - now it can be done with a touch without any effort. Touch switches look modern and very convenient, but at the same time they are quite expensive.

Touch switches Celiane Legrand (colours: 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 allows you to save energy. Dimmers can be of the following types:

• rotary - brightness depends on the angle of rotation (available in the series Sedna , Unica , Odace , Glossa by Schnheider Electric , System 55 by Gira ) ;
• turn-push - in addition to rotation to adjust the brightness, you can press the dimmer 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 - brightness control is performed 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 vs Switches - What's the difference?

They have one function - turn the light on and off. Externally, switches and switches are also not particularly distinguishable. The difference is that a switch has two pins while a switch has three. Unlike a switch, when pressed, an electrical circuit is interrupted, when a switch 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 you to use switches to control light from different points. For example, you use a switch if you use the key of the same device that is located there to turn on / off the light in a room. And if you enter the room, turn on the light, go into the corridor and turn off the light already from the corridor, in this case you use the switch.

Switches: through and cross

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

Cross (or intermediate) switches are used in conjunction with feedthroughs. They are needed to control lighting from three places. 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), when exiting from which it may also be necessary to turn on / off the light in the corridor. Then you will need cross switches, which will allow you to control lighting from different places.

Thus, during the arrangement of the premises, both switches and switches can be equally useful. (Both types of devices can be found in each series presented on the site manufacturers.)

Installation of devices: outdoor or hidden

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

Open wiring and hidden wiring

Switches for surface mounting are presented in series Plexo from Legrand, Rondo or HIT from Schneider Electric, Hermes IP54 from IEC.

On the issue of choice

Our site presents 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 high-quality popular budget ones (Valena, Etika). Products of each series are 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. More affordable price offers the Etika series, the cost of which is lower due to plastic calipers. Celiane and Galea Life, as mentioned above, are designer and prestigious series from a French manufacturer that combine high quality, exquisite design and the corresponding price. It is also in Celiane that you can find touch switches and touch dimmers.

Legrand Valena	Legrand Etika

Odace Series by Schneider Electric	Celiane by Legrand	NIESSEN Zenith from ABB

By Legrand another French company is not far behind Schneider Electric , which also offers a considerable selection. Products Schneider Electric produced in France, Portugal and India. The Glossa series, which falls into the middle price segment, is an inexpensive switch and socket product, featuring a classic, versatile design with smooth lines. The Sedna and Unica series are slightly more expensive, but they also have more choice. Yes, in the series Unica the expanded color scale of a framework under switches is presented. The Odace series, despite plastic calipers, is the most expensive in the line Schneider Electric due to its elaborate 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 in all manufacturers (for example, one-/two-gang switches, with or without illumination), and there are those that can only be found in certain series. It largely depends on the prestige and design component of the brand. These include the manufacturer GIRA, some series of Legrand, ABB, Schneider Electric. For example, a series NIESSEN Zenit by ABB presents goods from rare and natural materials(frames made of slate, glass, wood), the switches of this series have strict and futuristic contours.

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