Electric switches and switches are technical devices that allow you to close and open a circuit at the right time. The mechanisms perform similar functions, although they have significant differences. Novice installers and ordinary buyers often confuse devices. In order not to be mistaken when buying, you need to familiarize yourself with the general principles, pros, cons and find out how the switch differs from the switch.
Main advantages
It is impossible to distinguish the devices by their appearance, but the principle of operation is different. It is inconvenient to use the switch in some rooms (for example, in long corridors). The main advantages of switches are:
- the ability to connect several power grids to each other;
- the device allows you to control (turn on, switch, turn off) a branched electrical circuit from one point;
- one light source can be activated from different places in the room (for example, turn on the chandelier in the guest room from the corridor).
In fact, the device is constantly in working order - this is one of the main differences between a switch and a switch. With the help of changeover contacts, additional electrical circuits are created in the network.
Operating principle
To understand what a switch is, you need to consider how it works and what it does. The device serves to redirect the flow of electricity to another circuit - one circuit is disconnected and the other closes at the same time. Therefore, the minimum number of contacts for such a device is three. For mechanisms with two or more "keys" the number is doubled.
A switch is a switch between reverse voltage electrical conductors. The purpose is to control one light source from different places. They are mainly used for premises with a large area, for example, stadiums, production halls or warehouses.
Varieties of devices
There are several options for switches. To choose the optimal one, one should take into account the type of the problem being solved, the necessary method of controlling the mechanism, the parameters of the existing electrical circuit.
By controlling and moving the toggle switch, the following types are distinguished:
- angular (with internal contacts or rocker arms);
- push;
- swivel.
Corner devices of both types are distinguished by the ability of the toggle switch to be in two fixed positions. Shifting the handle allows the movable contact to move from one chain to another. There is a redirection of the movement of direct and alternating currents.
Different wiring diagrams are used for toggle switches. There are no bans, the final version depends on the needs of the premises and the imagination of the electrician.
The maximum load is 6 Amperes. In this case, a small resistance level is observed (no more than 0.02 Ohm). The reliability of such equipment is determined by the number of possible switchings (the average number is 10,000 times).
Additional classification is by keys. There are three main types:
- with one button;
- with two;
- with three.
More keys are acceptable, but not secure. There are three contacts for each.If there are too many "jumpers", a short circuit, a burnout of the circuit, is inevitable.
By the internal structure, switches are:
- classic (straight-through);
- intermediate (cross);
- combined.
The difference between the pass-through and cross-over switch is in the number of working electrodes. In the first case - three contacts, in the second - two for the input and output of the electrical circuit. Intermediates are used to control multiple light sources, not just one.
Household use
Installation or redevelopment of electrical wiring implies functionality and ease of use. Therefore, before installation, a plan is drawn up in which the total number of bulbs, switches and sockets is prescribed. Adapter devices are suitable for connection in the following situations:
- multi-level buildings - switches will turn off the light on any floor;
- long corridors - it will be possible to turn on the lamps at the beginning and turn off at the end;
- bedrooms - if you install one mechanism at the entrance, and the second near the bed, you will not need to get up to turn off the main light.
Use transition devices in all similar situations. Especially important in large offices, hotels and other similar buildings.
Re- or switch
To make the final choice, you should develop an initial wiring plan or study the existing one. Usually it is attached to the technical documentation of an apartment or building. Then you need to determine the longest sections or rooms (workshops, corridors), imagine possible situations based on personal preferences (as, for example, in the bedroom).
If it is necessary to control one light source from different directions, a switch should be installed. Then the type of device is selected - a pass-through and cross-over switch. The first allows you to turn off the lamp from two different points, the second - from three or more. To install the latter type and route the wires correctly, it is best to hire a professional electrician.
When connecting several switches at different points in an apartment or room, a wiring connection plan should be kept. Otherwise, if repair or redevelopment is required, it will be difficult to establish all the contact options for sockets and other elements.
Can a switch be used as a switch
In the process of use, different situations arise. For example, after buying an apartment, it turned out that the previous owners installed switches in several rooms, and now their functioning is not needed.
To redirect the action of the device, it is enough not to use the third contact, which diverts the flow of electricity to another channel. First of all, they determine the complete circuit of the electrical network, which is closed by this switch. Then the secondary contacts are isolated. After that, the mechanism will stop redirecting the current and will begin to work like a conventional switch.
Pass-through switch connection diagrams
The connection and layout of the electrical network with switches depends on several factors: the number of controlled light sources and controls, the need to install additional (intermediate) shutdown points, and others. For example, in a multi-storey building, it is necessary to calculate the possibility of controlling light at all levels; the scheme will differ significantly from that which is needed for one room.
Three-core cables are used to operate the switches in the wiring. If others are installed (with a smaller number), to connect, you will have to gouge the walls and lay a new section of wiring or consider other options for controlling light sources.
Connecting two loop switches
When installing, take into account the type of switch - one-key or two-key. The latter consists of two single-key mechanisms in one box (used for convenience and space saving). For a six-pin switch, two three-wire wires are connected.
When connecting, it is important to consider the number of contacts of the mechanism - three or six. In order for the circuits to close in the correct direction, it is necessary to carefully connect the electrodes and cable.
Connection of several parallel consumers
Loop-through multi-pin switches are used for multiple users working in parallel. A distinctive point is the connection to the phases. The input terminals from the junction box must be interconnected and connected to one single phase. If you connect different ones to one device, a short circuit and burnout of the entire electrical circuit will occur.
Intermediate control point
The intermediate mechanism changes the direction of the current in the circuit. The action depends on the position of the switch at the two ends of the wiring - which network is energized from different sides.
The number of intermediate elements must not be even. Otherwise, the circuit will not switch - the direction of the current will return to the initial channel.
Two switches for one light source do not require complex wiring. The main feature is the presence of a three-core cable. Help is needed to install intermediate elements and more devices. It is important to consider the allowable circuit voltage. If necessary, an additional wire is pulled from the shield, a separate junction box is installed.
