The three-gang switch with socket is suitable for controlling lighting (for example, bathroom and toilet rooms) from the corridor or for use in a room where several lighting fixtures are operated simultaneously. To ensure that there are no power outages, the fitter must know how to properly connect a triple switch with a socket.
Application, benefits and methods of use
A socket with three switches has a more complex connection scheme than a simple light switch, since three contacts are simultaneously directed to the chandelier or lamp. However, the use of such a block has several advantages:
- compactness and functionality - the case contains several devices;
- lighting control in adjacent rooms;
- energy saving;
- the ability to use combined lighting;
- easy regulation of light intensity.
When connected, the zero working cable is directed from the switchgear to the outlet, and the phase wire goes from the switch jumper.
Types of devices
A 3-key switch with a socket is available in a wide range of design solutions, it is possible to choose an option that suits the design of the room where you plan to connect the device. According to the criterion of the location for which the device is intended, the products are divided into walk-through types, placed in the corridor or on the staircase, and designed to control the chandelier and local lighting devices located in the same room. Some switches are equipped with indicators that can remind you of a lit light or show the location of the lamp in the dark.
When choosing a suitable model, you need to inspect it for physical defects, scratches, scuffs. The keys should make clicking sounds during switching. If the process occurs silently, this indicates the failure of the self-tightening lemmes designed to secure the cables to be connected.
Connection features
The unit itself is connected in the same way as the option with two or one button. The power cable is connected to the input of the switch, and the wires are pulled to the three bulbs. The socket has its own zero, it is not connected to the switch, but they have a common phase. Zero working wires (both from the outlet and from the bulbs) are directed to the distribution box, and the phase wire leads to the connecting contact at the input of the device. The lighting cables are placed on insulated blocks, the voltage from which is supplied to the lamps. The ends of the cores are stripped from the insulating material by 1 cm.
Switches are placed vertically on the wall, most often next to the door frame. A niche with spacers and frame frames can be designed for the block. The switchgear is equipped with 5 connections, with the ground connected to the socket. For devices with metal elements, it is necessary to put a protective connection under the screw, which protects against current shock.
Wiring diagram for a three-button switch with a socket
The circuit is often located in the instructions attached to the device.For a triple switch, regardless of the presence or absence of a socket, it has a typical appearance. Zero cables (3 pieces) from the luminaires are connected to zero, and one conductor is directed to the outlet. In apartments of multi-storey buildings, only phase cables go from the wall, and zero leads directly to the lighting device. If this rule is ignored, the chandeliers and sconces will be energized all the time - then the tenant is in danger of getting a current shock even when performing a simple procedure for replacing light bulbs. Models with an outlet have an additional zero.
In the absence of a socket, 4 cables lead to the switch, if available - 5.
In apartments with a Soviet-era layout, a box with three keys can be placed only at the junction of the bathroom, hallway and kitchen. To put it in a bedroom or living room, you will need to partially change the placement of the wiring. It is best to hire a professional electrician to do this job.
If you intend to connect all the switches yourself, you can put only a device with one or two buttons in the living room of such a house.
Connection methods
The three-button switch can be connected using or without a junction box.
Using a junction box
First of all, you need to disassemble and remove the old switch from the wall, clean the niche and check the condition of the wiring. There should be five wires coming out of the wall. Now you need to de-energize the apartment, straighten the wires, then send power to them. Using an indicator screwdriver or other device, paying attention to the color of the insulating material, find the phase solid and neutral conductors and connect them to the outlet. The phase is put on the contact that goes to the jumper of the device. The other three wires are placed on their corresponding contacts. When the switch buttons are pressed, the lights should be illuminated.
Without junction box
With a direct connection, after the elimination of the old block, 8 wires will stick out of the wall. You need to pay attention to the color of their insulation. If the wires are colored the same, you need to cut out the current in the apartment, then straighten the wires, laying them in space so that the ends on which the insulating material is stripped do not touch each other. They supply voltage and look for a phase indicator (two-core cable). It must be marked with insulating tape, having previously de-energized the line. Then they look for zero. Of the remaining six wires going to connect 3 lighting devices, phase and zero must be distinguished. The phase for each luminaire is aligned with the N coming from the distribution box, and zero is applied to the socket contact. N leads to an outlet, it goes to 3 devices. L from the shield is connected to the socket. The rest of the wiring going to the sconces and chandeliers leads to the switches. When using this circuit, the neutral wires are twisted - they must be hidden in the device block with an outlet.
Installation errors
When connecting a three-button switch with a socket in the same housing, erroneous actions are possible, as a result of which the lighting devices may not turn on. Common cases include:
- Inoperative switch with a working outlet - indicates that the master has mixed up the phase and neutral wires. It is necessary to check the design with the indicator and make the required changes.
- Two buttons do not function until the third is pressed - a sign that the phase was started to the output of the third button, and not to the main input.
Do not plug a tee into the outlet - its contacts are not designed for high voltage, the device may stop functioning.
Switch manufacturers
It is worth choosing a brand based on your own priorities. If artistic qualities are important, you can focus on the assortment of Fede and Gira.The first of them specializes in antique styles. Functional models in a modern design can be found from the manufacturer ABB. Some of these switches are backlit with LEDs. Among Russian companies, devices with an outlet (with a different number of buttons) are produced by Kuntsevo-Electro.
When installing a device with a socket, the correct definition of neutral and phase wires and their correct connection to each other is of decisive importance. Only in this case will the reliability and safety of operation be ensured.
