One of the varieties of household switches is represented by a switching device with three keys, by which the model of increased functionality is easily recognized. A triple switch allows you to switch several loads at once in the house, which determines the importance of its use in household lighting networks.
Purpose and design
The main purpose of the triple switch is to install lighting fixtures with several groups of loads (bulbs, for example) in switching circuits. The simplest scheme for switching it on involves installing a phase line in the gap, to which three different illuminators are connected (one for each rocker mechanism with a key). In addition, this device can be used in the following situations:
- be part of a device called an "electrical extension tee";
- to control the inclusion of light in three adjacent rooms from one common corridor;
- if necessary, switch several loads at once when they are connected from the outlet;
- to control electrical circuits, the number of energy consumers in which exceeds the number of keys (five illuminators, for example).
In the latter case, the lamps are divided into groups, each of which is commutated with a separate button.
From a constructive point of view, a three-key switch is a triple rocker mechanism, consisting of identical assemblies. When the position of one of the buttons is changed, the internal circuit of the product is closed, after which the voltage supplied to the group is transferred to the corresponding load.
If you return the key to its original state, the previously formed electrical circuit is opened, and the lamp connected to it goes out. The same thing happens with all other groups of the three-key switch.
The peculiarity of the switching mechanism is that its input contacts are combined into one block, and the upper terminals are designed separately. This allows three independent loads to be connected to the switch.
Types of switches and their advantages
A typical triple switch is available in the following versions:
- single instrument with three separate keys;
- touchscreen triple device (or more advanced wireless model);
- combined triple switch with socket.
The last option is a sample of extended functionality, combining switching and power nodes.
Other versions of switches are also possible, differing in their appearance (design).
The advantages of these devices, regardless of their type, include:
- a large selection of combinations of lighting fixtures;
- a variety of schemes according to which they are connected to the power line;
- ease of installation and operation.
Touch devices allow you to control the process of switching on and off by lightly touching the central part of the key, no effort is required to switch them.
Wireless samples are still very rare in a domestic environment, since they are very expensive. Often, special modules (dimmers) are built into the "advanced" models, allowing you to change the brightness of the illuminator or backlight connected to them.
Combined triple devices
A triple switch combined with a socket is a combined version. It is suitable only for installation in certain places where it will be convenient to control the switching on of the lamp and use the outlet. The most suitable place for this is a dressing table in the bathroom, which can be equipped when it is necessary to connect a hairdryer or curling iron while simultaneously turning on the lighting.
You can install and connect such a module in its usual place - on the wall.
However, in this case, the provisions of the current standards are violated. According to the PUE, the height of the switches should correspond to the level of the human forearm. The same requirements stipulate that the outlet is supposed to be at a level of no more than one meter from the floor. The inconvenience of this location also includes the difficulty of including it in the current wiring. To connect a combined device, you will need to modify the wiring diagram or extend separate wires to it, which is not entirely aesthetically pleasing.
Connection diagrams
It is more convenient to start acquaintance with the circuits for switching on electrical devices with the standard version, in which one phase conductor is supplied and connected to it. From each of the three mating terminals, three wires are diverted to the side of the distribution block, which are switched inside the box to the corresponding lighting device (group).
In accordance with the requirements of the PUE, the phase wires must be supplied to the lower contact of the switch, and the three wires outgoing from it must be fed to the upper terminals.
On some product models, the input terminals are marked with an arrow pointing towards the inside of the case, and the output terminals are the other way around.
When lighting control in three rooms, three wires from the upper terminals are diverted to the side of the junction box of each room. From them, it is laid to the local lighting device (chandelier).
For any method of connecting the wires outgoing from the switch, remember that the zero bus is connected to the junction box separately. From it, it also switches to the corresponding terminal of the chandelier or other lighting device.
Distinguish between phase and neutral conductors by the color of their insulation (such marking is standardized by the standard). The former have a red protective coating, while the latter are blue. However, in reality, this correct approach is sometimes violated, so that the performer has to hang tags with designations on the wires.
Conversion of a double switch into a triple device
In order to make the most of the switching products, some users try to make a triple switch from a double switch. Such alteration does not require much effort and time consuming. You just need to replace the double device with a new sample:
- Purchase a three-key switch from the store.
- Dismantle the old double product.
- Install a new triple switch in its place.
When reworking, you will need to lay an additional line towards the junction box. It is needed to connect to a third lighting fixture or group.
You can try to hide it in the thickness of the walls, but the chasing procedure is associated with great labor costs for making grooves for the cable. It is much cheaper and easier to lay pieces of plastic cable duct from the socket to the box, and from it to the chandelier. After fixing it on the walls (the covers are previously removed), the wire sections are laid to the desired places, and then connected to the free terminals. Upon completion of the installation, it remains to close the cable channels with covers and check the switch for operability
Three-button switches are universal devices by means of which it is possible to significantly expand the functionality of the switching nodes.
