It is possible to realize the function of instantaneous switching off of the light in the house without arranging the so-called "smart home". It is enough to equip your electrical panel with a contactor, which will turn off the light in the house immediately when it receives a signal from the outside. It is controlled by a special device called a master switch.
What is a master switch
The contactor is a modular element mounted on a DIN rail and provides convenient load switching in a home power supply system. The operating characteristics of the contactor depend on the selected contactor. For example, if a master switch with four groups of contacts is installed, the maximum permissible switching power of each of them will be in the region of 24 amperes. In the majority of cases, such a switch is sufficient to turn off the electricity in your apartment or country house without any problems.
If the room uses single-phase power up to 20 amps, a two-pole contactor will be sufficient.
The simplest way to control a contactor is to use an indoor main disconnecting device. Such a device looks like an ordinary switch that operates in two positions - "on" and "off". When turned off, the light immediately disappears in the entire room, regardless of the position of the other switches, while when the system is turned back on, the light will appear only where it was turned on.
It is not necessary to use a single main switch that will simultaneously control both the overhead light and the sockets. In homes, the option is mainly used with two separate devices for each purpose. Moreover, in large cottages, switches are used to regulate the supply of electricity for different floors or rooms.
Master switch or switch
Using a circuit breaker is the simplest and most common option that is found everywhere. The advantages of this solution:
- Simplicity. The equipment of the switchboard with a switch is carried out by people with minimal knowledge and skills in the field of power supply.
- Reliability. The simplicity of execution and the minimum of elements in the design make the switch a reliable option.
- Compactness. The useful space of the switchboard is not limited in any way.
- Cost. The cost of installing a breaker is lower in comparison with similar options.
In general, the switch is a durable and reliable solution that does not constrain the equipment of the electrical panel, in contrast to the installation of a master switch for the entire living space. At the same time, the switch is not so convenient to use, because the master switch in the apartment is easier to use in comparison with the switch, which is installed on the shield itself. In addition, additional installation of lighting will be required on non-disconnectable lines along the entire route to the electrical panel.
Since the switch must be located inside the switchboard itself, in order to ensure a simple shutdown of all devices, to regulate the power supply, you will have to approach it and perform all operations manually. In addition, you need to make sure that the route from the room inside which the device is installed is illuminated, since otherwise you will have to reach the switch in the dark, which creates discomfort.
The master switch is a versatile option that provides everything you need. It is not necessary to use the button, which is located in the apartment and immediately turns off the light in the house. Instead, there are options for a holistic access control system, remote shutdown, card access and others. This solution is convenient, does not require additional installation of non-disconnectable lighting to the dashboard, and there are no difficulties in equipping the machine, which will be triggered at the right time.
At the same time, since the equipment for the normal operation of the contactor requires the involvement of a number of components, as a result, the system becomes unreliable, because if any component fails, all of it stops working. In addition, a large number of elements leads to an increase in the cost and cumbersomeness of such a solution, due to which it takes up a lot of space in the panel, but this problem is partially solved by installing a phase selection relay.
The choice between the master switch and the switch must be made based on your needs and preferences, since each of them has its own advantages and disadvantages.
How to equip a master switch
Depending on where you plan to use the master switch, its connection diagram to the apartment also changes. For different objects and premises, there are solutions that provide all the necessary needs, so you need to choose them wisely.
Machine
On the electrical system, the machine is located at the very beginning of the circuit, while being physically located not far from the meter. The principle of operation of this scheme is that the user sets the maximum allowable power of electricity that can be consumed in total by all devices in the room. If it is exceeded, after a while the machine will work and completely de-energize the room. Due to imprudence, such a decision can only upset the owner by turning off the light at the most inopportune time, but on the other hand, it is fire safety.
When a leakage current is detected or a short circuit occurs, the light is turned off without delay.
Scheme "Hotel"
If five or more electrical appliances are used indoors at the same time, which can lead to turning off the light automatically, you need to equip it with several separate circuits at once, each of which will carry its own function. Each circuit is connected to a specific group of devices, and even the simultaneous use of several devices will not exceed the permissible power, no matter how much energy they consume. Such wiring diagrams in professional circles are called "hotels".
The key feature of such a scheme is the need to additionally purchase several tens of meters of wire or cable, machines in the required quantity, as well as a master switch, which will control all machines. Thus, it will be possible to easily turn on and off the light throughout the apartment or de-energize the desired group of devices.
The master switch is a simple and convenient solution that not only simplifies room dimming, but also provides fire safety, allowing the owner to feel at ease when leaving their home.
Hello!
And if you still use a push-button master switch, which type is suitable? They are 1) a contactor and 2) a contactor-opener. Tell me, please, if you know.