What is the difference between a switch and a Legrand switch? Characteristics and connection diagram of the cross switch. Installation of two-key switches for control from two places

Why do you need a regular switch and why do you need a switch? Why is the switch called a changeover switch? What is a transfer switch?

In electrical networks and in the control of various mechanisms and devices, devices called switches and switches are used. At first glance, there is no point in talking about the difference between them. But there is a difference, and a noticeable one.

Switch is called a two-position switching device having a pair of normally open contacts. Its functional purpose is to switch loads in electrical networks with a voltage of 220 V. A conventional switch cannot turn off short-circuit currents (i.e. short circuit), since its design does not include an arc extinguishing device. There are automatic switches for this, but this is a completely different type of electrical device.

In simple switches, the primary selection parameter is their design. Products can be manufactured for indoor installation(installation of the switch in the wall when hidden electrical wiring), and also be oriented towards open installation, when the electrical wiring in the room goes on top. Mostly switches are needed to turn the lighting on/off.

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

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

Two-key pass-through switch (switch)

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

Thus, with a switch you can only connect/disconnect an electrical circuit, but with a three-pin switch you can also create new electrical circuits.

Sometimes it becomes necessary to control the light from different places the same room. This need is especially relevant in long corridors, on landings, in basements, and in large rooms.

To be able to independently turn on and off lighting devices from several points, you will need pass-through and cross switches. A pair of pass-through devices will provide the ability to control two remote points, and a cross switch will allow you to turn the light on and off from three or more places.

Operating principle

Below is a diagram for connecting intermediate switches, providing independent switching on and off of lights from two different places.

Zero is connected directly to the lighting device, the phase is connected through a pair of switches connected by a two-wire conductor. With two switches PV1 and PV2, the first and third contacts close, as a result the circuit is closed, and electricity flows into the lamp.

To open the chain, press the button of any switch, for example, PV1. As a result, the first and second contacts will close. When you press the PV2 switch button, the same thing happens. Thus, we obtain a lighting system that is independently controlled from different points.

Cross Switch Functions

To create multiple control points, the capabilities of pass-through switches are not enough. You will need to include a cross switch in the connection diagram. The switch is connected to the gap of the two-wire conductor - between the pass-through devices.

The connection diagram for two pass-through switches and one cross switch is shown in the figure below.

All contacts are in a closed state. Current flows through the conductors (indicated in red). When you press the button of any of the three switches, the chain opens. Pressing a key on another device causes the circuit to close and electricity to flow through the blue wires.

For four control points, the circuit shown in the figure below is used. The circuit uses two pass-through and two crossover switches.

To control the light, not only keys are suitable, but also motion or clap sensors. However, such devices, despite their convenience, are not without drawbacks:

high prices;
not very high reliability;
false positives.

Types of switches

There are two types of crossover switches: rocker and rotary.

Keyboards

Devices of this type are the most common. Switches break one circuit and close another. Standard devices work with only one circuit.

Externally different types switches have the following characteristics:

single-key cross switch has 2 contacts;
pass-through - 3 contacts;
cross - 4 contacts.

The devices are equipped with one, two or three keys. Three-key and two-key cross switches are used to independently control multiple circuits.

Rotary cross

Switches of this type are not so widespread. They are used to control light in industrial and warehouse buildings, to organize street lighting. Less commonly, rotary cross devices are used in residential premises. Closing and opening of contacts is carried out by moving the lever.

Overhead and built-in

Based on the installation method, switches are usually divided into two types - built-in and surface-mounted. Built-in models are installed at the stage of building construction or during the process of replacing box parts. Conductors are laid in wall channels or fixed to the walls. After this, the wires are covered with a layer of plaster or other finishing material.

Overhead devices are fixed to the wall. In this case, there is no need for special channels. Surface-mounted switches are not very convenient as they are susceptible to contamination. However, overhead models fit well into modern interiors.

Crossover Device Characteristics

Available for sale wide range electrical devices for light control - both Russian and foreign companies. Differences between switches different manufacturers mainly consist of pricing policy.

As an example, here are the technical data of a double cross switch:

Voltage - 220 Volts.
Current strength - 10 Amperes.
Construction materials - polycarbonate, plastic, thermoplastic.
The protection class differs depending on the model. Some devices come with high level protection from moisture.

Installation instructions

Installation work is carried out in the following sequence:

We lay and fix a two-core wire for connecting pass-through switches.
We leave a small loop in the area where the cross switch is mounted, but do not cut the wire.
We mount the switches in the desired places.
We bring the ends of the conductors to the pass-through devices - two-wire, zero or phase.
We test the network for the ability to control from two points.
Turn off the power supply to the network.
At the installation site of the crossover device, I will cut the two-core cable. We put a cross switch in the gap.
We supply power.
We check the network for operability with three control points.

For indoor crossover pass-through switch Any insulated two-core cable with a cross-section appropriate for the load is suitable. Double insulated conductors are used for street lighting.

All switches and switches serve one thing - to close or open an electrical circuit at the right time (turn on or off the lighting). These devices come in the most different types and differ in execution. In this article we will understand what switches and switches are and how they differ from each other.

Definition

Switch is a two-position switching device with normally open two contacts, designed for operation in networks with voltages up to 1000 V. The switch is not designed to disconnect short-circuit currents (short circuit) unless it has special arc extinguishing equipment. For a household switch, its design is very important - for indoor installation(For hidden wiring, built into the wall) or for external installation (for open wiring, wall mounted). Switches are mainly used to turn lights on/off.

Switch(aka pass-through, changeover or backup switch) is a device that switches one or more electrical circuits to several others. Outwardly, it is almost no different from a switch, only it has more contacts. So, for example, a single-key switch has three contacts, a two-key switch has six (represents two independent single-key switches).

Comparison

Unlike a switch, where the electrical circuit is simply interrupted, when you press the switch key, switching occurs from one contact to another. And instead of interrupting the electrical circuit, the contacts are switched and a new circuit is created (that’s why switches are also called changeover switches). This feature allows you to manipulate the same light source from different points using a switch. A system consisting of several switches (changeover switches) is called a pass-through switch.

EMAS switch (3 positions)

Conclusions website

The switch has two contacts and serves to disconnect and connect an electrical circuit.
The switch has three contacts and serves both to connect and disconnect an electrical circuit, and to create a new circuit.

Today we will look at an interesting topic, we will figure out what types of switches and switches there are, what they are, and what they are used with. There are a lot of switches, among which there are absolutely incredible types. There are single-key, two-key and even three-key switches, walk-through switches, touch switches and generally a great variety of design options. There are also many options for design, color, shape and other factors that influence appearance switch. They also come in open and hidden wiring, but first things first.

The first thing we'll talk about today is the difference between a switch and a switch. If we talk in simple language, the switch either turns on or off, the switch switches accordingly. If a little more scientifically, then in the switch there is switching of the phase passing through it to the lamp. A switch switches two circuits between each other. If it has a pass-through design, it can switch three circuits between each other. But this is a huge rarity, so we won’t talk about it today. That is, by pressing the switch, the light turns on, and the phase is connected inside. If you press it again, the light will go out, as the phase will open. If we click on the switch, then our light comes on. Now let’s imagine for a second that we are in the corridor at this moment, although no, it’s better in the bedroom. It’s more pleasant to think about the bedroom, and in general it’s a magical place. So, we have a very large bedroom, and there is a switch at the entrance...

There is also a switch by the bed. Why, you ask? The answer is actually simple. By turning on the light with one switch at the entrance, you can turn it off from the bed with another without getting out of bed. Again, nothing is clear? I'll explain. The switches are connected to each other by two wires through which a phase can be closed. Accordingly, there are two ways through which the circuit can be connected. And there are two points at which you can close or open the circuit. How does this work? You ask. It's actually simple, the switch doesn't open anything, it just switches between the two wires that connect them. So it turns out that in one position the switch connects a wire that is connected by another switch into a circuit, and the light comes on. And while lying on the bed, you switch the current to another wire that is not connected on the other side and the light goes out. Here is such a complex simple scheme.

Another important fact is that there are switches, and there are pass-through switches. Do you want me to tell you a terrible secret? Are you sure you want it? It's the same thing. Yes, yes, you heard right. A pass-through switch and a switch are the same thing, and even have exactly the same connection diagram.

Let's now talk about what types of switches there are. There are, as we have already told you, single-key, two-key and three-key switches. And with them everything is very clear. Depending on the number of keys, several lamps can be connected to it. Or, for example, you can turn on the chandelier in three stages. There are also switches with a slide switch, remember those used to be on old lamps? Or, for example, switches that need to be pulled by a string, remember?

Next, newfangled ways to turn on the light stand apart. There are switches that react to the light in the room or to movement, and some switches also react to noise. Correctly, such switch options are called sensors. But this is more likely for entrances, places public use, rarely does anyone use them in an apartment. Imagine you are watching TV in a room in which there is a switch with a motion sensor, for example, it turns out that you need to constantly move. And therefore, such methods of controlling light are not popular in apartments and private houses, but are incredibly popular in housing and communal services, as they save energy.

Next, it is fashionable to include touch switches among the newfangled switches. This is a switch that closes or opens the network when touched. The design is actually not complicated. This switch consists of a touch panel that, when pressed, signals a special semiconductor circuit to close the circuit, and it closes it. The same thing happens when turning off only in the opposite direction.

Another very interesting switch is the remote control switch. Such switches are now making leaps and bounds towards their popularity. For remote control With such a switch, your apple or green robot will have to get a special application. By logging into this application from the other side of the planet, you can control the switching on of the lights and, in general, absolutely any processes in the house. Such systems are called smart home, but that's a completely different story. There are more simple options, these are switches with a control panel. That is, there is a switch built into the wall, but there are no buttons on it, how is that possible? And here it is. The buttons are on the remote control, which is in your hand, and from it you control the switch. Lately, chandeliers with remote control have been gaining popularity.

Another switch option is a dimmer. A dimmer is a device that is installed instead of a switch, in the same exact socket box. But this is not a simple device, but a magical one. Joke. The dimmer actually regulates the power supplied to the lamp, thereby allowing you to adjust the brightness of the lamps. Can you imagine having your own sunrise and sunset in your room? And if you have children and they love to put on theatrical performances at home, then you can light these performances almost professionally.

You should carefully consider the choice of dimmer. You should not buy cheap dimmers, as they either will not adjust the brightness, but not only that, they can also damage the lamps. Another important fact is that not all lamps are suitable for dimmer. There are either Ilyich light bulbs or special energy-saving and LED ones. But even special fluorescent lamps are not recommended for use with a dimmer, as this shortens their service life. Plus, such lamps are rare, difficult to find, and they cost “like a cast-iron bridge,” forgive me for such a comparison. It's much better to buy right away led lamps and forget about replacing them for many years. The main thing when buying is to pay attention to the lamp box; it must be compatible with a dimmer.

The last thing we'll talk about today is switch design. It is worth noting that in most cases we buy switches specifically for the apartment, and there is hidden wiring. So, all of the above switches have a hidden installation method. But don’t despair, any switch can be found for open mounting, although if push-button versions for open wiring are available in every store, then you will have to look for others.

A switch for hidden wiring, as a rule, consists of two parts - the mechanism itself and the frame. Also, some switches have the ability to be backlit. Some switches have it already built-in, but sometimes it is sold separately, it’s worth paying attention to. Such switches, as you already know, cannot be used with energy-saving lamps.

The result is a great variety of switch options. If we add to this that most manufacturers have both frames and mechanisms for hidden wiring of all colors and shapes of the rainbow. Some manufacturers produce the same variety of switches for open wiring. Here's the whirlpool for you. See you again!

Today we will look at an interesting topic, we will figure out what types of switches and switches there are, what they are, and what they are used with. There are a lot of switches, among which there are absolutely incredible types. There are single-key, two-key and even three-key switches, walk-through switches, touch switches and generally a great variety of design options. There are also many options for design, color, shape and other factors that affect the appearance of the switch. They also come in open and hidden wiring, but first things first.

The first thing we'll talk about today is the difference between a switch and a switch. In simple terms, a switch either turns on or off, a switch switches accordingly. If a little more scientifically, then in the switch there is switching of the phase passing through it to the lamp. A switch switches two circuits between each other. If it has a pass-through design, it can switch three circuits between each other. But this is a huge rarity, so we won’t talk about it today. That is, by pressing the switch, the light turns on, and the phase is connected inside. If you press it again, the light will go out, as the phase will open. If we click on the switch, then our light comes on. Now let’s imagine for a second that we are in the corridor at this moment, although no, it’s better in the bedroom. It’s more pleasant to think about the bedroom, and in general it’s a magical place. So, we have a very large bedroom, and there is a switch at the entrance...

Next, newfangled ways to turn on the light stand apart. There are switches that react to the light in the room or to movement, and some switches also react to noise. Correctly, such switch options are called sensors. But this is more likely for entrances and common areas; rarely does anyone use them in an apartment. Imagine you are watching TV in a room in which there is a switch with a motion sensor, for example, it turns out that you need to constantly move. And therefore, such methods of controlling light are not popular in apartments and private houses, but are incredibly popular in housing and communal services, as they save energy.

Another very interesting switch is the remote control switch. Such switches are now making leaps and bounds towards their popularity. To remotely control such a switch, your apple or green robot will have to acquire a special application. By logging into this application from the other side of the planet, you can control the switching on of the lights and, in general, absolutely any processes in the house. Such systems are called smart home, but this is a completely different story. There are also simpler options, these are switches with a control panel. That is, there is a switch built into the wall, but there are no buttons on it, how is that possible? And here it is. The buttons are on the remote control, which is in your hand, and from it you control the switch. Lately, chandeliers with remote control have been gaining popularity.

You should carefully consider the choice of dimmer. You should not buy cheap dimmers, as they either will not adjust the brightness, but not only that, they can also damage the lamps. Another important fact is that not all lamps are suitable for dimmer. There are either Ilyich light bulbs or special energy-saving and LED ones. But even special fluorescent lamps are not recommended for use with a dimmer, as this shortens their service life. Plus, such lamps are rare, difficult to find, and they cost “like a cast-iron bridge,” forgive me for such a comparison. It is much better to buy LED lamps right away and forget about replacing them for many years. The main thing when buying is to pay attention to the lamp box; it must be compatible with a dimmer.