Pass-through switch - the very name of this type of electrical device already shows their true purpose. Devices belong to the family of standard household switches, familiar to all owners of residential real estate.
Actually, the design of the devices resembles a traditional design. The only difference is how to connect a passage switch, the contact group diagram of which is somewhat different.
Let's see together what rules should be followed when connecting a pass-through switch, and what actions should be discarded.
Feed Through Switches
Convenience and practicality of this type of devices are obvious. Electric networks equipped with such communicators are operated more efficiently, as in the end, energy savings are actually observed.
For example, to go through a long corridor at the entrance, the lighting is turned on, and the output is turned off. This function is implemented by only two devices mounted at different ends of the corridor.
Here it is - a switch through passage, which is actively increasing the degree of competition in relation to its relative - an ordinary device. This seemingly slightly modified model gives the user more benefits.
If we compare the design with a conventional on / off device, the difference is noted in the number of working contacts of the devices. The design of a simple switch provides only the closing / opening of two contacts.
The wiring for connecting the passage switch involves the creation of three working lines, of which one is common, and the other two are cross over. So it becomes possible to control a section of the electrical circuit from various points.
All the subtleties of choice and types of passage switches are described here.
The principle of operation of the single-key model
Actually, the principle of the function looks simple and straightforward. The overload contacts existing in the structure in the first position close one segment of the circuit and open the other, and in the second position of the override contacts the circuit is inverted.
The principle of operation of the device is a schematic view: L is the phase line of the electrical household network; N is the electric zero line of the household network; C - common communication contact; P - cross over communication contacts; 1 - one device; 2 - second device
On the case of each branded switch there is always a schematic diagram of its connection. For example, the user has a single-key device. It is necessary to include it in a simple control circuit for a single lamp.
Detailed installation instructions for the single-key switch are presented in this material.
If we turn to the installation scheme of a single-key passage switch, which is contained on its case, the user’s actions are as follows:
- The first (C) contact connects a common line.
- On the second (P) and third (P) contacts, the cross over segments fail.
- Install two devices at previously designated points.
The same numbering change over contacts (P) of two switches are connected to each other by conductors. The first (common - Common) contacts of the two devices are connected - one with a phase wire, the second with a "zero" through the lamp lamp.
The operation of the circuit is tested as follows:
- The mounted section of the circuit is provided with voltage.
- The key of the first switch is put into the “On” mode.
- The lamp lights up.
- Follow to the point of placement of the second device.
- Change the current key position of the second device.
- The light lamp turns off.
Now, if you do all the operations in reverse order, the effect of the lighting system will be similar. So the normal operation of the circuit is ascertained.
How to make a real installation?
Before you begin installing an apartment (or other) walk-through switch, it is recommended to draw a wiring diagram, something like this:
An example of creating a circuit for mounting a through-circuit-breaker system: N - neutral wire; L is the phase wire of the network; RK - junction box; PV1 - the first device; PV2 - the second device; 1,2,3 - contact groups
The current supply to the circuit section with passage switches, as a rule, is carried out through a standard junction box. Thus, the first installation step is selecting the optimal place for the junction box, installing it and supplying electrical wiring. The cable is put into the box with a three-core cable (phase-zero-ground).
In addition to the installation of the junction box, there remains a natural need for the preparation of niches for mounting the chassis of the passage switches. The most convenient places are also chosen for them. Usually mount devices next to the boxes of passage doors.
One of the possible options for installing communication with two devices is one at each of the passage doors. This option is quite applicable for classic projects of residential and office buildings.
Having completed the preparatory installation procedures, they proceed to connect the divorced conductor lines. The first is connected to any of the switches, to its 1 output (phase conductor).
Next, conduct the connection of conductors between the changeover contacts. The zero line is connected last to the first contact of the second switch that is left free. It remains to bring the voltage to the assembled circuit (turn on the circuit breaker) and test the assembly for correct operation.
Cross Designs
There is a modification of devices - cross switches. Structurally, they are devices with switching to four contacts. Their main purpose is to help in the construction of switching schemes for luminaires and other devices from three or more control points.
Circuitry with a cross-action model: 1 - conventional switch; 2 - cross switch; 3 - ordinary switch; 4 - junction box; 5 - lamp lamp; N - network zero conductor; L - phase conductor
Meanwhile, to implement such schemes with the participation of cross-models in the structure, it is necessary to use ordinary pass-through switches. The circuit implementation involves the inclusion of cross-wise modifications sequentially between a pair of conventional walk-through switches. The cross model has a pair of input and a pair of output terminals.
Read more about the intricacies of installing cross-over switches.
Products for external (surface) mounting and devices for use in hidden wiring networks are produced. There is a wide selection of load capacities, and the variety in color and design also does not limit user needs.
Circuit solutions for practical use
The most commonly used circuits with connecting devices of continuous operation are, as a rule, circuits for one-, two-, three-key devices. The one-key option was considered above.
Schematic version of the device system for five control points. Three two-key switches and two one-key switches are used here: N - network zero; L is the network phase; 1, 2 - switches; p - jumpers
Therefore, we will see how a step-by-step instruction on connecting a two-key device looks like.
- It is necessary to outline the installation of the system.
- Perform work on the installation of the Republic of Kazakhstan and the sockets.
- Install the desired number of light groups.
- Lay the network taking into account the connection of phase, zero, grounding conductors.
- Connect the diluted conductors according to the diagram.
Attention should be paid not only to purely electrical work, but also to the technical plan. For example, it is recommended to pay great attention to the installation of socket boxes.
These elements must be securely mounted in the wall, so that subsequently they provide no less reliable fastening of the devices.
There is a three-point communication system, which is based on the creation of a system that allows you to control a light group of three points separated at distances. The elemental base is three devices, of which two are two-key pass-throughs and one is cross-type.
A widespread version of the three-point circuit: N - electric zero; L is the electric phase; PV1 - the first two-gang switch; PV2 - the second two-gang switch; PV3 - Crossover Switch
A peculiar connection instruction in this case looks something like this:
- A layout and wiring diagram is created.
- Work is being done on installing the distribution box and socket boxes.
- 4 electric three-core cables are laid.
- Wiring is performed - connection according to the scheme.
This option for creating a communications network looks somewhat complicated. As you know, even in cable management, you have to deal with a total of 12 conductors. 6 conductors should be connected to ordinary pass-through switches, while 8 conductors should be connected to the crossover switch.
A phase line is connected to the common terminal of any of the two-key switches. A line of the light group is connected to the common line of the second two-gang switch. The remaining conductors are connected by pin numbers according to the circuit layout.
Touch models of switches
In addition to keyboard and lever modifications on the market there are models of touch performance. In fact, the functions of the devices are uniform, but the principle of operation, as well as the design, are somewhat different.
The modern modification is a sensory model, which is distinguished by a more convenient principle of action. In addition, this type of household communicator has an extended service life due to the lack of mechanics in the structure
There are two types of touch switches:
- Touch direct action.
- Touch with dimmers.
The former operate on direct clear contact through a short touch of a fingertip on the glass panel of the device. That is, in this embodiment, only the on / off function is valid. The second constructive option (dimmer) provides switching on and off with smooth regulation of the brightness of the lamps.
To work with these devices, the same finger touch is required, followed by holding the finger pads on the glass until the desired brightness of the lamp glow is reached.
Rear view of the sensor device where the connection terminals are located: COM - a synchronizing connector for working in tandem with other devices; L - contact under the network phase; L1 is the first output channel; L2 - second output channel
The circuitry of sensor devices differs from other devices in that it contains one common (phase) terminal (L), two change-over (L1, L2) and one “COM” terminals.
Contact “COM” is used for communication between switches in the construction of complex circuits. For example, with control from three or more points by several lighting zones. In this case, a load power of not more than 1 kW is allowed per one light zone.
The classic version of the circuit wiring with one touch device: N - electrical zero; L is the electric phase; L1 - load of the first channel; L2 - load of the second channel
The simple organization of a control system with one touch device is as follows:
- The phase line is connected to the “L” terminal.
- Line “L1” forms one lighting zone.
- Line "L2" forms a second lighting zone.
If a group of devices is used, the phase contacts of the devices (L) are connected in parallel, plus the COM terminals are connected to each other. All other terminals are switched off as standard depending on the number of switched light zones.
In order for the touch devices to function correctly, they must be programmed. In fact, we are talking about the synchronization of all the switches in the group. Programming is performed by the sequence:
- Touch the sensor for 5 seconds. before a sound signal (or a blinking LED).
- After the beep, remove the touch and go to the next device.
- Touching the sensor of the second device.
- If the LED on the front panel responded with short flashes, successfully.
- Cancel synchronization - touch the sensor for 10 seconds.
For sensor designs, there are some installation restrictions.
For example, the maximum permissible distance from the circuit breaker to the circuit breaker should be at least 30 m.
We also recommend that you read our other article, where we spoke in detail about the touch light switches, their varieties and markings.
Theoretical information on how the installation of a passage switch in a room occurs:
These are the seriously modified electrical components that electrical switches familiar to all look like. Now these are no longer just switches of light bulbs screwed into the lampholders.
These devices can be successfully used to control other objects. For example, performing work on raising and lowering curtains on the windows of an apartment.
If you had to independently install a passage switch in your own home, please share your experience with our readers. Tell us how you implemented this task in practice. Leave your comments in the box below. There you can ask questions about the topic of the article, and we will try to respond to them promptly.