Technology does not stand still, all objects of everyday life are constantly being improved. Progress was not spared by such a familiar thing to everyone as a light switch. Today on sale you can find sensory varieties. They are distinguished by a spectacular design, as well as ease of operation. There are different models of touch switches. Wiring diagrams, the principle of their operation and device will be presented below.
Features of work
Before considering the connection scheme of touch switches, you need to understand the principle of operation of this device. Any device of this type is a sensor. He reacts even to a faint touch. The human body has a weak electric charge. Therefore, a sensitive sensor can catch it.
The presented device consists of several mandatory components, such as:
- A highly sensitive element that responds to a person approaching or touching the surface of the sensor.
- A signal amplifier that is assembled on microchips or semiconductors.
- A switching device that includes a load, such as a mini-relay or thyristor.
Experts say that devices, the circuit of which includes a thyristor, are more reliable. This is due to the lack of a contact part. Over time, the latter may oxidize or burn.
Benefits
Knowing the connection scheme of the touch light switch, you can install the device yourself.
Using it has many advantages:
- absolutely silent work;
- large selection of models;
- stylish appearance;
- there is galvanic isolation, which makes the operation of the device safe for humans;
- the sensor responds to touch even with wet and wet hands;
- mechanical breakdowns are impossible in principle;
- long term of operation;
- several switching systems can be created in one device.
It is these advantages that make the presented device popular. It is a stylish addition to the modern interior.
Varieties
The 220V touch light switch circuitry is quite simple. Even a novice master will cope with the installation of the sensor. On sale there are four common modifications of such devices. They differ in a set of additional functions, design. The most popular varieties are:
- With a remote control. This sensor is easy to use to control LED strip, sconces, spotlights, etc.
- With a timer. This is an economical variety that consumes a minimum amount of electricity. If no one is in the apartment, the sensor will turn off the light.
- Capacitive. The device reacts even to a light touch.
- Non-contact. It may respond to some features of the environment. This, for example, may be sound, a temperature drop, a change in the level of natural light or movement.
Touch switches can be equipped with a dimmer. This allows you to control the brightness of the lighting.
Models with dimmer and for LED strip
On sale is a large selection of models of touch switches, the design of which provides a dimmer. This allows you to smoothly change the intensity of lighting in the room. Adjustment can also be made using the remote control. This will adjust the brightness of the main lighting or LED strip.
The 12V touch switch circuitry makes it easy to connect and control the lighting that the LED strip creates. Such devices are called "dimmer". They are also suitable for any lighting fixtures that operate on 12 V. This is a compact and functional fixture. It can be used to create additional or main lighting in such cases:
- Creating lighting in the stairwell, on staircases.
- The equipment of the Smart Home system.
- Creating a spectacular interior design, zoning in the room.
Such devices in most cases are not designed to operate on a 220 V network. Therefore, such touch switches are not suitable for a conventional chandelier or sconce. You need to consider this during the purchase.
Marking
Be sure to consider before buying the features of the application, installation, wiring diagrams of touch switches. Livolo is one of the most famous manufacturers of the presented equipment. This company produces touch sensors of various types. To understand what qualities a switch has, you need to consider its labeling.
When studying the circuit of the touch switch, Livolo and other manufacturers should consider the decoding of the designation as an example of the VL C702R model of the company presented.
The first two letters of the marking, VL, is the name of the Chinese brand Livolo. The letter C7 follows, but there may also be C6, C8. This is a modification of the device. Then you can see the numbers 01, 02 or 03. This is the number of lighting groups that can be connected to this device. If compared with a mechanical switch, it could be devices with one, two or three keys.
In the marking, the last letters indicate additional functions of the device. So, the letter R is on that the sensor is controlled by a radio signal. The letter D in the marking indicates the presence of a dimmer function, there is a brightness adjustment, and the letter S is a pass switch. The presence in the marking of the letter T indicates that the manufacturer has provided for a timer in the model.
Principle of operation
The circuit of the touch switch for 12 V and 220 V when connecting is not particularly different. Most often, when the light is off, the blue backlight on the display lights up. If the light is on, it will glow in red.
The signal from the sensor is fed to the amplifier. Then he goes to the artist relay. His contacts turn off and on the lights. Management can be done using the remote control. Its radius of action is up to 30 m.
Touch switches have protection which works when a network is disconnected. In this mode, there is a transition to its original off position. The executive relay can withstand loads up to 1 kW. In this case, the load current is 5 A. Such devices are designed to operate from the network up to 250 V. If voltage surges are observed in the system, it is recommended to install a stabilizer.
Connection process
If you want to connect the touch switch with your own hands, you need to consider the circuit in the manufacturer's instructions. It is no different from connecting a conventional switch to the network. There are terminals on the back of the sensor. They are marked, which allows polarity to be observed.
The phase wire is connected to the terminal marked “L” and zero to the terminal “N”. Next, you need to install the switch in a prepared place on the wall. The manufacturer can give recommendations on the choice of installation location. For example, if a remote control is supplied, then the device should be visible from all points of the room.
If the circuit breaker model reacts to temperature changes, it cannot be installed near the battery. Be sure to take into account the manufacturer's requirements regarding the choice of installation site.
Other mounting options
It is necessary to consider some more features of connecting touch switches. The circuit breaker circuit is used when installing lighting fixtures, for example, in a long corridor.
It is impossible in this case with one switch to open the electrical circuit of the lamp at the beginning and end of the route. This would make it difficult to connect. To prevent this from happening, pass-through switches are used. They are connected according to a special scheme.
It is necessary to purchase two passage switches. Their choice depends on the total power of electrical appliances.
The phase is supplied from the network, first fed to the first and then to the second touch switch. The zero wire comes from the opposite side. He goes through the lights. From each lamp, the wire is connected to the corresponding terminal of the second switch (1.1 and 1.2). Then another neutral wire departs from the same device from the “COM” terminal. It runs to the same terminal on the first switch. This allows you to connect two sensor sensors into a single system.
Installation behind the mirror
In the bathroom or in the corridor, you can install a do-it-yourself touch light switch behind the mirror. The connection diagrams of such devices do not differ from those for conventional mechanical varieties. Such a switch is mounted behind a mirror blade.
Such a device works without touching the glass or the sensor panel. He has an electronic unit and an infrared sensor. Having passed a hand in the control field of the sensitive element, you can turn on the light. Upon repeated movement, the load will be disconnected. This allows you to create an interior without a switch. For the bathroom, especially in a public institution, this is extremely important. And for home use, such a device will be a successful acquisition.
Subtleties of connection
Considering the circuit of the touch switches, it should be said that the designation of the terminals for connection can be different. Before installation, you must familiarize yourself with the manufacturer's instructions. So, if there is an “L1-in” terminal on the back of the sensor, it is for the incoming phase. The load wire from the lighting lamps is fed to the “L-load” terminal.
The switches, which are designed to connect several lighting fixtures or their groups, have terminals “L1-load”, “L2-load”, “L3-load”. The corresponding wires from the first, second and third lamps must be connected to the corresponding socket for connection.
It will not be difficult to connect the LED strip. In this case, you will need to read the manufacturer's instructions. You need to purchase a special switch that is designed for outgoing voltage of 12V or 24V (depending on the type of tape). Some lighting devices of this type can be designed to operate at a voltage of 220V. In this case, a conventional switch is suitable.
To connect the LED strip, a control unit is attached to it. If it is a multi-color device, the controller must be installed in front of the power supply in accordance with the manufacturer's scheme. The wire from the power supply is connected to the touch switch. This is a simple job that even a layman can handle.
Customization
For the device to work correctly, you need to know not only the features of the touch switch circuit, but also the subtleties of the settings. The device is connected to the network. A load is applied to it. When you turn it on for the first time, you need to hold the sensor with your finger for 5 s. The device will emit a short beep.
Then press the corresponding button on the remote control. It is held until a short beep. This means that he has contacted the sensor. If there are several buttons, they are tied to the common system in the same way. To disable the setting, the remote control button is held for 10 s. When two short beeps sound, the program will shut down.
Several switches can be tied to one switch. It can be done and vice versa. In this case, one remote control can control multiple sensors.
Homemade touch switch
Some users find the touch switch circuitry relatively simple. Therefore, to make such a device with your own hands is not difficult. To do this, you need to be able to handle a soldering iron. You will need to purchase the appropriate parts:
- Transistors KT 315 (2 pcs.).
- Electrolytic capacitor 16 V (100 uF).
- Resistance 30 ohms.
- Normal capacitor 0.22 microfarads.
- Power supply or a powerful battery with a voltage of 9 V.
- Semiconductor D 226.
You need to choose a suitable case (suitable from the old switch). On the front part, make a hole for the wires. The circuit of the listed parts must be soldered in the following sequence.
The assembled design is connected to the power supply. The wire must be soldered to a metal plate fixed on the front plane of the device.
Is it worth it to assemble the sensor yourself?
Experts say that you can assemble such a sensor yourself, but it will look much worse than the purchased model. In this case, you can easily make mistakes during assembly. Only an amateur with sufficient experience can solve this problem. But even he will not be able to make a beautiful interface, a stylish design of the switch. Therefore, it is easier to purchase such a switch in a specialized store. It will be much more aesthetic, as well as safer than a homemade device.