Walk - through switches (switches) were created for convenient control of lighting in long corridors, on stairs, in walk-through rooms and in other places. They are installed between floors, when descending into the basement, near the doors of rooms with several entrances. Being in your home, it is convenient to switch the lights in the garage, utility rooms. Or drive lanterns on the porch and garden. The walk-through switch allows you to control lighting from different places, saving people from inconvenience. It also saves electricity.
A conventional switch contains a two-position key and a pair of contacts. The wires are connected to them. In contrast, the built-in switch of the passage switch consists of three contacts: one common and two change-over contacts. Each of them also has a wire connection. In order to control lighting from several places, for example from two, a 4-pole switching device is required. In addition, there should be leads to each one wire. So, you can control not only the lighting, but also any other electrical devices, although the installation of the circuit is complicated.
How does a single-key switch work?
The principle of operation is that one circuit is opened by a changeover contact, and the other closes at the same time. The wiring diagram for the feed-through switch is always on its reverse side. One of the contacts is common (1), and the other two are cross-contact (2, 3). From two such devices located in different places, you can assemble the simplest and most common lamp control circuit from two different points.
The terminal numbers 2 and 3 of the switches PV1 and PV2 that match by numbers are interconnected by wiring. The input part 1 from PV1 is connected to the phase, and PV2 to the lamp. At the other end, the lamp is connected to the neutral power wire. How the loop switch circuit works is verified by turning it on. First, voltage is applied. At the same time, the lamp turns on or off sequentially when independently switching any of the switches. If the circuit of one of them breaks, the circuit stops working. But at the same time, another line is being prepared for inclusion.
How to connect the simplest passage switch?
Before installation, draw a diagram of all connections.
First, a junction box (RC) is installed. All wires will be assembled and connected in it. Power is supplied here from the control panel. For this, a three-core cable of 3 x 1.5 mm is laid. It is most common for all wiring diagrams. Here, two cores are power supply, and the third is for grounding electrical appliances. In addition, 2 sub-sockets are installed in which the switches will be placed. Three-core cables to the RK are laid from each glass and from the lamp.
After all wires and cables are in place, connections are made. First, a phase L wire is connected between the output of the machine and the input of PV1 (No. 1). Then, the corresponding output contacts (2-2, 3-3) of the switches are connected to each other. Next, they are installed in the socket. Two terminals of the lamp holder are connected to the input PV2 (No. 1) and to the blue neutral conductor from the control panel. If the circuit breaker is bipolar, it is supplied from its output contact; if it is single- pole, it is brought from the zero bus. The end of the grounding conductor is insulated. Or connects to the lamp housing, if it is metal.
When all connections are completed, a bulb is screwed into the cartridge. Then, the loop switch circuit is checked by turning on the machine in the shield. The lamp may light up immediately. Or after switching on PV1 or PV2. You can repay it if you press the key of any of the switches. Important! The switches do not have fixed βonβ and βoffβ positions.
Cross switch
Connecting walk-through switches in three places requires additional installation of the device with cross-contact switching. It consists of 2 single-key devices with internal jumpers assembled in one housing.
A cross switch (PP) is installed between two ordinary switches. It applies only to them. Its distinctive feature is the presence of four terminals (2 inputs and 2 outputs). To control from four points, you need to add another such device to the circuit. Connect the PCB to the changeover contacts of the passage switches so that a working power supply circuit of the lamp is created.
Complex contact groups require a large number of wires and connections. It is preferable to collect a few simple schemes. They work reliably and are easy to operate. Note! All main connections are made in junction boxes. No twisting on the lead wires can be done.
Which model to choose?
Which switch to use, through passage, primarily depends on the type of wiring. For open, overhead models are selected. Underneath, it will require podrozetniki. Suitable sizes should be chosen so that they can be interconnected. It is important to set the normal and cross switches with the same appearance. Devices are rotary, keyboard, lever, touch. Contacts are selected for the appropriate load. Switching should be easy. Devices are required to be securely attached.
Installation of a three-point switching system
To do this, perform the following steps:
- Draw a wiring diagram.
- Mark and extend the strobes and grooves for wiring and boxes.
- Install distribution parts. They are selected in large sizes, so that you can make inside 12 connections.
- Set the rosettes.
- Route the cable from the shield to the connection points.
- Connect the cores to the switches and terminals in the boxes. Mark the wires. Assemble the circuit sequentially, with the correct connections being checked.
- Set the switches in their place.
Connecting Two-Key Switches Through
The device consists of 2 single-key independent switches. They are assembled in one housing. They work on the same principle of throwing contacts. But the number of inputs is 2, and the outputs are 4. The difference is that 2 switches are located at different points. Their keys work on different lights.
Installation of two-key switches for control from two places
The sequence of actions should be as follows:
- A circuit is drawn up, without which it is difficult to make connections.
- Junction boxes and socket boxes are installed.
- 2 lighting groups are mounted.
- Three-core cables are laid based on the connection to 6 contacts of each switch and to the lamps.
- According to the scheme, the cable conductors are connected in the junction box, to the lamp holders and to the switches.
The two-key walk-through switch can be replaced by a four-key circuit. But she will be irrational. As more junction boxes are required and cable consumption will increase.
Control of two lighting systems from three places
The two-gang switch through passage happens cross. It is installed in the kit. That is, it also includes two two-key limit switches, if you want to control lighting from three points. It will have 4 entrances and 4 exits.
Installation is as follows:
- For mounting the circuit, a standard box with a diameter of 60 mm is not enough. Therefore, its size should be larger. Or you need to install 2-3 pcs in series. ordinary.
- To connect, 12 wire connections are made. To do this, you will need to lay 4 three-core cables. Here you must correctly mark the cores. 6 limit switches are suitable for two limit switches, and 8 for cross-contact ones.
- A phase is connected to PV1. After you need to make the necessary connections. On the back of the device is a diagram of a two-gang switch through passage. It must be combined correctly with external connections.
- PV2 is connected from the fixtures.
- Four outputs of PV1 are connected to the inputs of the cross switch, and then its outputs are connected to 4 inputs of PV2.
Conclusion
The walk-through switch is convenient. Extra walking on stairs and long corridors is not required to turn the light on or off. Sometimes it is simply necessary. In addition, energy is saved through fast switching. It is important to choose the right devices and correctly install electrical connections.