All switches and switches are designed for one thing - turn on or off (close or open contacts) lighting at the right time. They are designed for both open and concealed installation, as well as - splash-proof - for outdoor installation.
Depending on the principle of operation of the drive, they are rotary, flip, one- and two-button, one-, two- and three-key, as well as ceiling-mounted with a tie-down cord. The mechanism of switches and switches must be reliable (with good contact, otherwise it will spark and overheat) and workable. The operability of the mechanism is determined by the number of “on-off” cycles. Efficiency of 30 thousand cycles or more is considered high.

Pushbutton switches

Pushbutton switches are often used in various household appliances, lighting fixtures, and in production, and therefore it is important to know how they work.
In the case, in addition to the button, there is a spring that returns the pressed button to its original position. Inside the button, a pusher in the form of a plate is fixed on the axis, which, when the button is pressed, acts on one or another side of the movable contact, closing or opening the electrical circuit. The movable contact is mounted on an axis, which is fixed in the switch housing. Two fixed contacts are included in the break of one of the wire strands and are attached to the base of the switch.
The switches that are installed at the base of the table lamp have a slightly different design. To fix such a switch, its cylindrical part is passed through a hole in the base of the lamp, which is clamped between washers by screwing on a plastic clip.
Protected and tinned conductors of wires are inserted into the contact holes in the switch body and clamped with screws.
A floor lamp and some household electrical appliances are more convenient to turn on and off with foot-operated floor switches. The switch is inserted into the base of the case, and the wires are additionally fixed with brackets.
A switch with a cylindrical pusher is installed on the wire of table lamps and other mobile devices. It is designed for a current of 1 A. The design of such a switch is simple. On the cylindrical pusher there is a metal rim, due to which the movable spring contacts are closed; they are connected to a break in one current-carrying core of the wire, and the second core passes through the switch body (Fig. 100).

Diagram of a cam mechanism with a toggle type drive
The cam mechanism has end contacts, flat springs and a handle. When the handle is flipped, a flat spring with a moving contact ensures a closing with a fixed contact or opening when operating in the reverse order.
This design is distinguished by high performance (at least 150-180 thousand “on-off” cycles), stability of contact pressure throughout the entire service life, noiseless operation, resistance to vibration and small overall dimensions. The disadvantage of this mechanism is the high degree of wear of the opening contacts (Fig. 101).

Key switches and switches

Keyboard devices can also have mechanisms of various designs. For example, a two-arm swing mechanism with a compression spring. When you press a key, it rotates around its axis. The pusher (may be in the form of a ball or a semicircular cylinder) under the action of a spring presses on a rocking lever, at the end of which a movable contact is welded. When the key is deflected in one direction or another, the pusher, under the influence of the spring, presses on the movable contact swinging on the axis, closing or opening it with the fixed contact (Fig. 102).

The advantage of such a mechanism is its high performance (up to 200-500 thousand “on-off” cycles), instant shutdown, contact pressure stability throughout the entire service life, small dimensions and weight of the switch, the ability to switch in the “on” position, that is, in one of the contacts is always closed. It is not suitable for controlling a chandelier, since it cannot be turned off. Such switches are used to control lighting from two points. Install, for example, one P-1 switch at the beginning of a long corridor or on the 1st floor of a two-story house, and the second - P-2 - at the end of the corridor or on the 2nd floor. Entering the house, the lighting is turned on with the P-1 switch, and when going up to the second floor, the light is turned off with the P-2 switch. Descending from the second floor, turn on the light with switch P-2, and turn off on the first floor with switch P-1 (Fig. 103).

How to install a three-gang switch.

For open installation, a switch is produced with a mounting base, which is fixed to the wall with two screws. The switch housing is screwed to it with two screws. In order to insert electric wires inside the switch, it is necessary to break out the under-pressure in the mounting base (a section with a thinner layer of plastic than at the base itself).
For hidden installation, switches are produced with spacer legs, which, resting against the walls of the box (glass), securely fix the switch.
Each key has a metal plug. The plug enters the grooves of the rack, which is fixed on the base and serves as a support for the movable contacts mounted on the keys. The keys do not fall out, as they are held by a latch.
To open access to the contact part of the switch, you need to remove the keys. For this you should:
1) displace the latch by pressing on the rectangular protrusion of its leash, which is located behind the base of the switch. If the switch is installed, then to shift the latch, you need to press on the end of the leash with a screwdriver;
2) without releasing the tab of the latch, move the key down and, pulling it towards you, remove it. In two and three-key switches, the keys are removed one by one.
Having removed the keys, we get access to the screws with which the wire strands are connected to the contacts. A common wire connected to the bottom screw supplies power to the bridge. The wires attached to the top screws are connected to the fixed contacts (Fig. 104).

After connecting the wires, you need to install the keys:
1) the key is applied to the base so that the ends of the fork enter the grooves of the rack. In this position, the key should hang on the base;
2) pressing the tab of the latch (or the end of its leash) and pressing the key to the base, move it down to the stop. After we release the key, release the latch.
When removing and installing the keys, you do not need to make great efforts, and the wires should not touch the keys.
Such a switch - for three electrical circuits - is convenient, for example, in the hallway, so that you can easily turn on the light in the corridor, in the bathroom and toilet.
Two-button switches are convenient to control the chandelier. One key turns on the first group of lamps, the second key - the other; both keys at once - all lamps (Fig. 105).

Ceiling switches and baseboard sockets

Under-ceiling switches have a pull cord (pull the cord to switch) and are installed openly on wall panels under the ceiling. The wires laid in the floor slabs are inserted into the subceiling switch, which simultaneously acts as a junction box.
It should be noted that when installing embedded and other hidden electrical wiring laid in floor panels, over-plinth sockets can be used. They are installed openly above the plinth, attached to the wall panel. If the panel is interior (inside one apartment), a second outlet is also mounted on its opposite side, which is connected to the first loop from the group line (Fig. 106).

Ceiling switches and baseboard sockets are used if they want to reduce the laboriousness of work and the cost of installing electrical wiring (no need to make furrows in the walls, spend wires on descending from the ceiling and lifting from the floor).
Three fixed contact plates are fixed on the switch housing, which can be connected by a bridge (moving contact).
By pulling the cord, we act on the pusher, which rotates the bridge by 90 °, thereby closing or opening one or another group of contacts.
Thus, the switch has four positions: for example, 1 - disabled; 2 - the first group of lamps is on; 3 - both groups are included; 4 - the second group of lamps is on.
Because the bridge rotates in only one direction (clockwise), there are certain inconveniences. For example, in order to turn on the second group of lamps from the “off” position, you need to pull the cord three times, etc. (Fig. 107).

Switches combined with dimmers

Dimmers (dimmers) - non-contact devices designed to control the intensity of lighting, from a few percent to full. Losses in dimmers are minimal, no more than 1.5% of the power of the connected lamp.
From the oscillograms of the mains voltage and the voltage supplied to the lamp, which is turned on through the dimmer, it can be seen that the stronger the “cut off the sinusoid”, the lower the brightness of the lighting.
Switches combined with dimmers can be made in different versions: for example, turning on / off is done by pressing a button, and dimming is done by rotating the button around the axis or turning on the light by pressing the button and, holding it down, regulate! lighting level.
There are touch switches, both with dimmers and without them. In the case of the taco switch, an electronic circuit is assembled, which works (turns on or off the light) Hz by touching a metal plate. Bright light is regulated by rotating the clip (Fig. 108).

The electronic circuit of the touch switch can be assembled in the base of the table lamp, and to turn it on or off, it is enough to touch the metal part of the base.

How to choose a light switch

To choose the right light switch, you need to have an idea about the device of this device, its technical characteristics and types of switches on the market.

Device

A light switch is a special device for closing / opening contacts that act on (switching) an electrical circuit that includes one or more electrical appliances.

The device of all types of switches assumes the presence of a switching element that opens and closes the circuit in different ways. The design of light switches depends on the purpose, the amount of current they switch, and also on the number of closed electrical circuits.

Specifications

The main technical characteristics of switches are rated current and rated voltage. Their values ​​are indicated on the products. They are needed to calculate the allowable power at which lighting fixtures can be operated using a switch. If the switch connects a power greater than the allowable one, then the conductivity of the working contacts of the device will gradually deteriorate, the mechanism will heat up and will fail very soon.

In this case, the electronic device will simply burn out. Household switches are usually designed for a load of 2.5 kW (at 10 A and 250 V). If it is necessary to place the switch in rooms with high humidity, then you should pay attention to its degree of protection, indicated by the IP code and two digits.

For an apartment, this is usually IP20, for a bathroom - IP44, for outdoor installation - IP55, IP65.

Mechanical and electronic switches

Depending on how the opening and opening of the electrical circuit occurs, there are electronic and mechanical switches.

AT mechanical switches (keyboard, push-button, rotary, lever, cord, slide, etc.), the switching element is triggered by the action of the hand. AT electronic- from a radio signal (devices controlled remotely), infrared radiation or when a person approaches (touch switches and with a motion sensor).

In electronic switches, circuit switching occurs due to the presence of a semiconductor device in them. They are more durable, reliable and safe than mechanical ones, but they are also more expensive.

Switches with and without screw terminals

According to the method of fastening the contacts (wires), switches are distinguished with and without screw terminals.

In the first case, the contact is clamped between special plates with a screw. In the clampless version, it is held by a spring terminal or a screwless clamp. Switches with screw terminals are more expensive, as they are considered to be of higher quality: the screw holds the contacts stronger and is more convenient to use.

Surface-mounted and wall-mounted switches

With open wiring, overhead switches are used, and with hidden wiring, switches built into the wall.

The latter are placed in a special mounting box, which is fixed in a recess made in the wall.

Switches and switches

Now, in addition to conventional lighting switches, which are adapted for the simplest on / off functions, so-called switch-switches (toggle or pass-through switches) are manufactured. Outwardly, they differ from their predecessors only in a large number of contacts - they have 3 of them, and ordinary ones have 2.

Overview of modern light switches - in simple words about the difficult

Therefore, the switches are able to work in 2 circuits at once (when one opens, the other closes (the device, as it were, flips the contacts)).

Single-key and multi-key

A single-key switch is used to open / close the 1st circuit (turn on / off the 1st lamp), a two-key switch is used for multi-lamp chandeliers.

Sometimes two-key switches are used for separate bathrooms (one key for each). Three-key are needed for groups of luminaires installed in large rooms.

With and without illumination

Illuminated switches have tiny LEDs built into them.

They make it easy to find the switch in the dark, and also serve as a kind of indicators, reminiscent of the light on. The "eyes" on the keys, the frames, the keys themselves can glow. The backlight can be colored.

Design, brands, cost, quality

Decorative panels of switches can be very different: made of plastic (including impact-resistant - duroplast), metal, wood, stone, porcelain.

They also differ in prices. Elite switches are devices of Spanish (for example, Fede), English (MK Electric), Italian (BTicino) and German (Berker) brands. The optimal ratio of price and quality - products of Legrand, ABB, Siemens. Of the cheap options, Wessen and Tern devices are of sufficient quality.

When buying a switch, if possible, pay attention to the quality of its workmanship, one of the evidence of which is the silver-plated contact group, the smoothness of the surface and the clarity of the lines.

For the second lesson we will need:
1.Absolutely any one-button switch. The figure below shows one of its varieties.

On the left side of the figure - a single-gang open wiring switch, presented in assembled form, on the right - disassembled.

What are the switches?

Most often, in order to disassemble the switch, first of all it is necessary to remove its key by carefully picking it from the side with a screwdriver or the tip of a knife blade. Under the key are two screws that must be unscrewed.

Now it becomes possible to separate the cover from the switch mechanism, after which access to the electrical terminals is opened. Any one-button switch should have two.

Switches of the old type are easier to disassemble - their keys are much smaller in size, and the screw that fastens the cover-case and mechanism is located outside.

Less convenient for disassembly is the option when various latches are used instead of screws to fix the case-cover and mechanism.

In this case, disassembly requires special care - if careless, the latches are very easy to damage.

2. Device assembled in the 1st lesson.

Approximately, in the middle of the cable, in a section of about 20 cm.

the outer layer of insulation must be removed.
This must be done very carefully - the internal insulation should not be damaged.

Next, cut one of the wires. We prepare the resulting 2 ends for connection - we remove the insulation from the edges to the required length. As in the case of a socket, the bare ends either bend into a ring or remain straight, depending on the type of connection used in our switch.

In the picture below, they are bent into a ring.

If now, very carefully (in no case touching the bare wires) plug the plug into the socket, the light will not light. You can make it burn again by connecting back the 2 ends of the broken wire.

Disconnect them - the light goes out again. All connections associated with touching the bare ends of the wires must be made by pulling the plug out of the socket.

After that, we make the connection of the switch.

And close the lid - the case.

We plug the plug into the socket, press the switch key several times in both directions.

The light comes on again, then goes out again. The conclusion suggests itself - the switch, in its essence, is a controlled break in the electrical circuit.

A real picture of connecting a switch in a room may look like this

A supply 2-wire (minimum) cable is inserted into the junction box (1), one of the ends of which (null wire), goes directly to the email.

light bulb (chandelier, sconce, light cord). The second end of the power cable (phase wire) is connected to the circuit breaker input via a two-wire cable going down. (one wire is used) El. the current passes through the switch and follows to the electric bulb, through the connection in the junction box, along the second wire of the same cable.

What is the difference between phase and zero wires?

From the point of view of practical electrical safety, it lies in the fact that touching a single bare zero the wire is not dangerous to humans, but to phase, vice versa. The result of touch, to the naked phase wire, can be very deplorable (up to lethal).

Touching two live bare conductors at the same time is even more dangerous. When the electrical circuit is installed correctly, the switch turns off exactly phase conductor,- safe conditions are created for working with the lamp (replacing el.

light bulbs, for example). Distinguish phase wire from zero, can be done with a screwdriver tester. On touch phase(bare) wire, the indicator will glow, and zero- No.

Currently, when wiring in domestic premises, a three-wire system for supplying electricity is used. nutrition. In addition to supplying (working) phase and zero conductor, a third is added, - conductor protective zeroing.

All metal cases of household el. equipment (washing machines, electric ovens, etc.) protective zeroing. More about this in the "Replacing wiring" section.

Well, as for the product assembled during this lesson, it will come in handy for the next lesson.

Go to lesson 3

The use of any materials on this page is allowed if there is a link to the site "Electrics is Easy".

The principle of operation and design of the switch

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The principle of operation of the switch is based on the extinguishing of the electric arc by a vacuum arc quenching chamber (KDV).

Moreover, the current through the vacuum chamber passes only in a short period of time when performing operations of switching on and off. In the on position, the rated current and short-circuit currents pass through the main contacts of the circuit breaker, bypassing the KDV. In the off position, the main contacts are opened with the formation of a visible gap; the mains voltage is not applied directly to the KDV.

Since the switching processes take place inside the vacuum chambers, the circuit breaker does not generate emissions of arc combustion products both when it is turned off and when it is turned on, which eliminates the occurrence of an open arc and erosion of contacts.

The circuit breaker has versions with built-in earthing knives, which can be located both above and below.

The grounding blades can be controlled both left- and right-handed using actuators of the PRS-10 type, and in the case of a modular design - of the PPRZ-10 type.

Switches are available with interphase distances of 200 and 165 mm.

In addition, VNVR(M)-10/630-20 modular circuit breakers are also designed with interphase distances of 130 and 100 mm, which allows them to be used in cabinets with a width of 600 mm or less.

11 High voltage circuit breakers (HV)

The switch is the main switching device designed to turn on and off the current in networks, under normal, emergency modes (for example, during short circuit), overloads and abnormal modes.

Depending on the method of extinguishing the arc that occurs when the circuit breaker is switched due to explosive transients, circuit breakers are divided into oil, air, vacuum, SF6, autogas and electromagnetic.

Oil switches are used in electrical networks and are tank and column (low oil).

Contact groups are immersed in oil.

Advantages: simple design, presence of built-in current transformers, high breaking capacity.

Disadvantages: the need for periodic oil control, fire and explosion hazard, the impossibility of using automatic reclosure

Vacuum circuit breakers are the most promising. The arc is extinguished in a vacuum.

The arc is extinguished at the first transition through the "zero". In this case, there is a possibility of an overvoltage due to the fact that the load, as a rule, has an inductive character, and the current cannot be interrupted instantly. Therefore, it is necessary to connect the surge arrester to the vacuum circuit breakers on the load side.

Advantages: high breaking capacity, high speed, small size, fire and explosion safety.

Disadvantages: the complexity of manufacturing, the lack of control of the depth of the vacuum.

SF6 circuit breakers - the arc is extinguished in an electronegative gas (SF6, sulfur hexafluoride), which has a high electrical strength.

Therefore, SF6 circuit breakers have a good breaking capacity and speed. Disadvantages - high cost, at low temperatures, SF6 loses its properties.

It is used mainly in networks with a voltage of 110 kV and above.

Electromagnetic switches. The arc is extinguished by controlling the arc with an electromagnetic field. In this case, the arc is drawn into the arc quenching chamber, where it breaks, stretches, and goes out when the current "crosses zero". used in networks of 6-10 kV, and are capable of switching off large currents - up to 3600 A in nominal mode and up to 40 kA in emergency mode. Disadvantages - low voltage class, restrictions on outdoor installation, complex design of the arc chute.

Air circuit breaker - the arc is extinguished with the help of "blowing" - in other words, the arc is blown away with air, using a pneumatic system.

It is used in networks of 35 kV and above. Has limited use. Requires the presence of a pneumatic economy, at the time of shutdown it emits a loud bang.

Autogas circuit breaker - the arc is extinguished as a result of the occurrence of gas, which is released as a result of the combustion of special liners. (organic glass). It is used in networks of 6-10 kV.

Load break switches (HV) and - the simplest autogas switching devices.

The circuit breaker operates at voltage U = 6-10 kV and rated currents 200-400, 630 A. It is a three-phase switching device designed to disconnect load currents and create a visible break in the line. There are HVs mounted on a common frame with fuses (VNP designation), and there are also versions with grounding knives (VNPz).

VNP switches have a manual drive.

General provisions for the choice of electrical equipment.

The choice of electrical equipment is carried out in accordance with the PUE, PTEEP.
Electrical devices are selected according to the conditions of the normal mode, and then they are checked for short circuit mode.

According to the data obtained from the calculations, according to catalogs and directories, the necessary apparatus is selected and checked for the most severe mode.
At the same time, Unom ≥Ucalc, Inom ≥Iworking max, Ioff≥I(3)k, and Idynamic resistance ≥ishock thermal resistance Vk≤Ipr τ

Relay protection

Appointment of RZ: 1) tracking and signaling - tracking and transmission of information about emergency and abnormal modes.

2) protective function - timely shutdown of a section or element of the electric power system to protect them from emergency and abnormal modes

3) automation function - automatic impact on the elements of the system in the following areas - control of equipment of stations and networks, in all modes of operation.

These include devices for automatic start-up and shutdown of station units and generator switches for parallel operation of the power supply system (AGP - automatic field blanking, APV, AVR, AChR - automatic frequency unloading, voltage unloading, APAH - automatic termination of the asynchronous operation of generators necessary to eliminate rolling in the system).

Rotary light switch

Regulation of certain parameters, system modes, which include a device for maintaining voltage and frequency

Requirements for RH: Selectivity, Sensitivity, Reliability.

Selectivity is a property of relay protection that characterizes the ability to detect a damaged element of the electric power system and turn off this element only by the switches closest to it.

This allows you to localize the damaged section and not interrupt the normal operation of other sections of the network.

current protection

current protection- this is a kind of relay protection that reacts to the excess of current in the protected section of the network in relation to the operating current, or setting. Depending on how the selectivity of action is ensured with subsequent (from the power source) protection, there are overcurrent protection (MTP) and current cutoff (TO).

In radial (open) networks on overhead lines of voltage class 6-10 kV and above, the most common option for organizing protection against three-phase and phase-to-phase short circuits is the use of two-stage protection, including overcurrent and TO

Maximum current protection (MTP)- selectivity of action is ensured due to the delay in response time. Choice tripping current is carried out in such a way that its value exceeds the maximum operating current at the place of installation of protection by an amount that depends on the reliability and return coefficients of the relay, as well as on the self-starting coefficient (usually not less than 1.2 - 2.0 times).

This eliminates the possibility of a false protection action in the normal mode of the network. When a short-circuit current flows, the operation of the relay, as noted earlier, occurs with a certain delay.

Trip time setting the previous (from the power source) protection must be greater than the setting of the next one by the value of the so-called selectivity step Δt (about 0.2 - 1.0 s - depending on the type of relay on the basis of which the protections are made).

Current cutoff (TO)- action selectivity is ensured by detuning from the maximum short-circuit current at the end of the protected zone.

TO is a fast-acting protection that operates without time delay and disconnects the most severe short circuits near the supply busbars. Value cutoff trip current should be approximately 1.1 - 1.2 times the rated current of a three-phase short circuit at the end of the TO coverage area (i.e. at the installation site of subsequent protection); the indicated multiplicity is determined by the reliability coefficient of the applied relays.

TO sensitivity coefficient, based on the PUE, can be calculated as the ratio of the three-phase short-circuit current at the place of protection installation to the actual cut-off operation current, and should be at least 1.2.

In other words, the current cutoff zone should cover about 20% of the line length. The disadvantage of current cutoff is the limited coverage area, so it is used only in conjunction with MTZ as a second stage; at the same time, TO has absolute selectivity, since the magnitude of the short-circuit current outside the protected zone is always less than the cutoff actuation current.

Differential protection- one of the types of relay protection, characterized by absolute selectivity and fast-acting (without artificial time delay).

It is used to protect transformers, autotransformers, generators, generator units, motors, power lines and busbars. Distinguish longitudinal and transverse differential protections.

The market of lighting devices is constantly developing, the range of switches is replenished with innovative developments that provide maximum comfort. However, traditional devices do not lose popularity. Agree, among such a variety it is not easy to decide on the purchase of a suitable light switch.

To facilitate the selection task, we have prepared a detailed overview of existing switching devices, classified the types and types of light switches according to the main technical parameters, and also described the features of their installation and use.

In addition, the article lists the best manufacturers of lighting fixtures. This information will help you choose a high-quality and reliable option for specific operating conditions.

A switch is a switching device responsible for closing / opening the electrical circuit that feeds the lighting device. It is always installed in the section of the phase wire break.

You cannot trust the illiterate "electricians" who claim that the neutral and phase wires must be connected to the switch. This will cause a short circuit and wiring problems.

Household models of switches are designed to work with wiring that uses the standard load. You cannot connect them to a network with other parameters. Each of the switches can only work with a certain operating voltage and current strength. These parameters are always indicated in the technical documentation and on the device case.

The main task of the device is to provide power to the electrical device and stop it when there is no need to use the lamp. Switches are available in a variety of designs. They differ significantly from each other in a number of ways. Let's take a closer look at these differences.

A standard circuit breaker is connected at the break of the phase wire. The task of the device is to close or open the electrical circuit, thereby including the lighting device

Switching methods used in switches

When installing switches, only two methods of connecting wires are used, which have certain features.

Screw clamp mechanism

For switching wires in this type of switch, special clamps are installed, which are fixed with ordinary screws. This connection method is more difficult to install, but the result is a high quality contact. Over time, this connection may loosen a little and then you will have to slightly tighten the screw.

Pass-Through or Tilting Models

It is possible to control lighting from several places remote from each other at once. One or more lighting devices can be connected to such devices.

Popular manufacturers: who to prefer

The quality of switches, like any other product, largely depends on the manufacturer. Companies that have earned a good reputation strictly monitor the quality of their products, guaranteeing customers a long, trouble-free service for their products.

Therefore, when choosing a switch for your home, it is important to pay attention to this point and, if possible, choose products from a well-known manufacturer. Let's talk about the best of them.

Legrand company from France

The French brand entered the market in the middle of the 19th century with table china. After the appearance of electricity, porcelain became in demand as an insulator, the company took up products for electricians.

The management initially relied on the use of the latest technologies in production, which gave good results - the company is one of the top five European electrical manufacturers.

Products Legrand known in more than 150 countries around the world, it is sold under various brands, including Contactor, BTicino, Sarlam, Legrand other. The company's products are distinguished by the highest quality, safety and reliability.

The product range is very wide, it includes a variety of types of wall switches. Among them you can find traditional models, as well as unusual combined devices.

They are a three-gang or standard switch installed in a common housing with a socket. The company pays special attention to the quality of components.

In addition, the cases of all devices, regardless of their cost, are made only of self-extinguishing plastic. This greatly increases the safety of device operation. Legrand produces devices of various designs that fit into any interiors.

Swedish company ABB

Appeared at the end of the last century as a result of the merger of two large Swedish concerns. Today it is one of the leading manufacturers of electrical installation products. Their distinguishing feature is the highest safety and quality.

The brand offers convenient modular solutions that allow you to collect the necessary variations from the proposed elements. Only impact-resistant, UV-resistant materials are used for the production of housings.

ABB brand products are distinguished not only by the highest quality, but also by stylish design. True, the cost of such electrical installation devices is quite high.

Among them are natural ones, such as steel, wood or bronze. The design simplicity of the products implies simple and quick installation.

Brand range ABB includes several product lines, each of which has a special, easily recognizable design. For example, reflex made in traditional strict geometric forms, but impulse has soft rounded lines.

Collections of electrical installation products are diverse. Moreover, even in the basic collections, the manufacturer offers not only standard solutions.

For example, all of them have frames with a fluorescent coating, which illuminate the body of the device in the dark. ABB products are characterized by high cost, which some attribute to significant disadvantages.

French brand Schneider Electric

Founded in the 19th century as an armaments company, it has long mastered the electric power market and has become a leader in the production of electrical installation products.

In the product range Schneider switches with light indication, walk-through switches, with remote control, with sensors and other complex variations. And all of them are of the highest quality.

The Schneider company has launched the production of combined wiring devices assembled on a common basis

The trademark of Schneider products is the presence of spring contacts made of bronze. This allows you to refuse to use an additional clamp and at the same time not to lose the quality of the contact being created. Thanks to this, the installation of products of the French brand is extremely simple and fast.

The design of electrical installation devices is very diverse. Here you can find interesting models in a different range: from laconic classics to catchy avant-garde.

All collections of the brand include removable frames of horizontal and vertical type in various colors. The company's products are represented by several model lines. Very popular Unica, which offers modular devices that allow you to create a variety of combinations of elements based on a unified seat.

Products from Schneider are distinguished by high cost, and this applies even to standard models, not to mention designer models.

What does the marking of the degree of protection of the case mean:

Modern switches are complex devices that make a person's life as comfortable as possible. At the same time, they also help save energy, this applies to high-tech models equipped with light and motion sensors.

Manufacturers produce products of different designs, which allows them to easily fit into the interiors of any style. Among the range of models, it is easy to choose the right option, you just need to determine which switch is needed for the existing operating conditions.

Have something to add, or have questions about choosing a light switch? You can leave comments on the publication and participate in discussions. The contact form is in the bottom block.

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Modern multifunction switch.

household switch- this is a two-position switching device with normally open contacts, designed to operate in networks with voltages up to 1000 volts, not designed to cut short-circuit currents, without special arc extinguishing devices, local control, with manual drive.

Other characteristics of this switch, such as operating current, degree of moisture, dust and explosion protection (IP), climatic version, installation method, contact material, are determined by the manufacturer and depend on the specific model.

Moreover, for a household switch, the actual design is for internal installation (built into the wall, for hidden wiring) or for external installation (installed on the wall, for open wiring).

They are mainly used to turn on and off lighting (chandeliers, ceiling lamps). For the same purpose, switches with smooth control of illumination appeared on sale: dimmers, dimmers, trimmers.

Encyclopedic YouTube

1 / 5

✪ Wiring diagram of a single-gang switch

✪ How to connect a single-gang switch? How to install in a socket?

✪ Pass-through switch or impulse relay - what to choose

✪ How to connect a two-gang switch? How to install in a socket?

✪ How to connect a two-gang pass-through switch

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1879 - Edison demonstrates a modern electric lighting system he developed, including an incandescent lamp, a socket with a screw thread, a base, terminals, a switch, a socket and plug, an electric meter, fuses.

Kinds

Switches are the most diverse in design, their types depend on the purpose, the number of closed electrical circuits and the amount of current that they are able to pass. In everyday life, as a rule, switches are used for voltages up to 250 V, and a maximum current of 4, 6 or 10 A (other values ​​\u200b\u200bare less common). The main types (for domestic purposes):

By way of management

Keyboards

These are the usual switches with a key. In Russia, the top position of the key corresponds to the light on, and the bottom position to the off (although sometimes the switches are accidentally installed upside down). This has been the case since the invention of knife switches due to their design features. A similar switch orientation is also common in the US and Canada. In France, Germany, China, England, Australia, New Zealand and Ireland, it is common practice to reverse the switch orientation when the circuit is closed in the down position of the key.

Some switches of this type may also have indicator lights to help you quickly locate them in the dark. When the light is turned on, the indicator goes out, and when the light is off, it is constantly on.

Structurally, they are keys. That is, in one position they open the circuit, and in the other they close it.

push-button

This is a switch, instead of a key, it has a push spring-loaded button. The button can be styled as a key. Then pressing occurs on its lower part.

Structurally, they are usually impulsive, that is, just buttons. As long as the button is pressed, the circuit is closed. Such buttons are used, for example, in calls. There are also push-button switches of the type key, which close and open the circuit alternately with each press.

In the US, "push-button" switches are devices that have two buttons, not one. When one button is pressed, the other is pressed out automatically. These switches are structurally already keys, but not buttons.

Lever

A switch that has a control lever instead of a key. The design of this switch was patented by William Newton and Morris Goldberg in 1916.

Structurally, they are keys.

Rotary (rotary)

The rotary handle in one position closes the circuit, and in the other opens it. Structurally, they are keys. An example is a PG type switch.

Corded

They are also called rope, in the jargon - "twitchers". Turning the light on and off is done by pulling the cord out of the switch body. Structurally, they can be keys, and buttons, and even mechanical "two-digit binary counters" capable of sequentially taking states 00, 01, 10, 11, then 00 again, and so on. Unreliable. When such switches fail, owners often replace the cord with an electric one, at the end of which they place a conventional switch for open wiring on an insulating stand.

Touch

These switches do not require mechanical action on any control. The impact on the switch occurs when it is touched. Structurally, they can be keys, and buttons.

By functionality

Key (regular household switch)

Such a switch opens the circuit in one state, and closes it in the other. So the switch is the key. Sometimes they are simply called switches.

According to the control method, they are most often keyboards, although there are rotary, cord, touch and even push-button switches.

Pulse (button)

Contact occurs only when exposed, without fixation in this position.

Most often used in calls. To control electrical appliances, they require connection to an impulse relay or controller.

According to the method of influence, they are most often push-button, although there are keyboard, touch and cord impulse switches.

Checkpoints

Detailed discussion of the topic: Multiway switching

The switch on 2 directions, the "through" switch. This device closes a specific circuit in each of the positions. If you connect 2 lamps to it, the first will work in one position, and the second in the other. Has 3 connectors for connection.

Most often used in feed-through circuits, when 2 independent switches are required to be connected to one consumer.

By the principle of control, as a rule, keyboards

Off	On

A switch is an electrical device designed to connect and disconnect an electrical circuit. Most often, switches control lighting fixtures, less often they are used to turn on and off exhaust fans, air conditioners, etc. According to the type of installation, switches are divided into flush-mounted switches and outdoor switches. The former are used when installing hidden electrical wiring, the latter when laying wiring in an open way.

Types of switches

The switch is a device that technical designers love to improve and add additional options to. Depending on the methods of switching, adjustment, purpose and protective properties of the housing, switches can be divided into several types.

1. Keyboards

The most common type of switches. The closing and opening of the electrical circuit occurs when the key is switched from one position to another. One-, two- and three-key versions are available. Key switches are inexpensive, convenient to use and easy to repair. On the other hand, they have a rather low service life, you can not adjust the intensity of lighting, there is no power saving mode.

2. Pushbutton

The principle of operation of a push-button switch is similar to a keyboard switch: you press the button - it is fixed and closes the contact. Pressing again opens the contact. Often available with LED lighting. Do not confuse such switches with ordinary electric buttons, for example, at the bell: such buttons close the contact only if they are held by hand.

Pushbutton switches will easily fit into the interior of any room, despite their slightly non-standard appearance. They cost a little more than their keyboard counterparts. But they will serve you faithfully for a long time.

3. Dimmers (switches with a regulator)

They are a kind of rheostat, which is familiar to most of us from school physics lessons. The dimmer works on the same principle. The rheostat changes the resistance of the electrical circuit, and hence the current strength in it. Higher resistance means less current. The lower the current, the dimmer the bulb included in the electrical circuit burns. With these switches, you can adjust the intensity of lighting by turning the control wheel.

The advantage of dimmers is energy saving (some devices even turn off on their own when no one is in the room) and ease of use. But there is also a minus: due to the high cost, not everyone can afford such switches. Note: dimmers work great with incandescent lamps, but LED lamps and lamps that have been fashionable lately can conflict and function incorrectly.

4. Swivel

About 50 - 60 years ago, rotary switches were still actively used in the construction of houses, but recently they have been used only in semi-antique design projects or in creating interiors in country style, loft, Provence. As a rule, they are produced only for outdoor installation, used together with open wiring. They are switched by turning the lever by 90°.

5. Rope

The principle of operation of this switch is similar to the push-button: pulling the rope until it clicks, you close the contacts. Pull a second time and open. This type of switch is mainly used in wall sconces and sometimes for turning on exhaust fans.

Rope switches are used not only for decorative purposes, they have a number of practical advantages. For example, a hanging cord is easy to find by touch in the dark, and such switches are also suitable for families with small children, the child can easily reach it and be able to turn the light on and off on their own.

6. Touch

A modern type of switch that has a long service life due to the absence of mechanical parts. Triggered by touch. Many models of touch switches are equipped with additional features, such as smooth dimming or auto-off. Such switches like to use in "smart homes".

7. Acoustic

Such switches are also called cotton or sound switches. Switching on occurs from the sound signal of a certain volume, for example, clapping your hands. Switches of this type with a timer are installed not only in apartments, but also on landings. In some models, a setting is provided for the time after which the switch disconnects the circuit. Often, acoustic switches are hidden in junction boxes and duplicated by ordinary keyboards.

The main advantage of this model is obvious: with it you don't have to feel for the switch in the dark or walk through the whole apartment in dirty shoes because you forgot to turn off the light. However, such devices do not always respond the first time and can work spontaneously, which sometimes annoys the owners.

8. Remote

These are switches that are triggered by a signal from the remote control. There are also combined models: for example, a touch switch with a remote control. Remote switches are not very common because they are quite expensive. In addition, remotes tend to get lost.

But there are also advantages. Firstly, with remote switches you don’t have to damage the walls: it will be enough just to arm yourself with self-tapping screws or double-sided tape and fix the switches in the right places. And no problems with fixed wiring. Secondly, you can turn on and off the light bulbs from anywhere in the apartment or house and feel like a master of light.

9. Checkpoints

Externally, the pass-through switch is no different from an ordinary one, but its internal filling has a slightly different scheme. Pass-through switches allow you to control one electrical appliance (or a group of electrical appliances) from different points in space. For example, you have a two-story house. You walk up to the stairs and turn on the lamp that illuminates it with the switch located downstairs on the first floor. You go up to the second floor. The light on the stairs is no longer needed. If there was a normal switch downstairs, you would either have to leave the stair light on or go downstairs to turn it off. It is this problem that pass-through switches solve: you put them on top and bottom and control one lamp from different points.

Unfortunately, in order to fit such convenient walk-through switches into the lighting system of your house or apartment, you will have to spend a lot of money and effort (compared to the classic options) due to the complex wiring diagram, the impressive amount of materials used and the high cost of the mechanisms themselves.

10. Sealed

A special type of switches - hermetic switches designed for installation in rooms with high humidity or dust: in baths, saunas, showers. Also, like waterproof sockets, they are classified according to the degree of protection. So, a switch that is installed in a bathroom or shower must have a protection class of at least IP-44. Read more about protection classes in ours.

11. Switch with built-in motion sensor

As the name implies, the switch, or rather, the sensor connected to it, reacts to movements: the light turns on when a person is in the field of view of the sensor, and turns off when that person disappears from it. Most often, the principle of operation of such sensors is based on tracking infrared radiation.

Switches with built-in motion sensors save energy. With the help of them, you can also adjust the intensity of lighting, turn on spotlights, a siren, CCTV cameras and control other useful equipment. Unfortunately, the price of these super-mechanisms is appropriate.

Helpful Hints

• For the bathroom and kitchen, use sealed switches with a moisture and dust protection class of at least IP - 44
• Rope switches will harmoniously fit into the nursery: the baby can easily reach the cord and be able to quickly turn on the light in the dark if he suddenly has a bad dream at night
• For the living room, dimmers are best, as watching TV and reading a book require different amounts of light.
• For your convenience, flights of stairs in a private house should be equipped with either walk-through switches or switches with built-in motion sensors

The light switch is a simple electrical device that we encounter every day without noticing its significance. But the types of light switches are not limited to beautiful keys in our apartments. Let's analyze them in more detail.

Let's highlight the types of light switches

Switches, as an electrical device, can be classified into the following types.

types of light switches

• According to the control mechanism (design);
• By way of management;
• By controlled load (current in the switching circuit);
• By the number of connection poles (connection method);
• According to the method of installation;
• According to the degree of protection of the case;
• At the place of installation;
• according to the control scheme.

Note: Please note that according to all regulatory documents (links at the bottom of the article), the installation switch and the contactor are two different types of devices. We also do not confuse light switches with automatic low-voltage switches (circuit breakers). We understand that the lighting switch and the installation switch are one and the same, and in this article we simply call the switch.

Light switches by control mechanism

The control mechanism of the switch ensures the closing and opening of the electrical circuit. According to the design of the control mechanism, the switches are:

• Mechanical:
• Semiconductor:

By way of management

Here is the division into:

• Manual control;
• Remote (VDU).

By controlled load

The switches in question operate in AC and DC electric networks, with voltage up to 440 V. They are technologically produced and marked for the following operating voltages and currents:

• 130, 230, 250, 277, 380,400, 415 and 440 Volts.
• 6, 10, 16, 20, 25, 32, 40 and 63 Amp.

According to the installation method

According to the installation method, we divide the switches:

• For hidden installation, when using hidden wiring technologies;
• For open installation, in open wiring technology.

According to the degree of protection of the case

Quite an important typing, which must be indicated on the case.

• The switch is conventional (protected only against the ingress of water), has a degree of protection IPX0,
• Splash-proof, IPX4,
• Jet protected IPX5.

By on/off method

Here the division is more varied:

• Turning. Switching on/off is done by turning the lever around the horizontal axis.

• Changeover. This group will include all switches for controlling lighting from several places (travelling, marching, toggle, reversing).
• Key. This type is typical for domestic use. Lighting is controlled by keys.

• Button. A latching pushbutton switch can be electrically operated, the mechanism is activated by lightly pressing the button. Pushbutton switches without fixation in everyday life are familiar to everyone by the bell button.

• Lace. The mechanism is controlled by a cord.

By connection method

An important parameter for choosing the type of cable.

• With screw terminals;
• With without screw terminals, according to the type, they are used only with rigid conductor conductors;
• With screwless terminals for all types of conductors.

By place of installation

Divide the switches and at the installation site:

• For the street - outdoor installation;
• For premises - internal installation;
• Universal.

By number of poles

The number of poles is an important parameter of the switch, especially for organizing lighting control from different places. Here is the following division:

• Switches 1-pole to 2 directions with one "off" position;

• Reversible switches for 2 directions;

Switch marking

There are rules for marking switches, which can be read on the device case. According to the regulations, the following marking of switches is provided.

For example:

10 AX 250 V. This is a switch for, with a load current of 10 Amperes and a voltage of not more than 250 Volts. Briefly 10X/250~.

Normative references

• GOST 52565-2006
• GOST 51324.2.1-2012 (changes)
• GOST 51324.2.2-2012 (changes)
• IEC 60669187