home · Installation · What is the article number of an electrical switch? Switches. Main types and types. Mechanical and electronic switches

What is the article number of an electrical switch? Switches. Main types and types. Mechanical and electronic switches

Today it is customary to classify products according to the following criteria:

  • type of instalation;
  • method of fastening wires;
  • control method.

Let's take a closer look at what types of light switches there are.

type of instalation

Based on the type of installation, devices are divided into hidden and external. The first option is used when laying wires inside walls (). The second option is used if the line is drawn open method(in the bath, wooden house, garage).

Hidden Outdoor

Advantage hidden switches is more attractive appearance. External ones are much more convenient to maintain and repair.

Method of fastening wires

According to the method of fastening the conductors, products can have a design that allows the conductors to be fixed using special screws or in a screwless manner.

Screw connection (example shows socket)

In the first case, a special clamping plate is used, which securely fixes the cores in the input hole. The disadvantage of this type of fastening is that over time the screw may become loose and will need to be tightened. A screw connection is used if the wire cores are aluminum. For copper conductors It is recommended to use a mechanism with a screwless clamp.

Control method

Here we come to the most basic type of light switches.

According to this classification, mechanisms are divided into the following types:

  • keyboards;
  • push-button;
  • dimmers;
  • rotary;
  • rope;
  • sensory;
  • acoustic (they are also called cotton or sound);
  • remote;
  • checkpoints;
  • cross.

Keyboard light switches are classics of the genre. This type is the leader in the electrical products market and is most often used to connect lamps. The principle of operation is quite simple - the circuit is closed when the rocker key is pressed. Usually the case is installed in such a way that in the idle position the key takes the upper position. There are one-, two- and three-key models.

The advantage of this type:

  • Not high price;
  • convenient use;
  • easy repair, installation and replacement.

There are no particular disadvantages, but compared to modern models the following can be distinguished:

  • not such a long service life;
  • there is no way to adjust the lighting intensity;
  • do not have energy saving properties.

Push-button products also appeared on the electrical appliance market a long time ago. They are a little more expensive than classic look light switches, but at the same time do not have any special advantages. The only thing that can be noted is that the buttons fit more original into the interior of the room. There are models with different quantities buttons, with LED indicator and additional decorative finishing, so you can choose a product for any interior.

Dimmers are relatively modern look light switch. The principle of their operation is that you need to turn the wheel to adjust the light intensity. This feature makes them unique and in demand, because the lighting range can be adjusted from 0% to 100%.

Advantage:

  • allow ;
  • convenient to use (for example, if someone is sleeping in the room, you can dim the lighting, but you won’t wake the person up and you can do your business);
  • with additional automation, dimmers (microcontroller) can simulate human presence and also turn off when there are no people in the room.

The disadvantage is higher price and operational problems when connecting the product to .

Rotary electrical switches are used to create a retro-style interior. This type of product can also be seen at. They have simple design and low price. The disadvantage is that it is not very functional compared to modern types.

Rope-type products, like the previous version, are more often used exclusively in decorative purposes. You can also note the fact that a rope switch is more convenient than a keyboard switch, because the rope is easier to find in the dark, and if the device is installed too high, the child will be able to turn on the light independently. Most often, this type of device is used for, as in the photo.

Innovation in the world of electrical appliances – touch switches. This type has the highest service life and is also more convenient to use the sensor. Touch models are used to create a “Smart Home”, as well as in modern apartments. Most touch models have additional functions, for example, self-shutdown. An important advantage of this variety is its absence, which undoubtedly makes them the safest for home electrical wiring.

Acoustic switches are convenient because they can be activated by a simple clap of your hands. With this feature they have won the hearts of many people, because there is no longer a need to grope for electrical accessories in the dark. The disadvantage of the acoustic model is frequent cases does not work the first time, but such reviews can only be heard from buyers of cheap products.

The remote model also belongs to the group of modern objects. In order to turn on the light in the room, you just need to press the corresponding key on the remote control. Convenient and at the same time safe (if you take into account the nightly search for the button). Among the disadvantages of this type of switches is the increased price and the fact that the remote control, according to the classics of the genre, likes to get lost in the room, and sometimes searching for the remote control at night takes more time than groping for a regular keyboard product. It should also be noted that remote control products can have many modern functions: imitation of presence, automatic shutdown etc.

Switches in residential buildings Mainly used to turn lights and other household electrical equipment on and off. The use of these devices should be safe, convenient and durable. Therefore, for a certain task, there is a type of switch that the best way solves it.

Push-button

In household electrical equipment, special switches are used, which must be small, convenient and correspond to the characteristics of a particular device. Widely used for table lamps and others electrical devices with power consumption up to 300 W from a 220 V network, push-button design with locking. It is very small in size and easy to use. There are structures placed on the body of the device and on the wire that connects it to the network.

Most often, the button is retracted only when pressed, which is done both when turning the device on and off. This design is the least reliable, because over time, but quite soon, the button begins to be difficult to either press or press. The button is pressed by a spring. The force that the spring develops is selected based on the comfortable pressing. And this force may not be enough when disconnecting a load that is too large for the contacts of such a switch. After all, when turned off, a spark is formed with the effect of spot microwelding.

  • Therefore, lamps that are too powerful for those installed in them should not be used. push-button switches with fixation.

Reversible

The changeover design of the switch is another compact solution for electrical equipment.

The dimensions of such switches are larger than those of push-button switches with locking. Switching on is ensured by the elasticity of the spring contact. And switching off occurs from the force of pressing. This feature allows you to expand the scope of application to powerful electrical equipment and obtain a long service life.

Several types of switches are used in rooms to control lighting. There are two designs according to the mounting method:

  • with recess into the wall;
  • with mounting on the wall surface.

Surface fastening is most justified when external electrical wiring. But for connoisseurs of retro style they are also good, since it all began with external switches. The first designs were rotary. The rotating design was optimal for the technology of those years, and plus it is the most reliable.

However, a key switch recessed into the wall looks more aesthetically pleasing and is much more convenient to use. Therefore, this design has become predominant in our time. It is based on a type of rocker switch, but equipped with a large and convenient key for touching and pressing. There may be several keys to turn on the lamps separately.

For convenient use in the dark, the key is backlit. The keyboard design is used for general lighting living rooms and other premises without special requirements electrical fittings.

The keyboard design, although it looks good, requires careful handling. Therefore, indoors common use apply changeover switches with durable structural elements.

For local lighting

In residential premises, for comfortable reading and hanging out, floor lamps and sconces are used, placed near sofas, armchairs and resting places. They create local lighting. Most convenient design to control local lighting there is a switch with a hanging chain or cord.

The local lighting lamp is alternately turned on and off by pulling the chain or cord.

Other types of switches for local lighting can be structures combined with a power cord that connects the lamp to the mains. Typically these are push-button and slider designs.

Electronic

In addition to the considered switch designs, which are completely mechanical, in last years new electronic ones have appeared. They use semiconductor switches with control circuits. Semiconductor switches perform the function of contacts. But to control these keys, a light touch on the touch button is enough. In addition, there may be a remote control remote control like the image below

The sensors in the key control circuit may be different. For example, a photocell that reacts to the weakening of daylight can trigger automatic switching on or off in a timely manner. The motion sensor initiates switching on when approaching and switching off when moving away from a person or, for example, a car near a garage.

The key can work not only as a contact, but also as a power regulator in the load. This allows you to adjust the brightness glowing lamp. These controls are called "dimmers". But the key cannot, like a mechanical switch, break the electrical circuit. Since it is necessary to create a physical break in the chain, they are combined into one.

All switches must be connected to the wiring and load so that a gap is created between the load and the phase. This is easy to check indicator screwdriver. The conditions that exist in the room should determine whether the switch is designed to be waterproof or spark-proof.

Correctly selected and installed switch guarantee of safe and convenient operation of electrical equipment.

Household light switches- this, along with sockets, is the main type of electrical installation equipment that we encounter in everyday life.

Switches vary in switching method- they can have screw or screwless terminals. In the first case, the wires are clamped between the plates using a screw. The disadvantage of this type of connection is the possible loosening of the contact over time, which is why you have to periodically tighten the screws. The screwless clamp significantly speeds up the installation process, and due to the design of the mechanism, reliable contact of the wire with the conductive fittings is ensured.

According to the installation method, switches can be external (surface) and internal (built-in). External switches are installed with open wiring or in cases where it is not possible to install internal ones. Internal switches have a mechanism recessed into the wall; they are used for hidden wiring; currently this is the main type of switches installed in homes.

According to the type of switching off/on, switches are divided into:

  • rotary
  • push-button
  • keyboards
  • with motion sensor
  • rope
  • sensory
  • wireless
  • dimmers
  • switches

Rotary switches invented about a hundred years ago and are currently in demand, in particular among fans of retro style.

Pushbutton switches, to control the lighting of rooms, have been used relatively recently, so they look original and unusual in any interior. They are very convenient to use, but, like everything new, it takes some time to get used to.

Most widespread key switches. Currently, they are equipped with lighting systems for the vast majority of residential or office buildings. Three- and two-key switches allow you to control entire groups of lighting fixtures.

Switches with built-in motion sensor, tracks movements, activating the lighting when a person appears and, accordingly, turning it off in the absence of any movement. Typically used infrared sensors, which are able to distinguish between the presence of a person and, for example, a pet. The operating principle is based on monitoring the level of infrared (IR) radiation in the field of view of a sensor (sensor), most often pyroelectric. A presence sensor, which has a wide viewing angle, is usually mounted on the ceiling of a room and, in addition to tracking human presence, also allows you to control the light intensity. Most often, they are used to temporarily turn on lights and to ensure security, for example, they can turn on sirens, spotlights, and video surveillance cameras if a person enters the field of action of the sensor. A switch with a motion sensor can be used on stairs in private homes. When installing them on each span and setting them accordingly, the light will turn on in the place where the person is.

Rope switches (with cord), enough exotic look, but nevertheless, many famous manufacturers have such models in their lines of electrical installation devices. A number of properties that such switches combine are not found in other types. In addition to the obvious, when they are installed in places where, due to the switch being too high, it is inconvenient to turn on/off lighting fixtures, they also give a person unique tactile sensations during operation, plus they are easy to touch in the dark.

Touch switch and - an innovative generation of light control devices. Their operating principle is based on current control via a microcircuit, whereas conventional switches use traditional sliding contacts. The use of a microcircuit makes it possible to completely eliminate the occurrence of short circuits, which allows you to increase the service life of the lamps several times, and also significantly increases the service life of the switch due to low wear. Such switches operate by simply touching them, but there are models that require simply moving your hand nearby.

Remote switches- this is a set of a small control unit and a remote control (there can be several control units and remote controls), externally resembling regular switch, only more often flat. To install it, you don’t need to tap or drill the walls - you just need to fix the switch in convenient location using self-tapping screws or double sided tape. No hidden wiring, no noise, dust and dirt, no wallpapering and expensive repairs. The principle of operation is simple - when you press the switch button, a radio signal is sent, which is received by the relay. It opens or closes the circuit on the phase that goes to the light source. The radius of action depends on the structural features of your home, and on the materials used, usually fluctuates in the range of 20-25m. The transmitters are powered by batteries that last up to 5 years depending on the intensity of use. With this system you can control the light from anywhere in the house. The controls operate on radio frequencies via digital signals and do not interfere with television or radio equipment; mobile remote controls may be included. The wireless switch may be complex system lighting control " smart home"and it can be supplemented with various modules. Such systems are very popular due to their ease of installation and reliability, and often solve many problems with fixed wiring.

Very popular today dimmers, they control the light intensity. Usually, external panel The dimmer is equipped with keys, a rotating button, and less often an IR sensor that receives signals from the remote control. Dimmers, depending on type lighting lamps, are divided into 3 groups: those controlling incandescent lamps and halogen lamps; halogen lamps, which are connected through electronic and ferromagnetic transformers; energy-saving LED and fluorescent lamps, which are equipped with electromagnetic ballast. Modern dimmers have an expanded set of functions such as: brightness control, presence simulation, automatic shutdown, dimming modes, smooth on and off, and remote control function.

Switches (changeover, redundant or pass-through switch)- outwardly resembles a regular key switch, but has a fundamentally different operating scheme. When a conventional switch only breaks a circuit, a switch, breaking one circuit, transfers the contact to another. This property allows you to use switches to control lighting from two, three or even more places simultaneously. When a control scheme involves more than 2 switches, so-called cross switches are added to the circuit; they can be installed in an unlimited number, depending on how many places you want to control the lighting. The ease of operation using switches is highly appreciated by consumers, and every year the percentage of objects where switches are used is steadily growing. The only negative is the more complex wiring diagram, large quantity materials used and more high price the switch mechanisms themselves.

Currently, switches allow you to solve a much wider range of problems than their original purpose. This is first of all important element design that complements many interior solutions. Also switches irreplaceable helpers, which save energy, allow you to control lighting without spending unnecessary effort, making a person’s life as comfortable as possible. Therefore, we advise you to seriously approach the issue of choosing switches, now knowing their main types, you can choose perfect option for any conditions.

I came across an article on the Internet about electrical wiring for home handyman. In it, the author wrote that on ordinary household switch lighting, zero and phase of the network are supplied. This erroneous statement can mislead an inexperienced person and lead to short circuit in electrical wiring.

Any apartment switch is always mounted in a gap phase wire according to the following scheme.

Switches are used for home lighting various designs. All of them belong to switching devices with two positions of the working body, defining the following boundary states:

1. opening the electrical circuit;

2. supply voltage to the lamp.

Lighting control is done manually in most cases. Apartment switches are designed to operate in home wiring at nominal network parameters and are not intended to disconnect currents of excess loads and short circuits.

This protective function perform circuit breakers apartment panel, which are equipped with current releases, cut-off mechanisms and electric arc extinguishing systems.

Any light switch model is created for specific technical tasks:

    operating current;

    mains voltage;

    Climatic performance;

    degree of dust and moisture protection (IP code);

    installation method;

    fastening wires;

    switching method;

    type of management and other goals.

In the vast majority of designs, wires are connected to a variety of terminals screw terminals. This method has stood the test of time. Nowadays, to facilitate installation, they have become popular, which allow faster installation by inserting the conductor tip into the clamping device.

Ways to switch the light

Apartment switches can be controlled by:

    by pressing a key;

    switching the toggle switch;

    by pulling or releasing the cord (chain);

    moving the slider;

    turning on the button;

    built-in motion sensor;

    touch panel;

    intensity of the falling luminous flux;

    remote control.

They are most often wall mounted for outdoor or indoor installation electrical wiring.

At in a hidden way placement, the switch is hidden in a socket inside the wall, and the wires are connected to the terminals after the housing is secured. For open wiring use a socket box. The base is attached to it with screws.

Keyboard designs

Structurally, a light switch, controlled by pressing a key (toggle switch), consists of permanently fixed contacts in the housing and a movable swinging mechanism, pressed by a spring operating on:

1. compression;

2. stretching.

In the first case, the pressing force on the key is transferred to the ball, which compresses the spring. It slides along the rocker arm's swing axis, rolls over its shoulder and moves the moving mechanism with contacts in the opposite direction.

In the second method, a frame is attached to the switch key, pressed by a spring to the base. It swings around an axis and with its movement creates or breaks an electrical contact.

In both cases, the moving part, under the action of a spring, switches the switch from one state to another, depending on the location of pressing the lower or top part keys.

Common types of such switches and internal diagrams of the contact system are shown in the picture.

With correctly selected electrical parameters and compliance with operating conditions, the switch can operate without failure for many decades. As an example, below is a picture of an old keyboard single-lever model half a century old, which, despite the dust, cobwebs and atmospheric moisture (corrosion of the screws and fastening washers is clearly visible copper wires), has retained its functionality to this day.

This switch worked in an unheated wooden veranda extension to a private house with virtually no maintenance. Of course, the quality of its design does not meet modern requirements. But insulation from the wall with a dielectric socket, a strong plastic case and a design for external mounting that meets the requirements of the old GOST completely ensured its long-term, reliable operation.

Inside the housing there is a spring-loaded movable jumper that switches stationary contacts connected to the lighting wires. In the upper position of the lever, the jumper creates an electrical circuit, and in the lower position it opens.

Changeover and pass-through switches

They are a type of flip-flop keyboard design. When the key is manipulated, one of the two lamps connected to them lights up.

But such schemes are practically not used for household lighting. They are used in technical devices. Most often, such models are used from several remote locations. The simplest example of their use is shown in the picture below.

In this diagram, to simplify understanding of the operating principle, distribution boxes for joining cable ends.

This principle can be used, but you will have to add a two-key rocker switch.

Cord switches

Another type of old outdoor switches for ceiling mounting is shown in the following picture.

Such models were massively installed inside panel multi-storey buildings in the 70÷80s. They, at correct operation, continue to work today. The peculiarity of their device is a nylon cord hanging down from the body, which is tied to a rotary lever connected to a movable contact block. The return of the block is ensured by the compression energy of the spring after the cord is released.

Among similar models, there are designs that, by pulling the cord (turning the lever), control two groups of chandelier lamps: with the first pull, one block of lamps is turned on, with the second, another, and then they are turned off sequentially.

Push-button devices

They can be found at the base table lamp, above which rises a button with a clip.

The cylindrical part of the switch at the bottom of the panel is brought out through a technological hole. Prepared ends electrical wires are inserted into the sockets and clamped with screws from the ends of the housing.

They work in the same way floor models for lamps such as sconces.

The table lamp button can be made larger decorative form, convenient to use as shown in the photo.

Twilight switches

This design is based on the principle of a photo relay, which responds to changes in illumination with a special sensor. When the luminous flux decreases, such a switch automatically turns on the lamp, which will remain on until the outdoor lighting increases.

For economical work twilight switches are complemented with motion or presence sensors.

Remote controlled switches

They allow you to control the lamp from a distance using a small remote control, which is a transmitter that emits commands via a radio channel. The switch itself is a receiver, which, with its own switching contacts, cuts into the power supply wire of the lamp.

It can be installed directly near the chandelier mount or instead of the old one key switch or even inside the apartment panel.

To control energy-saving fluorescent or LED lamps The switch will have to be supplied with phase and neutral for the power supply.

Depending on the command transmitted from the remote control, the light is turned on or off. The range of the transmitter depends on the design and materials of the building, and average power radiation is sufficient to cover a distance of about 20÷25 meters.

To power the key fob, it is enough to use regular batteries. Considering the economical mode of operation, their service life will be quite long.

The use of microprocessor controllers in the control circuit makes it possible to expand functionality lamps, start them smoothly, adjust the light intensity, use a timer and other mechanisms.

IN Lately When designing a lighting system, not only technological but also design aspects are taken into account. Comfortable, economical and advantageous lighting depends on how correctly the appropriate type of electrical switches are placed. The choice in favor of one or another connection option is made based on the characteristics of the rooms and their purpose.

Types of switches

A wide range of switches allows you to choose the most favorable lighting option. Most often, the modern consumer gives preference the following types switches:
  • One-, two- and three-key.
  • Passable.
  • Cross.
  • Resistive, dimmers.
  • Timer.
  • With backlight.
  • Control.
  • Automatic.
  • Anti-vandal.

These switches control the lighting. Their difference lies in the connection method and functionality.

Features of single-key switches

This type of switch is the most common among household consumers. Technologically used in circuits with a single lighting device and serves to turn it on and off. Single-key electrical switches perform their tasks by breaking (shorting) one of the paired wires connecting the network to a light source (chandelier, lantern, lamp, etc.). Suitable for residential and non-residential premises– bedrooms, living rooms, kitchens, bathrooms, etc.

Advantages of using two-gang switches

A two-gang switch allows two lights or circuits to operate independently of each other. It is useful for controlling lights located in different parts yard, or one lighting fixture with two lamps. Installed in zoned rooms (for example, bathroom and toilet) or rooms with two-component chandeliers.

In what cases is it necessary to install three-key switches?

The operating principle of two- and three-key switches is similar. The latter allow you to simultaneously turn on and off three light sources. The main disadvantages of this type are installation difficulties and low reliability. To avoid problems during installation and further operation of three-key switches, you should use the services of a qualified electrician.

Electrical switches in modern stores offering various products for the home and repairs, in the vast majority of cases, are represented by such types of devices as:

  • A European-made design that has more than three keys is impossible to find today. But if just such a device is required to solve a particular problem, then it can be made by combining several products with one key in one frame.

  • If we talk about Japanese or made in China, then here you can easily find a switch of absolutely any design, for example, a product with six keys. Each of them has its own indicator light, which makes it easy to identify the button needed to turn on a particular lamp at night.

Functionality of pass-through switches

With these switches installed in two different places, one light source or an entire block is controlled. This configuration is convenient and economical, so it is suitable for organizing lighting of large corridors, landings and huge rooms. To turn the lighting device on and off, just go to one of the two switches.

Cross switches

Cross electrical switches are an improved modification of walk-through switches. The latter allow you to control lighting from two places, but for large premises This is not enough. Cross switches are installed at three or more points and are therefore best suited for control lighting fixtures And electrical circuits in large industrial premises (warehouses) or entrances to high-rise buildings.

Expanded capabilities of resistive switches, dimmers

This type of switches is designed not only to turn on and off the light source, but also to regulate the intensity of lighting. It is important to know that one or another dimmer () usually controls a certain number of light bulbs, the power of which, of course, is limited. However, the technology of some lighting devices cannot be adjusted. They are incompatible with energy-saving appliances, but work effectively in tandem with spotlights or standard incandescent lamps.

Among the most understandable to use and constructively simple switches should be highlighted devices equipped with special lighting , and control switches. Both some and other products have a special light indicator that lights up when the light is turned off and goes out, respectively, when it is turned on. With this element you can easily find the switch in the dark. If we talk about control devices, their indicator lights up when the light is turned on. These electrical switches are ideal for garages and basements because they allow you to determine whether the lights in the room need to be turned on or not.

The most popular today circuit breakers , which, in addition to turning the lights on and off, can protect the electrical network from possible overloads, and also eliminate any possibility of breakdown of household electrical appliances. Such devices are not only capable of performing their basic functions when in good condition electrical network, but can also automatically turn off power in the event of an emergency.

They are becoming more and more popular today anti-vandal electrical switches , used primarily in various public spaces. Such devices are able to withstand various external influences and damage, and high-strength metals are usually used for their manufacture.

The wiring diagram must indicate the points where the switches are planned to be installed. When choosing a location for their placement, you must be guided by the following principles:
  • The main light source is controlled by a switch located on minimum distance from the door. The placement height is usually 80 cm from the floor level.
  • Before installation, you should decide on the location of the furniture. Cabinets, sofas and tables should not restrict access to the switch.
  • Installation of switches in rooms with high humidity(bathrooms and kitchens) requires compliance with GOST. Thus, it is allowed to place the switch at a distance of at least 60 cm from the sink (bathtub) or in an adjacent room.