The pass-through switch significantly expands the possibilities for users to control lighting fixtures. The design and connection diagram of the pass-through switch allow you to control one lighting fixture or a group of fixtures from several places. It is widely used in buildings, separate rooms and structures for various purposes with large areas.
Using walk-through switches in the house
By having walk-through switches at different ends of the stadium, concert hall or other large facilities, you can turn on all the lights at the entrance. If you need to leave the building on the opposite side, you do not need to return to the switch that turned on the light - there is the same pass-through switch at the other exit. Feed-through switch circuitry allows lighting to be controlled from several different locations.
It is very convenient to use such electrical circuits in underground passages, tunnels, more and more often circuits with walk-through switches are used in private houses and on flights of stairs at the entrances of multi-storey buildings.
Design and principle of operation
The walk-through switch in appearance is no different from conventional products. A significant difference is in the design of the contact group, which is hidden inside the case. Simple switch closes and opens electrical circuit on one wire. The wiring diagram of the pass switch, when the position of the keys is changed, opens one circuit and immediately closes the other. The principle of switching the contacts of the circuit ensures that the switches work in pairs to control the same light source. According to the technical solution, such an element in the circuit would be correctly called not a pass-through switch, but a switch. Professional terminology has already taken shape, and changes can only bring more confusion, so everything remains as it is.
When the contacts of the pass-through switch are flipped, one section of the lighting circuit is opened, and another is closed. The wiring diagram of the pass switch is changed so that any of the switches is ready to turn the light on or off. The pass switch can only be used in conjunction with another. In practice, it is possible to connect a pass-through switch to the circuit so that it works as a simple one, but then the meaning of all elements of its design is lost.
Kinds
Like conventional switches, walk-through switches are divided depending on the type of wiring: for external wiring, for hidden wiring.
According to the design of the contact terminals: terminals with screw clamps, spring clamp terminals.
By number of keys:
- single-key;
- two-key;
- three-key.
They have everything like ordinary switches, the difference is in the design and operation of the contact group. The principle of a single-gang pass-through switch is to switch the input contact to one of the two output contacts. Two-gang pass-through switches, like three-gang ones, in their case contain 2 or 3 designs of the contact group of a single-gang switch.
Connecting the pass-through switch is simple, you can do everything yourself. The number of contacts, keys, sizes of switches change, the principle of operation remains the same.
Scheme of the structure of one-, two-, and three-gang switches
- a single-key switch has one input terminal and two output terminals;
- two-key switch - two input terminals and four output terminals;
- three-key switch - three input terminals and six output terminals.
Lighting control from 2 places
One light fixture or a group of lights can be controlled from two places: it can be wall lamps in the hallway or lampposts along the garden path. You will need the usual circuit for connecting a pass-through switch, more precisely with two pass-through single-gang switches, because they only work in pairs. In this example, it is easiest to understand how pass-through switches work. The figure below shows how to connect a feed-through switch to the circuit.
Scheme of switching on pass-through switches
The phase from the 220 V network is connected to the input terminal of one of the feed-through switches, its output terminals are connected to the output of the second one. There remains a free input terminal of the second switch, it is connected to the lighting fixture. The second contact of the lighting device is connected to the neutral wire of the network. The diagram shows that the lamp is in the off state, when the position of the group of contacts of any switch changes, current is supplied to it. The next switch on one of the two switches breaks the circuit, the lamp goes out.
Closer to real conditions, the installation diagram shows a picture of the connection of cables and wires in the junction box. According to the requirements of the PUE (Electrical Installation Rules), in this case, a cable with three copper cores is used:
- red - phase;
- blue - 0;
- yellow-green - ground wire.
Disconnection of cables and wires in the junction box
The circuit is divided into four sections of the circuit:
- cable from the 220 V power supply: from the circuit breaker in the switchboard to the box;
- cable from one feed-through switch to the junction box;
- cable from another feed-through switch to the switch box;
- cable from the lighting fixture to the junction box.
There are four cables in the box.
The requirements for the color of the wires according to the functional purpose are fully achievable only in two sections. From the switchboard and the luminaire to the box, when the contacts of the feed-through switches are disconnected, they are partially performed. It is allowed to use wires of any color. If you get confused, check with a multimeter in continuity mode or with another measuring device. A phase (red) wire must be connected to the input contacts of the switches.
To control two lighting groups, a two-button switch is used. If a person understands how single-key pass-through switches are connected, he will figure out how to connect a triple switch.
Wiring diagram for a two-gang pass-through switch
Lighting control from 3 places
To control the lighting from three places, you will need a cross-through switch. You can install it in any place convenient for use. In the circuit, a cross switch is connected between conventional feed-through switches. They can be used on flights of stairs, for lighting courtyards and other objects, at the request of the customer.
The cross switch is easy to do with your own hands, for this you need to slightly alter the two-gang pass-through switch. Two jumpers are placed on the output contacts, and two keys are combined into one, you can simply glue one to the other. It is necessary to glue so that the mounting holes on the keys coincide with the pins on the switch. The gap between the keys can be compensated for with a cardboard pad, to which plastic strips must be glued on both sides.
There are ready-made products in stores, you don’t have to reinvent the wheel, just buy and deliver.
Lighting control scheme from 3 places
Diagrams A1 and A2 (below) show different connection options, but the functionality remains the same - the principle of pairing of contacts is observed.
Cross switch connection options
In cases where the lighting element is a large chandelier with two groups of light bulbs or just two rows of sconces along a long corridor, two-button walk-through and cross switches should be used. The circuit is a little more complicated, but it can be seen that the same principle of switching contacts works. When the light source is turned off by one switch, the contacts close the circuits of other switches.
The circuit is in such a state that when you press any key of this group of lamps, the current passes to the lamp contacts. Based on these schemes, lighting control can be made from four or more places by inserting additional cross switches.
Wiring diagram for four switches
Usage example
For a situation where you need to go through a dark courtyard to the house, a circuit with walk-through switches in two places is ideal. In a private house, it is easy to implement this project with your own hands. In the hallway next to the switchboard, you need to install a junction box and one pass-through switch. The second one must be placed on the inside on the fence near the gate; lampposts installed along the path can be used as lighting fixtures. Large electrical stores have many options with original decorative finishes.
The connection should be made as described above. Cables from the street switch and between the poles are recommended to be laid underground in plastic pipes. It is not necessary to dig deep, 30-40 cm will be enough to protect against mechanical damage. It makes no sense to take into account the freezing depth in each region, this is not a water pipe, copper wires will not freeze.
How to connect. Video
How to connect a pass-through switch according to all the rules can be found in this video.
Having studied the principles of operation of a circuit with two single-gang switches and assembling it with your own hands, you can start installing more complex circuits with two-gang switches in three places or three-gang switches in two places, if necessary, without outside help.
To increase comfort and convenience in the operation of lighting devices, a pass-through switch is used: the connection diagram clearly shows the principle of operation of the switching device. With it, you can control the lighting of the room from any point in it. About the design features and the rules for installing the product are described in detail in this article.
Pass-through switches are used to organize the control of luminaires from several places
Pass-through switches are designed to turn on and off lighting from different parts of a room or a flight of stairs. This means that you can turn on the light, for example, when entering a room, and turn it off in another part of it. This principle of operation allows significant energy savings.
The pass switch in appearance does not differ from the usual one. Its front movable panel also shows up and down arrows. A conventional switch has one input and one output. In contrast, a pass-through device has one input and two outputs. This indicates that the current is not interrupted here, but is redirected to any of the outputs.
How to connect the outlet with your own hands. Description of preparatory measures and installation technology. Rules for handling the electrical network
If lighting control is planned from more places, additional cross switches are introduced into the general circuit, which are connected according to the above principle.
A three-wire cable is connected to each pass-through switch, and a four-wire cable is connected to the crossover switch. All wires used for connection must be of the same cross section. Switches that can operate at normal current of 6.10 and 16A must have the same rating. You can clearly see the connection diagram of the pass-through switches from 3 places on specialized sites on the Internet.
Wiring diagram for a two-gang pass-through switch
With the help of walk-through switches, you can control not only one lamp, but also a group of several lighting devices. To do this, connect two-gang switches. Each of them has six contacts. Common wires are determined according to the same principle as for conventional devices, but more wires are needed to ring.
The difference between the connection scheme of the double pass switch is that more wires are used here. The phase is fed to both inputs of the first switch. From the two inputs of the second switch, there should be wires for two lamps. In the case of organizing lighting control from three or more points, two cross switches should be installed for each of them, since they are only single-key.
In this case, according to the principle of connecting double switches with cross switches, the first pair of contacts should be connected to one cross, and the second to the other. If necessary, the devices are interconnected. The output of both cross switches must be connected to the last two-button adapter.
Well-known manufacturers of pass-through switches
Legrand is a leader in the electrical goods market. The demand for Legrand walk-through switches is due to the high quality of products, ease of installation, convenience in further operation, stylish design and flexible pricing. The only drawback is the need to adjust the mounting location. If it does not match the product, it may be difficult to install it, which is carried out according to the connection diagram of the Legrand feed-through switch.
A subsidiary of Legrand is the Chinese company Lezard. However, only a stylish design remained from the native brand. The build quality is much lower, due to the low cost of production.
One of the leading domestic manufacturers of electrical goods is the Wessen company, which is part of the Schneider Electric company. All products are manufactured according to the latest technologies on modern foreign equipment and comply with European quality standards. Models have a universal stylish design that allows you to fit each element into any interior space. A distinctive feature of Wessen switches is the ability to replace the decorative frame without dismantling the device.
Another equally well-known manufacturer is the Turkish company Viko. Products are characterized by high workmanship, reliability and durability, meet the requirements of electrical safety and European quality standards. In the manufacture of the device case, fireproof durable plastic is used, which is designed for a large number of work cycles.
The Turkish brand Makel offers quality, reliable, safe and stylish products. Thanks to the possibility of connecting a loop without the need to use a junction box, the installation of switches becomes easier, and further operation is comfortable and safe.
Popular range of feed-through switches
Passage switches Legrand from the Velena series are distinguished by a stylish design and a variety of color variations. Here are presented one and two-key products that have a dust and moisture protective layer. You can buy a switch from 300 rubles.
The Celiane series includes products in which the circular keys are inscribed in a square. They can be non-contact with levers or silent. The cost of switches starts from 700 rubles. The Exclusive Celiane range features a limited number of hand-crafted switches in marble, bamboo, porcelain, gold, myrtle and other materials. Frames are made to order. The price for the product starts from 5.9 thousand rubles.
The most popular series of switches from Lezard are Demet, Mira and Deriy. Here are products made of non-flammable polycarbonate, which meets the requirements of electrical safety. Conductive elements are made of phosphor bronze, which is characterized by high conductivity and low heating. You can buy a single-key switch through passage from 125 rubles.
The W 59 Frame series from Wessen uses a modular principle that allows you to install from 1 to 4 devices in one frame horizontally or vertically. The price of the product is 140 rubles. Single and double switches from the Asfora series are distinguished by a simple design, but high quality workmanship, which can be bought for 450 rubles.
Among the popular Makel series are Defne and Makel Mimoza. The body of the devices is made of high quality plastic, equipped with an internal reliable mechanism. The cost of products starts from 150 rubles.
The principle of operation and installation of switching devices do not present significant difficulties. It is necessary to first study the connection diagram and follow the recommendations of the electrical safety rules, which will make it possible to carry out reliable and safe installation of devices, thereby ensuring convenient and comfortable control of lighting fixtures in the house.
How to connect a pass switch: video connection diagrams
When performing work on the installation of 220V electrical lighting networks in domestic and industrial premises, it often becomes necessary to control several lighting devices from one point. For these purposes, a switch with two keys is used. Devices of this design provide switching on and off lighting fixtures with two or more lamps. Sometimes, the wiring layout of the lighting network provides for the control of several groups of luminaires or individual lamps on one luminaire. Two-key for these purposes is also suitable.
For the correct operation of the double switch, it must be connected correctly. In this case, a certain sequence of actions must be followed to ensure personal safety and the safety of others. Recommendations for safe installation on two bulbs are discussed below.
Preparatory work
Preparation for the installation of electrical switching devices (in this case, switches) provides an understanding of their design, purpose, design, principle of operation and the availability of a tool for their installation in domestic and industrial conditions.
The number of switched on lighting devices is controlled by a switch with an additional outgoing contact and a separate control button. It usually does not differ in size from single-key ones. This is done for the convenience of replacing them with each other. The main difference is in their switching "stuffing".
A two-key device has a working part that includes three contacts. One of the contacts is incoming, and the other two are outgoing. Outgoing contacts have independent on/off control.
During installation, it is positioned so that the outgoing contacts are located at the top. This is due to the generally accepted on/off position standard.
A phase wire coming from the junction box is connected to the incoming contact terminal. Phase wires of consumers are installed on the terminals of outgoing contacts: individual lamps of one lamp, individual lamps, separate groups of lamps.
The neutral wire (working zero) to consumers is removed from the junction box, and does not pass through the switch.
According to their design, two-key models are divided into models for installation directly on the wall (for open wiring), and models for internal installation in the wall (for hidden wiring).
Wiring diagram for a two-gang switch for two bulbs
For a correct connection to the electrical network, you should understand the electrical circuit of its installation.
Modern electrical network provides for the presence of a grounding conductor in the supply networks of all electrical consumers. In the electrical wiring networks of Soviet-era houses, such a conductor is absent. And in many private buildings it is not always there, especially in lighting networks. This can be explained by the relatively low electrical power of household lighting fixtures.
Therefore, it will be objective to consider the connection diagram of a two-gang switch for wiring without a grounding conductor.
This diagram shows an example of connecting two lamps of one lamp, or two independent lamps. In this case, the phase wire comes to the input terminal of the switch and through independent outgoing contacts is sent to consumers with two separate wires.
For greater clarity, a connection diagram is given for two independent groups of lamps, or lamps connected in series.
When using such a scheme, the connection of the working part of the device does not change and is performed similarly to the previous example.
What tools and materials will be needed to install a double switch
You will need the following tool to complete the installation. Considered for models of two standard versions.
switch for open wiring:
- Electric drill.
- Drill with a diameter of 6 mm (for wood) or a drill with a diameter of 6 mm (for concrete, brick walls).
- Phillips screwdriver for clamping the wire in the terminal contacts and fastening the switch housing.
- A screwdriver is an indicator for determining the presence of voltage in the network.
- Knife for stripping the insulating layer of the wire. (in the absence of a special tool for stripping insulation from cable and wire products). And also a knife is needed to prepare the inlet and outlet holes in the switch body for wires (cable).
- Pliers for crimping flexible wire. If the wire is monolithic, pliers may not be needed. But it is also possible to use crimp lugs that match the cross section of the wire (for flexible wire).
- Dowel with plug 6x40 (standard size is indicated, it may vary depending on local conditions).
- Marker or felt-tip pen for marking "phase / zero" on wires (for safety reasons).
To ensure safety from injury electric shock, the entire tool must be with insulated handles, providing isolation of the metal parts of the tool from the hands of the installer. On a quality tool, the insulation class or the maximum voltage value is indicated, in the network of which it is allowed to work with such a tool.
Switch for concealed wiring.
To install the switch in a network with hidden wiring, you will need the same set of tools as in the previous example, but with a significant addition. You will need a perforator with special equipment - a crown for drilling standard holes in concrete and brick walls. Since the working part is recessed into the wall, a perforator is indispensable.
And you will also need a special mortar to fix the plastic switch case in the drilled hole. For this purpose, building gypsum, plaster, etc.
Connection instruction
Consider the installation process using the example of a switch for flush wiring. This process is preferable, as the aesthetics of the home interior require hidden wiring.
1. We drill a hole in the wall with a puncher and a special crown.
2. Remove the destroyed elements of the wall with a chisel or screwdriver.
3. Check that the hole matches the dimensions of the plastic switch housing.
4.Punching a dart for electrical wiring. (Descent to the baseboard, as in this example, or to the junction box).
5.Cutting a template hole in the plastic housing of the switch for electrical wiring.
6. Wetting the prepared hole with water for better contact with the fixing mortar.
7. Applying the mortar to the hole and installing the body.
8. Installing the plastic case.
9. Removal of excess mixture solution.
10. Leveling the surface of the solution.
11. The final position of the switch body after the mortar has hardened.
12. The next step is to connect the working part of the switch and install it in the housing.
For safe operation, turn off the voltage of the network to which we connect the device. We first determine the phase and neutral wires using a voltage indicator. We mark the wires so as not to get confused in the future.
Upon completion of the installation of the plastic case and the solidification of the mixture, we put the phase wire into the switch case. We connect the phase wire to the terminal of the incoming contact of the device.
We connect two outgoing phase wires, respectively, to the outgoing contact terminals. We get the following.
13. It remains only to install the switch keys and it is ready to go.
Provided that the fixtures are already connected, we apply voltage to the network and check the operation.
For greater clarity of the connection process, a video on this topic is given below.
How to install and connect a two-key switch with your own hands: video
Possible errors and ways to solve them
When connecting the working part, it is possible to confuse the phase and neutral wires; in order to avoid this, it is necessary to mark them in a timely manner.
The position of the switch keys is normally set as follows:
Installing switches is not a particularly time-consuming, although multi-stage process. Subject to the above recommendations and their sequence, problems should not arise. It is necessary to remember the main rule of electricians. Before starting work (installation, repair of electrical appliances and equipment), turn off the mains power and check that there is no voltage at the workplace. It is very important to take measures for erroneous switching on of the mains voltage. In order for no one to turn on the circuit breaker that you turned off before starting work, by mistake, you should hang a poster on it “Do not turn it on, people are working!” or lock this machine in the box with a padlock (if there is one). Safety first!
A practical walk-through switch, the connection diagram of which is quite accessible for independent arrangement, allows you to control the lighting system from two or more places.
However, when connecting such a device, it must be remembered that all switches of this type can only be used in tandem with other devices of a similar purpose.
Switching devices for a pair of directions or "through" switches refer to devices that close a particular circuit in different positions.
When two lamps are connected to them, in one of the positions the operability of the first light source is ensured, and in the other - the operation of the second lighting device.
Such switches have three connectors for connection and, as a rule, are used in feed-through circuits, if it is necessary to connect two independent switches for one consumer.
A valuable advantage of a pass-through switch is the ability to control the operation of any number of fixtures from several points. In this case, for example, traditional, the most common switches, a simple interruption of the electrical circuit is performed by opening it.
Pass-through single devices are equipped with three contacts, which makes it possible to switch them. According to its principle of operation, such a switching device is a system based on a pair of switches mounted in the most convenient places for operation. Thanks to this feature, the consumer can turn on the lighting from one place, then turn it off at a completely different point.
If the pass switch is equipped with several keys and belongs to the category of multi-key, then the number of contacts and switching circuits increases many times, and control can be carried out for two or more groups of lighting fixtures.
The principle of operation of the pass switch
It is important to remember that the basis of the principle of operation of any pass-through type switches is the switching process based on reverse conductors. Inside the junction box, such elements are combined using standard terminals. Each switching device must have a supply type conductor, and the second switch, in this case, is used to connect the wired element to the lighting.
The presence of a phase on two conductors implies the mandatory use of an exclusively three-wire wire, and when installing a lighting system on three control points, you will need to use a four-wire wiring.
According to the control method, all currently produced switching devices belonging to the "pass-through" type, as a rule, are represented by easy-to-use keyboard devices.
Scope of use
Pass-through switches are in demand when arranging a lighting system in the following cases:
- long corridors, in which one of the switches is mounted at the beginning of the room, and the other is installed at the end;
- multi-storey residential buildings or public buildings;
- interfloor staircase space, which allows to install switching devices on different floors;
- bedrooms, where switches are installed next to the doorway, as well as above or next to the bed.
Passage switches are especially in demand in street lighting, as well as for comfortable lighting in basements, terraces, verandas or gazebos.
Kinds
The choice of switching devices of the pass-through type is not too extensive, however, when choosing the best option, it is necessary to take into account the specific features of such switching devices.
The main classification of through switches does not differ significantly from the characteristics of traditional type switches, so such devices can be:
- single-key devices, one input and two outputs;
- two-key devices, two inputs and four outputs;
- three-key devices, three inputs and six outputs.
Depending on the type of control, switching devices through passage may be different, but the most common are keyboard, touch and remote-controlled models. It should be noted that when choosing, it is necessary to take into account the number of keys, which must necessarily fully correspond to the number of groups of lamps that can be switched on simultaneously.
It is important to remember that the use of single-key or two-key cross-type switches for two inputs and the same number of outputs is advisable when controlling lighting from three or more points.
How to connect a pass switch: connection diagram
Automatic switching on and off of lighting fixtures can well be organized using special timers, or sensors that are able to respond to movement.
However, such electronic-type devices are characterized by high cost, the complexity of self-connection and insufficient durability, therefore it is much easier and more practical to do the installation of a pass-through switch with your own hands.
Wiring diagram for single-gang feedthrough switch
At the stage of preparation for installation, it is necessary not only to calculate the number of consumers and the amount of consumables, but also to prepare all the tools necessary for installation, presented:
- a Phillips screwdriver;
- screwdriver with flat slots;
- mounting knife;
- side cutters;
- building level and tape measure;
- with a probe screwdriver with a built-in phase indicator.
The set of working tools and basic consumables may vary depending on the chosen method for laying cable channels, as well as depending on the characteristics of building and finishing materials in the room where the lighting system is supposed to be arranged.
Scheme of switching on the pass-through switch
In wooden households, in order to prevent emergency and fire hazardous situations, cables are necessarily pulled inside a copper or steel pipe. It is also allowed to carry out open installation of electrical wiring.
It should be noted that it is prohibited to use corrugated polymer and metal tubes for electrical wires, in accordance with the standards established by PTEEP and PUE, and cable laying in non-combustible structures is carried out by chasing special channels.
Lighting control
Depending on the type of lighting system preferred, the wiring is connected different ways. Despite the fact that the design features of all standard walk-through switches are of the same type, there are several differences in the connection scheme for a system with two and three-place control.
Before proceeding with self-assembly, it is imperative to turn off the power supply, which is dictated by safety rules.
Control from 2 places
Light control from two places is often a very convenient solution.
This method of organizing the control of lighting fixtures is most often used when it is necessary to control the process of turning on / off light sources not only from the room itself, but also from adjoining rooms.
In this case, as a rule, preference is given to installing switching devices in order to control a pair of consumer groups:
- careful removal of decorative coatings in the wiring area;
- marking the proposed wiring line;
- chasing according to the marking, starting from the shield, taking into account the free distance to the upper edge of the cable channel with dimensions of ½ of the diameter of the laid wires;
- checking the horizontalness of the completed lines;
- installation of electrical cable. It is quite possible to fix the laid electrical wires with special fasteners without damaging the protective sheath;
- installation of switches and junction boxes;
- connecting the laid electrical conductors to the terminals in accordance with the color coding.
Lighting control scheme from two places
The assembled wiring is inserted into special mounting boxes, after which they are securely and permanently fixed by built-in retractable mechanisms with pointed elements.
Only after testing has been carried out and the operability of the entire lighting system has been confirmed, the cable channels are cemented, the wall surfaces are finished and the frames are installed.
Control from 3 places
Self-arrangement of control from three places is a more complex system that can cause some difficulties for untrained installers. The most common is circuit diagram, performed on the basis of one cross and a pair of pass-through switches.
Work technology:
- preliminary preparation of strobes for laying electrical cables using a perforator;
- laying electrical cables of optimal section 2.5 mm 2 or more;
- connecting wires to the electrical panel;
- choose the optimum, comfortable for the operation of the switching device, the height of the location for mounting the switch;
- drill a hole in accordance with a pre-made mark, which is one and a half times larger in width and depth than the diameter of the device to be installed;
- electrical wiring is brought to the switching device from below, so the strobe must be made 50-100 cm lower than the mounting point of the switch;
- laying electrical wires in prepared strobes with fixing the wiring elements using small special nails;
- insertion of electrical wires fixed in the channels into the installation box;
- cutting wires inside the junction box to a length of 10-11 cm using side cutters;
- removal of about 10-15 cm of the insulating layer from the wires;
- installation of a pass-through switching device (switch) with connection to the terminals, according to their marking;
- installation of a cross switching device with a supply of four electrical cables of the corresponding color marking;
- connecting to the upper terminals of the first pair of electrical cables from the pass-through switch, and the remaining two wires are fixed to the lower terminals;
- connection of the last switching device using wires coming from the communication cross device.
Connection from three places
At the final stage, it is necessary to carefully insert the mechanisms of the devices inside all the completed mounting boxes, bending the cables to their base. Then the devices are fixed by means of special fasteners inside the mounting box or “legs” on the clamps. Next, a frame is applied, and then the keys of the switching device are mounted.
Wiring when controlling a lamp from three places
The completion of the self-assembly of the switch for controlling the lighting system from three different points is the connection of the lighting fixtures to the electrical cables coming from the junction box, with a check of the operation of the circuit and subsequent decorative finishing.
When choosing such a device, it is necessary to take into account the design features, as well as their functional purpose.
In order to implement a variety of control schemes for consumers of electrical energy, double or triple type switches are used, as well as standard cross devices.
If there are long corridors in the house or apartment, then the pass-through switch will greatly simplify the system for using lighting. - installation procedure.
The rules for measuring current strength with a multimeter are set out.
Among other things, according to the installation method, switching devices can be installed internally or externally. In this case, it is necessary to take into account all the advantages and disadvantages of such methods.
Most often, internal installation is used, which is distinguished by reliability, aesthetics and guaranteed safety. In any case, the main condition for proper installation and safe operation is strict adherence to the entire wiring diagram for lighting fixtures.
Related video
To increase the comfort of operation of lighting devices, walk-throughs are used, which allow you to control the lighting of premises from two or more places. Sometimes this is not only a convenience, but also a necessity.
Most often, the connection diagram of the pass-through switch from 2 places is used in the following places, namely:
- . By installing switching devices on the 1st and 2nd floors, you can turn on the light, go up or down and turn off the lighting. In houses with more than 2 floors, additional devices can be added to the scheme;
- . One switch is installed near the door, and another device near;
- . Switches are installed at the beginning and end of the room.
This list can be kept for quite a long time, since for each case there is its own use of pass-through switch systems. To save time and money, all operations can be performed independently, subject to the recommendations that will be given in this article.
Read in the article
What is a pass switch and how does it differ from a conventional switch?
A pass switch is a device that allows you to control one light source from two or more places. The schemes for connecting them to the power grid are a little more complicated than, since the installation of several switching devices is implied.
Lighting with pass-through switching devices, as a rule, is mounted on, in, long and garden. Such a scheme makes it possible to turn on the light in one place and turn it off in another, without resorting to the first switch.
To understand how a switch differs from a switch, you must first define the terms.
The switch is a two-position, two-position switching device for use on mains voltages up to 1,000 volts. This device is not designed to cut off current in case of a short circuit, unless it is equipped with an arc arrester. The household switch can be designed for indoor and outdoor installation.
A switch (also known as a backup, pass-through or toggle switch) is a device that switches one or more electrical circuits to several others. Outwardly, it is practically indistinguishable from a conventional switch, except for the presence of a larger number of contacts.
Considering the question of what it is - a pass-through switch, it is worth knowing that they, like ordinary ones, are single-key, two-key and three-key. They are also similar in type of control - keyboards, touch, remote control, etc.
The device and principle of operation of the pass-through switch
The simplest pass-through switching device is a single-gang switch. In appearance, it practically does not differ from a conventional shutdown device, with the exception of the presence of an internal circuit, which, as a rule, is printed on the back of the case.
A conventional switching device performs the closing and opening of an electrical circuit on one wire of the circuit. The principle of operation of the pass-through switch is that the key of the mechanism breaks one circuit and closes the other. Switching contacts allows the switches to work in pairs and control the same lighting fixture. The pass switch can only be used in conjunction with another similar device. You can use this type of switch as a normal one, but in this case, the meaning of its entire design is lost.
In a conventional device, the switching plate is permanently closed on one contact and, when a key is pressed, is connected to the other, thereby completing the electrical circuit. The pass-through switch device provides for a third contact located between the other two, and the plate connects it alternately, then to the first, then to the second, so it’s more correct to call such a device a switch.
A set of contacts with a switching plate is called a group of contacts. To control the lighting from two different points, just one group is enough, from three or more - you will have to use two paired pass-through switches.
How to make a pass switch yourself and install it?
It should be said right away that despite the seemingly small differences, the pass-through switch costs much more than usual. Therefore, many craftsmen, having decided to make lighting control from several places, prefer to make such devices on their own, especially since for a person with hands from where it is necessary, it is not so difficult. So, let's look at how to make a pass-through switch from a regular one, which you can buy at any market or electrical store.
In principle, the conversion of a conventional switch into a walk-through is to add a third contact to the device circuit. To do this, it is advisable to purchase, or maybe someone already has, two switches, for one or a pair of keys, made by one manufacturer.
It is very important that the switches are the same size. If you purchase a two-gang switch, then you need to make sure that they have the ability to change the terminals in places so that the opening and closing of each of the circuits is carried out independently of each other. As a result, it should turn out that in one position of the key one circuit will be turned on, and in the other - the second.
Now let's look at the step-by-step process of converting a conventional switch into a checkpoint.
Important! First of all, and this is not discussed, it is necessary to de-energize the network, having previously recognized the phase wire with the indicator, which must be marked, for example, with a piece of electrical tape (this will facilitate further connection).
Stage photo | Process description |
We take the usual invoice single-button switch. | |
Gently pry the device key with a screwdriver (as a rule, they are equipped with clips) | |
Carefully press the switch core out of the housing. | |
Unclip the clamps on the body of the internal mechanism of the switch. | |
Remove one of the terminals from the socket. | |
We reinstall the contact opposite the other. | |
We install the "rocker" on the contacts. | |
Assemble the case back and the alteration is finished. |
A pass switch can be made from two ordinary ones, placing them side by side so that one of them turns on when you press the top of the key, the second - on the bottom. The keys are connected by a plate glued over them. A jumper is installed between two contacts of adjacent switches.
Before installing the pass switch, you need to loosen the spacer tabs, connect the wires in accordance with the diagram, insert into the mounting box and tighten the clamp screws back.
You can see the conversion process in more detail in the video below:
Connection options for walk-through switches
To know exactly how to install a pass-through switch correctly, you first need to understand the connection diagrams for various types of switches with a different number of lighting fixtures.
Wiring diagram for single-button walk-through switches
The single-key pass-through switch circuit is the simplest.
- First of all, turn off the power supply and, using a special indicator, make sure that there is no voltage. Only after that you can proceed to further work.
- To implement the circuit, 5 wires must come to the junction box:
- supply - from the machine or traffic jams;
- 3 two-wire cables going directly to the switches;
- connected to a lighting fixture.
- Strip the ends of the wires from insulation;
- The switches are connected in the break of the phase wire, and the zero one, through the junction box, goes to the lighting device. The need to skip the phase through the switch is due to the fact that to ensure safety during maintenance or;
- We determine the phase wire with the indicator and, using twisting, connect it to one of the wires of the first switch (usually, red or white wires are used for convenience);
- Further, the zero terminals of the switches are connected by wires (seen in the diagram), and a separate contact of the second switch is connected to the lamp through the wire;
- The wire from in the junction box is connected to zero;
- Visually check the correctness of the connections, referring to the diagram above and if everything is in order, then power can be applied. Before applying power, it is necessary to insulate the twists, carefully lay the wires in the distribution box and close it with a lid.
To control lighting from more than two places, you will need to include a single-key cross switch in the circuit.
Wiring diagram for two-button walk-through switches
It is preferable to install walk-through switches with several keys in large rooms with several entrances and various ones that need to be turned on at the same time. The most popular is the connection of a pass-through double switch, which allows you to control several groups of luminaires.
The two-key pass-through switch consists of two single-key transitional switches, which are enclosed in a single housing. Accordingly, for installation and operation, the device will need six wires, which is clearly seen in the diagram of a two-gang pass-through switch.
Through passage three-gang switches
The lighting circuit using a three-gang pass-through switch is rather complicated due to the presence of a large number of wires in it. However, these switching devices are popular because they allow you to control three different lighting groups from one access point.
In the wiring diagram, triple pass-through switches are usually two-gang and one-gang switches.
How to connect walk-through switches to control lighting from several places? Connection diagrams and videos
As mentioned above, walk-through switches are designed to control one or more lighting groups. We have already considered how to connect a pass-through switch, and we know that it is possible to control from two or more points, but each of these circuits has its own characteristics.
Unlike conventional one, two and three-gang switching devices, which are mounted individually, the installation of walk-through switches is carried out only in pairs. Next, we will look at how to implement a control scheme for lighting groups from two or more places and connection features.
Important! In order to control lighting fixtures from three or more places, in addition to conventional walk-through switches, it is necessary to connect cross switches.
The video clearly shows the connection diagram of the pass-through switch:
Schematic diagram of connecting a pass-through switch from 2 places
Connecting a pass switch is practically the same as installing a conventional 1, 2 or 3-gang switch. The difference is only in the number of terminals and wires.
Note! It will not be possible to simply install a pass-through switch in place of the usual one, since at least a three-core cable will be required.
To implement the circuit for connecting a pass-through switch from two places, you will need two switching devices, a junction box into which wires from and three-core cables from switches are connected.
The phase wire from the junction box is connected to the common input contact 1 of the feed-through switch. The output contacts are connected in parallel with the analogous terminals of the second switching device. From the common contact of the second switch, the wire goes to the terminal of the lighting fixture. The other terminal of the lamp is connected with a wire in the junction box to "zero".
That, in principle, is the whole scheme for connecting switches from two places. In my opinion, there is nothing difficult in this.
Important! The cross section of the wires must be selected in accordance with the power of the lighting devices.
Scheme of connecting a pass-through switch from 3 places
Sometimes there is a need to create more than two control points for different lighting groups, for example, in multi-storey buildings, in large halls, long corridors with several exits, etc. In such cases, a connection diagram for through switches with a minimum of 3 points is implemented.
It is also possible to make such a connection without problems, however, for this, in addition to the usual pass-through switches, a cross switch is also required. In such switching devices, there are no longer three, but four contacts - a pair of input and two output, which switch simultaneously, and, accordingly, it is necessary to use four-core cables.
In such a scheme, conventional walk-through switches are used at the first and last lighting control point, while cross switches are used at all other points. The number of group control points is unlimited, but with each additional point, the connection in the junction box is complicated due to the large number of wires. To facilitate the work, it is necessary to mark the wires so as not to get tangled in them later.
The principle of connecting the walk-through switches for three control points is as follows:
- The output contacts of the first pass-through switch are connected by wires to the input pair of terminals following the cross switch, and so on up to the last control point, the common wire of which is connected to the contact of the lighting fixture. The phase wire is connected to the input contact of the first switching device, and the second wire coming from the lamp comes to "zero" in the junction box.
- A three-wire wire is connected to each of the pass-through switches, and four-wire wires to the cross switches.
The diagram above shows the connection to the lighting of three control points, consisting of two through switches and one cross switch.
Attention! Through and cross switches can operate at 6, 10 or 16A rated current. All switches in this circuit must have the same or greater current rating, and the wires used must be the same size.
Scheme of connecting a pass-through switch from 4 places
Having dealt with the above options for disconnecting, it will not be difficult to implement the connection scheme for a pass-through switch for 4 points or more. The difference lies in the introduction of additional cross switches into the circuit.
The principle of work is practically no different from the previous ones, you just have to deal with even more wires, so that it would be useful to mark them.
Leading manufacturers of walk-through switches and their product range
Before you go to the store or to the market in order to buy a pass-through switch, you first need to familiarize yourself with the leading manufacturers of these products and their model range. The Russian market of electrical goods offers products from a variety of manufacturers - from premium to budget. The prices of walk-through switches largely depend on the design and brand.
Legrand
Legrand leads the electrical goods market due to the highest quality and reliability of its products and differs from competitors in a more flexible pricing policy. Passage switches Legrand are convenient in everything - from installation to operation. The company's products are associated with style and high quality.
The advantages of Legrand products are as follows:
- a wide range of;
- high quality workmanship;
- durable components;
- a wide choice of color schemes;
- flexible pricing policy.
An insignificant disadvantage of the Legrand walk-through switches is the need for a more accurate fit of the installation sites, since if they do not match, installation complications may arise.
VIKO
The Turkish company VIKO has been on the electrical market since 1990 and has already won the trust of consumers. The company's products are characterized by high quality and reliability of products. For the production of electrical fittings, durable and fireproof plastic is used, designed for a large number of work cycles. All the company's products meet the highest European quality and electrical safety standards.
Lezard
The Chinese manufacturer Lezard is part of the Legrand company, but only a stylish design remains from the native brand, and sometimes failures occur in build quality. But for such a price, the quality is appropriate.
Wessen
Wessen is one of the leaders in the Russian electrical market and is a branch of Schneider Electric. Because of this, all products undergo strict quality control and are equipped with the latest technologies that have been developed in the field of electrical engineering. The company offers the consumer a wide selection of products with a universal design, which allows them to fit into almost any.
The most popular among Russian buyers is the Rondo series. All products in this series are designed for concealed installation and have the necessary security features. In addition, the decorative frames of the switches can be easily replaced, which makes it possible to customize them to any interior and embody your own design ideas.
Makel
A Turkish brand that has long gained popularity among Russian consumers. Makel products are functional, reliable and safe, and despite their seemingly simple design, they attract attention.
Makel circuit breakers provide the ability to connect with a loop without using junction boxes. This makes installation of products simple and comfortable to use.
Model range Legrand
The lineup | Description |
Valena |
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Celiane |
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Exclusive Celiane |
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Galea Life |
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Overview of VIKO models
The lineup | Description |
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Lezard
The lineup | Description |
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Wessen
The lineup | Description |
Wessen W 59 Frame |
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Makel products
The lineup | Description |
Lilium Nat Kare |
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Defne |
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Makel Mimoza |
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When installing switches, it is necessary to make sure that there is no electric current using an indicator.
The most convenient height for ease of use is 900 mm from the floor. It is better to place the switch at a distance of 200 mm from the doorway.
If the device is installed outdoors, you should purchase switches with a protection class of at least IP44.
Before installation, you first need to determine the phase wire using the indicator and mark it. This will facilitate further connection of the pass-through switch.
In the junction box, it is better to connect the wires not by twisting, but by means of connecting blocks, terminal blocks and clamps.
Conclusion
As you can see the device, the principle of operation and connection of the pass-through switch is not particularly difficult, especially if you follow the recommendations and adhere to the elementary rules of electrical safety. The introduction of walk-through switches will provide additional comfort for controlling lighting fixtures. It is possible to improve the electrical systems of the house indefinitely, it is only a matter of desire, financial capabilities and imagination.