Wiring diagram of a pass-through switch with 2 places: how to organize system control
Often there is a need for "pass-through" lighting. We are talking about stairwells and long corridors now. Indeed, in the dark it is difficult to move around such rooms, and the lighting that is constantly on is a big waste of electricity. And how convenient is it to turn on the light when entering the corridor, and turn it off at the exit? But here the question arises. After all, if the switch is turned on at the entrance, then it will not be possible to turn it off at the exit ... The solution here will be the equipment that appeared on our market relatively recently, which will be discussed today. The wiring diagram of a 2-way switch is not easy, but now we will try to figure it out.
The content of the article
- 1 What is a pass-through switch and how is it different from a conventional one
- 2 What is the working principle of the tunnel
- 3 How to make a pass-through switch from a conventional one and its connection diagram
- 4 Wiring diagrams of various types of pass-through switches
- 5 How to connect pass-through switches: connection diagrams and video instructions
- 6 Overview of manufacturers offering similar equipment
- 7 Finally
- 8 Video: principle, connection and installation of walk-through switches
What is a pass-through switch and how is it different from a conventional one
Let's start by defining these concepts:
- Switch Is a two-position switching device with two normally open contacts, designed to operate in networks with voltages up to 1000 V. The circuit breaker is not designed to disconnect short-circuit currents if it does not have special arc extinguishing equipment.For a household switch, its design is very important - for indoor installation (for concealed wiring, built into the wall) or for external installation (for exposed wiring, mounted on the wall). Switches are mainly used to turn on / off lighting.
- Switch Is a device that switches one or more electrical circuits to several others. Outwardly, it almost does not differ from the switch, only it has more contacts. So, for example, a one-key switch has three contacts, a two-key switch has six (it is two independent one-key switches).
But if now it is clear how the switch differs from the switch, then you should think about what the adapter is. In general, his device is something in common between them. Although, if you think about the question "checkpoint switch - what is it", then we can say that it is more of a "switch". And in order to more fully understand what its principle of operation and device are, let's try to understand this in more detail.
What is the working principle of the tunnel
At first glance, the operating principle of the pass-through switch is simple. A person enters a darkened corridor or a flight of stairs and turns on the lights. Further, having passed the required territory, with the help of another switch, he turns off the light. In this case, these actions can be repeated both in the same order and vice versa.
If we consider in general terms the device of pass-through switches, then we can say that it is a little more complicated than that of conventional ones. For example, before their appearance, magnetic starters were used from several points to perform such a function, which have a higher price, are too overall, and besides, they emit some hum during operation.
In terms of the scheme, such switches are similar to two-key switches. This means that in principle a double switch can be used in this capacity. The only disadvantage here is that the two-rocker switch can be used where a one-rocker switch is used. Hence the conclusion that the bushing saves space and time spent on installation.
Let's try to understand the essence of the work that needs to be done for the independent manufacture of such a device, as well as some of the nuances of its connection.
How to make a pass-through switch from a conventional one and its connection diagram
Before you make a pass-through switch from a conventional one, you need to understand the method and diagram of its connection. Looking at the circuit for a simple two-key breaker, you can see that it has one input and two output terminals. Then a pair of breakers in the circuit must be mounted as if in a mirror image. The phase input goes to the input terminal of the first, the output contacts of both breakers are connected to each other by two separate wires. Well, already the input terminal of the second switch is switched with the consumer. In this case, zero goes directly to the lamp.
Important information! The inconvenience here is that in order to supply voltage to the consumer, you have to turn off one key and turn on the other. In addition, based on the installation diagram, it can be understood that before installing the pass-through switch, you need to make sure of this possibility. This means that there must be a 2-wire connection between the breakers (for one-key).
Wiring diagrams of various types of pass-through switches
Such equipment, by analogy with conventional breakers, can be:
- One-key - the simplest both in the scheme and in installation;
- Two-key;
- Three-key.
There are also more complex types, but today we will not talk about them due to their rather rare use. Let's try to figure out how to properly connect the pass-through switch using some tips and instructions.Also, photo illustrations will certainly help the dear reader. After all, when actions are clearly shown, installation is much easier.
One-button switch wiring diagram and complete installation instructions
The essence of the operation of the single-key cross-switch itself is probably already clear. Therefore, now we will consider step by step how it is mounted using illustrative photo examples.
Thus, it becomes clear that there are no particular difficulties in the installation of the single-rocker switch.
Very important! Before carrying out any work related to electrical installation, it is necessary to remove the voltage from the input machine. Electric shock is dangerous not only to health, but also to life.
The nuances of the connection diagram for two-key pass-through switches
First, let's figure out in which case two keys may be needed. It's pretty simple. For example, there is a flight of stairs in 2 floors. Why turn on the light for everyone, if you can turn on the light from below on the first floor, after going through it, switch the lighting to the second, and then turn off everything there. After all, the savings in electricity in this case will be greater. It is the same in an ordinary corridor - why do you need full, bright lighting, if there is a possibility of turning on only the emergency light.
Installation here is a little more complicated - after all, each of the switches no longer has 3 contacts, but 6 contacts. This means that the cable cores going to them need 2 times more than in the previous case. That is why it is important not to get confused when wiring the junction box. Otherwise, all actions are the same. If you think about it, the installation of a pair of such switches can be compared to the switching of four one-key switches.
Useful advice! When laying cables for mounting the circuit of two-key switches through passage, it is advisable to mark the wires going to one or another lamp. It is not difficult to do this with the help of colored electrical tape, but such actions will save you from unnecessary work in the future.
The connection of the double pass-through switch is made as follows.
As you can see, there is a certain difficulty in this work, but still it is quite doable.
Important! Wiring any device, and even more so, requires maximum concentration, care and accuracy. Electricity does not forgive mistakes.
And now, having understood how to connect a double pass switch, you can move on to complex circuits.
Related article:
In this material we will tell you how difficult connection diagram of a two-button switch, along the way, considering a single-key. And for convenience, we will also provide step-by-step instructions for such work with photo examples.
Installation and connection diagram of a three-key pass-through switch
The connection diagram of the three-way switch is basically no different from the previous options. The only difference is in the number of wires. The fact is that on such a device there are no longer 6, but 9 terminals. By analogy with the previous option, 3 more wires are added. At the same time, 2 out of 3 are marked with multi-colored electrical tape.
How to connect pass-through switches: connection diagrams and video instructions
In order to more clearly understand how to connect a pass-through switch, we offer the dear reader to watch the video instruction, which will more clearly and fully explain the installation algorithm.
But there are times when it is necessary to install a pass-through switch in three or even four rooms. With this option, it will no longer be possible to use only checkpoints - there can be only two of them in the circuit. This means that additional equipment is required. It is called a cross switch. Connecting it is also not too difficult. Especially if the home master has already figured out in detail with the previous installation. But you cannot but talk about cross-breakers.
Wiring diagram of a pass-through switch from 2 places: summarizing information
We have disassembled the connection diagrams for 2-point pass-through switches above in stages, but still some clarifications should be made. In general, in electrical engineering, when it comes to designing, planning the wiring in a building, there is no such thing as "installing a pass-through switch". A single number is not acceptable here. In any such scheme, connecting pass-through switches from two places is an axiom. With an increase in the number of control points, cross control points are included in the scheme. But still there will always be only two penetrators, no more, no less.
But if the scheme for connecting switches from two places is clear, then what about if it is necessary to control from several points? We'll figure out.
Connection diagram of a pass-through switch with 3 places: installation nuances
To begin with, to be extremely precise, there are no 3-place walk-through switches wiring diagrams. Indeed, in this case, additional contacts are required for switching in such devices. But this expression has already become firmly established in the everyday life of electricians.Everyone perfectly understands what it is about.
The fact is that the installation of a 3-point pass-through switches connection diagram involves the inclusion of an additional link - a cross switch. The connection is quite simple. According to the circuit located on the back cover of the switch, it is included in the gap between the bushings. You can learn more about this in the following video.
How is the connection diagram of the pass-through switch from 4 places carried out
The wiring diagram of the 4-point pass-through switch does not differ at all from the previous one. Here only one more cross is added. Thus, adding cross switches can increase the number of control points.
Important! If walk-through switches installed in rooms have 2 keys, then cross switches should be with two. In this case, there will be 8 wires (in a 3-key - 12).
Overview of manufacturers offering similar equipment
Nowadays, the range of such equipment on the shelves of electrical stores is quite wide. This means that you can choose and buy a pass-through switch at a different cost, which depends on the manufacturer. Let's try to list the most popular brands, and then compare them by price:
- Legrand;
- "ABB";
- SchneiderElectric;
- "Viko";
- "Lezard".
These are the most popular brands on Russian counters, and therefore it is worth considering the prices of walk-through switches set by them.
Legrand is the most popular brand
Pass-through switches "legrand" have a fairly wide range of models that differ both in color and type. Let's try to cite just a few of them.
Photo | Model | Colour | Number of keys | Cost, rub. |
---|---|---|---|---|
Legrand Mosaic 2M | White | 1 | 1200 | |
Legrand Valena | Ivory | 1 | 600 | |
Legrand celiane | Beige | 1 | 250 | |
Legrand Valena | White | 2 | 450 | |
Legrand Quteo | Ivory | 1 | 250 | |
Legrand Etika | White | 2 | 400 |
It can be understood that the purchase of Legrand pass-through switches will not damage the budget. Although there are more expensive models. In any case, the quality of this brand raises no objections, which means they will serve for a long time.
"ABB" - what is the cost of models of this brand
A fairly well-known brand that is famous for its protective automatics. It is appreciated mainly for its quality and reliability. In addition, the pricing policy of this manufacturer is quite democratic. This is not to say that its model range is wide enough, and the brand does not amaze with the colors of the cases.
Photo | Model | Colour | Number of keys | Cost, rub. |
---|---|---|---|---|
ABB BJB Basic 55 | White | 1 | 600 | |
ABB BJB Basic 55 | Beige | 1 | 200 | |
ABB BJB Basic 55 | Beige | 2 | 400 | |
ABB BJB Basic 55 Chateau | The black | 3 | 2500 | |
ABB BJB Basic 55 Chateau | The black | 1 | 700 |
Of course, we can say that some of the models are quite expensive, but quality and safety are more expensive.
Model range "Schneider Electric"
In terms of the quality of products, it is not inferior to the previous ones, but less well known. This means that the cost of production is somewhat lower.
This is approximately the cost for the products of this brand.
Viko brand and its cost for products
The brand's lineup is rather scarce. Basically, the differences are only in the colors of the products. The average cost of their pass-through and cross-over switches varies from 150 to 350 rubles. The form is classic, no frills are observed. Quite acceptable quality at an affordable price.
Models "Lezard": what are their differences
It also does not differ from the previous brand in terms of the size of the model range, but the cost of products is much lower.
Photo | Model | Colour | Number of keys | Cost, rub. |
---|---|---|---|---|
The world | Metallic gold | 1 | 110 | |
The world | White | 1 | 70 | |
The world | Metallic gold | 2 | 150 | |
Nata | White | 1 | 70 | |
Nata | Cherry | 1 | 140 |
Related article:
Sockets and switches are the best brands. What should you pay attention to when choosing these devices for an apartment or house? We will tell you about this and much more in the article of our portal.
Finally
Summing up, we can say with confidence that the appearance of pass-through and cross-over switches on Russian counters greatly facilitated the work of both electricians and home craftsmen. After all, their field of application is not only long corridors or staircases. Nowadays, quite a few people install such switches in small rooms. For example, a home craftsman wants to have additional lighting control near a sofa or bed. Surely in the future they will be improved, new functions will appear.
However, even now they have undeniable advantages. The main thing is energy savings, even in comparison with motion or sound sensors. After all, there is no delay after a person leaves.
We hope that the information presented today was useful to the dear reader. If you still have questions on the topic, our team is always ready to answer them in the discussions for this article. And finally, we offer one more video on the topic:
Video: principle, connection and installation of walk-through switches