Types and types of light switches: an overview of connection options + analysis of popular brands
The market for lighting equipment is constantly evolving, the range of switches is updated with innovative developments that provide maximum comfort. However, traditional devices do not lose popularity. Agree, among such a variety it is not easy to decide on the purchase of a suitable light switch.
To facilitate the selection task, we prepared a detailed overview of existing switching devices, classified the types and types of light switches according to the main technical parameters, and also described the features of their installation and use.
In addition, the article lists the best manufacturers of lighting equipment. This information will help you choose a high-quality and reliable option for specific operating conditions.
The content of the article:
Switch: what is it for?
A switch is a switching device responsible for closing / opening an electric circuit supplying a lighting device. It is always installed in the phase gap of the phase wire.
You can not believe the illiterate "electricians", claiming that the zero and phase wire should be connected to the switch. This will lead to a short circuit and wiring problems.
Household models of circuit breakers are designed to work with wiring using a standard load. You cannot connect them to the network with other parameters. Each of the switches can only work with a specific operating voltage and current strength. These parameters are always indicated in the technical documentation and on the device case.
The main task of the device is to provide power to the electrical device and stop it when there is no need to use a lamp. Switches are available in a wide variety of designs. They differ significantly from each other in a number of ways. Consider these differences more carefully.
Switching methods used in circuit breakers
When installing switches, only two methods of connecting wires are used, which have certain features.
Screw clamp mechanism
For switching wires, this type of circuit breaker has special clamps that are secured with ordinary screws. This connection method is more difficult to install, but the result is a high quality contact. Over time, such a connection may loosen slightly and then you will have to slightly tighten the screw.
Experts believe that switches with screw terminals are best used for working with aluminum wires.
Spring contact mechanisms
It can conditionally be considered an improved version of the screw clamp. There is a spring-loaded contact plate, which clamps a section of the bare wire, thereby providing a sufficiently reliable connection. This is the easiest way to install.
The main disadvantage of such clamps is that the wire must be clamped correctly. Otherwise, the device will not be able to fully work. Spring-loaded switches work better with copper wiring.
Switch Installation Method
The device can be installed in various ways, based on this they are divided into two types.
Overhead devices. The so-called switches that are applied to the surface of the wall and secured. They characteristically protrude above the wall, which may not look very aesthetically pleasing. Overhead devices are more commonly used when external wiring, but can be connected to hidden.
Built-in switches. Switches are installed in a suitable cavity, pre-made in the wall. This greatly complicates their installation, but improves the appearance.
The upper decorative panel of the switch protrudes slightly above the surface of the wall or is completely recessed in it. Built-in models are designed for use with hidden wiring; they cannot work with external ones.
Degree of protection of the case
Household circuit breakers are operated in different conditions, so their enclosures can be made in different versions in terms of protection. There is a GOST that governs this degree.
The electrician adopted the system IP marking, characterizing the protection of the housing from the ingress of water and solid particles to live elements. It is applied to the switch and is indicated in the accompanying documentation.
The marking itself is an alphanumeric record. The first letters are IP, indicating the type of marking. Next is a number that indicates the degree of protection against pollution.
The lowest is indicated by zero, the highest by six. Devices from the “zero” group do not have any protection against dust, devices with the number 6 on the case are completely protected from it.They work great even in rooms where there is a high level of dust.
The second digit of the marking indicates the current level of protection against moisture. There are numbers from zero to nine. The first group of circuit breakers is equipped with a housing devoid of moisture protection. The latter indicates the highest degree of protection.
Such devices can function normally provided that they are completely immersed in water, including hot water. After these two digits there may also be letters giving additional information. But for switches they are practically not used.
Given this labeling, circuit breakers should be selected for different non-residential and residential rooms. For example, for bedrooms and living rooms, IP20 enclosure protection will be sufficient, in damp rooms and bathrooms, devices with IP44 should be installed, it can be higher.
For saunas, baths or showers, devices with IP54 are suitable. Similar are installed on the streets, in unheated and dusty rooms. In the latter case, the degree of protection may be higher.
Device Management Options
There are a lot of control options for the switch, which is explained by the usability of the device. Based on this, distinguish between these types of switches.
Keyboard Features
Structurally, such switches consist of permanently fixed contacts inside the housing and a swinging mechanism, preloaded by a spring. The latter works in compression or in tension.
Based on this, two variations of keyboard instruments are distinguished. The first uses a ball, which, when you press a key, begins to move along the swinging beam.
It passes the axis and rolls over the arm of the rocker arm, thereby moving the movable mechanism equipped with contacts in the opposite direction.
The second type of key switch is equipped with a spring-loaded frame. It has the ability to swing on its axis, thereby breaking or creating an electrical contact. Regardless of the type of device, the switch is switched by pressing a key.
Such switches are characterized by a long service life. Provided that the parameters are selected correctly and correctly operated, they can work for several decades without fail. The cost of keyboard devices is low.
They are issued in the consignment note or in built-in execution. Complex designs can be found on sale when two or more keys are fixed on one base. In some cases, they can be very convenient to use.
Cord Type Switches
They were very popular in the 70-80 years of the last century, but are used today in various variations. Their main feature is the presence of a durable lace that comes out of the switch housing. Actually turn it off / on by pulling on this lace.
The latter is mounted on a pivot arm, and it, in turn, interacts with a moving terminal block.
After the cord is released, the spring fixed in the housing straightens and returns the block to its original place. An interesting modification of the cord device is a device for controlling two or more groups of bulbs. They respond to the amount of string tension.
At the first one of the lighting units is switched on, at the second - the next and so on. Shutdown is carried out in the reverse order.
Retro Style Pushbutton Switches
Push-button switches operate according to the key principle. This means that the first press of the button closes the contacts, the second - opens.There are varieties of such switches that work with the so-called self-reset buttons when the device operates without holding the button.
In this case, an additional relay circuit controlling the lighting is connected.
Button switches work successfully in all kinds of floor and table lighting fixtures. They are found in wall models, but in this case the button is replaced by a spring-loaded lever. Such devices are durable and reliable.
Particularly convenient are models with a decorative enlarged button; they are usually installed on the basis of floor lamps.
Innovative touch models
Such devices operate without any mechanical impact. To close / open the circuit, just touch the special sensitive panel located on the outside of the device. Such panels can operate either in button mode or in key mode.
Design touch switch includes an electronic circuit operating on semiconductors, a sensitive element and the actual switch.
The sensor element responds to the tactile contact and sends the received signal to the electronic circuit. She transforms it into a team that is understandable to the executive body, which implements it.
Touch devices are universal. They can be equipped with additional sensors and respond to their signals, or work remotely.
Remote Control Devices
These switches provide the ability to control the lamp from a distance. For this, a special remote control is used, which transmits commands to the lighting device via a radio channel.
In this case, the switch itself is a receiver equipped with switching contacts that cut into the power supply cable of the lamp.
In case you have to control LED or fluorescent lamps, zero and phase are supplied to the power unit.
The remote control can have a different design, more often it is made in the form of a small keychain. The range of his work largely depends on the materials from which the building was erected, and on its design. On average, the power of such radiation is enough to overcome about 20-25 m.
The remote control will not be able to operate without battery power. In such a control scheme, microprocessor controllers can be involved. This will make it possible to use additional functions: timer, regulation of light intensity, etc.
Switches with integrated sensors
The design of such devices includes detectors that analyze certain environmental parameters. This may be the absence or presence of movement of a sufficiently large object in the area of responsibility or the intensity of lighting.
The signals from the sensor are sent to the controller, which analyzes them. As soon as parameters determined in advance are fixed, a signal is sent to the executive body.
After that, the circuit contacts are closed / opened. Such switches can most often be programmed. That is, the user can independently set the response parameters of the device.
The devices are very convenient in operation and can significantly save energy, because they only work when there is a real need to turn on the lighting.
Read more about switches with motion sensors. this article.
Through or cross over models
Switches of this type can be considered a variety of keyboard models. Main difference walk-through switches - they do not open / close the contacts, but switch them. As a result, one of the lamps connected to such a switch lights up or goes out.
You can control lighting from several remote locations at once rocker switches. One or more lighting fixtures can be connected to such devices.
Popular manufacturers: who to prefer
The quality of circuit breakers, like any other product, largely depends on the manufacturer. Companies that have earned a good reputation strictly monitor the quality of their products, guaranteeing customers a long, trouble-free service of their products.
Therefore, when choosing a switch for your home, it is important to pay attention to this moment and, if possible, choose products from a well-known manufacturer. Let's talk about the best of them.
Legrand company from France
The French brand entered the market in the middle of the 19th century with table porcelain. After the emergence of electricity, porcelain became popular as an insulator, the company took up products for electricians.
The management initially relied on the use of the latest technologies in production, which gave good results - the company is among the five best European manufacturers of electrics.
Products Legrand known in more than 150 countries of the world, it is sold under various trademarks, including Contactor, BTicino, Sarlam, Legrand other. The company's products are distinguished by the highest quality, safety and reliability.
The product range is very wide, it includes a variety of types of wall switches. Among them, you can find traditional models, as well as unusual combined devices.
They are a three-key or standard switch installed in a common housing with a socket. The company pays special attention to the quality of components.
In addition, the cases of all devices, regardless of their cost, are made only of self-extinguishing plastic. This significantly increases the safety of operation of devices. Legrand produces devices of various designs that fit into any interior.
Swedish company ABB
It appeared at the end of the last century as a result of the merger of two large Swedish concerns. Today it is one of the leading manufacturers of wiring accessories. Their distinguishing feature is the highest safety and quality.
The brand offers convenient modular solutions that allow you to collect the necessary variations from the proposed elements. For the manufacture of enclosures, only impact-resistant, UV-resistant materials are used.
Among them are natural ones, such as steel, wood or bronze. The structural simplicity of the products involves simple and quick installation.
Brand Assortment ABB includes several product lines, each of which has a special easily recognizable design. For example, Reflex made in traditional strict geometric forms, but Impuls Has soft rounded lines.
Collections of wiring accessories are diverse. Moreover, even in the basic collections, the manufacturer offers not only standard solutions.
For example, in all there are frames with a fluorescent coating, which illuminate the body of the device in the dark. ABB products have a high cost, which some attribute to significant shortcomings.
French brand Schneider Electric
Founded in the XIX century as an arms manufacturing company, it has long mastered the electric power markets and has become a leader in the manufacture of wiring accessories.
In the product range Schneider circuit breakers with light indication, continuous, with remote control, with sensors and other complex variations. Moreover, they are all of the highest quality.
The trademark of Schneider products is the presence of spring contacts made of bronze. This allows you to refuse to use an additional clamp and at the same time not to lose the quality of the created contact. Thanks to this installation of products of the French brand is extremely simple and quick.
The design of wiring devices is diverse. Here you can find interesting models in a different range: from laconic classics to catchy avant-garde.
All brand collections include removable frames of horizontal and vertical type of various colors. The company's products are represented by several model lines. Very popular Unica, offering modular devices that allow you to create on the basis of a unified seat a variety of combinations of elements.
Products from Schneider have a high cost, and this applies even to standard models, not to mention design models.
On our site there is a series of articles devoted to the description of various types, the selection and connection of switches of various types, we recommend that you read:
- Smart switches: types, labeling, how to choose and connect correctly
- A switch with a sleep timer: how it works and which view is better to choose
- Wireless light switch: selection criteria + review of the best models
Conclusions and useful video on the topic
Compare wiring devices from different manufacturers:
What is the marking of the degree of protection of the case:
Modern switches are complex devices that make it possible to make a person's life as comfortable as possible. At the same time, they also help save energy, this applies to high-tech models equipped with light and motion sensors.
Manufacturers produce products of different designs, which allows them to easily fit into the interiors of any style. Among the assortment of models, it is easy to choose the suitable option, you only need to determine which switch is needed for existing operating conditions.
Have something to supplement, or have questions about choosing a light switch? You can leave comments on the publication and participate in discussions. The contact form is located in the lower block.
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I used to remember when I was little, only beautiful white keyboard switches appeared for that time. And now you won’t surprise anyone with these switches. Now there are only those: sensory, and with sensors, and timers. By design, many options have appeared. Now, on the contrary, in retro style they will come out more expensive. That's how it happens. Previously, they sought to put more modern, and now again we return to the vintage.
Natalia, and I'm from the generation that knows push-button switches very well. As for me, such a terribly uncomfortable thing.This little button in the center, narrow, stubborn, with difficulty and loud sound changing its position ... Consumer comfort in those days was clearly not in the first place. When such a switch began to break, the already tight button switched with even greater effort. In a word, darkness. I will be very surprised if someone in our time will consciously look for such switches for installation at home.
As for the touch and remote switches, then everything is simple - aesthetics, fashion and all that, but expensive at this point in time. It is much more expensive than ordinary keyboard switches, although they perform the same function, therefore they are not so common in our country. But switches with motion sensors are a very useful thing. True, I have two burned out for unknown reasons, but nevertheless, they clearly increase comfort, although it does not make sense to install them everywhere - in the hallway, either on the landing or on the street.
Yes, Ignat, a little expensive. Our average modal salary is 25,000 rubles. Minimum French - 1498 euros per month or 105,000 of our rubles. A single-key touch switch livolo costs 1015 rubles or 14 euros, and a six-key - 3490 rubles or 50 euros. That is, the average Frenchman can buy 100 one-key, and the Russian - 25.
“Two geese fly, one white and the other gray, how old I am,” the young teacher asks the students. Vovovka answers - M.I. you are 24 years old. The teacher asks in surprise: how did you know? Little Little Warrior says: when I “freeze the grain” they tell me that I’m a half-ass and I’m 12 years old.
And if I want to put a switch that will adjust the brightness of the light? I have the usual housekeepers. Will they work or do you need to change the lamps to special ones? And yet, somehow you can tie this case on a smartphone in order to control the light from the phone?
Switches that allow you to adjust the level of illumination in the room are called dimmers. At the moment, two types of phase control dimers are used for LED lamps:
1. Dimmers of the front edge, cutting the front edge;
2. Dimmers on the rear edge that cut the rear.
The first type of dimmers cut off the leading edge of the sinusoid, I enclose the curve of this dimmer. I won’t dive into the technical details, I’ll just note that during operation, the dimmer can make noise. The second type of dimmer does not create sudden voltage surges, as can be seen from the circuit. Therefore, the equipment operates silently.
To find the right dimmer, you need to know that the LED lights have a built-in driver that converts alternating current to direct current. This is what you need to pay attention to when buying - the dimmer must be compatible with the driver of the LED lamp.
As for lighting control using a smartphone, this can be realized using the Smart Panel Controlle wall-mounted remote control.