A pass-through switch is a control device for electrical appliances when there is a need to access the latter from different points in the apartment. Most often, this element is used for lighting fixtures in rooms of different sizes.
For example, when turning on/off lights in long corridors, large rooms or bedroom/office (at the entrance to the room and at the bed or desk). This design is popular among consumers, because when carrying out repair work, the question arises of connecting pass-through switches.
To assemble a connection diagram for the device under discussion yourself, you do not need special education. However, strict adherence to instructions and compliance with safety measures will depend final result and the employee's health status.
Connection diagrams
Schemes of pass-through switches differ in the number of connection points. The easiest to implement is the option with two control points for the device, but more may be required.
If you have experience or a sufficient knowledge base about the connection process regular switch, there will be no difficulties with this type. Here the principle of operation is the same, except for more wires and terminals. In the case of a conventional design, there are two, while this one has three.
A three-wire type of wiring runs from the junction box to this switch. Moreover, its cross-sectional size must be selected to match the power of the controlled device.
Connecting switches with two control points
According to the connection diagram, the following are installed in the junction box:
- three-core cable from two pass-through control devices;
- two-wire cable from the controlled device;
- two-wire network cable.
Inside the distribution box, the connection starts from the phase wire of the distribution box. It is connected to the input contact of one of the control devices.
The remaining common contact of the second device is combined with the cable of the electrical appliance. The second wire of the controlled device is connected to the neutral contact of the distribution box.
Three point control connection
If the number of points pass-through switch exceeds two, in addition to simple switching elements, a cross-type control device will also be required.
This type is distinguished by the fact that it has two pairs of input and output contacts, so a four-core cable runs to it. To implement the chain, ordinary through structures are placed in the first and last positions, and cross ones in the middle.
The combined schema is created like this:
- the common contact of the first switch is combined with the phase of the box;
- the output contacts of the first device are connected to a pair of input contacts from the crossover device;
- the output contacts of the crossover type design are combined with the input contacts of the next crossover or the last (ordinary) circuit breaker;
- the common contact of the last in the chain of a conventional control element is connected to the input contact of the electrical device;
- the output from the electrical device is connected to the phase contact of the distribution box.
It is worth noting that the number of control points with this scheme is not limited. While maintaining the principle of placing conventional structures at the ends of the chain, and cross structures in its middle.
The only thing that will become more difficult is the switching in the junction box. As the number of wires increases, it is quite difficult to ensure their proper connection. Therefore, even at the stage of connecting to the box, it is better to provide markings for each cable.
Changing a conventional switch under the walk-through
When studying photos of a pass-through switch on the network, it becomes clear that the differences between this type and a conventional one are minimal. Therefore, if you have a couple of ordinary elements in stock, you can use them without special labor remake into an improved form. Especially when it comes to operating devices. Thus, you will be able to save not only on energy costs, but also on the purchase of additional devices.
Instructions on how to make a pass-through switch from a standard one imply the presence of a pair of switching devices manufactured by the same company and the same production format (shape of keys, size, color). Moreover, you will need a single-key and two-key varieties.
It is important to pay attention here that the two-key type of device has terminals that allow relocation. This is important to ensure an independent process of closing and opening the network. In other words, in one position of the key the first network will be turned on, in another position the second one will be turned on.
To make a pass-through switch from a regular one, you will need to add a third contact inside the two-key device. Its presence will allow you to transmit a signal not only to an electrical device, but also to a second control point.
The action algorithm will look like:
- at the place of fastening, use a probe to determine which of the wires running in the wall (on top of the wall) is phase and mark it with color, this will facilitate the installation process;
- if the element is operational and not new, you will need to de-energize it and remove it (loosen the contact clamps and each screw of the socket box);
- With reverse side With the device removed, release the clamps on the body and remove the electrical component;
- Using a thick screwdriver (slotted type), the spring pushers are carefully removed from the frame to avoid damage to the elements;
- use the same screwdriver to pry off the teeth at the ends of the removed mechanism;
- one of the movable rocker contacts located on the electrical part will need to be rotated a full turn (180°);
- cut off one of the common contact areas (without subsequent insulation);
- return the removed elements to their place;
- if we are talking about an active element, you will need to install it in its original place;
- remove the key from the single-key switch and put it on the assembled structure;
- install the second switch at the planned control point, connecting it to the first three-core cable;
- connect the circuit together in a junction box.
In the case of switches installed during renovation, the presence of an improved switch can be taken into account in the design. If we are talking about autonomous reworking of control points electrical appliance, the process will be more difficult.
A three-core wire must run between the control points, the fastening of which will require gating of the walls. You can consider the option of open wiring or disguising the wiring as decorative elements (moldings, baguettes near the ceiling, etc.).
At first, after installing the types of switches considered, whether they are from the factory or made independently, confusion in use may arise due to some features of the devices, since it will no longer be clear from the position of the key whether the device is on or off.
Also, the network will not be accessible simultaneously from both (all) control points. At one point in time, the command must be issued from one point. However, the initial unfamiliarity will not cover the benefits of the installation.
Photos of pass-through switches
Pass-through switch - the very name of this type electrical devices already shows their true purpose. The devices belong to the family of standard household switches, familiar to all residential property owners.
Actually, the design of the devices externally resembles the traditional design. The only difference is how to connect the pass-through switch, the contact group diagram of which is slightly different.
The convenience and practicality of this type of device are obvious. Electricity of the net, equipped with such communicators, are operated more efficiently, since in the end there are actual energy savings.
For example, to cross a long corridor, the lighting is turned on at the entrance and turned off at the exit. This function is implemented by just two devices mounted at different ends of the corridor.
This is what it is - a pass-through switch, which is actively increasing the degree of competition in relation to its relative - a conventional device. This seemingly slightly modified model gives the user more benefits
If we compare the design with a conventional on/off device, the difference is noted in the number of working contacts of the devices. Design simple switch provides only closing/opening of two contacts.
The wiring of the pass-through switch involves the creation of three working lines, of which one is common, and the other two are changeover lines. This makes it possible to control a section of an electrical circuit from various points.
Operating principle of the single-key model
Actually, the principle of the function looks simple and clear. The changeover contacts existing in the structure in the first position close one segment of the circuit and open the other, and in the second position of the changeover contacts the circuit is inverted.
The principle of operation of the device in a schematic view: L – electrical phase line household network; N – electrical zero line of the household network; C – general communication contact; P – changeover communication contacts. 1 – one device; 2 – second device
On the body of each branded switch there is always a schematic diagram of its connection. For example, the user has a single-key device at his disposal. You need to include it in simple diagram control of one lamp.
If we refer to the installation diagram of a single-key pass-through switch, which is contained on its body, the user’s actions boil down to the following:
- The first (C) contact is connected to a common line.
- Changeover segments are connected to the second (P) and third (P) contacts.
- Install two devices at previously designated points.
The changeover contacts (P) of the two switches, identical in number, are connected to one another by conductors. The first (common - Common) contacts of the two devices are connected - one with the phase wire, the second with the “zero” wire through the lamp lamp.
The operation of the circuit is tested as follows:
- The mounted section of the circuit is provided with voltage.
- Switch the key of the first switch to the “On” mode.
- The lighting lamp lights up.
- Follow to the location of the second device.
- Change the current position of the key of the second device.
- The lighting lamp turns off.
Now, if you perform all the operations in reverse order, the effect of the lighting system will be similar. This confirms the normal operation of the circuit.
How to do the actual installation
Before you begin installing an apartment (or other) walk-through switch, it is recommended to draw a wiring diagram, something like this:
An example of creating a diagram for installing a system of feed-through switches: N – neutral wire of the network; L – phase wire of the network; RK – distribution box; PV1 – first device; PV2 – second device; 1,2,3 – contact groups
The current supply to the section of the circuit with pass-through switches is usually carried out through a standard distribution box. Thus, the first step of installation is selecting the optimal location for the junction box, installing it and supplying electrical wiring. The three-core cable (phase-zero-ground) is brought into the box.
In addition to installing the distribution box, the natural need remains to prepare niches for mounting the chassis of walk-through switches. The most convenient places are also chosen for them. Typically, devices are mounted next to the frames of pass-through doors.
One of possible options installation of communication with two devices - one at each of the passage doors. This option is quite suitable for classic projects residential and office buildings
Having completed the preparatory installation procedures, proceed to connecting the separated conductor lines. The first is connected to any of the switches, to its 1 output (phase conductor).
Next, the conductors are connected between the changeover contacts. The last line to be connected is the zero line to the remaining free first contact of the second switch. All that remains is to supply voltage to the assembled circuit (turn on the circuit breaker) and test the assembly for correct operation.
Cross designs
There is a modification of the devices - cross switches. Structurally, they are devices with four contact switching. Their main purpose is to help design switching circuits for lamps and other devices from three or more control points.
Circuitry with a cross-action model: 1 – regular switch; 2 – cross-action switch; 3 – regular switch; 4 – distribution box; 5 – lamp lamp; N – network zero conductor; L – phase conductor
Meanwhile, to implement such circuits involving cross models in the structure, it is necessary to use conventional pass-through switches. The circuit implementation involves the inclusion of cross modifications in series between a pair of conventional pass-through switches. The crossover model has a pair of input terminals and a pair of output terminals.
Products are produced for external (surface) installation and devices for use in hidden wiring networks. There is a wide choice of load capacities, and a variety of color scheme and the design also does not limit user needs.
Circuit solutions for practical operation
The most commonly used circuits for connecting pass-through devices are, as a rule, circuits for one-, two-, and three-key devices. The single-key option was discussed above.
Therefore, let’s see what the step-by-step instructions for connecting a two-key device look like.
- It is necessary to schematically outline the installation of the system.
- Carry out work on installing the switchgear and socket boxes.
- Install the required number of light groups.
- Lay out the network taking into account the supply of phase, neutral, and grounding conductors.
- Connect the separated conductors according to the drawn diagram.
Attention should be paid not only to purely electrical installation work, but also to technical work. For example, it is recommended to pay great attention to the installation of socket boxes.
These elements must be securely mounted in the wall so that in the future they provide at least reliable fastening devices.
The implementation of this solution is based on the creation of a system that allows you to control a light group of three points separated by distances. The elemental base consists of three devices, two of which are two-key through-type devices and one is a cross-type device.
A widespread version of the three-point circuit: N – electrical zero; L – electrical phase; PV1 – first two-key switch; PV2 – second two-key switch; PV3 – crossover switch
A kind of connection instruction in this case looks something like this:
- A wiring and connection diagram is created.
- Work is underway to install the distribution box and socket boxes.
- Three-core electrical cables are laid in the amount of 4 pieces.
- Electrical installation is carried out - connection according to the diagram.
This option for creating a communication power network looks somewhat complicated. As is clear even from laying the cables, you will have to deal with a total of 12 conductors. Regular pass-through switches require 6 wires, while a crossover switch requires 8 wires.
A phase line is connected to the common terminal of any of the two-key switches. The line of the light group is connected to the common line of the second two-key switch. The remaining conductors are connected according to the contact numbers according to the schematic diagram.
Touch switch models
In addition to keyboard and lever modifications, there are touch-sensitive models on the market. In essence, the functions of the devices are the same, but the principle of operation, as well as the design, are somewhat different.
The modern modification is a touch model, which has a more convenient operating principle. In addition, this type of household communicators has an increased service life due to the absence of mechanics in the design
There are two types of touch switches:
- Direct sensors.
- Touch sensors with dimmers.
The first ones work on direct, clear contact through a brief touch of the fingertip to the glass panel of the device. That is, in this option only the on/off function works. The second design option (dimmer) provides switching on and off with smooth control of the brightness of the lamps.
To work with these devices, the same finger touch is required, followed by holding the fingertip on the glass until the required brightness of the lamp is achieved.
Rear view of the touch device, where the connection terminals are located: COM – synchronizing connector for working in pairs with other devices; L – contact for the network phase; L1 – first output channel; L2 – second output channel
The circuitry of sensor devices differs from devices of other designs in that it contains one common (phase) terminal (L), two changeover terminals (L1, L2) and one “COM” terminal.
The "COM" contact is used for communication between switches when building complex circuits. For example, with control of several lighting zones from three or more points. In this case, a load power of no more than 1 kW is allowed per light zone.
The classic version of circuit wiring with one sensor device: N – electrical zero; L – electrical phase; L1 – load of the first channel; L2 – load of the second channel
A simple organization of a control system with one sensor device is performed as follows:
- The phase line is connected to the “L” terminal.
- Line "L1" forms one lighting zone.
- Line "L2" forms the second lighting zone.
If a group of devices is used, the phase contacts of the devices (L) are connected in parallel, plus the “COM” terminals are connected to each other. All other terminals are connected as standard depending on the number of switched light zones.
Programming Touch Switches
In order for touch devices to function correctly, they must be programmed. Essentially, we are talking about synchronizing all switches in a group. Programming is performed in the following sequence:
- Touch the sensor for 5 seconds. until a beep sounds (or the LED blinks).
- After the beep, release the touch and move on to the next device.
- Touching the sensor of the second device.
- If the LED on the front panel responds with short flashes, success.
- Cancel synchronization - touch the sensor for 10 seconds.
For touch structures there are some installation restrictions.
For example, the maximum permissible distance from switch to switch must be at least 30 m.
Conclusions and useful video on the topic
Theoretical information on how a pass-through switch is installed in a room:
These are the seriously modified electrical components that the familiar electrical switches look like. Now these are no longer just switches for electric lamps screwed into chandelier sockets. These devices can be successfully used to control other objects. For example, doing the work of raising and lowering curtains on the windows of an apartment.
Pass-through switches allow you to control lighting from two or more different places at once. In some situations, this is not just an additional convenience, but also an urgent necessity.
You are invited to familiarize yourself with the operating features of pass-through switches, the main options for their connection and the installation instructions themselves.
Most often, such switches are used in the following places:
- on the stairs. You can install switches on the 1st and 2nd floors. We turn on the lights at the bottom, go up the stairs, and turn them off at the top. For houses with a height of more than two floors, additional switches can be added to the circuit;
- in the bedrooms. We install a switch at the entrance to the room, and another one or even two near the bed. We entered the bedroom, turned on the light, got ready for bed, lay down and turned off the lighting with a device installed near the bed;
- in the corridors. We install a switch at the beginning and at the end of the corridor. We go in, turn on the light, reach the end, turn it off.
The list can be continued for a very long time, because for almost every situation there is its own option for using the pass-through switch system.
Switch installation diagrams
There are several options for connecting the devices in question. We present to your attention the most popular and successful of them.
The system is assembled from two single-type pass-through switches.
Each of these devices has one contact at the input and a pair of contacts at the output.
The “zero” wire is connected from the power source through the distribution box to the lighting fixture. The phase cable, also passing through the box, is connected to the common contact of the first switch. The output contacts of this switch are connected via a box to the output contacts of the next device.
Finally, the wire from the common contact of the 2nd switch is connected to the lighting fixture via a junction box.
There is an option that allows you to control different groups of lighting fixtures from two places. For example, we need to organize the ability to control lighting in a room directly from the room itself and from the adjacent corridor. There is a chandelier with 5 lights. We can install a pass-through switch system to turn on and off two groups of light bulbs in our chandelier.
The diagram shows the option of dividing the light bulbs into 2 groups. One has 3, the other has 2. The number of lighting fixtures in groups can change at the discretion of the owner.
To set up such a system, we also use 2 pass-through switches, but they must be of a double type, and not single, as in the previous version.
The double switch design has 2 contacts at the input and 4 at the output. Otherwise, the connection procedure remains similar to the previous method, only the number of cables and controlled lighting fixtures changes.
This connection method differs from previous options only in that a cross switch is added to the circuit. This device has 2 contacts at the input and a similar number of contacts at the output.
You have become familiar with the most popular installation schemes for pass-through switches. However, the number of such devices does not necessarily have to be limited to two or three. If necessary, the circuit can be expanded to include the required number of devices. The principle of operation remains the same for all cases: at the beginning and at the end of the chain, a single pass-through switch with three contacts, and cross devices with four contacts are used as intermediate elements.
We install switches to control lighting from three different places
If there are usually no problems with setting up a system to control lighting from two different places, because the circuit has simplest form, then installing three switches can cause certain difficulties for an untrained installer.
We will look at how to install a system of two pass-through and one crossover switches. By analogy, you can assemble a circuit from a larger number of devices.
Before starting any further work, turn off the power supply.
To do this, find the corresponding switch in the in-house electrical panel or in the panel on the site (for apartment owners). Additionally, make sure that there is no voltage in the switch wires using a special indicator screwdriver. Also perform a similar check at the installation locations of the devices.
Set for work
- Flathead and Phillips screwdrivers.
- Wire stripping tool. Can be replaced with a regular knife.
- Side cutters or pliers.
- Level.
- Indicator screwdriver.
- Hammer.
- Roulette.
To install switches, we must first prepare grooves in the wall for laying electrical cables, energize the wires and extend them to the locations of the installed devices.
For gating concrete walls It is most convenient to use a hammer drill. If the partitions are made of limestone, it is better to make the indentations using a chisel, because In such material, the punch will leave a groove that is too wide and deep, which will make fixing the wire difficult and will require more cement or plaster consumption in the future.
It is not recommended to use a hammer drill to drill brick walls - it can split the masonry. In such a situation, the only safe solution is to lay the cables in pre-adapted joints between the masonry elements.
Wooden walls are not grooved - the wires are laid in special protective boxes. Most often, the cable is pulled under the baseboard and brought out directly under the switch installation site.
First step. We begin the work by connecting the wires to the electrical panel. There should not be any difficulties at this stage - modern devices allow you to start up to 8 or more wires at once.
Important point! First we need to determine the optimal cable cross-section. Domestic power grids can hardly be called stable. The current strength in them constantly fluctuates, and in moments of overload it even increases to dangerous values. To avoid problems with wiring, we use copper wires with a cross section of 2.5 mm 2.
Second step. Select a convenient height for installing switches. At this point, we focus entirely on our preferences.
Third step. Having decided on the installation height of the switches, we proceed to gating. The width and depth of the grooves are 1.5 times larger than the diameter of the wire.
Important point! The wires are connected to the switches from below, so we install the groove 5-10 cm below the installation points of the switches. This requirement is relevant from a purely practical point of view, because in such conditions, working with cables is easier and more convenient.
Fourth step. We lay the wires in grooves. We fix the wiring elements with small nails. We drive nails into the wall so that they support the cable and prevent it from falling out. Before attaching the wires, we need to insert them into the subswitch (installation box). We will consider this point in the main section of the instructions. We will plaster the grooves after installing all the switches, making sure that the system is working.
| Nom. current, A | Cable cross-section, mm2 | Permissible cable current, A | Cable outer diameter, mm |
|---|---|---|---|
| 16 | 2x1.5 | 20 | 13 |
| 16 | 3x1.5 | 18 | 13,6 |
| 40 | 2x2.5 | 27 | 14,6 |
| 40 | 3x4 | 32 | 17,6 |
| 63 | 1x10 | 75 | 13,2 |
| 63 | 2x10 | 60 | 21,6 |
| 63 | 3x16 | 70 | 24,9 |
| 100, 160 | 1x16 | 100 | 14,2 |
| 100, 160 | 2x25 | 100 | 27 |
| 100, 160 | 3x25 | 118 | 31,2 |
Fifth step. We make holes for installing switches according to the size of the devices used.
Let's move on to the main stage of work.
Installing switches
First step. We run the wires from the junction box into the subswitch. We cut the cables so that approximately 100 mm of their length remains in the installation box. Side cutters or pliers will help us with this. We remove approximately 1-1.5 cm of insulation from the ends of the wires.
Second step. Install the pass-through switch. We connect the phase cable (in our example it is white) to the terminal marked in the form of the letter L. We connect the remaining two cables to the terminals marked with arrows.
In your case, the color of the cables may vary. Don't know how to lay and connect the wires in the junction box? Then do the following. Turn off the electricity and find the phase. An indicator screwdriver will help you. A phase is a live cable. It is this that you connect to the terminal with the letter L, and the remaining wires are randomly connected to the terminals marked with arrows.
Third step. We install the cross switch. 4 wires are connected to it. We have a pair of cables, each of which has blue and white cores.
Let's understand the order of terminal markings on the switch. At the top we see a pair of arrows pointing “inside” the device, while at the bottom they are pointing “away” from it.
We connect the first pair of cables from the previously installed pass-through switch to the terminals at the top. We connect the remaining two cables to the terminals below.
To find live cables, we turn on the electricity and find the phases one by one. First, we determine the first one by changing the position of the key of the first pass-through switch. We find the next phase on the crossover switch cables. Next, we just have to connect the remaining wires to the terminals below.
Fourth step. Let's start connecting the last switch. We need to find the cables in it through which the voltage from the crossover switch flows. Our cables have blue and yellow. We connect them to the terminals marked with arrows. The white cable remains. We connect it to the terminal marked with the letter L.
We already know the procedure for identifying live cables. In the case of the second switch, we need to connect a wire that will not have voltage to the L terminal.
Fifth step. Carefully insert the device mechanisms into the mounting boxes. We carefully bend the wires to the base. We secure the devices. Fasteners in the mounting box or “claws” for clamping mechanisms will help us with this.
Sixth step.
Controlling lighting from two places is not a new idea, but it is actively used today. To implement this, pass-through switches are used.
What is the difference between a pass-through switch and a regular switch?
If you look at the pass-through switch from the side, you will not find any external differences. The significant and only difference between such switches and simple ones lies within their design.
A conventional single-pole single-key switch has two contacts in its design, fixed and movable. The moving contact is driven by a key that we press by hand and closes with the fixed contact. This closes the electrical circuit and supplies power to the lamp. There are also designs of two-pole single-key switches that essentially perform the same function as the previous one. Its difference is that the neutral wire going to the lamp breaks in the same way as the phase wire. This was done to improve security.
Picture 1. Schematic diagram connection of single-pole and double-pole single-key switches
The pass-through switch has two fixed and one moving contacts. The moving contact is always closed with one of the fixed ones. When you press a key and move it from one position, for example, "off" to another position - "on", the moving contact also changes its position, opening with a closed contact and closing with an open one. That is, the pass-through switch does not have an “off” position and it works not as a switch, but as a switch. Therefore, in technical literature and in manufacturers' catalogs it is correctly called a switch. For example: “single-pole, single-gang, double-throw switch.” Keep this in mind when you buy switches to assemble a control circuit from two places.
In addition to single-pole switches, there are double-pole and even three-pole switches.
For ease of understanding, in this article we will use the expression not a switch, but a pass-through switch, since it is more often used among people.
Where is a similar lighting control system used?
The most commonly considered lighting control system is used in public and production premises, namely: in long corridors, tunnels, passage rooms, that is, in rooms where there are two doors equally serving as entrance and exit, in staircases and other places. In all of the above cases, pass-through switches are installed next to the doors.
If we talk about residential premises, the installation location for walk-through switches can be, for example, Entrance door into the room and a place on the wall next to the bedside table. In this case, a person entering the room will turn on the light by pressing the pass-through switch located next to the door, and sitting on the bed, without getting up, he can turn it off with the second pass-through switch located next to the bed.
Using pass-through switches, you can control one luminaire or lamp, or a group of them. For each case apply different types pass-through switches (single-key, two-key, three-key). The main goal that a person pursues when installing such switches is the convenience of light control and reducing energy costs.
Connecting a pass-through single-key switch
Figure 2 shows a schematic diagram of connecting pass-through switches designed to control one lamp or one group of lamps from two places remote from each other. As you probably already understood, a single-pole pass-through switch has two fixed contacts and one changeover contact. The changeover contact of one of the switches is supplied with supply voltage. The changeover contact of the second switch is connected to the lamp, and the lamp, in turn, is connected to the neutral wire of the supply network. The fixed contacts of the first switch will be connected by two separate conductors to the two fixed contacts of the second switch.
Figure 2. Schematic diagram for connecting a pass-through switch with one pole and one key
In the diagram, the position of the changeover contacts of both switches is the same, which corresponds, for example, to the lowered position of their keys. The electrical circuit is open. If we press the key of the first switch and move it to the raised position, then the changeover contact of this switch will accordingly also change its position and close the electrical circuit. It will flow along the chain electricity(the direction of the current is shown by arrows), and the lamp will begin to glow. If you now press the key of the second switch and also change its position, the circuit will again be open and the lamp will go out.
For a more visual representation of how the conductors are connected, Figure 3 shows a wiring diagram for connecting pass-through switches. The green circle is nothing more than a distribution box, inside which the wires are connected. The round pieces inside the box are soldered wires, made in the form of twists with welding, crimped with self-clamping insulating caps, connected with terminals or a screw connection. Everything else I think is clear.
Figure 3. Wiring diagram for connecting single-pole single-key pass-through switches
Figure 4 below shows a diagram of the arrangement of equipment and routing of wires. The connection of the wires in this case is carried out in two junction boxes 1 installed above walk-through switches 3 . This was done to save wires. If we installed one junction box and assembled the circuit in it, we would have to lay two more wires from the box to the switch closest to us. If the power wires were supplied from the lamp side 2 , then all connections could be made in one box without unnecessary wiring costs.
Here: L- linear (phase) wire; N- neutral wire; P.E.- ground wire.
Figure 4. An example of a lighting control circuit from two places using pass-through single-pole single-key switches
For a better understanding of what you read, I advise you to watch the following video:
Connecting a pass-through two-key switch
The electrical circuit of a pass-through two-pole two-key switch is similar electrical diagram single-pole single-key pass-through switch. The difference is that another set of contacts is built into one housing (another movable and two fixed contacts). Externally, a pass-through two-key switch is similar to a regular double switch.
The purpose of two-key pass-through switches is to divide one large group of lamps or luminaires into two groups. That is, their operation is similar to the operation of a conventional double switch installed in the living room and designed to turn on the lamps of a large beautiful chandelier.
The two-key pass-through switch is connected in accordance with the circuit diagram shown in Figure 5. The directions of the currents are indicated by arrows.
Figure 5. Schematic diagram of connecting a pass-through two-key switch
Figure 6. Wiring diagram for connecting two-pole two-key pass-through switches
Lighting control from three places or more
There are times when it becomes necessary to turn on the light in a room not from one or two places, but from three, four or more. To implement such a scheme, manufacturers manufacture intermediate switches (switches). An example of a control scheme from three places is shown in Figure 7.
Figure 7. Schematic diagram of connecting two-pole two-key through and intermediate switches
As can be seen from the diagram, the intermediate switch has four fixed and two moving contacts. When a key is pressed, the moving contacts simultaneously switch from one pair of fixed contacts to another pair.
Figure 8. Wiring diagram for connecting single-pole single-key pass-through switches and intermediate switch
In order to be able to turn the light on and off, for example, from four places, another intermediate switch is installed. It is placed between one of the pass-through switches and the existing intermediate switch. By analogy, you can increase the number of control positions to any value.
Figure 9. Schematic diagram of lighting control from five places
To increase comfort and convenience when operating lighting devices, a pass-through switch is used: the connection diagram clearly displays the operating principle of the switching device. With its help, you can control the lighting of the room from any point. The design features and installation rules of the product are described in detail in this article.
Pass-through switches are designed to turn lighting on and off from different ends of a room or 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 operating principle allows for significant energy savings.
Pass-through switch appearance no different from usual. Its front movable panel also shows up and down arrows. A typical switch has one input and one output. In contrast to this 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.
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If lighting control is planned from more places, general scheme Additional cross switches are introduced, which are connected according to the above principle.
A three-wire cable is supplied to each pass-through switch, and a four-wire cable is supplied to the crossover switch. All wires used for connection must be of the same cross-section. Switches that can operate at normal currents of 6.10 and 16A must have the same rating. A visual diagram for connecting pass-through switches from 3 places can be seen on specialized websites on the Internet.
Connection diagram for a two-key pass-through switch
Using pass-through switches, you can control not only one lamp, but also a group of several lighting fixtures. To do this, connect the feedthroughs two-gang switches. Each of them has six contacts. Common wires are determined according to the same principle as for conventional devices, but a larger number of wires need to be wired.
The difference between the double pass-through switch wiring diagram is that more wires are used here. The phase is supplied to both inputs of the first switch. Wires should go out from the two inputs of the second switch to 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 available as single-key switches.
In this case, according to the principle of connecting double pass-through switches with crossover switches, the first pair of contacts should be connected to one crossover, and the second to the other. If necessary, the devices are connected to each other. The output of both crossover switches must be connected to the last two-key transfer device.
Well-known manufacturers of pass-through switches
The Legrand company occupies a leading position in the electrical goods market. The demand for Legrand pass-through switches is due to high quality product execution, ease of installation, convenience in further operation, stylish design and flexible pricing policy. The only drawback is the need to adjust the installation location. If it does not coincide with the product, difficulties may arise during its installation, which is carried out according to the connection diagram for the Legrand pass-through switch.
A subsidiary of Legrand is the Chinese company Lezard. However, the products have only a stylish design left from their native brand. The build quality is much lower, which is due to the low cost of the products.
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 meet European quality standards. The models have a universal, stylish design that allows each element to fit into any interior of the room. Distinctive feature Wessen switches is the ability to replace the decorative frame without dismantling the device.
Another equally well-known manufacturer is the Turkish company Viko. The products are characterized by high quality workmanship, reliability and durability, and comply with electrical safety requirements and European quality standards. In the manufacture of the device body, fireproof durable plastic is used, which is designed for a large number of work cycles.
The Turkish brand Makel offers high-quality, reliable, safe and stylish products. Thanks to the ability to connect a cable without the need to use a distribution box, installation of switches becomes simpler, and further operation becomes comfortable and safe.
Popular range of pass-through switches
Legrand pass-through switches from the Velena series are distinguished by their stylish design and a variety of color variations. Here are one- and two-key products that have a dust- and moisture-proof layer. You can buy a switch from 300 rubles.
The Celiane series includes products with circular keys inscribed in a square. They can be non-contact with levers or silent. The cost of switches starts from 700 rubles. The lineup Exclusive Celiane features a limited number of switches handcrafted from marble, bamboo, porcelain, gold, myrtle and other materials. Frames are made exclusively 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 from non-flammable polycarbonate, which meets electrical safety requirements. The conductive elements are made of phosphor bronze, which is characterized by high conductivity and low heating. You can buy a pass-through single-key switch from 125 rubles.
The W 59 Frame series from Wessen uses a modular principle, allowing you to install from 1 to 4 devices in one frame horizontally or vertically. The price of the product is 140 rubles. Are different simple design, but high quality single and double pass-through switches from the Asfora series, which can be purchased for 450 rubles.
Among the popular series of the Makel company we can highlight Defne and Makel Mimoza. The device body is made of high-quality plastic, equipped with an internal reliable mechanism. The cost of products starts from 150 rubles.
The operating principle and installation of switching devices do not pose any significant difficulties. It is necessary to first study the connection diagram and follow the recommendations of electrical safety rules, which will make it possible to carry out reliable and safe installation of devices, thereby ensuring convenient and comfortable control lighting fixtures in the house.
How to connect a pass-through switch: video connection diagrams
