Switch double wiring diagram. How to connect a double switch. Preparatory work for installing a switch with two buttons
The two-gang switch is very important element to adjust the degree of illumination of an apartment or a private house. Light bulbs can be arranged in groups or one at a time, light can be supplied to them by a separate key.
Very often, during repairs, when conducting new wiring, the question arises of how to connect a two-gang switch in order to provide several lighting modes. How to connect a two-gang switch, taking into account necessary measures security - read on!
The design and principle of operation of the two-gang switch
The design of a two-gang switch is quite simple. It consists of:
- Two keys (moving up and down parts).
- Housing (shell), which is removed before starting work with electricity.
- Terminal blocks (those places to which voltage or current are supplied).
Rarely, the third element - terminal blocks - can be replaced in the design with screw terminals. The difference is that the former hold the wire for a long time and securely, while the latter do the same, but without clamping the wire, but twisting it, so the first option is easier to connect and last longer. Also, the design may include additional illumination - a dimmer located on each key. Read about connecting a two-gang switch with dimmers below.
Inside the non-illuminated two-gang switch there are two wires running parallel to each other and an input for the phase. Each of the terminals suitable for the keys can, independently of the other, open or close the contact, as a result of which one lamp (part of the lamps), the second lamp, or all the lamps together are switched on
.
Note! If you need to apply current not to one, but to several light bulbs at once. Definitely worth using stranded wires. This just allows you to make a two-key model of the switch.
The principle of operation of the switch is the variability of the degree of illumination:
- You can turn on only one key so that one light bulb (or the first group of lights) lights up.
- It is possible to turn on the second key - the lighting will change, as some parts of the room will be clearly visible, while others will be slightly darkened.
- The third option is to turn on “to the fullest” - both keys are in the “on” position - then the room receives maximum lighting.
By the way, some two-key switches consist of two single-key devices isolated from each other. In this case, it is customary to call them modular.
In addition to the external component, such a device can also perform the functions of saving energy and creating a diverse atmosphere. And two-gang switches increase safety, since when they are installed in a room, the number of points with electrical voltage decreases.
Before starting work on preparing for connecting the switch, we suggest that you familiarize yourself with the diagram of a two-gang switch below:
Preparatory work
When working with an electrician, extreme accuracy and caution must be observed, therefore, all materials and tools needed for work must be prepared and purchased in advance:
- screwdriver flat and Phillips;
- pliers;
- side cutters;
- insulating tape;
- good construction knife sharp blade(for stripping the ends of the wires);
- for crimping, it is more convenient to use a special tool - a crimping tool (it is not required if the wires are not stranded);
- switch;
- wires.
Attention! It is very important to turn off the mains voltage before starting work!
It is extremely important (especially for non-professionals) to draw a diagram for connection and lay the wiring in advance and correctly.
The circuit should include the following three wires:
- Ground wire(displayed on the light source, indicated on the diagram as “0” or with an arrow pointing down).
- Neutral wire(also displayed on the light source, indicated by the letter “N”).
- Phase- a live wire, which, when turned on, must provide power to the light bulbs (terminals for a phase wire are indicated Latin letter"L").
Carry out the wiring can be one of two possible ways: open or closed. For the first one you will need Additional materials- corrugated pipes or strobes, for the second - you need to gouge grooves in the walls.
Please note that wiring is done before plastering the walls and ceiling. This means that only after laying all the wires and their sufficient insulation, you can start finishing work.
To make a small recess under the switch, you will also have to use a chisel and a hammer (this is not necessary if the switch will be installed in the old place).
Connecting a two-gang switch
Before making the connection, you must first strip the ends of the wires by 1-1.5 centimeters to ensure good contact with the terminals. If the wires are powerful, stranded, at this stage you need to press their ends.
There should be three wires going to the switch with two keys. One of them is the input - phase, and the other two are output, which will supply voltage directly to the lamp itself.
The neutral wire and ground, as already mentioned, are connected directly to the light source (to the light bulbs, more precisely, to their contacts).
After that, you need to find the phase wire and the entrance under it (it, unlike the outputs, is one). Look at the switch, previously released from the upper casing. It must have at least one arrow on it. It usually indicates where and where the phase will go from. Near the base of the arrow, the phase wire must have an entrance.
As a rule, in such switches, the terminals for the phase input are marked with the symbol "L", in turn, the terminals for the output cables are marked with arrow symbols.
To accurately find the phase, use a special device. And if it is not there, you can determine this experimentally by connecting a chandelier or lamp for a while.
So, you need to alternately connect with pliers in pairs (not simultaneously!) One wire with two others. That is, you choose one wire and bring it first to one of the remaining, then to the other. This wire, from which one or another group of lamps (lamps) will light up, is the phase.
When the phase is found, it can be connected to the switch input (this is the first wire that goes to the switch), and the other two wires to the two output terminals, respectively (these are the second and third wires that go to the switch). Then it remains only to isolate the dangerous places on the wires and insert the structure into the socket, which should be screwed into place prepared in advance for this.
After that, it remains only to install the fittings and you can check the device in operation.
In order to better understand the connection diagram, we suggest watching the video below, which describes in detail and examples show the connection diagram of a two-gang switch:
Connecting a backlit two-gang switch
In the circuit described above, the illuminated switch makes small additions. Namely: two more wires appear (so that when the light is off, the red indicator on each of the two keys is on - it's easier to look for the switch in the dark).
So, these additional wires come from mini-indicators located on the keys. Next, you need to connect one of them to the phase that goes from above, and the second, which goes from below to the wire that goes to one of the two lamps (groups of lamps).
- Calculate in advance the required (sufficient) cross-section and length of the wires, depending on the power of the light sources. The cross section cannot be less than one and a half square millimeter.
- It is recommended that in addition to the junction box, you also purchase an additional protective device, which will protect against short circuits and overloads in the mains.
- Choose terminal switches, and not with screwed screws, as the first connection option is stronger and more durable: the screws will need to be tightened after a while.
- You can adjust the illumination with a single-key device! But for this, it is purchased and installed optional equipment- the so-called dimmer.
- If you will install a similar design to illuminate a bathroom or other wet place, in no case mount the switch indoors.
- Note: if the switch is modular, then there is always one more near the input terminal. These two terminals must be connected to each other with a separate wire.
- All connections and connections are strictly forbidden to be carried out outside special junction boxes. And in the case of complicated environmental conditions, additional protection must be made (for example, against water, humidity, ingress of other solid and liquid substances).
- If you install a switch, for example, for a toilet, then one of the keys can turn on the light in this room, and the other - the hood.
Connecting a switch that controls the light with two keys is not difficult if you follow the above instructions exactly. Read all instructions first and helpful tips so as not to miss anything, then everything will work out!
A switch with two keys is a fairly popular device used in almost every apartment. With its help, they provide alternate and joint switching on of light bulbs in a chandelier or separate lighting, for example, in two separate rooms or on the street and in the corridor. Some homeowners use it to connect the hood and light in the kitchen.
If the light is carried out on a balcony or loggia using double switch it is possible to avoid installing two separate buttons individually for each zone. Dividing rooms into zones using lighting, as well as many other modern design solutions made possible by connecting the simplest electrical device - a switch with two keys.
I would like to note that to connect any electrical elements a double switch is within the power of anyone who knows how to handle a screwdriver. For this don't have to be professional builder or be able to understand complex electrical circuits. All that is needed is a standard tool that can be found in the pantry of every economic person and, of course, a desire.
What tools and knowledge will be needed to install the switch?
If a chandelier is connected, first of all you need to worry about de-energizing the wiring coming out of the ceiling. After the wiring is marked and the electricity is turned off, you can proceed to the installation of a switch with two keys. But before that, you need to prepare the connecting elements and insulation for the wires, which are divided into the following types:
- self-clamping terminal;
- screw clamp;
- silicone cap or insulating tape if the wires are connected using twists.
The most convenient and reliable option connection of wires, their fixation with self-clamping terminals is considered. In turn, the use screw terminals less reliable, since such fasteners weaken over time, and the insulating tape loses its elasticity.
For correct connection light bulbs in the chandelier is important read carefully circuit diagram devices. This in the future will eliminate any breakdown in the event of its occurrence during operation. lighting device. For the correct and accurate work with your own hands, you need to have the following tools available:
- Screwdriver Set;
- construction knife or any other device for stripping wires;
- wire cutters or pliers with side cutters.
Naturally, this is a minimum set of tools and it can be expanded depending on whether the place is prepared for installing a switch with two keys or not, and whether it is possible to mount a chandelier, as well as other nuances that arise during repairs.
Features of the preparation of electrical wires
Depending on the type of device connected to the mains, the preparation of electrical wires may differ. If a chandelier is installed with several lamps, from which a pair of wires departs, then the connection can be made depending on the preferences of the homeowner.
In modern lighting devices, wire preparation is performed still on the conveyor of the plant, connecting them by standard scheme . Therefore, if it becomes necessary to change combinations, turn on the lamps, you will have to completely disassemble the chandelier.
In most cases, there are 3 wires in the installation box. At the same time, it is desirable that they be no more than 100 mm in length. This size is enough to carry out a comfortable connection of the switch and the lighting fixture. At the ends of the wire, you need to strip it to a distance of 10 to 15 mm.
If a modular switch is connected, the design of which consists of two separately designed keys, it is important to take care of the nutrition of both one and the second part of it. To do this, a jumper is made from a conventional wire, which connects both parts of the electrical device.
Installation of two-gang switches - stages of work
The basic rule for carrying out work is a correctly drawn up connection diagram for a two-gang switch, which provides for connecting the neutral wire directly to the lighting fixture, and the phases through an electrical circuit breaker. To mount the device case to the wall, you will need to drill a hole 70 cm in diameter with a puncher. At the same time, when connecting a two-button switch model to the network alternating current it is important to follow the main stages of work.
In conclusion installation work power supply is restored in the switchboard and the compliance of switching on groups of lighting devices is checked switch keys.
Wiring diagrams for a double switch in a mounting box
In the mounting box from the electrical wiring distribution panel for the lighting group, in most cases they lay double wire. In this case, the phase wire is usually indicated in red, and zero in blue.
Wires with two cores are also laid from the mounting box to each group of light sources. In this case, the zero vein of each group is connected to the neutral wire connected from the switchboard. For convenience, it is permissible to use a serial connection scheme on the terminal of the consumer closest to the mounting box.
The phase of the wiring coming from the switchboard is connected to the wire of the three-core cable that goes from the mounting box to the switch with two keys. According to the diagram, the other two cores must be connected to the free ends of the wires suitable for light sources.
If the wires are connected not with clamps, but with twists, then they must be at least 4 cm in size. It is advisable to solder the contact groups and insulate with insulating tape. At the same time, the connection diagram of the two-gang switch allows you to perform all work smoothly and quickly.
For what purpose, the switch breaks the phase?
The phase wire is broken by the switch primarily for the safety of repairing the lighting fixture, for example, when replacing burnt out light sources. In this case, it is enough just to turn off the switch, and not turn off the electricity in the whole house.
If you mix up the wires when connecting and break the zero switch, and not the phase, then standing on a damp floor or an aluminum ladder by accident, touching the metal part of the cartridge connected to the phase, a blow will occur electric shock. And there is no need to talk about the consequences of an electric shock or a fall from a high ladder, since it is clear that nothing good awaits a person in such a situation.
In my article, I described in detail how pass-through switches work and how to connect a single-key option. Now I will tell you in detail how to connect a 2-key or double pass switch, which allows you to separately control 2 independent switching lines. For example, 2 lamps or one chandelier with separate lamps.
Usually, 2 key circuits are applied in rooms, offices- where separate switching is necessary with different places two lighting lines, and in the corridors, near the stairs, one keyboard pass-through switch.
Arrows on the keys, which indicate the direction of its position to turn off or turn on the light. It must be borne in mind that if the light is turned on with any switch, then if you turn it off with another, then the position of its key does not matter - just click it. This is the difference from conventional switches which have two fixed key positions: up-on, down-off.
Passage double switch structurally consists of two single-key passthrough combined in one body. They also work on the principle of "throwing" contacts. All of them use 6 contacts for connection, of which 2 are input and 4 are output.
Schematic diagram of connecting a double-gang switch.
So let's take a look how it works and how to connect a 2 key switch. Its device is very simple: it consists of two independent groups of contacts. Contacts 1 and 2, when the keys are pressed, switch from the top two unrelated lines to the bottom two, which go to the second same switch.
As can be seen in this diagram, the contact of the right switch No. 2 comes with junction box electrical network of a house or apartment. Further, contacts 1 and 2 are connected by a jumper. And from the left, 1 and 2 leave without intersecting into two independent lamps. Four cross contacts are connected respectively in pairs to each other. Attention be careful if you confuse from different pairs plug- circuit will not work.
as in conventional fixtures, goes to the lamps directly from.
For control circuits of three or more places, you will need two two-gang limit switches and one(for control from three places) double cross view, which is set in the circuit between the first two.
Connecting a cross pass switch will not be difficult, but for this you need to combine it 4 electrical wires with each end. As a rule, for this, 8 wires are connected to one junction box and 6 from each limit switch. And of course, do not forget to bring a power cable there, and two outgoing cables to connect lamps or a chandelier.
If you need to connect 4 switches, then add between the cross and any end-one more cross type.
When connecting two-key cross type do not mix up pairs and do not connect wires from different lines in one turn, otherwise the circuit will not work. When installing with your own hands, in order to eliminate errors, always in your head imagine that you are connecting 2 independent one-button walk-through switches combined in one housing.
Practical wiring diagram for Legrand double switches.
I am always happy to install and connect the switches of the famous German Legrand, which not only stand out for their quality and durable and flawless performance, but are also easy to install and connect using spring contacts.
Let's look at how 2 key switches from this manufacturer are connected using the diagram from the kit.
On the one located on the left, the phase comes to its lower left contact, then the second and third from the bottom are connected by wires with 2 and 3 lower right switches, in which the already switched phase leaves the first one to the first line of switching on the fixtures.
The upper first two contacts are connected at both switches by electrical wires, respectively. And from the third contact of the left, the phase goes to the second line for turning on the fixtures. And at the right, the phase from the junction box of the electrical wiring of the house comes to the third contact. But more often one phase wire is enough, which is accordingly combined with a jumper with the second input for the phase.
In principle, as you can see, the pass-through switch will be able to independently connect almost any person. Just be sure to follow. And if the circuit does not work correctly, then check the correctness of all connections according to the circuit.
Similar materials.
Tsugunov Anton Valerievich
Reading time: 3 minutes
Installation and connection of a two-gang light switch is relevant in cases where it may be necessary to change the intensity of the room lighting or control the lighting of various areas of the interior. You can adjust the amount of light by changing the number of working lamps using such a device. Since this product has two keys, it is able to control the operation of two groups of luminaires. As a rule, two-gang light switches are installed in conjunction with chandeliers that have more than two bulbs in their composition.
Another situation in which the use of such devices is preferable is their use for turning on from one place of light to various rooms or corridors.
It must be said right away that the connection diagram of a two-gang switch is in many ways similar to the similar circuit used for.
Thus, the scope of such devices is very extensive, but in all cases the same scheme for their connection is used. In order to figure out how to connect a two-gang switch, you should familiarize yourself with its device and the principle of operation.
The design of the two-gang switch
The classification of these devices is quite simple. There are built-in and overhead models designed for use, respectively, with a hidden or open wiring. Among additional features, which can be equipped with these devices, you can highlight the backlight. Illuminated switches are easy to find in dark room so they are very convenient to use.
The design of a two-key product is quite simple and in many ways similar to internal organization single switch. The only difference is that there is a separate contact designed to power the second group of consumers. Structurally, a two-button switch consists of the following main elements:
- Working part. Unlike single-key models that have two terminals, this switch has three contacts. One of them is incoming and two are outgoing. The input contact is designed to connect to it the phase wire coming from the junction box. The outgoing contacts of the working part are used to connect wires to them, which are used to power consumers. As a rule, the body of the working part of the switch is marked, which makes it easier to determine the type of each terminal. This part of the device design must be installed in such a way that the common terminal is located at the bottom.
- Decorative frame.
- Two keys (can be equipped with windows for illumination).
If the design of the device provides for backlighting, then it includes a small circuit diagram, which includes an LED (or neon lamp), a resistor and, sometimes, a capacitor. This electrical circuit is connected to the contacts of the switch. The principle of its work is quite simple. Since the current-limiting resistor has a sufficiently large resistance, when it is short-circuited by the short-circuited contacts of the switch, no current flows in the backlight circuit. When the working contacts are opened, a small current, limited by the resistance of the resistor, flows in the backlight circuit, ensuring the burning of the LED.
Illuminated switches are very widespread at the present time.
General connection diagram
The connection diagram of a two-gang light switch is shown in the figure.
The ground wire, which is shown in the figure, is not present in the wiring of all buildings. If you want to connect high power household appliances such as hob or a washing machine, they try to ground their cases at least to the electric meter panel, then there is usually no grounding in the lighting circuits. To increase the safety of using wiring in such conditions, it makes sense to install at the entrance to the apartment or.
The double switch connection diagram shown in the figure has two separate lamps as a load, however, such a connection is often used to control each switch key with a chain of several lamps connected in series.
How to connect a device
The main rule that must be observed when installing all switching devices is the need to install them in such a way that when disconnected, the phase wire circuit breaks. This should be done in the first place, so that when changing the light bulb, it is enough to simply turn off the switch without resorting to the use of an introductory machine.
The fact is that a large number of cases of electric shock to a person occurs precisely during the performance of such work. Unfortunately, such cases often occur, despite the fact that in order to create a dangerous situation, it is necessary not only to mix up the wire on which the switch should be installed, but also to connect the bulb socket incorrectly.
HELPFUL INFORMATION: At what height should sockets and switches be installed?
As for working with any elements of electrical wiring, when installing and connecting two-gang switches, you should follow the safety rules, the main of which is the need to turn off the mains voltage for the duration of the work. Since junction boxes are in most cases located at a height, an important element when working with them is the use of a reliable ladder or stand.
In order to properly install such a device, you must adhere to the following procedure:
- With the help of the input machine, the power supply to the apartment is turned off. This can also be done using an automaton responsible for the consumer group, which includes the necessary lighting circuit.
- Wires coming from consumers that need to be connected to the network, phase and zero from the input shield, as well as three wires coming from the switch are brought into the junction box. It should be borne in mind that, if it is necessary to connect copper and aluminum wires, terminal blocks must be used. This situation occurs quite often in old houses, where internal wiring was carried out with aluminum wire.
- All neutral conductors in the box are interconnected.
- The phase wire coming from the entrance to the apartment is connected to the conductor, which will be connected to the input terminal of the two-gang light switch.
- Each of the phase wires used to power individual consumers is connected to the corresponding outgoing wire of the switch.
- All connections are securely insulated. To insulate the connections in the junction box, it is preferable to use fiberglass tape, as one of the most resistant to temperature effects.
- Its keys are removed from the switch, after which the working part is disconnected from the frame.
- Corresponding wires are connected to the contacts of the working part. For convenience, it is desirable to use cables whose cores have different color coding. If the design of the device provides for backlighting, then the contacts of its circuit are connected to the terminals of the switch.
- With the help of sliding legs, the working part is installed in the socket. In this case, it is important to ensure that the on position of the device corresponds to the pressing of the upper part of its keys.
- With the help of special grooves or bolts, a decorative frame is mounted.
- Keys are installed.
A common problem in every apartment is how to connect a double switch. The reason for the replacement may be its breakdown or the desire to install new switches with a new fashion design. When buying switches, there are many factors to consider: technical specifications, design, color, quality, price. It is not recommended to buy switches with a porcelain housing due to their fragility and tendency to break during installation.
On the back of the device, the manufacturer places a diagram of its connection to the mains. This diagram shows the location of the common wire and 2 supply wires. A phase coming from the junction box is connected to the common wire. The remaining two wires lead to the chandelier bulbs. If suddenly there is no connection diagram on the switch, then the tester will help determine the order of connecting the terminals.
How to connect a double switch?
If a circuit breaker is to be replaced, the work site where the circuit breaker will be replaced must first be de-energized. The failed switch is removed from the mounting box. To do this, the top cover is removed and the screws of the spacer system are loosened. We transfer the wires to a new switch according to the scheme and return to their original place.
A diagram showing the connection of a double switch is shown in the figure:
Installing a Double Breaker with New Wiring in Parallel
Consider how the double switch circuit works. If new wiring is being laid, care should be taken to ensure the reliability and safety of the wiring. The wires from the junction box must be wired correctly. Most often, the box is placed above the switch. Care should be taken to ensure easy access to it during repair work.
The procedure for installing electrical wiring in the junction box:
The wires that serve to power the entire line, as well as the wires connecting the boxes and going to the sockets, go through the holes on the side.
The hole at the top in the junction box serves to connect to light sources. Phases are carried out with a double wire, zero is a single wire.
Those wires that are connected to the switch go through a hole at the bottom of the box, in this case the phase is a single wire, and for a lamp it is a double wire.
This method of installation will save you from unnecessary testing of wires in the future.
For the same color, it is convenient to use screw connectors, simple and reliable. This connection option is especially important if copper and aluminum wires are used at the same time. Direct connection these two metals often leads to oxidation, loose contact causes heating, and heating the wire, in turn, can lead to burnout and fire.
The single wire on the switch being installed is connected to the common wire, while the double wire goes to the chandeliers.
It turns out that the phase with this type of connection becomes broken at the switch. This allows you to change the lamps in the fixtures when the switch is off.
The scheme for switching on such a mechanism as a double switch with a socket is shown in the figure:
Rice. (1) Wiring diagram for double switch with socket.
For wiring without ground
From the PK to the socket and two rocker switches, you need to lay a five-core cable (or maybe two cables: one with two cores, and the other with three). At the same time, along one wire of this cable, we bring the phase to the switch and the socket, the other wire - zero to the socket, and along the remaining wires - the phase that came through the switch to the light sources. Two-wire wires (phase, zero) go from the junction box to the light sources.
For wiring with earth
From the PK to the socket and the two-gang switch, a six-core cable is laid. At the same time, along one wire of this cable, we bring the phase to the switch and the socket, the other two - zero and earth go to the socket, and along the rest of the wires - the phase that came through the switch to the light sources. Three-core wires (ground, phase, zero) go from the junction box to the light sources.
Of course, these combinations electrical devices in switches are most often obsolete and do not differ in reliability. In addition, metal mounting box deprives the freedom of choice of the switch if it needs to be replaced. In case of repair, such switches must be disposed of by replacing them with switches with standard installation boxes.
What is a pass switch?
Pass-through switch - a switch that controls the on / off of electricity from two different places. These switches are used to save energy. Let's say we go into a long corridor, turn on the light, walk along the corridor, and at the end of the corridor turn off the light with another switch. types, properties, types.
The type of circuit for turning on the through switch depends on the number of control points. And there may be several:
on the floors high-rise building,
in the corridor at the entrance to the rooms.
A conventional switch has 2 contact terminals and two input wires.
A through switch, otherwise referred to as a circuit switch, has three contacts with three wires. To turn electricity on or off from more points, cross switches are required. They have 4 pins and 4 wires. In addition to light sources, any controlled from different points are connected in this way.
Let's consider in detail how to connect a double pass switch, which makes it possible to separately control 2 different lines.
Usually, two-key circuits are used in offices, rooms - in places where two lighting lines can be switched on separately from different places. In the corridors, a simple pass-through switch is enough.
It must be remembered that the position of the switch does not matter. Flicking the switch while the light is on will turn it off and vice versa. This way switches are fundamentally different from conventional switches with their fixed positions.
The two-gang passage switch is made up of 2 single-gang passage switches mounted in a single housing. To connect a two-gang feed-through switch, six contact terminals are required: two input and four output.
Schematic diagram of connecting a double-gang switch.
Let us consider in detail the connection of double pass-through switches. They have 2 mutually independent groups of contacts.
As shown in the above diagram, the 2nd contact of the right switch receives the phase from the distribution box of the house network. Then pins 1 and 2 are connected with a jumper. From the left switch, 1 and 2 lead independently without crossing into two lamps autonomous from each other. 4 contacts, which are crossed, are connected in pairs with each other. Zero wire, as well as in standard light sources, gets to the fixtures directly from the distribution box.
If more than 3 locations need to be controlled, a pair of 2x end-view rockers and one double cross-view will be needed. This cross switch put two end.
Video connection of the switch and socket
Installation of a junction box (junction box). Connecting a two-gang switch.
