Control of lighting fixtures today is carried out using a variety of devices. It is quite convenient when you can turn on or off the same light source from several different points. This is exactly what the cross switches do.
Description of construction
Most standard modern control units today have three contacts. The cross type of switches has four contacts in its design. The peculiarity of this assembly is that with one click it closes or opens under two contacts at once. This action allows you to close or open multiple power lines with one click (two in this case).
The main difference between cross switches and pass switches is one more thing. The second category of devices can be used independently, unlike the first. The cross type can only be used in conjunction with a through passage. Despite the differences in design and application possibilities, in the diagrams the switchdenoted identically to the passage.
A two-gang cross switch is essentially two paired single-gang switches. The contacts of such a device are connected using special metal jumpers. The main feature and convenience of this design is that, if necessary, it is easily assembled independently. Such models are equipped with only 1 button responsible for the operation of pairs of contacts.
Classification
The cross switch can be not only two-key, but also one-key. According to the principle of operation, all models can be divided into two categories - rotary and keyboard. The only difference is that for rotary contacts, the closure is carried out using a rotary handle. They cost a little more than keyboards and have more design choices.
According to the connection scheme of the cross switches and the installation method, they can also be divided into two classes: surface-mounted and built-in.
Surface and built-in switch
The outdoor version of the switch is installed on top of the wall. For its installation, there is no need to chisel the wall, to install an additional block into the wall. This difference plays a key role if there is no desire to redecorate the room or only cosmetic design improvements are needed. However, in terms of operation, overhead switches are inferior to built-in ones, since they are quite susceptible tomechanical impact and other aggressive environmental influences.
Connecting the cross switch to the mains requires the installation of a special switch box, which is usually installed in the wall. Because of this, the scale of work is increasing. However, it is these switches that are used for wiring in all types of buildings.
What features do switches have
These devices have several features that distinguish them from other products:
- The cross switch circuit can only be connected to the mains with a four-wire cable. In its absence, experts allow the use of two two-core cables, but this is considered an inappropriate connection method.
- The switch can be not only single-key or two-key, but also three-key. However, the installation of such a device is advisable only if there is an urgent need to turn off the light in two or three different places. In other cases, it is still better to install a pass-through type of switch.
- One of the main disadvantages of switches is that it can only be installed at the stage of wiring wiring in a residential area. In addition, its connection requires a large number of wires to be connected, which increases the risk of fire.
- If we note positive qualities, then it is worth highlighting a high level of wear resistance. Due to the fact that the contacts of the cross-type switches close much more often than those of the pass-through ones,then their metal jumpers are made of corrosion-resistant metal. Usually copper or alloy steel is used for this. Almost all switch options are additionally equipped with protection against dust, moisture, condensation.
Connection
To connect this type of switch, you need to follow a specific instruction:
- The first stage of connection is identical to the connection of the pass-through switch. A neutral wire is pulled from the shield into the box. From the splitter, it must be transferred to the lamp contacts.
- Further, a phase wire is pulled out of the shield. But after installing it in the box, the wire will not be routed to the lamp, but to the switch contacts.
- Through the box you need to make a serial connection of contacts. The phase must be transferred to a cross switch, which is located between two feedthroughs. After that, the wire is pulled to the second pass.
- Only after that, from the common contact of the second pass-through switch, the wire is connected to the lamp. Installation of the junction box itself is carried out only after connecting the lamp.
Features
You can view the technical parameters based on standard switches from different manufacturers. For example, model ABB Basic 55:
- Working voltage 220-250 V.
- Maximum current for operation 10 A.
- Network frequency - 50 Hz.
- Case material - thermoplastic.
- The contacts themselves are silver-plated, resistant to moisture and steam.
Specifications, of course, will differ depending on the manufacturer. However, the list of basic parameters will always be saved.
