Installation of light switches is carried out after mounting and connecting the input shield, as well as installation work with wiring. In order to rationally illuminate any area in the room and at the same time save energy, it is necessary to install switching devices correctly.
Varieties of wiring
Installing a switch in a room may seem like an elementary task to many. But, as practice shows, there are some nuances in this work that must be unconditionally taken into account, especially if the operation is not carried out by a professional electrician. Before starting work, you need to decide on the type of wiring. She happens:
- Open. The wires are laid on top of the wall and fixed with special decorative rollers or covered with plastic cable channels.
- Hidden. The wires are laid inside the wall, and the strobes are sealed with mortar.
Depending on typeused wiring switches are selected. Overhead models that are installed on the wall are suitable for an open system, while built-in or internal models are used for a closed system.
Installation principles
Before you put the light switch on your own, if you do not have certain knowledge and skills, you need to familiarize yourself with the information and then follow the recommendations of experts. If it is not planned to install a complex system of walk-through switches, then the connection is carried out according to only two schemes:
- Both lines (phase and zero) are brought into the switch housing, and a ready-made bundle comes out of the switching device, which consists of supply conductors that are directly connected to the light source. Such a scheme is considered more understandable, but, despite this, when laying it, it will be necessary to spend more cable and wires. Therefore, this approach is considered irrational. Another disadvantage of this method is the need to mount contact blocks or twist wires. Despite the fact that this scheme is considered irrational and more expensive, many owners of their own households prefer it.
- All wiring is done in junction boxes, and conductors are connected to the switch to open the line. This scheme is standard for typical wiring in finished apartments. In this case, you can save wiring and carry out all the work without special knowledge and skills. The disadvantage of this method is the need to install additional distribution boxes.boxes that spoil the aesthetics of the walls.
Wire switching method
Before you put the light switch, you need to understand that the internal wire attachments in the fixture may be different. There are currently two switching methods in use:
- Screw type clamp - this type of contact is tightened with a screwdriver. First you need to strip the wires from the insulation by about 2 cm and then place it under the terminal and fix it. Be sure to make sure that there is no insulation left under the terminal, as this can cause melting, which is very dangerous. This connection is recommended for aluminum wires.
- Non-screw type clamp. This is a contact with the pressure plate, which is equipped with a special button that regulates its position. In this case, the wire should be stripped of insulation by about one centimeter, and only then clamped. Due to the peculiar design, the resulting connection is highly reliable.
If we compare screw and non-screw clamps, then there is no difference in reliability and quality of connections. But despite this, screw terminals are considered easier to install.
Switch Types
Before you put the light switch, you must select the type of device. Now manufacturersoffer a variety of devices to choose from, which, depending on the type of on / off, are divided into the following varieties:
- Keyboards. They are distinguished by a simple and reliable design, the basis of which is a oscillating mechanism, drawn in by a spring. When the key is pressed, the contact is closed and, accordingly, the device is turned off or on. For convenience, one-, two- and three-gang switches are currently available.
- Toggle switches - practically do not differ from keyboard counterparts, but at the same time they have a completely different principle of operation. The devices open one circuit when a key is pressed and at the same time transfer the contact to another. Thanks to this, simultaneous control of lighting from several places is carried out.
- Light intensity controls - make it possible to adjust the light intensity. The device consists of keys that have a rotary button and an infrared sensor.
- Switches with built-in motion sensor. These devices respond to movement and, when people appear, activate the lighting, and then turn it off if there is no movement.
- Touch type device - turn off and on by lightly touching the sensor.
Before you put the light switch, you should decide on its type. The choice can be made depending on your personal preferences, financial capabilities, as well as on the type of premises in which it is plannedinstall a switch.
Choosing the exact location for the switch
It is important to choose a more suitable place to install the switch. Of course, where to put the switch is a personal matter for everyone, but despite this, there are certain requirements that govern this issue.
Experts in the field advise installing all switches in the house at the same height and with the same location. The best option is to install switches at the height of the door handles. The element must be positioned in such a way that a distance of about 15-20 cm is observed between it and the doorway. In this case, a person entering the room will press the key automatically, without even noticing it.
Installation of switches
Before installing the switch, it is worth deciding on some nuances. If there is no experience in carrying out such work, then it is best to carefully read all the recommendations of specialists or contact electricians.
Single breaker installation
Before you put a single light switch, you need to take care of the availability of certain materials and tools. If you plan to do all the work with your own hands, then you need to have on hand not only electrical installation tools, but also construction tools.
You will need tools such as a grinder, puncher, plaster, spatula, switch, indicator flat and Phillips screwdrivers. The installation of the switch must begin with the installation of the socket. Thenit is necessary to determine the phase wire and turn off the machine, which gives voltage to the apartment. Next, you need to pick up the switch and use a screwdriver to remove the key. Unscrew the two screws that secure the protective frame and remove it. At the top of the working mechanism, find the contact screws and unscrew them. Clean the wires inserted into the socket from insulation and insert the phase wire into the hole of the incoming contact. Next, tighten the screws and check if the wires are well fixed.
After on the working part, find two more spacer screws and unscrew them, then fix the mechanism in a horizontal position and put the protective frame on top, screwing it with two screws. The completion of the work is to screw the working mechanism of the key and check the operation of the switch. In order to put a double light switch, after installing a single-key, there should be no problems. After all, all work is done in an identical way.
If you do not know how to put the switch on the light correctly, and have never done it, then it is best to seek qualified electrician help. They will be able to do all the work professionally.
Two-key
Before you put a two-gang light switch, you need to decide what it is for. It is intended to control two circuits from one point. To install such a switch, you must take care of the presence of a three-wire wire.
There is nothing complicated in connecting and installing such a switch. ATFirst of all, the switch must be disassembled. Then remove the decorative backing and carry out all other work, as in the case of a single-key mechanism. Before you put a double light switch with an indicator, it is best to familiarize yourself with all the nuances. This will help you get the job done right.
Triple switch installation
Now it is often practiced to install three-gang switches. Unfortunately, not many people know about their advantages and how to put a triple light switch. The advantages of such a mechanism are obvious. Most often, he is preferred in rooms with a complex configuration or to control several rooms from one point at once.
When installing such a switch, it is important to connect it correctly and optimally. To do this, you will need a Phillips and flat screwdriver, stripper or side cutter. At the place where you plan to install the device, four wires should come out. The wires must be collected in a box and the operation of the device must be checked.
Conclusion
Despite the fact that the installation and connection of switches is one of the simplest electrical work, the process should not be treated irresponsibly. Electricity does not forgive even minor mistakes. That is why, if you do not have experience in this matter, and you do not know how to put an additional or single-key light switch, then it is better to seek help from specialists.
