Switching devices that allow you to turn on or off electrical appliances for various purposes (chandeliers, fans, boilers, and so on) are an integral part of the wiring arrangement. Due to the ease of installation and reliability of the design, single-gang switches are most widely used. They allow you to control (i.e., turn on/off) either a single lighting fixture or a whole group of lamps (for example, several spotlights mounted in a false ceiling).
Design and principle of operation
Structurally, a single-button switch consists of four main parts:
- base (metal, rarely plastic);
- working mechanism, consisting of a contact group, clamps (for connecting electrical wires) and fasteners;
- keys;
- protective decorative element (frame or case).
The principle of operation of any one-button switch is extremely simple:
- Bin the “on” position, the elements of the contact group are closed and the voltage is supplied to the lighting device. It starts to function.
- Conversely, in the "off" position, the contacts are disconnected, a "break" occurs in the "phase" circuit, and the lamp goes out.
Varieties of switches with one control key
According to the installation method, there are three main types of single-button switches:
- for hidden wiring, which is now used in the construction of modern buildings;
- for outdoor installation (such products are mainly in demand in suburban buildings);
- for luminaire cord mounting.
According to the degree of protection of the internal mechanism from dust and moisture:
- indoor (IP20);
- for rooms with high humidity (IP44);
- for outdoor use (IP65).
By the number of internal switching contacts:
- single-pole (with 1 group of contacts connected to the break of the "phase" wire);
- bipolar (with 2 groups of contacts that disconnect both power wires from the appliance: “zero” and “phase”);
- feedthroughs that have three contacts.
By the method of connecting electrical wires, switches are:
- with screw terminals;
- with spring-loaded locking terminals.
Main Specifications
The main technical characteristics of single-gang household switches include:
- working voltage: 220-250V;
- rated current: 4 to 16A;
- degree of protection against penetration of solid particles and liquids;
- mechanical strength;
- temperature range in which the manufacturer guarantees uninterrupted operation of the device.
As a rule, on the reverse side of the working mechanism, the manufacturer indicates the main technical characteristics. For example, marking 10A 250V on a single-gang switch indicates the maximum values of current and voltage at which the operation of this particular product is permissible.
Top Manufacturers
Practically all manufacturers involved in the manufacture of components for the arrangement of electrical wiring, did not ignore single-gang switches. After all, they are the most in demand in the market of switching devices for lighting. Among the popular among Russian consumers and time-tested manufacturers, it is worth noting:
- German Schneider Electric, ABB, Wessen and Gira;
- French Legrand;
- Turkish Makel, Viko and Lezard;
- Russian "Svetozar", DCS and TDM Electric;
- Norwegian Hegel;
- Swedish Werkel;
- Spanish Simon and Fontini;
- Italian Bticino.
The design of the switches is very diverse (both in color and in size, the shape of the control key and the decorative frame).
Purpose, scope, installation location
Single-key models are designed to turn on / off one electrical appliance or control multiple devices at the same time:
- ceiling or wall lights (regardless of the number of lamps);
- fans (exhaust, supply, floor or ceiling);
- water heaters (instantaneous or storage);
- outdoor lighting;
- decorative lighting for exterior facades of buildings.
Switches are installed in a place most convenient for subsequent use. For example, products for controlling lighting in rooms are installed near the entrance doors. Previously, such switches were mounted at the level of the head of a person of average height. According to modern ergonomic requirements, they are mainly mounted so that there is no need to raise your hand (that is, at a height of 80-100 cm from the floor level).
Design features and scope of through switches
In appearance, a one-button light switch is no different from a standard counterpart. Its technological feature is the design and operation algorithm of internal switching contacts. When the position of the key is changed, the phase (L) switches from one output contact to another. If you connect one light source using two of these switches, you can turn on / off from two places independently. Such devices are widely used, for example, in arranging the lighting of long corridors, flights of stairs or rooms of a large area.
Typical example: we install one switch at the beginning of the corridor, the second - at the end. Then, entering the corridor and turning on the lighting, you can turn it off when you exit.
For wall lamps, floor lamps, table lamps and portable lamps
Installing a one-button switch directly on the power cord from an electrical appliance to a socket greatly increases the usability of lighting fixtures such as wall sconces, table lamps or floor lamps. A contact group is mounted inside a small case, which, when the control key is switched, closes or opens the electrical circuit. To increase the safety of operation (for example, when changing a light bulb without disconnecting the device from the outlet), the switching contacts in the “off” position “break” both wires (“zero” and “phase”). Typically, these switches are rated up to 4 A, which is sufficient for most portable household electric lighting fixtures.
Integrated light switches
Additional comfort when controlling electrical devices is provided by single-button backlit switches. The built-in indicator light is installed either on a protective decorative frame or directly inside the key.
If you use such a switch to control lighting fixtures, then the built-in backlight will allow you to easilyfind it even in a dark room (that is, the indicator light will glow in the off position).
But to control, for example, an autonomous water heater, it is better to use a single-button switch with an internal light bulb. It will signal that the device is on. And you will always be aware of whether the unit is in operation or not.
Installation and connection
Preparatory work to be done before installing a single-gang switch with hidden wiring:
- strobe walls (that is, we make grooves for laying electrical wires);
- we equip holes with the subsequent installation of socket boxes and junction boxes;
- we lay electrical cables in accordance with the power supply scheme of the room.
After all the preliminary work has been done, we proceed to the direct installation of the one-button switch. The process is quite simple and does not require special electrical training from the performer:
- We de-energize the room by turning off the corresponding machine on the electrical panel (in modern apartment buildings it is usually located on the landing).
- With a probe (digital or with a neon light), we must check the absence of voltage on the wires (to make sure that we turned off the desired machine).
- We release the wire from insulation for a length of about 8-9 mm (using a special tool or a regular construction knife).
- If the manufacturersupplies the switch in assembled form, we disassemble it into three components (that is, the frame, key and main mechanism).
- Insert the stripped ends of the wires into special holes (if we use a product with screw terminals, we tighten the screws, taking some care so as not to strip the thread from excessive force).
Using screws or self-tapping screws, we fasten the working mechanism to the socket
Important! Excess wires are neatly laid in the socket, while avoiding strong kinks.
- Installing the protective frame.
- We attach the switch key to the working mechanism (usually a slight pressure is enough).
- Turn on the automatic power supply on the power panel and check the mounted device in operation.
What to look for when choosing?
Although the standard electrical switch is a fairly simple device, there are a few key points to consider when choosing one:
- The first thing you should pay attention to when choosing a product is the type of wiring (hidden or open) and the conditions for subsequent operation. Naturally, an indoor switch should never be used outside.
- Then you should determine the number of contact groups. To turn on / off a conventional room chandelier, single-pole switches are usually used, which are connected to the “break” of the “phase” wires. For controlling powerful water heatersdevices, professionals recommend using bipolar products that disconnect both power wires (“zero” and “phase”) from the device.
- To ensure that the contacts do not burn during operation, and the product lasts as long as possible, it is better to choose the electrical parameters of the switch (operating voltage and rated current) with a margin.
- The external design of the switch is also important when choosing. The variety of colors (from standard classic white to ultra-modern steel) of modern rocker switches allows you to choose a product that will be in harmony with the overall design of the room.
And the last (although no less important) indicator that affects the choice of a switching device is its price. As a rule, the more expensive the product, the higher quality materials were used for its manufacture. And the design of the mechanism for expensive devices is more reliable and durable. Therefore, when choosing components for electrical components, you should not chase cheapness. Ultimately, not only the period of uninterrupted operation, but also safety may depend on this
In conclusion
If you have chosen the right switch model from a reliable manufacturer and made a competent installation and connection, you can be sure that it will last for decades. The main thing is to strictly follow the safety rules when carrying out any electrical work (regardless of whether you make changes to the wiring diagram afterrepairing the premises or simply decided to replace the old switch with a new one).
