When arranging the lighting system, various types of switches are used. They are selected depending on the design of the room, the preferences of the owner and the features of the equipment used. Consider the types of these devices, the nuances of their operation and installation.
Keyboard variations
The main criteria for choosing the type of switches is the internal filling, the way it works and the exterior of the modification. Button analogs are among the most popular versions of dimmers.
They are made for indoor or outdoor wiring, they are simple in design, easy to use, and have a very reasonable price. The principle of operation of such a unit is extremely simplified. The inside contains a two-position mechanical relay, making or breaking an electrical circuit.
Often, from one point, using the devices in question, you can activate several lighting elements (for example, different lamps on a chandelier or light in the bathroom and toilet). To save space, options with two or more keys in one instance are often used.
Push-buttonand rope analogues
Push-button types of switches operate using a spring device. When the key is pressed, they close, and in the event of the next action, they open the circuit. Initially, such models were mounted on table lamps, later they became in demand in the wall version. The non-standard design causes a slightly higher cost compared to conventional counterparts.
Rope type is a slightly transformed button version. A lever has been added to the system, one shoulder of which acts on the button, and a rope or chain has been added to the second edge. This design is often used for original design. Among the practical advantages - they are easier to detect in the dark and make it easier for a child to operate the unit.
Rotary and sliding versions
The rotary type of switches does not fundamentally differ in its electrical circuit from the keyboard models. They are equipped with two positions, however, the activation of the process is carried out by turning the knob on the body. These options are not used so often, they are popular for wiring equipment in the “retro” style. This version is made only in a single version.
One of the simplest types in design is a slider unit. It closes and opens the circuit by moving the slider. Such modifications, taking into account the peculiarities of their capabilities and devices, are operated exclusively for work on portable devices. Stationary lighting works more efficiently with othersanalogues.
Types of pass-through switches
At their core, the devices in question are two-position switches that close one of the branches of the electrical circuit. The device circuit is based on two contacts at the output and one at the input, which acts on one of the outgoing lines. The design features include the ability to create a system that allows you to enable or disable one source from two different places.
The external design of these types of light switches is identical to the keyboard counterparts, with the exception of the ability to change the “on / off” position. For example, two models are brought to the down position. If you turn one lever up, the light will turn on. Next, you need to turn off the lighting at another point, for which the key also switches up. Subsequent activation is carried out in the initial position by moving the button down.
Reverse-cross patterns
Such analogs are operated in tandem with pass-through modifications, if you want to turn on the lighting from more than two places. The device circuit includes four contacts, in pairs at the input and output. In one position, the input elements are closed, and when switching, they change places with the output lines. If necessary, such a device can be used as a conventional switch, but the inflated price casts doubt on the relevance of such a solution.
Light controllers
Such types and types of switches are also called "dimmers" (from the English word dimmer - dimming). Consideredthe device allows you to smoothly adjust the level of illumination from maximum to complete shutdown.
In fact, this device is a variable resistance resistor mounted in a circuit in series with respect to the load. Switches of this configuration are used in cinemas, smoothly turning off the lights before watching a movie. At home, dimmers provide optimal light intensity, and also prevent the fright of young children who are afraid of a sudden change in visibility.
Sensors
These types of electrical switches are produced on the basis of a pair of fundamentally opposite schemes. Initially, they focused on the presence of a certain electrical capacitance in the human body, while the design provided for a capacitor device. After touching the contact, a change in capacitance occurred, causing the supply of an impulse to activate or turn off the light. This decision made it possible to smoothly adjust the degree of illumination from a simple touch. If you held your finger for a long time, the lamp turned off gradually.
Modern touch types of switches, the photos of which are shown below, are equipped with small displays, like a smartphone screen, controlled by a microcircuit. Such functionality allows you to equip the device with additional features, including a timer or backlight.
Acoustic modifications
The specified type of circuit breakers allows you to adjust the supply of lighting from any part without additional mechanismspremises. The model has its pros and cons. Firstly, it is desirable to mount it in tandem with a switch of a different type. Secondly, the operation may occur spontaneously due to an occasional loud sound. In addition, sometimes it is required to turn on or off the light silently. Budget category designs don't always work the first time.
Remote switches
Such devices belong to one of the smart home control functions. After mounting the sensor, the lighting can be adjusted using the remote control. Full functionality depends on the modification and manufacturer. Among the minuses is the need to keep the remote control in good condition at hand, as well as the high price compared to other analogues.
Types of high-voltage circuit breakers
By purpose, these devices are divided as follows:
- Network analogues. They are used in networks with a voltage of six kilowatts. The main task is to pass and switch current in normal and emergency situations for a fixed period of time, including in the event of a short circuit.
- Generator-type devices are designed to work with a voltage of 6-20 kV. they are used mainly in the circuits of high power electric motors and other electric machines. The modification passes and switches the current not only in the standard mode, but also during start-up or short circuit. Feature - a large indicator of the tripping current and the achievement of a nominal value of up to 10 thousand Amperes.
- Viewsautomatic load breakers are designed to operate with conventional standard current in the range of 3-10 kV, switching non-critical loads. They are not designed to break overcurrents.
- Devices for electrothermal devices are focused on voltage ranging from 6 to 220 kV. The scope of their application is large installations of the electrothermal type (steel-smelting and other furnaces). They are capable of passing current in various operating conditions.
- Suspended sectional switches "reclosers". The units are remotely controlled, equipped with special protection, used on power transmission pylons.
Installation Methods
An important factor in the installation of the switch is the way it is installed. It can be of internal or external type. The first option is equipped inside the wall ceiling by cutting a hole of a suitable size. This configuration is used more often, since wiring in modern homes is carried out mainly by a hidden method. Outdoor type switches are used in wooden buildings with exposed lighting cable or to carry out a temporary system.
The high-voltage circuit breaker, depending on the type, can be of a support, suspension, wall-mounted or withdrawable type. In addition, such devices are often implemented in the scheme of complete switchgears.
Fixing wiring
For the arrangement of household lighting systems, there are two types of fixing the wiring to the contacts of the switches. This isscrew or screwless version. The second circuit is a clip on a spring mechanism where the cable is inserted and fixed. Such fastening prevents spontaneous loss of the core, and the spring reduces current vibrations. In this regard, the mechanism does not require regular tightening of contacts. Among the minuses - a small surface between the clamp and the wire, as well as not considering the use of aluminum cables.
Screw-type connection - a standard fastening in which the wire is placed in the terminal, after which it is attracted to the base with a bolt. There is one drawback here - under the current supply, all conductors vibrate, which requires regular tightening of the elements, especially when using stranded wires. In practice, the difference between the operation of switches of any type is not noticeable. This is due to the fact that modern household lighting devices do not have high power, which does not significantly affect the bolt clamps.
