Technologies do not stand still, all the objects of everyday life around us are constantly being improved. Progress has not bypassed such a familiar object as a light switch. Today on sale you can find sensory varieties. They differ in effective design, and also simplicity of management. There are different models of touch switches. Connection diagrams, the principle of their operation and the device will be presented below.
Features of work
Before considering the connection diagram of the touch switches, you need to understand the principle of operation of this device. Any device of the presented type is a sensor. It reacts even to the slightest touch. The human body has a weak electrical charge. Therefore, a sensitive sensor can catch it.
The presented device consists of several mandatorycomponents such as:
- A highly sensitive element that reacts to a person approaching or touching the sensor surface.
- A signal amplifier that is assembled on microcircuits or semiconductors.
- A switching device that switches on a load, such as a mini relay or a thyristor.
Experts say that devices that include a thyristor in the circuit are more reliable. This is due to the lack of a contact part. Over time, the latter may oxidize or burn.
Benefits
Knowing the connection diagram of the touch light switch, you can install the device yourself.
Using it has many advantages:
- absolutely silent operation;
- large selection of models;
- stylish appearance;
- there is galvanic isolation, which makes the operation of the device safe for humans;
- sensor reacts to touch even with wet and damp hands;
- mechanical breakdowns are impossible in principle;
- long service life;
- Several switching systems can be created in one device.
It is these advantages that make the presented device popular. It is a stylish addition to a modern interior.
Varieties
The 220V touch light switch circuit is quite simple. Even a novice master will cope with the installation of the sensor. There are four commonmodifications of such devices. They differ in a set of additional functions, design. The most popular varieties are:
- With remote control. This sensor is easy to use to control LED strip, wall lamps, spotlights, etc.
- With timer. This is an economical variety that consumes a minimum amount of electricity. If there is no one in the apartment, the sensor will turn off the light.
- Capacitive. The device responds even to a light touch.
- Contactless. May respond to certain environmental conditions. This could be, for example, a sound, a change in temperature, a change in the level of natural light, or movement.
Touch switches can be equipped with a dimmer. This allows you to control the brightness of the lighting.
Models with dimmer and LED strip
A large selection of models of touch switches are on sale, the design of which includes a dimmer. This allows you to smoothly change the intensity of lighting in the room. Adjustments can also be made using the remote control. This will allow you to adjust the brightness of the main light or LED strip.
The 12V touch switch circuit makes it easy to connect and control the lighting that the LED strip creates. Such devices are called "dimmer". They are also suitable for any lighting fixtures that operate on 12 V. It is a compact and functional fixture. It can be used to create lightingadditional or main in such cases:
- Creation of lighting in the entrance, on flights of stairs.
- Smart Home system equipment.
- Creating a spectacular interior design, indoor zoning.
Such devices in most cases are not designed to operate from a 220 V network. Therefore, such touch switches are not suitable for an ordinary chandelier or sconce. You need to take this into account during the purchase.
Marking
It is imperative to consider before buying the features of the application, installation, connection diagrams of touch switches. Livolo is one of the most famous manufacturers of the presented equipment. This company produces touch sensors of various types. To understand what qualities a switch has, you need to consider its marking.
In the course of studying the circuit of the Livolo and other manufacturers' touch switch, one should consider the decoding of the designation using the model VL C702R of the presented company as an example.
The first two letters of the marking, VL, is the name of the Chinese brand Livolo. The letter C7 follows, but it can also be C6, C8. This is a modification of the device. Next you can see the numbers 01, 02 or 03. This is the number of lighting groups that can be connected to this fixture. Compared to a mechanical switch, these could be devices with one, two or three keys.
In the marking, the last letters indicate additional functions of the device. So, the letter R is on that the sensor is controlled byradio signal. The letter D in the marking indicates the presence of a dimmer function, there is a brightness control, and the letter S is a pass-through switch. The presence of the letter T in the marking indicates that the manufacturer has provided for the presence of a timer in the model.
Working principle
The circuit of the touch switch for 12 V and 220 V does not have any special differences when connected. Most often, when the light is off, a blue backlight is on on the display. If the light is on, it will glow red.
The signal from the sensor is fed to the amplifier. Then it goes to the performer's relay. Its contacts turn off and turn on the lighting. It can be controlled with a remote control. Its range is up to 30 m.
Touch switches have protection that works when the network is turned off. In this mode, there is a transition to the original off position. The executive relay withstands loads up to 1 kW. In this case, the load current is 5 A. Such devices are designed to operate from a network of up to 250 V. If power surges are observed in the system, it is recommended to install a stabilizer.
Connection process
If you want to connect a touch switch with your own hands, the circuit must be considered in the manufacturer's instructions. It is no different from connecting a conventional switch to the network. There are terminals on the back of the sensor. They are marked so that polarity can be observed.
The phase wire is connected to the terminal with the designation "L", and zero - to the terminal "N". Next you need to installswitch to the prepared place on the wall. The manufacturer can give recommendations on the choice of installation location. For example, if a remote control is included in the kit, then the device should be visible from all points in the room.
If the switch model responds to temperature changes, it cannot be installed near the battery. Be sure to take into account the manufacturer's requirements regarding the choice of equipment installation location.
Other mounting options
We need to consider a few more features of connecting touch switches. The pass switch circuit is used when installing lighting fixtures, for example, in a long corridor.
In this case, it is impossible to open the electrical circuit of the lamp at the beginning and end of the route with one switch. This would cause connection difficulties. To prevent this from happening, pass-through switches are used. They are connected according to a special scheme.
You need to purchase two walk-through switches. Their choice depends on the total power of electrical appliances.
The phase is supplied from the mains, it is supplied first to the first and then to the second touch switch. The neutral wire comes in from the opposite side. It goes through the lights. From each lamp, the wire is connected to the corresponding terminal of the second switch (1.1 and 1.2). Then another neutral wire leaves the same device from the “COM” terminal. It is conducted to the same terminal on the first switch. This allows you to connect two touch sensors into a single system.
Installation formirror
In the bathroom or in the corridor, you can install a do-it-yourself touch light switch behind the mirror. The connection diagrams of such devices do not differ from those for conventional mechanical varieties. Such a switch is mounted behind a mirror sheet.
This device works without touching the glass or sensor panel. It has an electronic unit and an infrared sensor. By passing your hand in the control field of the sensitive element, you can turn on the light. When moving again, the load will be disconnected. This allows you to create an interior without a switch. For a bathroom, especially in a public institution, this is extremely important. Yes, and for home use, such a device will be a good purchase.
Connection details
Considering the schemes of touch switches, it should be said that the designation of the terminals for connection may be different. Before installation, read the manufacturer's instructions. So, if there is an “L1-in” terminal on the back of the sensor, it is for the incoming phase. The load wire from the lighting lamps is connected to the “L-load” terminal.
In switches that are designed to connect several lighting fixtures or their groups, there are terminals "L1-load", "L2-load", "L3-load". Corresponding wires from the first, second and third lamps must be connected to the corresponding connection socket.
It will not be difficult to connect the LED strip. In this case, you will need to read the manufacturer's instructions. You need to purchase a special switch that is designed foroutgoing voltage 12V or 24V (depending on the type of tape). Some lighting devices of this type can be designed to operate at a voltage of 220V. In this case, a conventional switch will do.
To connect the LED strip, a control unit is attached to it. If this is a multi-color device, a controller must be installed in front of the power supply in accordance with the manufacturer's diagram. The wire from the power supply is connected to the touch switch. This is a simple job that even a non-professional master can handle.
Settings
For the device to work correctly, you need to know not only the features of the touch switch circuit, but also the subtleties of the settings. The device is connected to the network. It is under load. When you turn it on for the first time, you need to hold the sensor with your finger for 5 seconds. The device will emit a short beep.
Next, press the corresponding button on the remote control. It is held until a short beep. This means that it has contacted the sensor. If there are several buttons, they are tied to a common system in a similar way. To turn off the setting, the remote control button is held for 10 s. When two short beeps sound, the program will shut down.
Several remotes can be connected to one switch. You can do the opposite as well. In this case, one remote can control multiple sensors.
Homemade touch switch
Some users find the touch switch circuit relatively simple. Therefore, making such a device with your own hands is not difficult. To do this, you need to be able to deal withsoldering iron. You will need to purchase the corresponding parts:
- KT 315 transistors (2 pcs.).
- 16V electrolytic type capacitor (100uF).
- Resistance 30 Ohm.
- Regular capacitor 0.22uF.
- Power supply or a powerful battery with an output voltage of 9 V.
- Semiconductor D 226.
You need to choose a suitable case (suitable from an old switch). A hole is made on the front for wiring. The scheme of the listed parts must be soldered in the following sequence.
The assembled structure is connected to the power supply. The wire must be soldered to a metal plate fixed on the front plane of the device.
Should I assemble the sensor myself?
Experts say that you can assemble such a sensor yourself, but it will look much worse than the purchased model. This makes assembly errors easy. Only a radio amateur with sufficient experience can solve such a problem. But even he will not be able to make a beautiful interface, a stylish switch design. Therefore, it is easier to purchase such a switch in a specialized store. It will be much more aesthetically pleasing and also safer than a homemade fixture.
