When installing or repairing a home electrical wiring inevitably there is a need to install or replace light switches. Such work is not particularly difficult and may well be performed by a non-specialist who has an idea of \u200b\u200bwhat a lamp connection diagram is and what electrical safety rules should be followed during its installation. That is why, before proceeding with such work, you should first figure out how to connect a light switch.
The use of single-key devices is advisable in cases where it is necessary to organize the switching of a wire through which one light bulb or lamp receives power. If you need to connect a chandelier that has a large number of lamps, then it is better to use a multi-key device. Another case in which it is preferable to use two- or three-gang switches is when using such a device it is necessary to ensure the inclusion of light bulbs in different rooms, for example, in the corridor, bathroom and toilet.
Necessary tools and materials
Before proceeding with the installation of a single-key switch, you need to take care of the availability of such tools and consumables:
- Switch.
- socket box.
- Light fixture with lamp.
- Insulating tape.
- Knife for stripping insulation.
- indicator screwdriver.
In the event that before installing the switching device, wiring was not done and the socket box was not installed, you will have to stock up on such additional tools and materials:
- Alabaster.
- putty.
- Junction box. This part is only needed when it is necessary to install new wiring in the room. Otherwise, you just need to find the nearest installed box and connect the lamp and switch through it.
- Perforator.
- Container for mixing putty.
- Bulgarian with a circle on concrete.
- Ladder.
- Putty knife.
- Wires.
Types of single-key switches
According to the installation method, two types of such devices are distinguished: internal and invoice. Their principle of operation does not differ and lies in the fact that when a key is pressed, an electrical circuit is closed or opened.
The surface-mounted product is mainly used in rooms with wooden walls. Its main advantage is the extreme ease of installation. Such a device can easily be used as a temporary switch, which is installed in order to avoid large-scale repairs that are fraught with large financial costs.
The built-in model undoubtedly looks more compact and aesthetically appealing than its previous counterpart. However, for its installation, it is necessary to provide hidden wiring. Such work involves the need for wall chasing for laying electrical wires, which is fraught with a large amount of dust and damage to the wall cladding. That is why they try to combine the installation of built-in sockets and switches with the repair work in the apartment.
The internal structure of a single-gang switch
The single-key switch consists of the following main parts:
- working mechanism. It is the main part of the device. It includes a key drive mounted on a metal frame. For fixing the entire structure in the socket box, the frame has a pair of sliding legs. Connection of electrical wires is carried out through special contacts. Installation of the working mechanism is carried out in the same way as electrical outlet installation.
- Plastic key. Serves for the convenience of turning on and off the contacts of the device.
- Decorative frame.This element is made of a dielectric material and also performs the function of protection against electric shock. The frame can be attached to the main body with plastic latches or metal bolts.
A little more complicated is the backlit switch device, which has an undeniable advantage - it is perfectly visible in the dark. Such a function not only relieves a person of the need to fumble in the dark in search of a switch, but also makes it possible to use this device as a kind of night light.
There are also modular and waterproof switches. Modular devices are designed for installation in a cable channel and are mainly used to connect lamps in office premises. As for moisture-proof models, their use is advisable in rooms with high air humidity, for example, in bathrooms, bathrooms or outdoors when outdoor lights are connected.
Connection diagram of a single-gang switch
The main rule that must be observed when installing switching devices is the need to install them on a phase conductor. In other words, when a light bulb, lamp or other consumer is turned off using such a device, a phase disappears at its input. This gives a guarantee of protection against accidental electric shock in the event of a violation of the insulation of the electrical wiring or when touching open live parts.
If the switch is connected correctly, then when it is turned off, it is safe to change burnt out bulbs and carry out maintenance work on the luminaire.
The light switch is installed according to the diagram shown in the figure.
As can be seen from the diagram, the correct connection of the light switch does not cause any difficulties. The picture also shows the ground wire going through the junction box to the luminaire. In the electrical wiring of old houses, such a conductor may be absent.
For the correct connection of the wires in the junction box, it is better to check once again that the conductor going through the switch to the lamp is exactly phase. The easiest way to do this is to use an ordinary indicator screwdriver.
Somewhat more complex is the single-gang switch feedthrough, which is used to ensure ease of use of lighting, for example, in long corridors or for connecting outdoor lamps. Using this scheme, it is possible to ensure that such lamps are turned on and off using two switches located in different places.
As can be seen from the diagram, it provides two different paths for the passage of current through two switches installed in the circuit. The luminaires are powered only if the contacts of the switches close the conductors of the same branch. This can be done by changing the key position of any of them.
Installation procedure
Before installing the switch, it is necessary to lay the electrical wires connecting the lamp, the junction box and the switch itself.
If a built-in type device is mounted, then you must first install the socket box by releasing about 10 cm of wire from it. This should be done for the convenience of connecting the wire to the switch contacts.
The installation of the socket box (box) is carried out in the same way as in the case of connecting an electrical outlet. After drilling a recess in the wall, the socket box is fixed in it with alabaster.
If all the preparatory work has already been done, then you can proceed with the installation of the switch.
Step-by-step instructions for the correct installation of a single-gang switch are as follows:
- De-energize the electrical network. This can be done using a machine or plugs located on the introductory shield.
- Remove key. It is attached to the elements of the working part with the help of plastic grooves. Therefore, this element can be removed with your fingers without much effort.
- Remove the protective frame, which in most cases is attached to the working mechanism with two screws.
- Clean the ends of the wire intended for connection to the switch terminals from insulation. If the working part of the device provides for the connection of wires using a bolted connection, then approximately 1 cm of each wire must be freed from insulation. In the event that self-clamping contacts are used, 0.5 cm will be sufficient.
- Connect the wire ends to the switch contacts. In this case, attention should be paid to their correct connection in accordance with the marking of the contacts. Many models of these devices use the designation L or 1 for incoming and 3 or arrow for outgoing wire. When tightening the bolts, the force must be calculated in such a way as not to damage the contacts. This is especially true for cheap models of switches. You should also pay attention to the fact that there should not be wire insulation under the bolts, as this can lead to overheating and even destruction of the joints.
- Install the working mechanism in the socket. For this, sliding legs or special screws are used. When mounting such a device, it is important not to confuse its upper and lower parts. A correctly installed switch is in the on position when the top of the key is pressed. To determine in which of the states of the working mechanism the circuit is closed, it is enough to make several trial inclusions and disconnections. To turn on the mechanism, you need to apply some effort, and when you turn it off, just touch the key lightly - a special spring helps to quickly break the electrical connection.
- Install protective frame. To achieve the correct location of the frame, you can use the building level.
- Set key.
When installing a backlit switch, all work is carried out in the same way as when connecting an ordinary device. The only difference is the need to attach a small electrical circuit to the switch contacts, consisting of a current-limiting resistor and a neon light bulb or LED.
The principle of operation of such a backlight is quite simple. Due to the high resistance of the resistor, when the switch contacts are closed, the electric current practically does not pass through the LED. But when the working contacts of the switch are opened, the backlight circuit becomes the only path through which current can pass.
It should be noted that when choosing a switching device designed to work with energy-saving lamps, you need to pay attention to the backlight elements. If it uses an LED, the lamp in the luminaire may flicker slightly when off.
Electrical safety rules when installing switches
To avoid electric shock during the installation and operation of the light switch, you must strictly adhere to the following rules:
- Do not work under voltage. Before performing any actions with electrical wiring, it is necessary to turn off the machine at the entrance to the apartment. The only case in which it may be necessary to turn it on is the definition of the phase and neutral wires in the junction box.
- The correct connection of the device must be made so that the phase wire opens during its operation.
Thus, installing a single-key light switch is not particularly difficult. For the correct installation of such devices, you do not need to have vast experience or some special skill. At the same time, any work carried out in the electrical wiring of the apartment should be treated extremely responsibly.
