The market of lighting equipment is constantly evolving, the range of switches is replenished with innovative developments that provide maximum comfort. However, traditional devices do not lose popularity. Agree, among such a variety it is not easy to decide on the purchase of a suitable light switch.
To facilitate the selection task, we prepared a detailed overview of existing switching devices, classified the types and types of light switches according to the main technical parameters, and also described the features of their installation and use.
In addition, the article lists the best manufacturers of lighting equipment. This information will help you choose a high-quality and reliable option for specific operating conditions.
Switch: what is it for?
A switch is a switching device responsible for closing / opening an electric circuit supplying a lighting device. It is always installed in the phase gap of the phase wire.
You can not believe the illiterate "electricians", claiming that the zero and phase wire should be connected to the switch. This will lead to a short circuit and wiring problems.
Household models of circuit breakers are designed to work with wiring using a standard load. You cannot connect them to the network with other parameters. Each of the switches can only work with a specific operating voltage and current. These parameters are always indicated in the technical documentation and on the device case.
The main task of the device is to provide power to the electrical device and stop it when there is no need to use a lamp. Switches are available in a wide variety of designs. They differ significantly from each other in a number of ways. Consider these differences more carefully.
The standard switch is connected to the phase gap of the phase wire. The task of the device is to close or open the electric circuit, thereby turning on the lighting device
Switching methods used in circuit breakers
When installing switches, only two methods of connecting wires are used, which have certain features.
Screw clamp mechanism
For switching wires, this type of circuit breaker has special clamps that are secured with ordinary screws. This connection method is more difficult to install, but the result is a high quality contact. Over time, such a connection may loosen slightly and then you will have to slightly tighten the screw.
The most reliable contact is obtained using a screw clamp for connecting wires. However, such devices are somewhat more complicated to install than products with spring-loaded contacts
Experts believe that switches with screw terminals are best used for working with aluminum wires.
Spring contact mechanisms
It can conditionally be considered an improved version of the screw clamp. There is a spring-loaded contact plate, which clamps a section of the exposed wire, thereby providing a sufficiently reliable connection. This is the easiest way to install.
The main disadvantage of such clamps is that the wire must be clamped correctly. Otherwise, the device will not be able to fully work. Spring-loaded switches work better with copper wiring.
Switch Installation Method
The device can be installed in various ways, based on this they are divided into two types.
Overhead devices. So-called switches that are applied to the surface of the wall and secured. They characteristically protrude above the wall, which may not look very aesthetically pleasing. Overhead devices are more often used when installing external wiring, but can also be connected to a hidden one.
Devices differ in simpler installation, reliable and functional. On sale you can find interesting designer models designed for installation in vintage interiors
Built-in switches. Switches are installed in a suitable cavity, pre-made in the wall. This greatly complicates their installation, but improves the appearance.
The upper decorative panel of the switch protrudes slightly above the surface of the wall or is completely recessed in it. Built-in models are designed for use with hidden wiring, they cannot work with external.
Degree of protection of the case
Household circuit breakers are operated in different conditions, so their enclosures can be made in different versions according to the degree of protection. There is GOST regulating this degree.
The electrician adopted the IP marking system, which characterizes the protection of the housing from the ingress of water and solid particles to live parts. It is applied to the switch and is indicated in the accompanying documentation.
All wiring devices have a certain degree of protection against dust and water. There is an international marking that clearly shows this degree. It can be applied directly to the body of the product.
The marking itself is an alphanumeric record. The first letters are IP, indicating the type of marking. Next is a number that indicates the degree of protection against pollution.
The lowest is indicated by zero, the highest by six. Devices from the “zero” group do not have any protection against dust, devices with the number 6 on the case are completely protected from it. They work great even in rooms where there is a high level of dust.
The second digit of the marking indicates the current level of protection against moisture. There are numbers from zero to nine. The first group of circuit breakers is equipped with a housing devoid of moisture protection. The latter indicates the highest degree of protection.
Such devices can function normally provided that they are completely immersed in water, including hot water. After these two digits there may also be letters giving additional information. But for switches they are practically not used.
Given this marking, circuit breakers should be selected for different non-residential and residential rooms. For example, for bedrooms and living rooms, IP20 enclosure protection will be quite sufficient; in damp rooms and bathrooms, devices with IP44 should be installed, it can be higher.
For saunas, baths or showers, devices with IP54 are suitable. Similar are installed on the streets, in unheated and dusty rooms. In the latter case, the degree of protection may be higher.
Device Management Options
There are a lot of control options for the switch, which is explained by the usability of the device. Based on this, distinguish between these types of switches.
Keyboard Features
Structurally, such switches consist of contacts permanently fixed inside the housing and a swinging mechanism, preloaded by a spring. The latter works in compression or in tension.
Based on this, there are two variations of keyboard instruments. The first uses a ball, which, when you press a key, begins to move along the swinging beam.
Switches with two or more keys are especially convenient for controlling several lighting groups. For example, it may be a group of lamps in a multi-track chandelier
It passes the axis and rolls over the arm of the rocker arm, thereby moving the movable mechanism equipped with contacts in the opposite direction.
The second type of key switch is equipped with a spring-loaded frame. It has the ability to swing on its axis, thereby breaking or creating an electrical contact. Regardless of the type of device, the switch is switched by pressing the key.
Such switches are characterized by a long service life. Provided that the parameters are correctly selected and correctly operated, they can work without fail for several decades. The cost of keyboard devices is low.
They are issued in the consignment note or in built-in execution. You can find complex designs on sale when two or more keys are fixed on one base. In some cases, they can be very convenient to use.
Cord Type Switches
They were very popular in the 70-80 years of the last century, but are used today in various variations. Their main feature is the presence of a durable lace that comes out of the switch housing. Actually turn it off / on by pulling on this lace.
The latter is mounted on a swing arm, and it, in turn, interacts with a moving terminal block.
Cord type breakers are rarely used today. They are convenient enough for lamps located above the berth, desk and other similar places.
After the cord is released, the spring fixed in the housing straightens and returns the block to its original place. An interesting modification of the cord device is a device for controlling two or more groups of bulbs. They respond to the amount of string tension.
At the first one of the lighting units is switched on, at the second - the next and so on. Shutdown is carried out in the reverse order.
Retro style pushbutton switches
Push-button switches operate according to the key principle. This means that the first press of the button closes the contacts, the second - opens. There are varieties of such switches that work with the so-called self-reset buttons when the device operates without holding the button.
In this case, the relay circuit controlling the lighting is additionally connected.
Button switches work successfully in all kinds of floor and table lighting fixtures. They are found in wall models, but in this case the button is replaced by a spring-loaded lever. Such devices are durable and reliable.
Particularly convenient are models with a decorative enlarged button; they are usually installed on the basis of floor lamps.
Innovative touch models
Such devices operate without any mechanical impact. To close / open the circuit, just touch the special sensitive panel located on the outside of the device. Such panels can operate either in button mode or in key mode.
The design of the touch switch includes an electronic circuit operating on semiconductors, a sensitive element and the switch itself.
The touch switch is a fairly sophisticated device that can respond to a light touch. Very convenient to use
The sensor element responds to a tactile contact and sends the received signal to an electronic circuit. She transforms it into a team that is understandable to the executive body, which implements it.
Touch devices are universal. They can be equipped with additional sensors and respond to their signals, or work remotely.
Remote Control Devices
These switches provide the ability to control the lamp from a distance. For this, a special remote control is used, which transmits commands to the lighting device via a radio channel.
In this case, the switch itself is a receiver equipped with switching contacts that cut into the power supply cable of the lamp.
In case you have to control LED or fluorescent lamps, zero and phase are supplied to the power unit.
The device opens / closes the circuit, according to the signal transmitted from the remote control. On average, the power of such a signal is enough for 25 m
The remote control can have a different design, more often it is made in the form of a small keychain. The range of his work largely depends on the materials from which the building was erected, and on its design. On average, the power of such radiation is enough to overcome about 20-25 m.
The remote control will not be able to operate without battery power. In this control scheme, microprocessor controllers can be involved. This will make it possible to use additional functions: timer, regulation of light intensity, etc.
Switches with integrated sensors
The design of such devices includes detectors that analyze certain environmental parameters. This may be the absence or presence of movement of a sufficiently large object in the area of responsibility or the intensity of lighting.
Signals from the sensor are sent to the controller, which analyzes them. As soon as parameters determined in advance are fixed, a signal is sent to the executive body.
Such a switch not only performs its direct function, but also helps the owner save energy. It is included only if there is movement in the area of its responsibility
After that, the circuit contacts are closed / opened. Such switches can most often be programmed. That is, the user can independently set the response parameters of the device.
The devices are very convenient in operation and can significantly save energy, because they only work when there is a real need to turn on the lighting.
Read more about switches with motion sensors in this article.
Through or cross over models
Switches of this type can be considered a variety of keyboard models. The main difference between walk-through switches is that they do not open / close contacts, but switch them. As a result, one of the lamps connected to such a switch lights up or goes out.
Toggle switches allow you to control the lighting from several remote places at once. One or more lighting fixtures can be connected to such devices.
Popular manufacturers: who to prefer
The quality of circuit breakers, like any other product, largely depends on the manufacturer. Companies that have earned a good reputation strictly monitor the quality of their products, guaranteeing customers a long, trouble-free service of their products.
Therefore, when choosing a switch for your home, it is important to pay attention to this moment and, if possible, choose products from a well-known manufacturer. Let's talk about the best of them.
Legrand company from France
The French brand entered the market in the middle of the 19th century with table porcelain. After the emergence of electricity, porcelain became popular as an insulator, the company took up products for electricians.
The management initially relied on the use of the latest technologies in production, which gave good results - the company is one of the five best European manufacturers of electrics.
The switchgear cases of the Legrand brand are made only of self-extinguishing plastic, which makes them as safe as possible during operation
Products Legrand known in more than 150 countries, it is sold under various trademarks, including Contactor, BTicino, Sarlam, Legrand other. The company's products are distinguished by the highest quality, safety and reliability.
The product range is very wide, it includes a variety of types of wall switches. Among them, you can find traditional models, as well as unusual combined devices.
They are a three-key or standard switch installed in a common housing with a socket. The company pays special attention to the quality of components.
In addition, the cases of all devices, regardless of their cost, are made only of self-extinguishing plastic. This significantly increases the safety of operation of devices. Legrand produces devices of various designs that fit into any interior.
Swedish company ABB
It appeared at the end of the last century as a result of the merger of two large Swedish concerns. Today it is one of the leading manufacturers of wiring accessories. Their distinguishing feature is the highest safety and quality.
The brand offers convenient modular solutions that allow you to collect the necessary variations from the proposed elements. For the manufacture of enclosures, only impact-resistant, UV-resistant materials are used.
Products of the ABB brand are distinguished not only by the highest quality, but also by a stylish design. True, the cost of such wiring devices is quite high
Among them are natural ones, such as steel, wood or bronze. The structural simplicity of the products involves a simple and quick installation.
Brand Assortment ABB includes several product lines, each of which has a special easily recognizable design. For instance, Reflex made in traditional strict geometric forms, but Impuls has soft rounded lines.
Collections of wiring accessories are diverse. Moreover, even in the basic collections, the manufacturer offers not only standard solutions.
For example, in all there are frames with a fluorescent coating that illuminate the body of the device in the dark. ABB products have a high cost, which some attribute to significant shortcomings.
French brand Schneider Electric
Founded in the 19th century as an arms manufacturing company, it has long mastered the electric power markets and has become a leader in the manufacture of wiring accessories.
In the product range Schneider circuit breakers with light indication, continuous, with remote control, with sensors and other complex variations. Moreover, they are all of the highest quality.
Schneider launched the production of combined wiring accessories assembled on a common basis
The trademark of Schneider products is the presence of spring contacts made of bronze. This allows you to refuse to use an additional clamp and at the same time not to lose the quality of the created contact. Thanks to this installation of products of the French brand is extremely simple and quick.
The design of wiring devices is diverse. Here you can find interesting models in a different range: from laconic classics to catchy avant-garde.
All brand collections include removable frames of horizontal and vertical type of various colors. The company's products are represented by several model lines. Very popular Unica, offering modular devices that allow you to create on the basis of a unified seat a variety of combinations of elements.
Products from Schneider have a high cost, and this applies even to standard models, not to mention design models.
On our site there is a series of articles devoted to the description of various types, the selection and connection of switches of various types, we recommend that you read:
- Smart switches: types, labeling, how to choose and connect correctly
- A switch with a shutdown timer: how it works and which type is better to choose
- Wireless light switch: selection criteria + review of the best models
Compare wiring devices from different manufacturers:
What is the marking of the degree of protection of the case:
Modern switches are complex devices that make it possible to make a person's life as comfortable as possible. At the same time, they also help save energy, this applies to high-tech models equipped with light and motion sensors.
Manufacturers produce products of different designs, which allows them to easily fit into the interiors of any style. Among the assortment of models, it is easy to choose the suitable option, you only need to determine which switch is needed for existing operating conditions.
Have something to supplement, or have questions about choosing a light switch? You can leave comments on the publication and participate in discussions. The contact form is located in the lower block.