Types and types of light switches: overview of connection options + analysis of popular brands
The lighting equipment market is constantly evolving, and the range of switches is being updated with innovative developments that provide maximum comfort. However, traditional devices do not lose popularity. Agree, among such variety it is not easy to decide on the purchase of a suitable light switch.
To facilitate the task of selection, we have 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 devices. This information will help you choose a high-quality and reliable option for specific operating conditions.
The content of the article:
Switch: what is it for?
A switch is a switching device that is responsible for closing/opening the electrical circuit that powers the lighting fixture. It is always installed in the area where the phase wire breaks.
You cannot trust illiterate “electricians” who claim that neutral and phase wires must be connected to the switch. This will cause a short circuit and wiring problems.
Household models of switches are designed to work with wiring that uses a standard load. They cannot be connected to a network with other parameters. Each of the switches can only operate with a certain operating voltage and current. These parameters are always indicated in the technical documentation and on the device body.
The main task of the device is to provide power to the electrical device and stop it when there is no need to use the lamp. Switches are available in a wide variety of designs. They differ significantly from each other in a number of ways. Let's take a closer look at these differences.
Switching methods used in switches
When installing switches, only two methods of connecting wires are used, which have certain features.
Screw clamp mechanism
To switch wires, this type of switch 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, this connection may loosen a little and then you will have to slightly tighten the screw.
Experts believe that switches with screw terminals are best used for working with aluminum wires.
Spring contact mechanisms
It can be conditionally considered an improved version of the screw clamp. There is a spring-loaded contact plate that clamps a section of exposed wire, thereby ensuring a fairly reliable connection. This is the simplest installation method possible.
The main disadvantage of these clamps is that the wire must be clamped correctly. Otherwise, the device will not be able to function fully. Switches with spring-loaded contacts 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. This is the name for switches that are placed on the surface of the wall and secured. They characteristically protrude above the wall, which may not look entirely aesthetically pleasing. Overhead devices are more often used when installation with external wiring, but can also be connected to a hidden one.
Built-in switches. The switches are installed in a cavity of a suitable size, pre-made in the wall. This greatly complicates their installation, but improves their appearance.
The upper decorative panel of the switch protrudes slightly above the wall surface or is completely recessed into it. Built-in models are designed for use with hidden wiring; they cannot work with external wiring.
Housing protection degree
Household switches are used in various conditions, so their housings can be made in different protection levels. There is a GOST that regulates this degree.
The electrical system has been adopted IP markings, characterizing the protection of the housing from the ingress of water and solid particles to current-carrying elements. It is applied to the switch and indicated in the accompanying documentation.
The marking itself is an alphanumeric record. The letters IP are applied first, indicating the type of marking. Next is a number that indicates the degree of protection against pollution.
The lowest is indicated by a zero, the highest by a six. Devices from the “zero” group do not have any protection against dust; devices with the number 6 on the body 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 switches is equipped with a housing that lacks moisture protection. The latter indicates the highest degree of protection.
Such devices can function normally if completely immersed in water, including hot water. After these two numbers there may also be letters that provide additional information. But they are practically not used for switches.
Taking into account this marking, you should choose switches for non-residential and residential rooms with different purposes.For example, for bedrooms and living rooms, IP20 housing protection will be sufficient; in damp rooms and bathrooms, devices with IP44, or higher, should be installed.
For saunas, baths or showers, devices with IP54 are suitable. Similar ones are installed on the streets, in unheated and dusty rooms. In the latter case, the degree of protection may be higher.
Device control options
There are a lot of switch control options, which is explained by the ease of use of the device. Based on this, these types of switches are distinguished.
Features of keyboard devices
Structurally, such switches consist of contacts permanently fixed inside the housing and a swinging mechanism pressed by a spring. The latter works in compression or tension.
Based on this, two variations of keyboard instruments are distinguished. The first uses a ball, which, when you press a key, begins to move along a swinging rocker arm.
It passes the axis and rolls along the arm of the rocker, 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 electrical contact. Regardless of the type of device, the switch is switched by pressing a key.
Such switches are characterized by a long service life. Provided that the parameters are correctly selected and used correctly, they can operate without failure for several decades.The cost of keyboard devices is low.
They are available in surface-mounted or built-in versions. You can find complex designs on sale when two or more keys are attached to one base. In some cases they can be very convenient to use.
Corded switches
They were very popular in the 70-80s of the last century, but are still used today in various variations. Their main feature is the presence of a durable cord that extends from the switch body. You can actually turn it off/on by pulling this cord.
The latter is mounted on a rotary lever, and it, in turn, interacts with a moving contact block.
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 light bulbs. They respond to the amount of tension on the lace.
At the first, one of the lighting units turns on, at the second, the next one, and so on. Switching off is carried out in the reverse order.
Retro style push button switches
Push-button switches operate on the principle of a key. This means that the first press of the button closes the contacts, the second - opens. There are varieties of such switches that work with so-called self-return buttons, when the device operates without holding the button.
In this case, a relay circuit is additionally connected to control the lighting.
Push-button switches work successfully in all kinds of floor and tabletop lighting fixtures. They are also found in wall-mounted models, but in this case the button is replaced by a spring-loaded lever. Such devices are durable and reliable.
Models with a decorative enlarged button are especially convenient; they are usually installed on the base of floor lamps.
Innovative touch models
Such devices operate without any mechanical impact. To close/open the circuit, just lightly touch a special sensitive panel located on the outside of the device. Such panels can operate either in button mode or in key mode.
Design touch switch includes an electronic circuit running on semiconductors, a sensing element and the switch itself.
The sensor element responds to tactile contact and sends the received signal to the electronic circuit. It transforms it into a command understandable to the executive body, which carries it out.
Touch devices are universal. They can be equipped with additional sensors and respond to their signals, or work remotely.
Remote controlled devices
These switches make it possible 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.
The switch itself in this case is a receiver equipped with switching contacts that cut into the supply wire of the lamp.
If you have to control LED or fluorescent lamps, a zero and a phase are supplied to the power supply.
The remote control can have different designs, most often it is made in the form of a small keychain. The range of its operation largely depends on the materials from which the building is constructed and on its design. On average, the power of such radiation is enough to travel about 20-25 m.
The remote control will not be able to operate without power, which is provided by batteries. Microprocessor controllers can be used in such a control scheme. This will make it possible to use additional functions: timer, light intensity control, etc.
Switches with built-in 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 predetermined parameters are recorded, a signal is sent to the executive body.
After which the circuit contacts close/open. Such switches can most often be programmed. That is, the user can independently set the device’s response parameters.
The devices are very easy to use and can significantly save energy resources, since they operate only when there is a real need to turn on the lighting.
Read more about switches with motion sensors in this article.
Pass-through or reversible models
Switches of this type can be considered a type of keyboard model. Main difference pass-through switches – 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.
You can control lighting from several places remote from each other at once changeover switches. One or more lighting fixtures can be connected to such devices.
Popular manufacturers: who to prefer
The quality of switches, 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 long-term, trouble-free service of their products.
Therefore, when choosing a switch for your home, it is important to pay attention to this point and, if possible, choose products from a reputable manufacturer. Let's talk about the best of them.
Legrand company from France
The French brand entered the market in the mid-19th century with table porcelain. After the advent of electricity, porcelain became in demand as an insulator, and the company began producing electrical products.
The management initially relied on the use of the latest technologies in production, which yielded good results - the company is one of the five best European electrical manufacturers.
Products Legrand known in more than 150 countries around the world, it is sold under various brands, including Contactor, BTicino, Sarlam, Legrand and others. 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 combination 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 housings of all devices, regardless of their cost, are made only of self-extinguishing plastic. This significantly increases the operating safety of the 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 electrical installation products. Their distinctive feature is the highest safety and quality.
The brand offers convenient modular solutions that allow you to assemble the necessary variations from the proposed elements. For the production of cases, only impact-resistant, UV-resistant materials are used.
Among them are natural ones, such as steel, wood or bronze.The structural simplicity of the products allows for simple and quick installation.
Brand assortment ABB includes several product lines, each of which has a special, easily recognizable design. Eg, Reflex made in traditional strict geometric forms, but Impuls has soft rounded lines.
Collections of electrical installation products are diverse. Moreover, even in basic collections, the manufacturer offers not only standard solutions.
For example, all have frames with a fluorescent coating, which illuminate the body of the device in the dark. ABB products are highly expensive, which some consider to be a significant disadvantage.
French brand Schneider Electric
Founded in the 19th century as a weapons production company, it has long mastered the electricity markets and become a leader in the production of electrical installation products.
In the product range Schneider switches with light indication, walk-through switches, with remote control, with sensors and other complex variations. Moreover, they are all of the highest quality.
The signature feature of Schneider products is the presence of spring contacts made of bronze. This allows you to avoid using an additional clamp without losing the quality of the contact created. Thanks to this, installation of products from the French brand is extremely simple and fast.
The design of electrical installation devices is widely varied. Here you can find interesting models in a different range: from laconic classics to catchy avant-garde.
All brand collections include removable horizontal and vertical frames of various colors. The company's products are represented by several model lines. Very popular Unica, offering modular devices that allow you to create a variety of combinations of elements based on a unified seat.
Products from Schneider are highly expensive, and this applies even to standard models, not to mention designer models.
On our website there is a series of articles devoted to the description of various types, selection and connection of different types of switches, we recommend that you read:
- Smart switches: types, markings, how to choose and connect correctly
- Switch with shutdown timer: how it works and which type is better to choose
- Wireless light switch: selection criteria + review of the best models
Conclusions and useful video on the topic
We compare electrical installation devices from different manufacturers:
What does the housing protection degree marking mean:
Modern switches are complex devices that 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 interiors of any style. Among the range of models, it is easy to choose the appropriate option; you just need to determine which switch is needed for the existing operating conditions.
Do you have anything to add 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.
I remember before when I was little, white key switches that were beautiful for that time had just appeared. And now you won’t surprise anyone with these switches. Now there are all sorts of them: touch-sensitive, with sensors, and with timers. In terms of design, many options have appeared. Now, on the contrary, in retro style they will also be more expensive. That's how it happens. Previously, we tried to put things in a more modern way, but now we are going back to vintage.
Natalia, I’m from the generation that knows push-button switches very well. As for me, this is a terribly inconvenient thing. This small button in the center, narrow, stubborn, changes its position with difficulty and with a loud sound... Consumer comfort in those days was clearly not in the first place. When such a switch began to break, the already tight button switched with even greater force. In a word, darkness. I would be very surprised if someone in our time would consciously look for such switches to install at home.
As for touch and remote switches, everything is simple - aesthetics, fashion and all that, but expensive at the moment. Much more expensive than conventional key switches, although they perform the same function, which is why they are not very widespread in our country. But switches with motion sensors are a very useful thing. True, two of mine burned out for unknown reasons, but nevertheless, they clearly increase comfort, although there is no point in installing them everywhere - in the hallway, or on the landing, or on the street.
Yes, Ignat, it’s a little expensive. Our average modal salary is 25,000 rubles. The minimum French rate is 1,498 euros per month or 105,000 our rubles.A single-key livolo touch switch costs 1,015 rubles or 14 euros, and a six-key touch switch costs 3,490 rubles or 50 euros. That is, the average Frenchman can buy 100 single-keyboards, and a Russian can buy 25.
“Two geese are flying, one is white and the other is gray, how old am I?” a young teacher asks her students. Vovovchka answers - M.I. you are 24 years old. The teacher asks in surprise: how did you know? Vovovchka says: when I “freeze the grain” they tell me that I’m a half-fool, and I’m 12 years old.
What if I want to install a switch that will regulate the brightness of the light? I have ordinary housekeepers. Will they work or do I need to change the lamps to special ones? And yet, is there any way to connect this to a smartphone so that you can control the light from your phone?
Switches that allow you to adjust the level of light in a room are called dimmers. Currently, two types of phase control dimers are used for LED lamps:
1. Leading edge dimmers that cut off the leading edge;
2. Rear edge dimmers that cut off the rear.
The first type of dimmers cut off the leading edge of the sinusoid; I am attaching the operating curve of this dimmer. I won’t go into technical details, but I’ll just note that the dimmer can make noise when operating. The second type of dimmer does not create sudden voltage surges, as can be seen from the diagram. Therefore, the equipment operates silently.
To choose a suitable dimmer, you need to know that LED lamps have a built-in driver that converts alternating current to direct current. This is exactly what you need to pay attention to when purchasing - the dimmer must be compatible with the LED lamp driver.
As for controlling lighting using a smartphone, this can be achieved using the wall-mounted Smart Panel Controlle.