How to connect a chandelier to a two-key switch: step-by-step instructions

Even the most original lighting fixture needs power.To rationally use electricity and implement interesting lighting ideas, a switch with 2 or 3 keys is often used.

To implement such a solution, it is not necessary to call an electrician; you can figure out how to connect the chandelier to a two-key switch and try to do all the work yourself.

The idea of ​​saving money is attractive, but have you never done such work and are afraid of making a number of mistakes? We will help you - in this article we will look at detailed instructions on connecting a chandelier to a switch with two keys. In addition, we will provide step-by-step photos of the installation process, providing them with a detailed description. And for beginners, we will add visual videos demonstrating the connection of the chandelier.

Features of two-level light control

One room does not always require the brightness of all 9-12 light bulbs. Sometimes you want to create a romantic atmosphere by turning on 2-3 shades of an exquisite chandelier. They will allow you to get dim light, ideal for intimate conversations in the evening.

The subtlety of controlling the light bulbs of a lighting fixture depends on the switch - if you install a two-key switch, you can effectively differentiate the capabilities of the chandelier by forming 2 light groups.This technique allows you to create a deeper light composition, and two buttons allow you to control the amount of light according to your wishes.

In addition, the user also receives additional benefits in the form of savings:

• electricity when one small group of light bulbs is turned on;
• resource of the lighting devices themselvesvacationers for a certain period of time;
• places on the wall – a double switch model takes up less space than two single switches.

And if you wish, you can do the connection of the chandelier yourself. To do this, you first need to select the most suitable switch model from the variety offered by numerous manufacturers.

A suitable two-keyboard player and its correct connection will simplify the control of light in the room. True, you still need to create optimal groups of light bulbs that make up the chandelier.

In this matter, everything will depend on the number of points emitting light and the presence of additional lamps in the room. And the model plays an important role: if this is a multi-level product, then it is advisable to connect the light bulbs of the upper floor of the chandelier to one of the keys, and all the remaining ones to the second.

Recently, in pursuit of creating an original atmosphere in the house, users have been choosing retro models that allow them to emphasize the sophistication and uniqueness of the interior.

You can form groups as you wish, but you have to take into account the total number of lamps in the device - the more there are, the more variations you can create.

So, for a product with 12 light emitters, the following options will be relevant:

• 3+9;
• 4+8;
• 5+7;
• 6+6.

It makes no sense to connect less than 3 lamps per key - the room will be quite dark. For communication or watching movies, 3-4 pieces are enough.

The last option with equal distribution is not the most successful, because with 6 light bulbs it is inconvenient to read, knit or embroider, and they use quite a lot of electricity.

Step-by-step instructions for connecting

When the switch has been purchased, and in the new chandelier it has been possible to form 2 groups of light bulbs, each of which will be controlled by its own key, you can proceed directly to electrical installation work. It is important to pay due attention to personal safety here.

Stage #1 - preparation for installation

The first step is to deal with all the wires. And there can be a lot of them. In order not to get lost or confuse anything, you have to calmly examine them and determine which one is responsible for what. We wrote more about marking wires in this article.

You can start with the chandelier itself. It will have wires coming out of each cartridge and may also have a central core. It all depends on the model.

If this is a product from a trusted manufacturer who values ​​its reputation and customers, then the package will include instructions. It is its recommendations that should be followed when carrying out connection work.

Chinese chandeliers may have wires separated by color - brown and blue. The first ones are responsible for the phase, and the second ones are zero

Lighting fixtures made by Chinese companies look no less attractive than chandeliers from famous brands. And their cost is much more attractive, which explains their popularity among consumers.

A significant drawback is the lack of instructions with a connection diagram and wire markings. Often they can all be the same color - you will have to independently determine who corresponds to what.

For self-installation, of all the options for connecting cores, it is more convenient to use PPE caps and Vago terminal blocks.

To properly install a chandelier, it is irrational to master the basics of soldering or rent equipment to perform high-quality crimping. PPE caps do an excellent job of insulating contacts, ensuring a reliable connection

Rest ways to connect wires relevant for professional electricians who have the necessary tools and skills to carry out such work.

You also need to determine the identity of the wires coming from the switch. They can stick straight out of the ceiling.Or they will have to be freed by removing the old chandelier.

In any case, before carrying out work, it is important to de-energize the line to protect yourself from electric shock.

Having removed the old lighting fixture and freed the wires, you will need to carefully inspect them for damage to the insulation. If it is not broken, then you need to separate them in different directions and turn on the power to check the identity of each of the wires with an indicator screwdriver or a multimeter.

There may be 3 or 4 wires coming out of the ceiling. In the first case there will be 1 neutral and 2 phase, and in the second one more will be added - grounding. It is used to ground the chandelier body

Now you need to turn off the power supply to the line in order to carry out further work.

Stage #2 - checking that the switch is connected correctly

It is important to check before installing the chandelier whether the operating mechanism of the switch with two keys is connected correctly.

To do this, you need to remove the front panel with the keys and take out the main part to which the wires are attached.

Depending on the model and manufacturer, the two-key switch may have various symbols on the back indicating the purpose of the contacts. If you have instructions, it will be easier to understand, but if there are no instructions, you need to carefully study the numbers or letters printed on the reverse side.

A product with two keys has one incoming phase contact and two outgoing ones. They are designated by the letters L, L1 and L2 respectively. The contacts of the outgoing phase can be called by the same numbers - 1 and 2

For self-installation double switch It is important to connect the wires correctly. If it is already standing, you need to take the time to unscrew it to assess the adequacy of its connection.

Having reached the working mechanism, you need to inspect the insulation, check that the cores are connected correctly so that the power supply from the shield is in contact with the letter L. You should also pay attention that it does not fall out of its connector and that nothing is loose.

The operating mechanism of the switch, wires and connections must be neat, insulation in the right place. It is important that all conductors are separated and carefully placed in the socket box if it is used for electrical installation.

Stage #3 - providing power to the wires

After checking the wires going from the two-key switch to the chandelier, you can continue connecting it. In principle, by the color of the wires coming out of the working mechanism, it is clear which wires are sticking out of the ceiling.

They have to be connected to nodes formed from cores coming out of the horns of the lighting fixture.

A diagram for connecting a chandelier to a switch with two keys. It is important here not to mix up the wires

To do this correctly, you need to calmly make the connections, well stripping the insulation.

It is advisable to carry out all work wearing protective gloves. Even a beginner can use WAGO or PPE caps. Moreover, the installation will have to be done under the ceiling, which is not entirely convenient.

When all connections are made, you need to carefully place the wires, placing them inside the decorative trim of the lighting fixture.

All that remains is to attach the chandelier based on the features of the model - hang it on a hook or secure it to a bracket.

After screwing in the light bulbs, you can test the performance of the product and the functionality of each of the switch keys. If everything is done correctly, the device will properly control two groups of light bulbs

We reviewed more wiring diagrams and connection rules in detail in our other article.

Common connection errors

When doing electrical installation yourself, you often have to deal with questions that arise due to errors made during the connection process.

A common problem is a non-working or malfunctioning chandelier, which must be controlled by a two-key switch.

The first sign of an incorrect connection is the absence of backlight on the device. This is true for backlit models. Therefore, we have to disassemble the mechanism and see where the error crept in.

The first thing you should pay attention to is zero. It never comes to the switch - it goes straight from the distribution box to the ceiling. If this is not the case, then you need to correct the mistake by running a zero from the box to the chandelier, bypassing the two-keyboard.

The second error is related to the neutral wire, when it is connected to one of the phase connectors. We remember the rule that the zero immediately goes to the lighting device and is removed from the phase contact.

The third error is that the incoming phase conductor is connected to the outgoing left or right contact in the operating mechanism. Simply put, the connectors were mixed up during the connection process. This is not difficult to fix - you need to unscrew the connections and insert the wires correctly, re-fastening them.

In addition to these errors, the following are often encountered:

• connections are poorly made - the wire dangles without ensuring proper contact;
• the conductors are simply twisted together and wrapped with electrical tape on top - simple twists are prohibited, you should put on a cap or insert them into the Vago;
• core insulation is damaged;
• connection is poor removed the insulation, which prevented the creation of tight contact between the wires.

All problems can be avoided if you immediately carry out each of the processes calmly and do not be lazy to double-check the quality of the work.

Please note that the power wire to the chandelier from the switch does not always pass through the junction box. Options when the phase occurs immediately, bypassing it, are now gaining momentum.

In such cases, in order to hide all connections and wires, you can install an additional socket box, on which a plug is placed, although not all manufacturers have such a design.

The plug will allow you to hide wires and their connections in a spare socket box.And if necessary, access to them will be as simple as possible - remove the plug and inspect the wiring

Conclusions and useful video on the topic

When installing a chandelier yourself, a novice electrician may encounter minor problems. More details about this in the video:

About connecting a lighting device using a terminal block in the video:

Detailed instructions on using a multimeter in the video:

Connecting and checking the functionality of a chandelier controlled by a two-key switch:

Once you understand the intricacies of electrical work when connecting a chandelier, you can do everything yourself.

To do this, you have to follow the electrical safety rules and connect all the wires correctly, having previously divided the light bulbs of the lighting device into 2 groups, each of which will be controlled by one of the switch keys.

Do you have experience successfully connecting a lighting fixture to a double switch and want to share it with other users? Or maybe you made a mistake during installation, then successfully corrected it and now want to warn other home craftsmen who do not have experience in electrical installation work about this? Write your tips and comments, ask questions in the comments block located below this article.