Current electricity prices make you think about saving where you never even thought about it before. For example, lighting on the stairs. It doesn’t matter if it’s in a private or multi-storey building, you still need to pay. Previously, they simply left the light on. Today you think about turning it off, but running up and down is also not fun. It turns out there is a solution. To prevent the lights from being on constantly, there are schemes for controlling the lamps from several places. That is, one or more lamps can be turned on and off from several points. Special switches are needed for this. They are called walk-throughs. Sometimes the names “duplicate” or “change-over” are found. All this is one type of electrical equipment. They differ from ordinary ones in a large number of contacts. Accordingly, the connection diagram for the pass-through switch is more complicated. However, you can figure it out.
What does a pass-through switch look like and work?
If we talk about the front side, the only difference is: a barely noticeable arrow on the up and down key.
If we talk about the electrical circuit, everything is also simple: in ordinary switches there are only two contacts, in pass-through switches (also called changeover contacts) there are three contacts, two of which are common. There are always two or more such devices in the circuit, and they are switched using these common wires.
The difference is in the number of contacts
The operating principle is simple. By changing the position of the key, the input is connected to one of the outputs. That is, these devices have only two working positions:
- input connected to output 1;
- input is connected to output 2.
There are no other intermediate provisions. Thanks to this, everything works. Because the contact switches from one position to another, electricians believe it is more correct to call them “switches.” So a pass-through switch is also this device.
In order not to rely on the presence or absence of arrows on the keys, you need to inspect the contact part. Branded products should have a diagram on them that allows you to understand what type of equipment you have in your hands. It is definitely found on products from Lezard, Legrand, and Viko. They are often absent on Chinese copies.
If there is no such diagram, look at the terminals (copper contacts in the holes): there should be three of them. But not always on inexpensive copies the terminal that stands alone is the input. They are often confused. To find where the common contact is located, you need to ring the contacts with each other at different key positions. This must be done, otherwise nothing will work, and the device itself may burn out.
You will need a tester or multimeter. If you have a multimeter, set it to sound mode - it beeps when there is contact. If you have a pointer tester, ring for a short circuit. Place the probe on one of the contacts, find which of the two it rings with (the device beeps or the arrow shows a short circuit - it deviates to the right all the way). Without changing the position of the probes, change the position of the key. If the short circuit is missing, one of these two is common. Now all that remains is to check which one. Without switching the key, move one of the probes to another contact. If there is a short circuit, then the contact from which the probe was not moved is the common one (this is the input).
It may become clearer if you watch a video on how to find the input (common contact) for a pass-through switch.
Connection diagram for a pass-through switch from two places
This scheme is convenient in a two-story house on the stairs, in a passage room, in a long corridor. You can also use it in the bedroom - turn off the overhead light at the entrance and near the bed (how many times did you have to get up to turn it on/off?).
Zero and ground (if any) are connected directly to the lamp. The phase is supplied to the output of the first switch, the input of the second is connected to the free wire of the lamp, the outputs of the two devices are connected to each other.
Looking at this diagram, it is easy to understand how the pass-through switch works. In the position shown in the figure, the lamp is on. By pressing the key of any of the devices, we break the chain. In the same way, when in the off position, by moving any of them to another position, we will close the circuit through one of the jumpers and the lamp will light up.
To make it clearer what to connect to what, and how to lay the wires, here are a few images.
If we talk about the room, then you need to lay the wires approximately as in the photo below. According to modern rules, all of them should be located at a distance of 15 cm from the ceiling. They can be placed in mounting boxes or trays; the ends of the wires are inserted into mounting boxes. This is convenient: if necessary, you can replace a broken wire. Also, according to the latest standards, all connections occur only in installation boxes and using contactors. If you make twists, it is better to solder them and wrap them well with electrical tape on top.
The return wire of the lamp is connected to the output of the second switch. White indicates the wires connecting the outputs of both devices.
How to connect everything in the terminal box is described in the video.
3 point circuit
To be able to turn the light on/off from three places, you need to buy a cross (cross) switch for two switches. It differs from those described earlier by the presence of two inputs and two outputs. It switches a couple of contacts at once. See the figure for how everything should be organized. If you understand the above, this one is easy to understand.
How to assemble such a circuit? Here's the procedure:
- Zero (and ground, if any) is connected directly to the lamp.
- The phase is connected to the input of one of the pass-through switches (with three inputs).
- The input of the second is fed to the free wire of the lamp.
- The two outputs of one three-pin device are connected to the input of a crossover switch (with four inputs).
- The two outputs of the second three-pin device are connected to the second pair of switch contacts with four inputs.
The same diagram, but from a different perspective - where to connect the wires on the housings.
And this is approximately how to distribute it around the room.
If you need a circuit with four, five or more points, then it differs only in the number of cross switches (for four inputs/outputs). There are always two switches (with three inputs/outputs) in any circuit - at the very beginning and at the very end of the circuit. All other elements are cross devices.
Remove one “crossbar” and you get a four-point control scheme. Add more and there will be a scheme for 6 control places.
To finally get it all in your head, watch this video.
Two-key pass-through switch: connection diagram
To control the lighting of two lamps (or groups of lamps) from one switch from several places, there are two-key pass-through switches. They have six contacts. If necessary, find the common wires using the same principle as in a conventional device of this type, only you will have to connect a larger number of wires.
The connection diagram for a 2-key pass-through switch differs only in that there will be more wires: the phase must be supplied to both inputs of the first switch, just as from the two inputs of the second it must go to two lamps (or two groups of lamps, if we are talking about a multi-arm chandelier ).
If you need to organize control of two light sources from three or more points, you will have to install two cross switches at each point: there are simply no two-key switches. In this case, one pair of contacts is placed on one crossbar, the second on the other. And then, if necessary, they are connected to each other. The outputs of both crossbars are connected to the last two-key transition switch in the chain.
How to organize control of two lamps from four places
If you think about it, everything is not so complicated, and the connection diagram for a pass-through switch from 2 points is generally simple. Just a lot of wires...
A two-button walk-through switch (DPV) will help you save on electricity in walk-through rooms. This device provides equal control of lighting devices from several places, making the process more comfortable.
When installing a DPV, it is important to correctly plan the placement of the wiring based on the geometry of the room. Let's look together at the features of connecting pass-through two-key switches
The essence of pass-through switches (PB) is the ability to turn light bulbs on and off independently from several places. Therefore, the operating scheme of this equipment implies the presence of at least two switches.
In terms of functionality, household pass-through switches can have from 1 to 3 keys, each of which is an adjustment mechanism independent of the others.
Backlight LEDs can be placed on the front panel of the pass-through switch for better visibility of the location of the keys in the dark
Different switch toggle switches control different lighting circuits, so DPVs are specifically designed for chandeliers or shades with two electrical circuits.
With an increase in lighting control points, the number of wires involved in the circuit increases sharply. Because of this, home wiring predominantly uses two or three pass-through switches per luminaire.
According to the interface, PV can be divided into:
- mechanical;
- sensory;
- remote.
The latter are rarely used due to impracticality, but you can find them in stores. Touch switches are good because any touch on them leads to alternately turning on or off the light. Mechanical keys are more familiar to humans and allow you to tactilely feel the change in the position of the toggle switch.
On the back panel of the pass-through switch there is a wire connection diagram that allows you to avoid confusion and connect them correctly
The visual design of the DPV can be very diverse. In electrical equipment stores you can choose pass-through switches of the desired color, shape and design. The external parameters of the device do not affect its functionality.
Preferential placement places
Pass-through switches are installed in any places accessible to hands. It is not necessary to constantly use both devices to control lighting. One switch can be the main one, and the second can be used only when necessary.
If the wires of conventional switches were laid in corrugation, then it is possible to replace them with pass-through ones without damaging the walls
Mostly DPVs are installed in the following places:
- At opposite ends of a long corridor. If there is an additional door in the middle, then a limit switch can also be placed near it.
- In large bedrooms. One DPV can be placed classically on the wall near the door, and the other by the bed.
- On flights of stairs.
- On paths and paths of houses, cottages, dachas. It is convenient to leave the house in the evening, walk along the illuminated alley and turn off the light near the entrance gate.
- In large halls with several entrance doors on opposite sides.
The pass-through switch simultaneously saves energy and ensures the safety of people's movement. The only disadvantage of this device is the increased complexity and cost of initial installation.
Design and working diagram of the DPV
A pass-through switch is more accurately called a switch because it does not have a specific position at which voltage is supplied to the lighting fixture. The key markings do not have standard “on”/“off” inscriptions or stick and oval icons. Typically, the switch has only two multidirectional arrows, which indicate the dual purpose of the toggle switch.
If there are doubts about the correct construction of electrical circuits, they can be checked with a multimeter by connecting a regular battery to the input of the junction box
Option #1 – two-zone placement
It is advisable to install the DPV before interior finishing of the room.
After all, the installation and connection diagram of a two-key pass-through switch assumes the presence of as many as four grooves:
- One from the power source to the distribution box.
- Two from the distribution box to the PV.
- One from the box to the lighting sources.
Afterwards, you need to decide on the number of cables needed and the number of cores in them.
It is necessary to lay two three-wire or three two-wire wires between the distribution box and the first DPV. Two wires will be used to supply voltage to the switch, and the remaining four will follow through the distribution box to the second switching device.
Three two-wire wires are laid in the groove to the second DPV. Two of the wires go to the lighting fixtures, and the remaining four go to the first switch.
One or two wires with “zero” can be connected to lighting fixtures. The specific number of cores depends on the power consumption and the convenience of parallel connection of the lamps. A regular two-core power wire fits into the junction box itself.
The main task when installing PV is to correctly connect the cables in the distribution box. It must be large enough to accommodate a minimum of 16 wires. If you do the work slowly and test all connections with a multimeter, you will end up with a workable electrical circuit.
Option #2 – three-zone placement
Independent three-zone control of two lighting circuits differs from the two-zone system discussed above by the presence of a special cross switch. It is placed exclusively in the middle of the electrical circuit, although it has the same functionality as the other two DPVs.
To prevent multi-level wiring from interfering with further repairs, they try to conduct it at a distance of 15-20 cm below the ceiling level
The double crossover switch has an unusual design containing a bypass contact. One of the wires coming from the first switch is always connected to it, regardless of the position of the toggle switch. It closes in both positions of the cross-circuit breaker, which ensures the functioning of the entire electrical circuit.
The middle cross switch is not interchangeable with the end devices. An infinite number of such intermediate devices can be added to the scheme under consideration, increasing the number of control zones for turning on/off the light in the room. But the complication of the circuit entails an increase in the number of necessary wires and grooves in the walls, which will not add joy to the installation of wiring yourself.
As the number of control zones increases, the wiring complexity does not increase greatly, but the number of switches must be taken into account when choosing the size of the junction box
To install an additional DPV, it will be necessary to make another groove from the distribution box for laying the cable. It needs to fit as many as 8 wires: 4 going from the first switch and 4 going to the second.
If the electrical installation is done by professionals and there is a financial opportunity to install all the switches, then using a DPS with three-zone control for this is an excellent option.
Installation of distribution box
When installing the DPV, all wires must be concentrated in the distribution box. This will reduce the number of grooves and simplify the maintenance of electrical wiring if the number of lamps or their switching pattern changes.
It is advisable to place it between two limit switches at the level of a lighting fixture located in the center of the room. However, the final choice of installation location is made based on the specific configuration of the room and the placement of electrical circuit elements.
Self-clamping terminals provide a tight connection whose strength does not change over time. They are safe and easy to use
The worst option for connecting wires in a distribution box is ordinary twisting with electrical tape. This method can lead to heating of the insulation and subsequent fire. It is best to connect the cores using special terminals, because they provide ease of installation and subsequent maintenance.
Sequence of actions when installing DPV
Independent installation of a two-key pass-through switch requires not only preliminary theoretical preparation, but also knowledge of the algorithm for carrying out installation work. It is important to complete all processes in one pass, without redoing anything due to missing a step. The following will describe step-by-step instructions for installing a two-zone DPV.
Step #1: design. At this stage the following actions are carried out:
- A general electrical diagram is drawn.
- The location of the distribution box is determined taking into account maximum savings on the length of the wires.
- The footage of the required electrical cables and their type are calculated.
- The location of the switches is determined taking into account ease of use.
- The type of installation is selected: hidden or open (in boxes).
You can design the placement of the DPV yourself on a sheet of paper. There should be no problems, because detailed similar diagrams are available on the Internet.
Step #2: purchase cables, switches, distribution box elements. It is better to purchase multi-core wires so that it is convenient to bend them in socket boxes.
There should not be too many wires in the socket so that they do not bend or get pressed when fixing the switch
Step No. 3: installation of the distribution box. It is from this that you need to start running the wire to the rest of the devices. The distribution box is located 15-30 cm from the ceiling in a visible place. It is necessary to connect it to the electrical network only after the entire system has been completely assembled.
Step #4: and preparation of mounting for lighting fixtures.
Step #5: Measuring Cable Length between the points of the electrical circuit and cutting off the necessary pieces. In this case, it is necessary to make a reserve of 10-15 cm for connecting each device. The wires are placed in corrugation or cable ducts so that during floods and wallpapering they are not exposed to moisture.
The corrugation will protect the wires from short circuits in the event of unexpected flooding of the walls by neighbors or rain, eliminating the need to look for a break throughout the slab
Step #6: connecting cables, distribution boxes, switches and lamps into a single system. On the back of the DPV there should be a wiring diagram that must be followed. At the end, you need to use a multimeter to check the functionality of all elements of the system.
Metal parts of luminaires must be grounded. Failure to comply with this requirement may result in electric shock to a person. In addition, “zero” should go directly to the lighting fixtures, not “phase”.
Step No. 7: connecting to the power supply and testing.
If the system check was successful, you can turn off the electricity to the apartment and begin cosmetic repairs: seal the grooves, close the electrical box.
It is not difficult to independently connect two-key pass-through switches in the house. In this case, it is important to strictly observe the connection diagram and follow the described algorithm of actions. The result of successful work will be money saved on electricity and the comfort of residents when regulating lighting.
Do you have personal experience installing two-key pass-through switches? Please give good advice to novice home craftsmen. Tell us the subtleties of installation that only you know. Leave your comments in the block below the article.
We often use rooms in which two pass-through switches must be installed to control the lighting system. They are placed at the entrance and exit of the corridor or at different points in a large room.
Their usefulness is very great, since the lamp can be turned on at one point in the room or at the beginning of the corridor and turned off at another point in the room or at the end of the corridor. Thanks to this, each of us does not need to return to a single switch to turn off the lighting device.
The above principle of operation of the lighting system sounds very simple, however, the question arises, how do one- and two-key pass-through switches work and what is their structure? Note that it is somewhat similar.
The principle of “throwing” contacts
The pass-through switch operates on the principle of “throwing” contacts. To understand it, the following diagrams show the general sequence of connecting a pass-through single-key or two-key switch from two places:
rice. 1 Connection of a pass-through single-key switch.
Rice. 2 Basic sequence of connecting a pass-through two-key switch.
At first, we recommend just looking at them and not going into details. Both diagrams show that the phase electrical wire is connected to the first device. Next, two/four electrical cables are laid between the devices. Then cables go from them to the lamps.
Now it’s worth paying attention to the first diagram. There are two electrical wires between the devices. When both switches are connected to the same cable, the lamp lights up.
This is exactly what is shown in Fig. 1. When we switch device 1, the contact with the lower electrical wire opens and the key is already in contact with the upper wire. The lamp turned off because the circuit was broken. Next, if we do the same action with the second device, then we will short-circuit the first wire, and the current will again flow to the lamp. It will glow.
As you can see, to turn the lamp on/off you need to switch contacts and from this process the name of the operating principle of the feed-through disconnector comes from.
Features of a two-key switch
The considered example concerns only a single-key feed-through disconnector. As you can see, it has one key that can connect one of two electrical cables.
A two-key pass-through switch, the connection process of which is simple, assumes the presence of two keys, each of which connects two separate electrical cables.
In essence, a double pass-through switch consists of two pass-through single-key devices. This is its main difference. There is also a difference in the use of four intermediate wires.
It is worth noting here that each key and the electrical cables to which it can be connected represents a separate independent electrical branch, which has a common current source, and at the same time supplies current to a separate lamp.
If we look at the design features of a pass-through 2-key switch, which is connected according to a simple circuit, we can see that it has two input terminals and four output terminals.
Helpful advice: the structure of such disconnectors may differ from different companies. So, if you take a double pass-through switch from the Legrand company, then it has one input contact to which a phase cable is connected, four outputs for connecting intermediate wires and another output, which is intended for connecting a separate lamp. The features of its connection will be discussed below.
It is beneficial to use a two-button double-off device in those rooms in which there are several lighting lines and they must be controlled from two points.
Typically, it is installed in large offices and rooms (in most cases, bedrooms). They can also be used in summer cottages (if you need to highlight various paths and areas of the yard).
General connection principle
In Fig. 2 shows the general connection diagram for a two-key pass-through switch. Why common? Because the structure may be different (depending on the manufacturer) and the connection sequence may be slightly different.
As you can see, the neutral cable is immediately connected to the lamps. The phase electrical wire, in turn, is connected to the second device. It is connected to keys 1 and 2. Key 1 will close one of the two contacts. Two wires are connected to them. The same electrical wires must be connected to the contacts that will be closed by key 1 of the second disconnector. Next, an electrical wire extends from it to the first lamp. By analogy, wires are connected to keys 2 of the first and second switches.
There is nothing complicated here. However, the number of cables that are routed into the junction box is growing, and as a result, when installing a double pass-through switch, you need to be very careful to make the correct connection and avoid mistakes.
Otherwise, the lighting system will not work.
Helpful advice: using walk-through two-key devices to turn on the light will still take some getting used to. The fact is that they do not have “on” marks. and "off".
This means that the keys do not have fixed positions at which the light will be turned on or off. For example, in conventional devices for turning on the light, the upper position of the key means that the light is on, the lower position means that the light is off. In our case, the top position can be responsible for both turning on and off the light.
Practical connection diagram
The basis for the example will be the Legrand product. The diagram is given below.
Connecting Legrand switches as feedthroughs
The image shows that a phase cable is connected to both devices. If you look closely, you can see two keys in the middle of one device: left and right. In the first switch, current is supplied to the left key, in the second - to the right key.
Actually, from the very beginning you should make the connection of the phase wires.
Helpful tip: to avoid confusion, you can use wires of different colors. So, to connect the lower terminals 2 and 3 of both switches, you can use blue and red wires, and to connect the upper terminals 1 and 2 of both disconnectors, you can use brown and yellow wires.
The choice of colors is up to you. Thanks to this, you will make the correct connection of electrical wires in the junction box.
At the end, all that remains is to connect the electrical wires that will supply power to the lighting fixtures. They are connected to the third upper contact on the left switch and to the first lower contact on the right device.
Now you know about the features of the switch release circuit, which is a pass-through and two-key switch, and you also know how to connect the switch itself.
In general, the connection process involves the following steps:
- Connecting phase wires.
- Connecting intermediate electrical cables.
- Connecting output electrical wires.
- Connecting the neutral electrical cable to the lamps.
Necessary tools and materials
In order to implement the connection process, you need to use the following tools:
- screwdriver for flat and figured slots;
- mounting knife for stripping electrical wires;
- side cutters;
- level;
- wrenches (necessary for mounting some chandeliers);
- pliers.
As for materials, you need to have terminal blocks for connecting cables in the junction box and electrical tape, as well as the double switches themselves.
Also watch the video, which will tell you about the features of the connection diagram for a two-key pass-through switch:
Pass-through switches are devices for controlling a lighting source from two or more places. Externally, they are no different from a regular switch and perform the same functions - they close and open the circuit. The difference is in the contact mechanism - in a conventional switch, at the moment of shutdown, the moving contact remains unused when the circuit breaks, but in a pass-through switch, vice versa. That is, when you press the “On” button, the moving contact is transferred from one contact to the second, thereby creating conditions for the formation of a new circuit. For this reason, pass-throughs are often called flip-overs.
Scope of application of changeover switches:
1. Multi-storey premises. To regulate lighting, switches are installed on each floor. For example, a person turned on the lights on the first floor, reached the fifth and then turned off the lights there. It is not only convenient, but also economical.
- 2.Large corridors. Switches are installed at different ends of the corridor, and in some cases, also in the middle. 3. Bedrooms . Many people are probably familiar with the situation when, in order to turn off the light, you need to get out of bed. Install changeover switches near the bed and entrance - problem solved.
There are several types of pass-through switches that can be used to control two or more light sources - these are single-key, two-key and three-key switches.
The installation diagram of single-key pass-through switches is much simpler than other types. Let's first look at the connection diagram for a single-key toggle switch, and then for a two-key switch.
Connecting single-key pass-through switches
Connecting two-key pass-through switches
Having analyzed both options, you can see that they have a lot in common; more precisely, the connection diagram for a two-key switch is a double circuit for a single-key switch.
In ordinary language, each individual key of a pass-through two-key switch is, in its own way, an independent pass-through single-key switch. Essentially, we can use two single-gang switches in this circuit instead of a two-gang one.
At this stage there are no difficulties. They appear when it is necessary to install a 3-key changeover switch or several 2-key switches.
Let's figure out what the complexity of this situation is: analysis of the above diagrams will help us draw several conclusions:
1. The middle switch has a slightly different design and the number of wires passing through it than the outer ones.
2.The number of wires increases in proportion to the number of keys. Look for yourself, single-key extreme switches use three wires, and the central one uses four. In a two-key switch, the outer ones already use 6 wires, and the intermediate ones use eight, that is, twice as many as single-key ones. The logic is generally clear.
This tendency, with an increase in the number of connected wires when installing a pass-through three-key switch with control from three places, will lead to a problem with a large number of wires. Undoubtedly, this is a disadvantage of such a system. You have to pay extra for the work of the master, and the materials themselves are not cheap. In this regard, such schemes with three or more two and three-key switches are quite rare.
However, before moving on to a simpler solution to the problem, we suggest that you familiarize yourself with the connection diagram for three or more pass-through switches.
Connection diagram for three pass-through two-key switches
As mentioned above, schemes with lighting control from three places are quite rare.
Usually this problem is solved in the following way - by installing two single-key pass-through intermediate switches in one frame. That is, in essence, all that needs to be understood in this case is connecting a pass-through single-key switch in parallel to a circuit with two-key pass-through switches. Once you figure this out, you won’t have any problems understanding the operating principle of a 2-key pass-through switch.
And in the end, a few words about solving problems related to the organization of multi-key type pass-through switches with control from three or more places. To avoid the above disadvantages of such systems, you can use a pulse relay.
Video about connecting two-key pass-through switches from two places.
Proper control of lighting fixtures will help and simplify their operation. If you install the pass-through switch without errors, the 2-point connection diagram will perform its functions flawlessly. This article discusses the issues of choosing suitable products and installation work. Having studied this information, you can independently implement the project at a convenient time and at reasonable costs.
After training, it will not be difficult to create a convenient lighting control scheme
If there is a flight of stairs at home, then its lighting can be conveniently controlled from two places. Automatic turning off of the light when leaving a certain area can be organized using timers or sensors that record movement. But such electronic devices are expensive. They are more complex and less durable. They can be damaged by vibrations and high levels of humidity.
The circuit of a pass-through switch from two places is simpler and cheaper. Any thrifty owner will appreciate the following features:
- High reliability and low cost of a standard product.
- Easy to install and no complicated settings.
- Immediate power shutdown if necessary and optimal energy consumption.
- Possibility to carry out repair work yourself and no costs for the services of experienced specialists.
Such solutions are useful in large houses and small apartments. Light control devices are placed in the hallway, near the entrance and bed in the bedroom, and in different places in the living room. You should start by accurately identifying user needs and drawing up a corresponding list of tasks.
How a pass-through switch functions: 2-point connection diagram
A conventional switch breaks and connects the electrical circuit of the phase wire, which is designated by the Latin letter “L” or “F”. This action supplies power to the connected device. The second conductor (neutral, “N”) is necessary to create a closed circuit through which current flows. The third wire (special designation “Ground”) connects the instrument housing to. This connection prevents electric shock due to short circuits and ensures timely operation of circuit breakers.
The operating principle of transition-type devices can be studied in the following picture.
In the indicated position the contacts are closed. Current flows through the circuit and it lights up. If a person moves to another switch and presses a key, the key will move to the "3" position. The circuit will be broken and the lamp will go out. Now it is enough to turn on the key on either side to reapply voltage.
Preparation for project implementation
You will need a cable for installation. Its parameters are selected taking into account maximum power. With a copper core cross section of 1.5 mm and a 220V supply network, it is permissible to connect lamps with a total consumption of up to 4 kW. Smaller sizes are not recommended in order to maintain high mechanical strength and ensure a good load margin.
To ensure that connecting a pass-through switch according to the diagram from two places does not cause unnecessary difficulties, you should purchase wires with different color markings:
- Grounding is a combination of green and yellow. It is connected to a special bus, which is installed in the central distribution panel of a private house or apartment.
- A blue sheath is used when choosing a “zero” wire.
- There are no special requirements for the color of the phase wire. But it is better if it does not change in different sections of the wiring.
Wires combined in a single cable with double insulation are suitable. As a rule, solid cores are used. In modern products of this type, the outer layers are created from polymers with special additives. The following abbreviations confirm the special properties of the shells:
- NG – non-flammable;
- FR – increased resistance to open flame;
- LS – low smoke emission during combustion.
This table shows the characteristics of pass-through switches for a 2-point connection diagram:
| Image | Trademark, series | Peculiarities | price, rub. |
|---|---|---|---|
 | IEC QUARTA | Beige color, set with frame, body and frame made of ABS plastic. | 90-95 |
| ABB Decento | Champagne, with frame. | 864 | |
| Legrand Etika | White, frameless, with reinforced construction and cable fixation with screw connection. | 120-130 | |
| Legrand Etika | Similar to the previous version, but in ivory finish. | 130-140 | |
| ABB Cosmo | Built-in lighting. | 150-160 | |
| Schneider Electric GLOSSA | Aluminum color | 155-165 | |
| Legrand Quteo | For outdoor installation. Waterproof device in accordance with IP44 class requirements. | 220-240 |
Important! From the reference data it is clear that the cost depends on the brand, aesthetic and functional parameters. All products shown are rated for 10 A current.
To perform work operations you will need:
- Phillips and flat head screwdrivers.
- Knife and side cutters.
- Construction level, tape measure.
- Screwdriver probe with built-in phase indicator.
Tools and consumables for laying channels are selected depending on the characteristics of the structure. The most difficult thing to work with is wooden houses. To prevent emergency situations, the following techniques are used:
- installation of cables in steel or copper pipes;
- open installation.
Hiding conductors in corrugated polymer and metal tubes is prohibited. Such engineering systems must comply with the standards of PUE and PTEEP. Special channels are created in non-combustible brick and concrete structures. Depending on the material, the appropriate tool and attachments are selected.
Related article:
A competent choice of electrical equipment guarantees safety, reliability and aesthetics of use. Let's take a look at the existing brands and models.
Step-by-step installation of a pass-through switch connection diagram from 2 places
The following instructions will help you perform all operations correctly:
- Remove wallpaper, cladding panels and other decorative coatings. Marking of future lines is applied.
- The grooves are laid starting from the shield. A free distance of at least 50% of the cable diameter is left to the walls of the upper edge of the channel.
- Horizontal lines should be at the same level.
- Cable laying is done carefully. Necessary fixation with nails of suitable sizes prior to plaster without damaging the protective shells is acceptable.
- Switches and distribution boxes are installed. The conductors will be connected to the appropriate terminals.
- The assembled products are inserted into plastic mounting boxes. Using built-in mechanisms, pointed elements extend to ensure secure fastening.
- The functioning of the system is checked. If there are no comments, the channels are closed with cement mortar. The frames are installed after the walls have been restored.
Solving other problems
Below are examples of how to connect a pass-through switch using other connection diagrams. Having understood the principles of operation, it will not be difficult to modify the project yourself, taking into account your personal requirements.
Control of two lamps
If necessary, you can organize independent control of two lamps. The corresponding connection of the lamps is shown here. Please note that you will need to purchase two-key switches.
Controlling two lamps
Turning lights on and off from multiple locations
The following pictures indicate how the devices are connected if the standard connection diagram for a two-key pass-through switch is not suitable.
In order to properly use the pass-through switch, a 2-point connection diagram is created based on the needs of future users. The plan includes consumables, construction and finishing materials, tools and fixtures. The exact choice of channel laying technology is important. The electrical parameters of certified switches are identical. But the appearance and additional capabilities of these devices have a significant impact on the cost.
How to connect a pass-through switch (video)
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