Switch diagram with three keys. Three-key light switch. How to install and connect a triple switch? Three-key switch in everyday life

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Today we want to tell you how to connect three rocker switch using the example of lighting in the kitchen, bathroom and toilet.

Before you begin installing a three-key light switch, you need to purchase the following materials:

Power 3- and 4-core cable with a core cross-section of 1.5 mm² (for example, produced by KZ KABEX). If there is no connection to the shield protective grounding or the housings of the lamps that will be installed are made of plastic, you will need a 2-core cable without a grounding conductor (for example, produced by KZ KABEX);
. connection box with a diameter of 100 mm;
. mounting box in which the 3-key switch will be installed;
. 3-key switch;
. installation and fastening accessories (clamps, markings, terminals, etc.);
. lamps.

In addition, to mount a three-key switch and lay the cable, you must have the following tools:

Tool for making “grooves” in the wall (wall chaser or grinder with a diamond disc and a hammer drill with a flat blade, as well as crowns for round holes);
. a screwdriver with a set of attachments or a set of screwdrivers;
. screwdriver with indication or tester (multimeter);
. assembly knife and pliers or tool for removing insulation;

By doing electrical installation work It is important to follow safety regulations. Therefore, before starting work, it is necessary to turn off the voltage: move the circuit breaker lever (AB) to the lower position and check for the presence of voltage. To do this, use the indicator to touch the unconnected terminal of the machine. If the voltage is turned off, the LED located in the screwdriver will not light up. If the indicator lights up, then there is still voltage, and this may indicate a malfunction of the machine. In this case, you must contact a qualified specialist who will replace the protective device.

When using the tester, you must first set the switch to measure alternating voltage (indicated by “~V” or “ACV”) and set 750 V. After this, touch the circuit breaker terminal with one probe, and the neutral bus with the other. If the value “0” on the indicator has not changed, there is no voltage and you can proceed with installation, but if the value is above zero, you must contact a qualified specialist who will replace the protective device.

After making sure that power is not supplied, you can move on to the next stage - preparatory construction work. Using a wall chaser or grinder and a hammer drill, first, vertical and horizontal special grooves are made - grooves, and also holes are made for installing junction and mounting boxes. It should be noted that it is recommended to install a three-key light switch at a height of 0.9-1.5 m above the floor level. Also, when choosing the place where the 3-key switch will be installed, you must take into account next factor- access to the switch should not be hampered by an open door.

After preliminary work completed, you can begin laying the cable to connect the three-key switch. We lay a 3-core cable from the switchboard to the junction box, leaving a margin of approximately 10-15 cm at the end. It is necessary to leave a margin so that in case of damage, it is possible to reconnect, connect or branch the cable cores.

Connection in the electrical panel

Using construction knife, pliers or a special tool for stripping the cable, we strip the cable, and connect its cores according to the following diagram:

Circuit breaker terminal (phase) - wire of white or natural (gray) color;
. free terminal of the zero bus (working zero) - blue (light blue) wire;
. the free terminal of the grounding bus (grounding) is a yellow-green wire.

In the junction box, the sheath and insulation are also removed. For ease of identification, it is recommended to mark the cable cores with special markers. The best way to mark it is as follows:

Vein of gray or white(phase) - marking “L”
. lived of blue color(working zero) - marking “N”;
. yellow-green wire (grounding) - marked “PE”.

Connection diagram for a three-key switch and its installation

To implement correct connection for a three-key light switch, you will need a 4-core cable with any core color except yellow-green (for example, produced by KZ "KABEX", manufactured according to GOST 31996, with insulation in white (gray), brown, black and blue).

From distribution box To the place where the three-key switch is supposed to be installed, we lay a 4-core cable in the groove in this way: we clean the cable sheath and cores on both sides, and for ease of identification of the cores we mark:

White (gray) core - marked “L” (main phase from the switchboard to the circuit breaker);
. lived Brown- marking “L1” (phase for the first lamp);
. black core - marked “L2” (phase for the second lamp);
. blue wire - marked “L3” (phase for the third lamp).

Before starting work, you need to decide how to connect the three-key switch. To do this, you need to look at the back of the switch. On the back side there is a connection diagram for a three-key switch, from which you can understand which terminal should be connected to which cable. Most often, the connection of a three-key switch is carried out as follows: we connect the white (gray) core marked “L” to the upper terminal of the switch, and the cores marked “L1”, “L1” and “L3”, respectively, to the lower terminals. After connecting the cable cores to the appropriate terminals, the 3-key switch can be secured in the installation box using the switch claws or special screws.

Connecting lighting fixtures

To connect lamps that will be controlled via a three-key light switch, you will need a 3-core cable (for example, produced by KZ "KABEX", manufactured according to GOST 31996, with insulation in white (gray), blue and yellow-green colors).

From the distribution box to the place where the first lamp is supposed to be installed, the above cable is laid in a groove, as well as in a pipe installed in the ceiling. To pull the cable in the pipe, it is recommended to use a galvanized cable with polymer coating. After this, you need to strip the cable on both sides and mark the wires:

The core is white (gray) - marked “L1” (phase of the first lamp);
. blue wire - marked “N” (zero);
. yellow-green wire - marked “PE” (grounding).

After fixing the lamp, you can connect it. If the strands of the lamp wire are multi-wire, then they must first be crimped using lugs. After this you can connect:

. blue cable core - lamp wire of the same color (blue or light blue);
. yellow-green cable core (grounding) - a special bolted connection on the lamp body or yellow-green lamp wire;
. the white (gray) core is the remaining wire. Most often this is a wire with black or brown insulation.

The connection of the remaining lamps is carried out in the same way as the first lamp, with one difference - the white (gray) wires are marked “L2” and “L3” (luminaire phase 2 and 3, respectively).

After we have completed the installation and connection of the lamps, we return to the distribution box, in which the cores with the same markings must be combined into groups and connected using soldering, welding or terminal connectors (for example, self-clamping or Wago screw terminals).

If you do not have grounding, or the housings of the lighting fixtures are made of plastic or other non-conductive electricity material, then the connection diagram for the three-key switch remains the same. However, to connect cables with a grounding conductor (3-core) it is necessary to replace them with 2-core cables, for example, cable.

After all the work is completed, a frame and keys are installed on the switch mechanism, and lamps and shades are inserted into the luminaires.

The video, which is attached at the beginning of this article, clearly shows the connection of a three-key switch and three lamps.

It takes one switch to turn on one light bulb. To turn on the chandelier, they usually install beautiful two- or three-key devices. But these are not three switches in one box. A three-button switch can turn on a three-light chandelier as a whole, but only all the bulbs together or separately, as you wish. Or turn on three different lamps in the room from one point. Or different lamps in three different places oh, for example, one switch per lamp in the hallway, bathroom and toilet.

And it's very economical. At least you can save on wires. Well, not everything can be turned on/off at once, but specifically as much as needed

Device and circuit

This is a box made of insulator (fireproof plastic), in which there is a triple mechanism for opening/closing contacts, terminals for connecting wires: a common wire (phase from a machine or distribution box), three wires after opening, going to the lamps.

There is also a fastening mechanism and external protective and decorative elements: a plastic frame-panel and keys that can be easily removed and installed with latches.

To connect the lighting of three rooms or a chandelier with three groups of light bulbs to a triple switch, you must prepare the wiring and mounting hole for the switch in advance. It should look as shown in the diagram.

In the diagram shown, the neutral wire is routed through the distribution box to all lamps (through the ceiling or upper horizontal pipe), and the phase is supplied to the switch. After the switch, each of the wires supplies a phase to its own lamp, that is, three fines are made - one for each lamp. This isn't always a good thing.

Wiring through junction box

It is better to use the same one fine to bring all three phase wires to the distribution box again, and then use the common upper fine to bring them to the lamps. If we do wiring to the chandelier, then last option- the best.

L – phase to the switch (red);
then the phase (yellow, brown, pink) goes to three groups of chandelier lamps;
N – working zero (blue), goes immediately
to the chandelier and is routed by the chandelier terminal block into groups;
PE – grounding (yellow-green),
connected to the chandelier body

Thus, before connecting the triple switch, it is necessary to prepare all the wiring.

All work should be carried out with the lighting circuit switched off. To search for zero and phase, the power is turned on, but after the indicator finds them and marks them, it turns off again.

  1. Search for existing wiring: you need to find the junction box, the fines that will be involved in the wiring. It is necessary to mark the walls for treatment. A place is marked for the hole where the three-key switch will be installed, and for routing the wiring to and from it.
  2. Opening existing channels and punching new ones.
  3. Laying and securing cables from the box to the installation site. The wires for phase, neutral and ground (if any) must be marked. If possible, you should adhere to the standard colors of the wires: blue for neutral, yellow-green for grounding and other colors for the phase.
  4. Installation and fastening of socket boxes. The wires are routed inside them.

  • Identifying the wires in the junction box to which the wiring should be connected. Phase and zero are indicated by the indicator. They are marked (with electrical tape).

This work is carried out after inspection has confirmed that the previous actions did not cause damage to the wiring. After this, the lighting circuit breaker is turned on and the phase phase of the distribution box wires to which the connection must be made is determined. The wires are marked, after which the power is turned off again.

  • Wires new wiring are connected to the distribution box, their ends are securely insulated with special caps.

To check the correct connection, turn on the machine again and, making sure that everything is normal, check the phase on all wires. It should be located on only one phase wire going through the socket to the switch. The rest should have zero: on the neutral wires going to the lamps, on the ground wires and phase wires going from the switch to the lamps, since they are open.

  1. Having turned off the machine again, you can connect the switch by connecting the wires to the terminals according to the connection diagram. After this, the switch can be put in its place, secured in the socket box according to the design.
  2. The wires are connected to the lamp sockets or terminal blocks of the chandelier. Each cartridge must have two wires - zero and open phase.

Before connecting each wire to a chandelier or lamp, you need to know exactly which of them are zero (coming from the junction box, blue according to the norm) and which are phase. Color identification of each wire helps. But in order for them to connect correctly, you need to turn on the machine to determine it and check each of them in turn with an indicator, including the corresponding button of the three-button switch.

After installation and checking that all lamp units are connected, the work can be considered complete.

How to connect a three-gang switch with a socket

When the triple switch in the hallway becomes a kind of control panel, from where you can turn on the light in three very important rooms for life at once - the bathroom, toilet and the hallway itself - the opportunity to modernize it immediately arises. Usually, an outlet is installed in the hallway for various everyday needs - a vacuum cleaner, for example. This is, as a rule, the center of the apartment, and from here you can reach all its remote corners with a vacuum cleaner on a long wire.

For such a case, manufacturers have already come up with and are producing a triple switch with a socket. The addition does not greatly complicate the scheme, but there is a nuance.

The socket is supplied with phase (red wire) and neutral (blue) from the distribution box.

Now there are more wires in our cable, there are five of them. And if before, without a socket, only the phase without the neutral wire went into the switch, there was less chance of a short circuit. Having the case of a triple switch with a socket, I now had to supply the neutral wire here as well. And this sharply increased the risk of incorrect connection and resulting in a short circuit, which is not good.

A three-button switch circuit is used to control a group of lamps with a complex configuration.

Connecting a three-button switch in a device with or without a socket.

In each group you can collect several parallel light bulbs. This circuit is used to control various electrical devices from one place. For example, you need to control the light in three rooms: a corridor; bathroom; W.C.

Structure description:

The switch has four contacts - one input and three outputs. Operating principle: the phase wire is connected to the main input of the switch, three electrical control lines are connected to the socket.

Regardless of the design used, the AC phase circuit operates in an open circuit, and the neutral cable is connected to electrical devices.

With a three-button switch, you can perform several operating modes:

First mode - first group enabled
Other mode - second group enabled
third method - third group included
Fourth mode - two groups
Fifth mode - three groups

help:
When installing a switch into an outlet, it is recommended to install the central common terminal at the bottom.

Installation electrical diagram for three-button switch:

first Prepare the installation site:
for chandeliers or lights
for terminal box
for container
second Wire with electrical wires different colors.

Let's look at some versions.

FIRST OPPORTUNITY

- chandelier or plastic case (4-group connection).

Wires suitable for junction box:

From switchboard- two wires: phase ( L1) and nothing ( N)
From the first control line - two wires
from another controlled line - two wires
from the third controlled line - two wires

OPTION TWO

- chandelier or metal body (3-group connection).

From the switch there are three wires: phase ( L11); Nothing ( N1) and soil ( At home)
from a two-button switch - four wires
from the first control line - three wires
From the other controlled line - three wires
from the third controlled line - three wires

3 (third) and 4 (fourth) groups of load connections are implemented in the distribution plate circuit for power distribution.

third The colored cables are connected according to the diagram in the box (distribution).

On the diagrams, these sites are marked with "round fat" dots.
fourth We connect wires to the switch and repair it in the container.
fifths Connect light sources (chandeliers or lamps) with colored cables.

Next, let's look at a crossover switch wiring diagram that allows you to manage two groups of connections from different locations.

Socket selection and installation, including three-point switch

Structurally separated vertical and horizontal devices. Inside the blocks they are located independently of each other, so that they can be connected separately.

Keys are also used to operate three independent light sources or electrical devices, one or two of which are sometimes selected as backup.

In this article, we will describe in detail how to connect a three-button switch with a socket in one housing.

Advantages and disadvantages

You can connect this device in two ways: parallel cables, separate for switch and socket or one cable.

while the jumper for the common contact of the switch is installed from the outlet of the socket. Another connection method is an advantage combined device, as it allows you to save money and quickly install the installation. There is no need to rub additional holes into the socket or pull wires.

Increases the likelihood of a short circuit.

because the wire load becomes greater. If the wiring is on, consumers are left without a socket and can turn on the light without turning it on.

application

  • The favorite place to install the device is a plug in the hall, with access to the bathroom, toilet, kitchen, closet.
  • Models enlarged protection against dust and moisture, insulating gaskets and covers installed in bathrooms, dressing rooms, terraces, balconies, corridors, and auxiliary rooms outside.
  • If you are using remote switches no choice or desire to hide the message.

    Ideal for temporary installation in rooms with wooden, damp or fragile walls.

Types and design, how to choose

When choosing, it is important to pay attention on the IP tag - shell protection level .

  • First number means protection against penetration of foreign objects.

    0 and 1 are at home and not in use, 2 protects from unintentional finger 3 is from tool, cable diameter and 2.5mm, with protection device 4, it can not press the wire or pin. Models marked 5 and 6 apply to dust.

  • Another number speaking of water resistance. Switch with code number "0", no protection at all, 1 and 2, will tell about vertical dripping protection 3 and 4, which indicates the possibility that is determined by rain, 5 and 6 can be placed in place under a strong stream, including in addition to rainfall or on a ship.

    Less common are specialized models, designated 7 and 8 - standing in the water.

If you choose, you should also be at the bottom of the block.

The most fire-resistant models with a ceramic base, Heavy metal also supports high voltage and overheating. but thin steel or plastic in particular is best installed only in cases of light loads.

Multiple terminals assigned:

  • Models with screw terminals are considered more reliable, subject to overloads, heating wires, and vibrating walls.
  • Terminal switches are fast and easy to install.

The price of combined units depends on the degree of humidity and dust.

if IP models cost about 300-400 rubles, then IP44 from 400 to 2000 rubles, IP66 - up to 5000 rubles or more.

They also play into the design, materials used, quality of contacts, terminals, assemblies.

Triple switch connection diagram

There are two main options for using voltage on a combination device:

  • Connection via one common cable(suitable if the total load is not too high, we recommend using 2.5kW cable)
  • Insulated wire from a two-wire box.

    it's more reliable option. If one of the wires burns out, the other continues to work. For the switch it is recommended that the cable be at least 1.6 kW, for the outlet - 2.5 kW.

Connection diagram for 3-button switch with connector:

Installation Instructions

  • Preparing the holes for the three-switch socket and under the wires.

    If the update is installed, precautions must be taken to ensure that the fire retardant material below is available.

  • The example unit is disassembled, the keys are removed, the curtain is removed from its slot, and the base plate is attached to the wall.
  • Space is powerless.
  • 2.5 triangular arc wires are connected to the output port and 1.6 switch.
  • When using a simplified switching plan, a phase is first placed in the socket and then expanded by a jumper switch.
  • The neutral wire should be removed from the junction box only to the outlet.
  • Outputs from three groups of equipment are connected to the switch terminals.
  • The output line must be protected automatically 16 A from RCD to 20 A.

    and equipment groups - automatic 10 A without code .

Video instructions for connecting and installing a triple switch with a socket in one housing:

Three-button switch with connector - great for use in areas that have access to multiple rooms, hallways, meeting rooms, corridors.

A wide selection of models allows you to choose options to suit every taste- From waterproof to decorative, with indicators, child lock, USB output LEDs and other convenient features.

How to properly wire 3-key switches

Recently, for the rational use of electricity, many people intend to connect a switch with three keys.

With it, you can easily control the lighting parts. You no longer need to have all the lights on at the same time. If necessary, turn on the backlight in the area where you need it. To perform this operation, you will need a three-button switch.

In this article you will learn how to connect a three-key switch.

We have provided you with detailed information about your device and link diagram.

Three-key switch in daily life

To this day, many people use many light sources in their home. Their quantity can sometimes exceed twice the human need. According to the study, it could be determined that if a person stops lighting extra lamps, he can save 30% of electricity.

On the other hand, a three-button switch makes the home much more comfortable.

The three-button switching device is quite simple.

But thanks simple design it solves most problems. By doing this, you can divide your room into several illuminated zones. Thanks to it, you can turn on additional lighting only when necessary.

Trip circuit

The connection of a three-button switch looks like this:

As you can see, six circuits will be included in the diagram.

Three of these wires must be interconnected. After this, the wires should be connected to the neutral wire. Unplug three wires. Connecting a switch with two buttons has a similar circuit.

Connecting a three-button switch

If you return the three button switch you will see where to connect the wires.

When connecting, check the instructions for your switch. If you replace the wires, the lights may not work properly. Typically the one way switch is set to the incoming phase. On the other hand, three outgoing ones are sent to lighting fixtures.

If you have three lights, you can use this switch to create 7 different lighting combinations.

Three-way switch in one housing with socket

When you connect it, you should stop at rest regarding how to connect a three button socket switch in one housing.

Thanks to this type of connection, you can save a lot of time on this process.

This scheme is practically no different from the previous scheme. The difference in the scheme will only be if there is an additional zero.

The use of a three-button switch with an outlet is guaranteed if you have exposed wiring in your home.

Impulse relay will help you get rid of using this switch.

The choice of a three-button switch depends only on your wishes.

But when you select it, you will need to provide the following details:

  1. There should be no glazing on the top of the product. They may indicate the quality of the product.
  2. The keys should work without interference.
  3. You should hear a clicking sound when turning it on or off.
  4. Product diagram on back side the product should be.
  5. All terminals must work correctly.
  6. The three-button switch must have a flexible terminal.

    Simply simplify the installation process.

How to connect a switch with three keys

When lighting is required from the hallway to the bathroom and toilets, you also control lighting at multiple levels and in many other cases. use a three-way switching pattern. Wiring a three-button switch is no more difficult than connecting one or two main light circuits.

Three-button switch connection diagram

The design of a three-button switch is not much different from a two-button device.

The only difference is one additional contact and a third key. There is a triple switch installed in the container. In the wall, the drill is made with a crown that matches the size of the cart.

Before fixing the socket, the wires pass through the hole. The lid is coated with a creamy mortar mortar and placed in the hole.

We connect the triple switch to the socket

Excess extruded gypsum mortar is removed and narrowed with wires in the substructure.

When installing a three-key circuit, you need to connect four threaded copper cables with cross section 1.5 mm². One conductor is connected to the junction box phase and the other end of this conductor is connected to the common terminal of the triple switch.

The connection diagram for the three-button switch is shown on the rear panel

The three remaining wires are connected to three switches located on the opposite side of the joint.

The junction box should contain six-phase conductors, three wires from light sources, and three wires from a three-pole switch.

The three zeros of the wired lamps are connected and connected to a common neutral wire in the junction box.

The three remaining phase wires are connected to the three wires coming from the triple switch contacts. All wired connections are conveniently made through Wago connections.

Three-button switch connection diagram

If the colors of the insulating wires are different, the connection is made using lamps and contact switches in the order of turning on the lighting in the rooms in the previous one marked in color.

When the wires have only one color, white, the connection is made in any order.

The required order of switching on the individual keys is determined after using the voltage. If the switching pattern with three switch buttons does not correspond to the lighting of that room, control marks are made - what is the lighting of the room with each key.

When all the keys are numbered, turn off the mains voltage and, at your discretion, change the order of connecting the pins on the switch.

Please remember that for safety reasons, all electrical work are performed when the mains voltage is turned off. Before connecting a three-button switch, make sure that the breaker must interrupt the phase, but is not zero.

When replacing light bulbs, it is important that the wiring does not turn on when the lights are turned off and electrical safety.


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We connect a three-key switch with and without a socket

If you don’t know how to connect a three-key switch yourself instead of a regular one-key switch, we suggest you read this article and understand the connection diagram, and decide on the choice of this switch.

Not every person understands electricity enough to deal with high voltage.

Yes, this is not necessary, because there are specially trained people who make a living by delving into wiring. But it’s much more interesting to delve into all the intricacies of the electrician profession yourself and change, for example, a switch with your own hands.

  • Scope of application
  • How to choose the right one
  • Connection diagram

Scope of application

Rational energy consumption using a three-button switch

Triple switches are used in cases where it is necessary to divide lighting into different groups or rooms.

As a rule, these are large rooms, with chandeliers with several arms or lamps in different areas. Models combined with a socket are most often used in standard apartments, where the toilet and bathroom are nearby.

At proper organization lighting fixtures, the use of a three-key switch also allows you to save on electricity.

And this happens as follows. Let's say you have a chandelier with five lights, which turns on single-gang switch. And every time all five horns light up, consuming maximum energy. But such illumination is not always appropriate; sometimes dim light from one or two lamps is required.

Controlling light from different places in the apartment

Now imagine a room visually divided into several zones, where each of them has its own light source.

This system is controlled by a three-key switch, which allows you to illuminate only the part of the room in which you are located. It turns out that we use exactly as much energy as necessary, and not all of it, the savings are obvious.

How to choose the right one

Otherwise, it's all a matter of taste. There are a huge number of different colors of products on the market, so choosing them to match the color of your interior will not be difficult. There are also types of conventional devices:

Several Yet general advice, which are worth paying attention to:

To save on electricity bills, our readers recommend the Electricity Saving Box.

Monthly payments will be 30-50% less than they were before using the saver. It removes the reactive component from the network, resulting in a reduction in load and, as a consequence, current consumption. Electrical appliances consume less electricity and costs are reduced.

  • Before purchasing, carefully inspect the product.

    There should be no damage, burrs or other defects on the body.

  • The keys should work clearly and easily, while making a characteristic click.
  • Availability of connection diagram on back side products.
  • The contact terminals should also rotate freely and securely fix the wires.
  • It is worth giving preference to modern self-clamping terminals, they are more convenient to use.

Connection diagram

Before telling you what to connect where, check out the typical connection diagram for a triple switch with and without a socket.

As you can see, two wires come into the junction box - blue (zero) and brown (phase), you may have cables of other colors or colorless. Next, three blue (zero) wires from the lamps are connected to zero and one goes to the outlet.

In ordinary city apartments, the neutral wire goes directly to the location of the lamp, and only phase cables come out of the wall.

If the switch has a socket, then one more zero comes out.

As can be seen from the diagram, in standard wiring, five wires are connected to a three-key switch with a socket. Without a socket there will be four cables. Now that you have visualized what should go where, let's look at how to connect a triple switch:

  1. Turn off the power supply.

    Enough to cut it off circuit breaker responsible for the required premises. Exactly this important requirement, when performing any electrical work.

  2. Remove the old switch. First, the buttons are removed, then the frame is removed, then the clamping screws are loosened and the switch is removed from the wall.

    Having unscrewed the contact fastenings a little, we free the wires.

  3. We find the phase wire. Turn on the voltage again and use the indicator to look for the cable coming out of the panel. The indicator should light up after touching the phase. This wire can be marked so as not to forget.
  4. We connect a new switch. When the phase is found, we turn off the switch again and proceed to install the device.

    On its back side there should be a connection diagram, which indicates where to connect the phase, and where the other three wires go. We connect the cables according to the diagram.

  5. We mount the switch in the wall. Having tightened the contacts tightly, we put the new switch back into the niche. We fix the block with clamping screws and fasten the lining with buttons.
  6. We check the functionality. We supply electricity and turn on all the keys one by one.

In old houses, three-key switches can only be installed in places where the toilet, bath and corridor (kitchen) are combined.

In the remaining rooms, wiring is provided only for two and single key switches.

Therefore, if you want to install a triple unit and there are not enough wires, you will have to upgrade the electrical wiring.

Remember that the phase wire should always go only to the switch, and the neutral wire to the lamps. Otherwise, the light fixture will always remain energized, creating a risk of electric shock when replacing bulbs.

The connection diagram for a three-key switch with a socket is not very different from the previous one.

The phase wires also go to the corresponding contacts, and the socket is powered from an additional neutral cable and a built-in jumper (phase) coming from the switch block.

To summarize, we can say that if you properly understand the details, then selecting and connecting a three-key switch is not at all difficult.

Be sure to read these materials:

Illuminated switch

Probably, any person has more than once encountered such an everyday problem when, upon returning home in the evening, before entering an unlit room, we begin to search by touch for the switch in order to turn on the light.

Sometimes this procedure takes a lot of time, and is accompanied by falling objects along the way.

In order to make it easier to find the switch, as well as to save nerves and time, an illuminated switch was invented at one time.

By its design and appearance illuminated switch no different from regular switch, only that it is equipped with a light indication, which in a dark room immediately catches the eye and accurately indicates its location.

At the same time, the indicator light of the switch consumes little electricity and works only when the light is turned off.

Therefore, you are worried that when using this device, the electricity consumption will no longer be worth it - the backlit switch practically does not consume it.

Let's take a closer look at the operating principle and illumination circuit of the key switches.

As a rule, the light source in the switch illumination system is a neon lamp or LED with a resistor, which are connected in parallel to the switch contacts.

While the switch is in the off position, the luminous element is powered through the filament of the lighting lamp, which has low resistance.

Connecting an illuminated switch

Many consumers often have a question.

Why don't the lighting lamps light up through the backlight? The answer is quite simple. The thing is that in order for a neon lamp to light up, a small voltage and current are enough. But for the full operation of an incandescent lamp, such voltage and current will not be enough.

To reduce the voltage, a current-limiting resistor is used in the backlight circuit.

The switch illumination circuit works according to the following principle.

When the switch contacts are in the open state, the current from the phase flows according to the following pattern.

At the beginning, it goes through the resistance, then through the neon, and after it it goes to the filament of the incandescent lamp and to zero.

Since the resistance of the filament of an incandescent lighting lamp is much less compared to the resistance of the backlight of the switch, the entire 220V voltage is directed to the neon lamp and the resistance connected to it in series, which is why the neon lamp glows.

After the contacts of the switch close, the power supply circuit of the light bulb is closed and the resistance and neon are disconnected from general scheme and goes out.

Electric current, as is known from the school physics curriculum, always flows through the circuit with the least resistance (Ohm's law).

In this case, this is the power supply circuit of the lighting lamp, the resistance of which is almost zero, and the resistance of the backlight circuit is quite high, and the current voltage that still flows through the neon light bulb is very small and is not enough for it to light up.

By the way, it should be noted that if the lamp is missing or the backlight fails, it will not work because the power circuit will be broken.

In order to better understand the principle of operation of backlit switches, it would not be superfluous to repeat the school physics course.

Three-key switch with socket: selection and connection

Or rather, the part where Ohm’s law is studied and all the nuances of parallel and series connection of conductors are described in detail.

Installing an illuminated switch

Installing and connecting the illuminated switch is very simple. It can be installed in place of removed ordinary switches, while the wiring coming from the backlight bulb is connected in parallel to the switch contacts at the same time as the power wires.

If you decide to install at home illuminated switch, then before that you need to decide what types lighting lamps you will use it.

The fact is that this device does not fit well with some of them.

For example, together with incandescent or halogen lamps, an illuminated switch works perfectly. But to use such switches together with fluorescent or LED lamps, which are equipped with a ballast, are not recommended. Otherwise, they will flicker or continue to light after the switch is turned off.

Similar materials on the site.

A switch is the main device designed to control lighting in an apartment. Just a few years ago, a triple switch was a rarity in homes, but now it is very popular among the population. There is a huge range of such devices, differing in design and modification. The practicality of its use lies in the ability to control three light sources from one control point. If there is a need for such devices, then you need to know how to properly connect a triple switch.

Areas of use

Interior designers are increasingly suggesting dividing light into groups. Multi-level ceilings, arches, niches require separate lighting. Modern studio apartments, divided into zones, provide slightly dim lighting in the recreation area, bright lighting in the functional area near the computer, bookcase, and armchairs. In the living area, where there is a TV, a sofa and dinner table, you can use combined light.

How to connect a triple light switch so that it is convenient to use? It will be appropriate:

  • in the corridor to connect three rooms to lighting at once - a bathroom, a toilet and a kitchen, if they are located close to each other;
  • if the room has a multi-arm chandelier or combined lighting (main and additional);
  • when the ceiling is made at several levels;
  • if it consists of three parts;
  • if you need to control the lighting of three rooms from one point.

Advantages of use

Why is it beneficial to install a triple switch? How to connect it to get benefits?

  1. Ergonomics - one device looks more beautiful instead of three.
  2. Cost-effective cable laying - less financial and labor costs will be required.
  3. The need for one hole in the wall, instead of three.
  4. Economical in energy consumption, since full illumination with all light bulbs is not always required; sometimes you can get by with some of them.

Types of triple switches

Before installing the switch, you need to decide what function is required from it, based on this, choose the type:

  • Ordinary.
  • With a light indicator - serve as a beacon for finding a switch or signaling in which rooms the lights are on.

  • With a socket - usually used in the corridor near the sanitary rooms.
  • Hidden design - for placing the working part inside the wall.
  • External version - for placing the housing on the wall.

Criterias of choice

With all the variety of switches on the market, it is recommended to adhere to certain points:

  1. Models with Modern convenient way fixing the wires in the device.
  2. No external damage - scratches, cracks, chips.
  3. Reliable terminals that can firmly fix the wires.
  4. Clear key operation with a characteristic click, without jamming.
  5. There is a diagram on the back of the device showing how to connect a triple switch.

Switch device

The operating principle of a triple switch is no different from a double and single switch. Pressing the key to the "On" position closes the contact of the lighting circuit, voltage appears on the lighting device, and the light bulb lights up. Switching the key to the "Off" position opens the contact and the light goes out. Do this on each of the three keys. The switch consists of:

  • protective part - keys and frames;
  • working part - mechanism for fixing wires and housing.

Switch connection

According to electrical safety precautions, before working with wires, it is necessary to turn off the voltage by turning off the power supply. Before doing this, identify the wires with phase and neutral using a voltage indicator.

If there is a hidden switch, then first of all you need to drill a technical hole for the socket box using a drill with a special conical attachment. A socket box is inserted into this opening, for a more durable installation of which an alabaster solution is used.

A four-core copper cable with a core cross-section of 1.5 mm 2 is supplied to this hole. It is recommended to process the ends of the wires. First remove insulation sharp knife or a stripper. Then put lugs on them that correspond to the terminals on the electrical device, and crimp them with a special hand tools- crimper. If you don’t have a crimper at hand, you can get by with a soldering iron, twisting the core fibers with your fingers and tinning them. The simplest option is to simply insert the stripped ends of the wires into the clamping devices of the triple switch.

How to connect? The first core is connected to phase B on one side and to the common contact in the switch on the other end. The other three wires go to the three switch terminals located opposite the common contact at one end, and each wire goes to the phase terminal of its lighting fixture (one of the three) at the other end of the cable. This can be seen in the triple switch wiring diagram. You can see how to connect here.

Three coming from the lighting fixtures are connected to each other and to the zero coming from the power supply.

There should be eight wires in the distribution box - three of them come from the power supply (phase, neutral and ground). Zero and grounding go further to the lighting fixtures, and the three phase wires connected to the three chandeliers are also connected to three wires coming from the triple switch. How to connect is indicated in detail in the diagram.

In old wiring, the neutral wires were often twisted directly in the switch socket, behind the operating device, and not in the junction box. Some electricians still practice this method in order to do without additional nodes in the circuit. Thus, there is no need to install a box, which is important for preservation appearance premises, especially with expensive wall decoration.

An important rule is that the switch must always open a phase.

Connecting a switch with a socket

How to connect a triple switch with a socket? The diagram is shown below.

It is distinguished by the presence of another neutral wire, coming directly from the power supply and connected directly to the outlet. This device is used in the corridor, next to the plumbing rooms, where an outlet is needed, but making another technical hole separately for the connector is impractical. It is also used when an outlet is rarely needed, because the switch is usually mounted high from the floor level, and the electrical connector is just above the baseboard. How to connect a triple switch with a socket so that it is convenient to use both the connector and the keys? You can choose the optimal height for comfortable operation of the device individually.

Undoubtedly, it is very convenient for controlling light in an apartment. It is necessary to follow the electrical safety rules when installing it, that is, before work, turn off the power supply and check the absence of voltage with an indicator. After work, check the connection according to the diagram again and only then apply voltage to the network.

IN panel houses Three-key switches with a socket are widely used. They stand in the hallway and control the light in three rooms - the kitchen, bathroom and toilet. The socket here is provided for different household needs, for example, to turn on a vacuum cleaner, razor, hair dryer, etc. A lot of time has passed since they were installed and today they require replacement. Buying such three-key switches with a socket is not difficult, but not everyone can figure out its connection diagram. In this article, I analyze in detail the connection diagram for a three-key switch with a socket, with which you can do everything yourself.

Before starting all work, be sure to turn off the power to the apartment or this line. Safety comes first.

When dismantling the old unit, remember, or better yet, label all the wires that you will disconnect. This will allow you to quickly figure out which wire goes where. In a nutshell about wires - the meaning here is this:

  • one two-wire wire comes from the distribution box to the switch block and is connected to the socket contacts;
  • from this socket, from the “phase” contact, there is a jumper to the common contact of the switch block (this is the only black wire in the figure below);
  • Three phase conductors go from other contacts of the switch block to the lamps.

I think these explanations are not enough, so I drew a diagram for connecting a three-key switch with a socket, where I described everything in detail. Here you pay attention to the drawn lines and don’t pay too much attention to the bunch of wires in the block, since this is an amateur project and the owners of the apartment have powered another outlet. See below...

In the photo above, a plastic box from a new three-key switch with a socket is already mounted into the wall. It fits exactly into the groove made from the old switch. It can be placed on plaster, or it can be attached with dowels. Here the choice is yours.

Here is a photo below without my art. This unit is located in the apartment of a retired family. The wiring here is old and they under no circumstances wanted to change it. Some of the wires were broken and they were extended through single terminal blocks. Next we see a yellow-green wire - this is the “neutral” conductor going to the socket mounted in the kitchen (this is an amateur activity of some electrician).

Below, the switches themselves are already in place. In fact, they do not need to be removed, since there is still access to the contact bolts.

I took them off just for fun...

Now we put the body in place. It is secured with three bolts.

We put the side key...

Now another side key...

On final stage put the middle key. That's all, the three-key switch with socket is ready for use. In order to disassemble it and get to the contacts, you need to follow the steps in reverse order described here.

If these explanations are not enough for you, then read new material supplementing this article: Supplement to the article "Connection diagram for a three-key switch with a socket". Here I look at two different connection diagrams for such a block and provide detailed explanations.

Let's smile:

Physics teacher - Vovochka:
- What happens if you insert a magnet into a coil and take it out again?
- An induced current occurs in the circuit.
- Right! What if it takes a long time?
- An electrician may be born.