Cross circuit breaker: wiring diagrams

For the convenience of consumers of electricity, lighting devices are often connected to several control points - this allows you to control the light on a single lamp from several points. It is for these purposes that a two-key or one-key cross-over switch is used, in which the connection scheme allows you to turn off the light from different parts of the apartment or house.

Design

Cross switches (Legrand, Schneider Electric and others) have not three contacts (like most standard control units), but four. This design allows you to simultaneously disable or enable two contacts. Due to this, several power lines (in this case, two) are closed or, on the contrary, open.

The main difference between pass-through switches from cross-over ones is that the former can be used independently, while the latter cannot. Cross models are used only in conjunction with walk-throughs, but their designation on the diagrams is identical.

They are two paired single-key switches (sometimes a single-key), the contacts of which are connected using special metal jumpers. The main convenience of this design is that, if necessary, they can be made with your own hands. Such a model has only one button, which is responsible for the operation of the contact system.

Exists two types such switches according to the principle of operation:

1. Keyboards;
2. Rotary.

In rotary contacts are closed by a rotary mechanism. They are somewhat more expensive than usual, but have more diverse design options.

And two for mounting options:

1. Waybill (Unica Q, Lazard);
2. Built-in (Legrad, ABB).

The outdoor is mounted on top of the wall. To install it, there is no need to punch the surface of the house and install an additional unit in the wall. This is very convenient if you plan to renovate or just do not want to re-decorate the room. But such models are not considered convenient enough to operate - they are subject to physical influences and the influence of an aggressive environment.

Built-in are used for wall mounting. They are used for wiring in all types of buildings. For their installation, it is first necessary to prepare a hole in the wall corresponding to the switch box.

Features of Cross Type Switches:

1. Only four-wire wires are used to connect them. In extreme cases, experts recommend the use of two two-core with good insulation, but this solution is impractical;
2. Such a switch may be a single-key, two and three-key. But it is recommended to install it only if necessary, turn off the light from three different places (say, at the beginning, middle and end of the corridor). In all other cases, you can use the classic passage options;
3. The intermediate switch is set exclusively at the stage of wiring the house or apartment. This is its main drawback. Due to the connection of several contact groups, a large number of wires are required to connect the system, which can create a certain fire hazard;
4. Among the advantages of the design are high indicators of wear resistance. Considering that the contacts of the cross models are more often closed than through or regular ones, the jumpers are made of durable corrosion-resistant metal, most often it is copper or alloy steel. Most options have additional protection against condensation, dust and moisture.

Installation

Let's see how to connect a Legrand crossover double switch. First you need to develop a plan and wiring diagram, this will save on cables and accessories. Also, before the start of installation work, the walls are gated.

Step-by-step instructions on how to connect a twin and two pass-through switches to control several lamps from three places:

1. At the first stage of work, the connection is made according to the standard scheme for controlling light through passage models. A zero wire is drawn into the junction box from the shield. From the splitter it is thrown to the lamp contacts;
2. The next phase cable is pulled from the shield. But after installing it in the junction box, the working wire is not transferred to the lamp, but to the switch contacts (in this case, this is one of the pass-throughs);
3. Through the junction box, the contacts are connected in series. First, the phase is thrown to the cross-over switch, which should be located between two walk-throughs taking into account the minimum cost of wires, and then to the second walk-through;
4. After that, from the common contact of the second pass-through switch, a connection is made to the lamp. After the broaching is completed, the junction box is mounted on the wall. It, as well as switches, can be installed on top of a wall or directly in a prepared hole.

When such a circuit operates, the pulse is simultaneously transferred to several contact groups. Despite the convenience and ease of implementation, such a connection is rarely used by modern electricians - it is believed that several walk-through models work more reliably.

Video: how to connect a passage switch with an intermediate switch

Specifications

You can buy a cross switch in any electrical store, the price depends on the model and manufacturer. Consider the characteristics of several well-known switches.

ABB Basic 55 white:

Rated voltage of a network, In	220-250
The most admissible current, And	10
frequency Hz	50
Contacts	Silver plated, resistant to moisture and steam
Housing	Thermoplastic
Price	From 10 y. e.

Cross Schneider Electric SDN:

Voltage	250
Current, A	10
Rated power	2300
Protection	IP20
Cost, y e.	From 3

Legrand Valena (its analogue Anam):

Type of	Single key
Maximum AC voltage, in	230
Current, A	10
Material	Polycarbonate
frequency Hz	50–60
Cost, y e.	From 4

Viko Carmen (according to the characteristics and price, Vico has a Chinese counterpart - Mackel):

Allowable voltage, V	220–250
Current, A	10
Material	Plastic
Design	Built-in Two-Key
Price	From 1 y e.

Lezard Nata:

Mains voltage, V	220
Current, A	10
Type of	One-button consignment note
frequency Hz	50
Material	Plastic
Price, y e.	From 3