Double switch: general information, video instruction on how to connect and connect two bulbs

A two-button switch is a useful device that allows you to control two light sources at the same time. You can connect it yourself or with the help of an electrician. The first option is much cheaper, but it takes some time. In order to speed up this process, it is recommended to watch a video on how to connect a double switch, and study the installation diagram in detail.

General information

Before connecting two bulbs to one switch, it is necessary to consider in detail its structure, principle of operation, as well as the main advantages and disadvantages. This information will help you choose the most efficient installation scheme that is ideal for a particular room.

Device and principle of operation

A double switch is considered the most versatile, as it allows you to control the operation of 2 bulbs or lighting fixtures. Despite this efficiency, the device consists of a minimum number of parts.

Among them are the following:

1. Two removable keys. They can only move in one plane, due to which the light source is switched on and off.
2. Collapsible body. It consists of a main part and a cladding panel, which performs a decorative function, and also hides all mistakes made during installation.
3. Terminal blocks. These important structural elements are used to connect the circuit breaker to the supply wires.

Some modern instrument models are equipped with dimmers (devices designed for dimming) and lighting elements that make it easier to find the switch in a dark the room.

The principle of operation of a two-button switch is as simple as possible. It can be easily understood not only by a qualified electrician, but also by a beginner who connects this structure for the first time. The principle of operation is the ability to control the degree of illumination.

Possible options:

1. Enables only the right key. It guides the illumination of the part of the room in which the connected light source is located.
2. Enables only the left button. In this case, another half of the room will become illuminated.
3. Simultaneous pressing of two keys. All connected lighting fixtures will start working immediately.

Advantages and disadvantages

A double switch, like any other similar device, has several advantages. Thanks to them, it is popular with consumers and is often installed in various premises.

The advantages of such a device are:

1. The ability to control multiple lighting fixtures. Thanks to the presence of two keys, the switch can simultaneously control two lamps and turn them on when necessary.
2. The ability to adjust the brightness of lighting in a room. This opportunity appears when the device is connected to different lamps of a lamp or chandelier. By pressing one of the keys, not the entire lighting device will be turned on, but only a few of its light sources.
3. Light control in two separate rooms. If you make the connection correctly, you can turn on and off the light in different rooms with one device.
4. Profitability. In some cases, there is a need for a minimum of light, so only one key can be used. This will help eliminate unnecessary energy consumption, which will significantly reduce financial costs.
5. Rational use of wires. With the correct connection, you can reduce the amount of cable used and place it in the most convenient place.
6. Ease of installation. The product is easy to install with a minimum of tools and consumables.
7. Cheapness. A two-button switch costs about the same as a single one. Consequently, additional financial costs will be minimal.

Despite the many advantages, the double circuit breaker also has disadvantages. They must be taken into account before purchasing a device and starting its installation. Otherwise, you may encounter various problems that will entail additional costs.

The disadvantages of such switches are:

1. The impossibility of installation on the street. The standard design does not provide adequate insulation from rain and other natural disasters.
2. More frequent burnout of bulbs. This happens only in cases where the owner of the room constantly selects the desired lighting by alternately switching on and off the light sources.
3. The inability to upgrade the device. The switch cannot be equipped with additional functions to help regulate the light.

Diy switch installation

In order for the device to work effectively and perform well the functions assigned to it, it is necessary to install it correctly. A double switch for two lights is quite easy to connect. To carry out this work, you do not need to have special knowledge or have extensive experience in conducting such events. All that is required of the master is strict adherence to the entire sequence of actions. Only in this case it is possible to achieve the desired result and complete the work in the shortest possible period of time.

Required materials and tools

Before connecting two bulbs to a double switch, you need to select all the required tools and materials. You can buy them in any specialized store at a relatively low price. This makes it possible to install the switch even for people with low financial capabilities.

For work, you will need the following items:

• electric drill;
• perforator with a special round nozzle;
• drill and drill with a diameter of 6 mm;
• an ordinary screwdriver, which will be used to fix the wires and the body of the device;
• indicator screwdriver required to check the presence of voltage in the network;
• a tool for removing the insulating layer from the wires (an alternative can be a sharp knife);
• pliers used to crimp the cable;
• chisel;
• construction trowel;
• marker for marking the walls and marks on the wires;
• dowels with cork;
• self-tapping screws;
• insulating tape;
• plaster or plaster of paris, which will be needed to seal the holes in the wall.

In order to avoid any difficulties in the process of work, it is necessary to use only high-quality materials and working tools. In addition, one should not forget about the safety rules when working with electricity. To avoid any trouble, it is necessary to equip all the tools used with insulated handles.

Step by step connection

In most cases, professional electricians advise installing a double switch with hidden wiring. This will not only prevent accidental human contact with the cable, but also maintain an attractive appearance of the interior.

Procedure:

1. At the initial stage of installation, a place on the wall is selected where the switch will be located. It is important to take into account not only the height of all people living in the room, but also the safety requirements.
2. The drilling point is marked with a marker.
3. A punch with a special round-shaped nozzle is taken and a hole is made in the wall. Its depth should be such that the decorative panel of the installed switch is exactly at the level of the wall.
4. With the help of a chisel, the remains of the destroyed part are removed.
5. The purchased switch is removed from the box and completely disassembled. Both keys and the decorative panel are removed from it one by one.
6. The rest of the body is applied to the finished hole and checked for consistency.
7. At the next stage, an electric drill with a drill is taken and a shaft is laid for conducting wires. Its direction is chosen so that there is a minimum distance from the junction box to the device body.
8. After completing the most difficult and longest part of the work, the switch body is prepared. Template holes are cut out in it, which will be used for cable routing.
9. The prepared hole is moistened with water, which will help the mortar to fix the body more securely.
10. The required amount of the used mass is put into the hole and evenly distributed along its side walls.
11. Until the mixture has frozen, the body of the device is carefully inserted into the hole.
12. The remaining building material that has protruded is carefully removed with a spatula.
13. The surface of the mortar is leveled and the product is left for several tens of minutes until the mixture hardens.
14. Before the next stage of installation, the phase and neutral wires are determined with an indicator screwdriver.
15. A marker is made to mark the insulation.
16. Then the power supply to the room is cut off.
17. The phase wire is passed through a hole in the switch body and fixed to the terminal of the contact device.
18. After that, the 2-phase wires (outgoing) are connected to the terminals of the corresponding contacts.
19. The main part of the switch is placed in a pre-installed plastic case and securely fixed there using a special metal frame.
20. A decorative panel is put on the device and both keys are mounted.
21. The electricity supply resumes in the room and the switch is checked for operability. It is important to test it in all possible modes of operation.

Safety rules

In order to avoid any unforeseen situations during the installation of the two-button switch, you must try to observe basic precautions. They will help to avoid any kind of injury and reduce the likelihood of damage to the device.

Basic safety rules:

1. Any work with electricity can only be carried out by people with sufficient knowledge and experience. Otherwise, the likelihood of any injury will increase significantly.
2. It is possible to carry out measures to install the switch only after turning off the power supply in the room. In this case, care should be taken that no one accidentally could turn on the electricity.
3. Before touching the bare wires, you need to check them with a special indicator screwdriver for voltage.
4. It is forbidden to grasp two bare wires with your hands, even if they are disconnected from the mains.
5. Do not touch the wires with wet hands. The same applies to other structural elements capable of conducting electric current.
6. Any preventive, installation or repair measures can only be carried out using tools equipped with insulated handles.
7. Experts recommend carefully isolating all potentially dangerous areas. This simple action will help to avoid accidental contact between contacts, which will cause a short circuit.
8. It is forbidden to turn on the power supply in the room until the end of the installation work.
9. Clothes and shoes should not create discomfort and distract the master from the installation process.
10. When testing the installed switch, you should be extremely careful and do not forget about the safety rules.

Thus, almost everyone can install a two-button switch. And subject to the advice of professionals and safety regulations, everything will go quickly and smoothly.