Installation of a light switch: preparatory measures, diagrams for connecting light bulbs through different devices

Installing a light switch is a priority and must be performed when carrying out repairs or upgrades to an existing system. This operation can be carried out independently or with the help of a highly qualified electrician. The first option is used much more often, as it saves not only time, but also money. However, such an event can be carried out with certain knowledge and skills.

Preparatory actions

Before connecting the light switch correctly, you need to familiarize yourself with the main models and study their characteristics in detail. All this information will help you choose the best option for each specific room.

Selection of switches

The main preparatory event is the selection and purchase of a switch. The efficiency of the device and its convenience for users will depend on the quality of its implementation. Manufacturers of switches produce a large number of their products that meet the most diverse needs of the owners of premises. Thanks to this, it becomes possible to choose the highest quality model that will perform its functions well and harmoniously complement the interior of the room.

The following types of switches can be found in a modern home interior:

1. One-key. It is placed in cases where you only need to turn on and off the light.
2. Two-key. This device allows you to simultaneously control 2 lighting circuits, independent of each other.
3. Three-key. It is able to control the switching on of lighting devices in 3 directions.
4. Dimmer (switch-regulator). In addition to the standard function, this device helps to control the brightness of the light bulbs.
5. Multi-key dimmer. Performs all the same work as an ordinary one, but allows you to control several lighting circuits at once.
6. Checkpoint. It is used to invert the phase between two wires.
7. Cross. Allows you to simultaneously change the direct connection of two circuits to crossover.
8. Sensory. It differs from any other switch in the absence of any keys. The lighting is controlled by touching the touch panel with your finger.
9. With motion sensor. This device automatically turns on and off the light in response to human movement.

You can buy any kind of switch in specialized stores that sell lighting and electrical goods. Their price depends on the complexity of the design and the availability of expensive components.

Buying bulbs

Before connecting a light bulb through a switch, it must be selected correctly. The purchased lighting device must fully match the device that will control its operation.

The most popular and frequently purchased lamps:

1. Incandescent. It is a product containing a thin tungsten coil, enclosed in a vacuum glass flask. Such light sources are used in most premises, as they are easy to change and have a low cost.
2. Halogen. These products are very similar to incandescent bulbs. The only difference is the presence of a special gas in the bulb, which prolongs the life of the light source and allows it to be reduced in size. These bulbs are a little more difficult to install, as do not touch the glass surface with your hands during this procedure.
3. Daylight. They are not as popular as incandescent lamps, but they are also quite often used to illuminate large rooms.
4. Energy saving. These bulbs work just like all the others, but can significantly reduce energy costs. Their only drawback is their rather high cost.

Determination of the place and method of fastening

All modern models of switches are divided into external and internal ones according to the installation method. The first option is suitable for mounting on any surface. There is no need to purchase insulating stands or any additional structures to perform this operation. The interior fittings are hidden in specially designed round nests that are made in the wall. For their manufacture, a perforator with a special attachment is used. Most of the internal switches are installed in socket boxes.

Basic rules for choosing the location of the device:

1. To install the switch, it is recommended to choose the most accessible place so that during any unforeseen situation you can quickly de-energize the circuit.
2. When determining the position of the device on the wall, it is necessary to take into account the growth characteristics of all people who are constantly in the room. This will greatly improve the convenience of turning on and off the device. It is recommended to mount the devices at a height of 30 to 90 centimeters above the floor.
3. If it is necessary to connect a switch near a window or doorway, it is necessary to provide a small distance from them (about 10 centimeters).
4. If two or more switches are installed in the room, then the distance between adjacent devices must be at least 50 centimeters.

Required materials and tools

In order to perform the installation efficiently, it is necessary to correctly draw up a circuit for connecting the switch to a light bulb, as well as prepare the required materials and tools. It is important to do this work in advance so as not to be distracted by trifles during the installation process and not to waste precious time searching for this or that item.

The work will use:

1. Switch. It is selected based on the characteristics of the premises and the requirements of the owner of the apartment.
2. Electrical cable. This important element must fully comply with the parameters of the electrical network to which the connection will be made. In this case, not only the cable diameter should be taken into account, but also the number of cores, marking, material.
3. Junction box. For the installation of switches in a residential area, a plastic product is used. It must meet all fire safety requirements and must not conduct electrical current. Professional electricians advise choosing the most compact junction boxes.
4. Tester (indicator screwdriver). With this tool, you can determine the presence of voltage in the network and protect yourself from electric shock.
5. Nippers, pliers, pliers. They will be used to connect the wiring.
6. Connection terminals and insulating tape. These materials will help to protect the owners of the premises from electric shock during the operation of the switch.
7. Glass and fasteners. With these simple elements, you can securely fix the device.
8. Impact drill, hammer drill, drill set. These tools are used only when it is necessary to install hidden wiring or make a hole in the wall.

Installation of various products

In order for the switch to function correctly, it is necessary to carry out the installation taking into account all the rules and recommendations. Only in this case it will be possible to achieve the desired result and reduce the likelihood of any unforeseen situation.

One-key device

Of the large number of products, the one-button switch is the easiest to connect. It is advisable to use this mounting option for a lighting device operating with one lamp.

The process of connecting a one-key device is simple and consists of the following steps:

1. The necessary markings are applied to the wall, which will correspond to the wiring lines.
2. With the help of a perforator, the channels are channeled. Their width should be slightly larger than the diameter of the cable, and their depth should be another 3 millimeters more. A small margin is made so that the wire fits easily in the gutter and does not interfere with the filling with putty.
3. The room is completely de-energized.
4. A cable is taken and its two conductors are led from the junction box to the switch.
5. The same wire is taken from the box to the lighting fixture (only "zero" is used).
6. A phase cable is laid from the luminaire to the switch.
7. In the next stage of installation, the punch is used again. A special nozzle is installed on it and a recess is made in the wall under the switch. Its location should be chosen in advance.
8. A glass is inserted into the resulting recess. The wiring is inserted into a special hole located at the top.
9. Channels and remaining voids are sealed with filler. This work is quite painstaking, but simple.
10. While the applied mixture hardens, the purchased switch is disassembled. To do this, pry off the key with a screwdriver and carefully remove it. The cladding panel is then removed.
11. The ends of the wires in the socket of the socket are stripped and stripped. This work can be done with a special knife or any available cutting object.
12. The disassembled device is taken and wires are connected to the contacts. There they are securely fixed using the supplied fasteners.
13. The device is inserted into the glass and aligned with the wall.
14. The side screws are tightened and the switch is securely fixed.
15. The cladding panel is put on the device and the key is inserted.
16. The power supply is turned on in the room and the switch is checked for operability.

Double product

Installing a light switch with two keys is a little more complicated. To perform this work well, you will need experience and knowledge.

The entire installation process may take some time, the amount of which depends on the qualifications of the master.

The two-key device is installed in compliance with the following sequence of actions:

1. At the very beginning, the room is disconnected from the power supply. The presence of voltage in the network is checked using an indicator screwdriver.
2. If the tester showed no current, then the supply wire is connected.
3. Then it is connected to the protective device using a three-wire cable. Such a wire is used to increase durability and be able to ground the lighting fixture.
4. The cable is routed from the safety structure to the junction box, and from it to the section of the wall where the two-button switch will be located. In both cases, it is important to leave a small margin of wiring (at least 15 centimeters) in order to exclude a shortage of it.
5. At the next stage, two wires are connected to the junction box, which will close the lighting circuit.
6. The edges of the cable coming from the protective device are stripped of the insulation layer.
7. The purchased switch is removed from the package. Then both keys and the decorative panel are removed from it.
8. The remainder of the device is brought to the junction box, where the wires are connected to it. This should be done in accordance with the color of the insulating layer. As a result, phase conductors should be located on the left side, and neutral conductors on the right.
9. All contacts are tested for strength and are supplemented with a wire coming from the ground.
10. The switch is securely attached to the wall, and then the decorative panel and keys are put on it.
11. The power supply is restored in the room and the installed switch is checked in all operating modes.

A three-key device is connected according to the same principle.

Installing a light switch is a rather difficult undertaking, requiring a lot of time and effort. With the right approach to business and following all the recommendations of professional electricians, you can significantly simplify the process and quickly cope with the task.