One-key external switch: types of devices, how the installation of switches is performed

An inexpensive and versatile one-button external switch is an electrical installation device that allows you to control lighting in a room. It is distinguished by its simplicity of design, reliability, durability and is offered to buyers at affordable prices. This type of device can be easily installed on your own to save money on contacting professional electricians.

Description of the device

The one-key switch is a switching device that controls the lighting in the room. The main difference between this device and the outlet is the operation with lower currents and the mechanical principle of the device, when the circuit is opened by pressing the keys, which allows you to turn off the lighting. Today, there are numerous types of devices that differ in the number of keys, the presence of a returnable mechanism, as well as additional lighting and a number of other functions that expand the functionality of such devices.

The main criterion for the quality of the switch is the strength of the materials used for its manufacture, as well as the correct organization of the electrical circuit of the device. Most often they are made of durable plastic.however, wood, ceramic and glass options are available for sale. The choice of this or that model will depend on the features of the organization of the electrical network in the house, as well as the general stylistics of the design of the room.

A standard switch will consist of protective external plastic elements as well as working internal components. The key and the bezel of the switch can be made of high-quality polymer. Internal elements are made of durable metal and other reliable materials. Under the key, which breaks the electrical circuit, there is a protective frame that is fixed to the device body with screws or plastic latches.

The operating mechanism is located under a plastic frame and protected by a robust casing of the device. There are spacer lugs on the side, which allow the switch to be firmly fixed to the socket. There are two contacts, one of which goes to the luminaire, and a wire with a phase is connected to the second. The switches are marked accordingly, by which you can easily determine where the wire will be connected. However, in single-key models, this is not important, which allows you to swap contacts without the danger of burning the device.

Varieties of switches

One-key switches are usually divided according to their appearance and according to the internal wiring diagram. There are two main types of device:

• One-button switches.
• Passage models.

Their difference from each other is that the pass-through switch has a special mechanism that ensures the switching of the electrical circuit through three contacts at once. Whereas standard one-key models interrupt the supply of electricity to the circuit only through two contacts.

The most widespread today are the simplest single-key models that combine versatility and ease of use. Due to their affordable cost, they can significantly reduce the cost of performing repairs in the house, excluding in the future, any problems with the power supply and the operation of lighting devices in the apartment and out of town cottage.

One-key mechanisms

It is simply impossible to imagine an apartment or a private house without one-button lighting switches. Such devices are used in an electrical network with a voltage of no more than 1000 volts. The device does not have built-in protection against short circuits and overloads, but at the same time it can significantly simplify the control of lighting in the house. Due to its simple design, the one-button switch can be easily installed independently, subsequently without causing any problems during the operation of the equipment.

There are several types of single-key mechanisms:

• External.
• Internal.
• Moisture resistant.
• Modular.

It is necessary to choose one or another type of device taking into account the subsequent features of its operation. Most homeowners install standard external switches and only install more expensive models that are protected from moisture in the bath or in the kitchen.

Outdoor options

The main purpose of outdoor units is to be installed with exposed wiring. The electrical wire can run along the wall in metal or plastic protection, connecting to a one-button switch. In accordance with current safety regulations, such a device must be installed on a special fire-fighting base, which is made of non-combustible material. One-key switch for outdoor installation will be an excellent choice for a summer cottage or a country house, where the simplest open wiring is used.

Internal models

Most often, in apartments and private houses, hidden wiring is used, with the laying of an electric cable inside the walls. In this case, to control the light, special internal switches are used, which have a simple design and are designed to be installed in a wall niche. A plastic cylinder is attached to the hole made, into which the internal device is subsequently mounted, with a wire lead from the wiring hidden in the wall.

It is possible to install internal switches with and without neutral conductor. When using powerful lighting equipment, it is recommended to carry out the necessary electrical protection that prevents the occurrence of short circuits and other problems in the operation of switches that have arisen due to their overload. The quality of fastening the plastic cylinder and fixing the switches must be given due attention, since if incorrect installation, there is a possibility of loose contacts, which can lead to electric shock when using electrical appliances.

Modular design

The special design of modular switches allows you to easily change actuators and add lighting control keys. Due to their versatility, such devices can be used both by homeowners and used in industrial and office premises. They are made exclusively for plastic or metal cable channels, respectively, can only be mounted on external wiring.

Waterproof devices

This type of switch is used in rooms where the air is high in moisture. They are irreplaceable in the kitchen, baths, saunas, bathrooms and toilets. The special design of the device allows you to prevent electric shock due to moisture condensation or water ingress into the device. Moisture-proof switches can differ in their design, degree of protection, installation method and a number of other parameters. It is necessary to choose the right one or another model, depending on the features of the operation of the room where the lighting devices will be used.

Self-installation

The simplicity of the design of one-button switches allows you to perform all the installation work on your own. It is only necessary to remember that one phase is supplied to the device, which prevents the appearance of short circuits in lamps and chandeliers. Using the simplest meters, you can determine which wire the phase is connected to, and make the correct connection of the switch.

If the connection is incorrect, when two phases are connected to the switch or there is a loose fixation of the wires, a quick failure of lamps and LED bulbs can occur. To eliminate this, it is necessary to firmly fix the wires with clamps, connecting only one phase to the device.

The single-key switch is characterized by a simple design, which allows all installation work to be performed independently. You just need to choose the right type of device, depending on the characteristics of the room where they will be installed. You should also take into account the type of wiring, which can be open and closed, respectively, it will be required correctly choose certain types of switches, which will ensure a completely problem-free operation of lamps and LED light bulbs.