Connecting a two-button light switch, control circuits for two groups of lamps

A double switch, or two-button, is used to control several light sources from one point. This allows you to increase or decrease the degree of illumination of the room, creating more comfort for its inhabitants. It is possible to connect a light switch with two buttons on your own, without the help of specialists. Installation of this device provides several lighting modes, the convenience of its use in everyday life can hardly be overestimated.

Two-button switch device

The design of such a switch allows one input phase to be divided into two phases at the output, which makes it possible to supply voltage separately to two sources of consumption. The device consists of:

1. Two power keys.
2. Decorative overlays.
3. Mechanical part equipped with clamps for fixing power wires.

The design of individual models of the device may include decorative key illumination based on LEDs. This helps to find the switch in the dark, and also allows you to understand that the power grid is working and energized.

The principle of operation is simple: in the mechanical part of the switch, one incoming phase is divided into two parallel electrical circuits with separate on / off switching, using the device keys.

This makes it possible to separately supply voltage to two light sources or to two groups of lighting devices.

The wires in the device are fixed using screw or clamp terminals. The incoming terminal is located separately and is designated L. On the opposite side there are two terminals marked L 1 and L 2, which are used to connect two circuits of lighting devices.

Important note

When choosing a two-button switch to control light groups, pay attention to the number of contacts in the mechanical part of the device, so as not to confuse it with a pass-through switch designed to solve completely different tasks. The pass-through switch looks like this:

It is designed to control light groups from different points in the room. For example, to turn on the light when entering a room, and turn it off near a sofa or chair. It differs in the presence of additional fastening for a group of contacts.

Application methods

The use of a two-button switch allows you to achieve variability in the degree of illumination of the room:

1. When the first button is turned on separately, one lamp or one group of lighting devices, for example, of the lowest power, will turn on. This will allow you to get the backlight of the lowest intensity or the backlight of one part of the room.
2. When the second button is switched on separately, it is possible to turn on the second lamp or the second group of lighting devices (if more power is required). This will either allow you to achieve an average degree of illumination, or provide illumination of another part of the room.
3. When two keys are turned on simultaneously, maximum illumination will be obtained using all illumination sources connected to the switch.

The sequence of switching on and the power of the lamps or light groups depends on the design of the room and the wishes of its inhabitants.

The maximum possible number of lighting points is not always necessary. They can be easily turned off to save energy. Such switches are useful from a safety point of view. Controlling the light intensity allows you not to load the electrical network unnecessarily, reducing the number of points of electricity consumption.

Connection diagrams

There are several options for wiring a circuit breaker with two buttons. Which one to use depends on the characteristics of the particular room and lighting design.

First of all, it is necessary to develop and draw a diagram of the desired connection in order to guarantee that the necessary wiring is correctly laid or connected. The connection diagram also depends on the presence of the mains grounding. In most old apartments and private households, there is no ground wire, which is insignificant, but affects the circuit breaker connection. In addition, it is necessary to take into account the location of the lighting points, the number of lamps in one chandelier, and the location of points of light in different devices (for example, two sconces are at a considerable distance from each friend). Let's consider the most common schemes.

For two bulbs

The wiring diagram for a double switch for two lamps can be implemented:

• Using a ground wire.
• Without the use of a ground wire for two light sources located in one fixture. For example, in a chandelier.

For multi-lamp chandeliers

This scheme allows you to implement the variability of the degree of illumination of the room by using a two-button switch and a five-lamp chandelier.

• The phase L 1 activation button applies voltage to two light points.
• When the phase L 2 button is switched on separately, voltage is applied to three light points.
• By simultaneously turning on the L 1 and L 2 phase interrupt keys, voltage is applied to five light sources, providing maximum lighting power.

The number of lamps connected to each phase can be increased or decreased depending on the design of the chandelier.

The diagram shows the connection of a three-lamp chandelier using a ground wire, which is important for modern wiring.

Connecting two groups of lamps

This scheme allows you to connect two independent groups of light sources located at a considerable distance from each other. For example, two sconces on different sides of the room or two groups of spotlights on the ceiling. All the described connection schemes are simple, but require care when connecting the conductors.

Installing a two-button switch

If, when installing the switches, after self-laying the wiring, act in accordance with the previously developed scheme, then it is almost impossible to get confused in the connection. It is much more difficult to figure out how to connect a switch with two keys to the already laid wires, hidden by plaster, but if you have initial knowledge of electrical engineering, this can be done. However, in any electrical work, safety is extremely important.

Security measures

220 volts is always dangerous. For any electrical wiring manipulations, the wiring must be de-energized by turning off the machine in the electrical panel located at the entrance to the apartment or other electrified room. The following simple rules should be followed:

• Do not work with wet hands with devices connected to the mains.
• Do not use metal mounts for wiring.
• If the wire is visually defective, it must be replaced without resorting to repair.
• Tools for working with electricity must have handle insulation.

Required tool

To replace a previously installed switch or install a new one in external wiring conditions, as well as to install the device in a new place in a room with hidden wiring, you will need several different sets of tools. Namely:

• To replace a previously installed switch or install a new one in external wiring, you will need: Phillips and straight screwdrivers, a sharp knife, pliers, hammer, indicator screwdriver (device for determining the phase in the AC network), multimeter, chisel, drill, drill, pencil or marker.
• To install a new device in hidden wiring, in addition to the above tools, you will need: an impact drill or perforator, a crown with a diameter corresponding to the installation size of the selected switch, a grinder with a disc or wall chaser.

Types of electrical wiring

The laying of the electrical cable is a topic for a separate article.

External wiring is placed in a special corrugated hose made of non-combustible material and is attached with clamps, clamps or clips over walls and ceilings.

Hidden wiring is placed in grooves (cuts) made in concrete or brick using a special tool - chaser or using a grinder and a perforator, followed by cementing or plastering of channels with electric cable.

Wire identification standards

With the correct laying of the wiring, the wires can be identified by color. With self-installation, observing the color coding will help not to get confused when connecting working electrical circuits. This will reduce the time when installing certain devices and devices. The main markings look like this:

• Blue always means zero.
• Yellow wire with a green stripe - protection, grounding (used in modern power grids).
• A brown or red conductor indicates a phase.

And there are also letter markers:

• A, B, C - phase designations.
• N is always zero.
• PE - protection, grounding.

These designations are not always visible and understandable to the layman, the standards of which have repeatedly changed over time, therefore, when installing devices in already installed wiring, do not rely on the possible correctness of the marking. costs. It is necessary to independently check and mark all used conductors with colored heat-shrinkable tubes or colored electrical tape.

Self-identification

To do this, you need an indicator (phase) screwdriver and a multimeter. If a single-phase network is laid in the room without a ground wire, then an indicator screwdriver will help to find the phase.

In the lighting junction box, with the network disconnected, the wires are stripped and spread apart to avoid contact. Turning on the power supply, touch the wires with the tip of the indicator screwdriver. When a wire with a phase is touched, the indicator will light up. The indicator will not react to the neutral wire.

You will need a multimeter to determine the ground wire. The device is set to the measurement limit for alternating current over 220 volts. When the voltage is applied, one probe touches the phase, the other in series - the other two wires. When you touch the zero contact, the multimeter will show 220 volts, when you touch the ground, the readings will be lower.

After that, it is imperative to de-energize the network and mark the contact group for supplying voltage.

Connect step by step

To connect a two-button switch, you need a three-core wire laid from the lighting junction box to the installation site of the switch. If one is laid, then the task is greatly simplified. The wires of two groups of light sources L 1, L 2 and marked conductors for supplying voltage from the electrical panel L. must also be inserted into the junction box.

At the installation site of the switch, a hole is drilled with a crown of the appropriate size and a socket outlet must be installed. If there is an already drilled hole with a socket, then it is advisable to replace the socket before installing a new device. If external wiring is laid in the room, then the switch is installed in a specialized container, which is fixed to the wall with screws.

In the mechanical part of the switch, a common is determined, the input terminal is a fastener and a wire L is connected to it (supply voltage from the electrical panel), having previously marked it in the junction box with the appropriate way. The other two phase conductors are connected to separate terminals, designated L 1 and L 2.

After connecting the conductors, the mechanical part of the switch is fixed in a socket box or container so that in in the off position, the keys were recessed down (this corresponds to the accepted standard), avoiding distortions and displacements.

Assemble the decorative part of the device, install the frame and keys.

In the junction box, the conductors are connected in accordance with the marking using Wago connections or contact strips.

• Phase L, coming from the electrical panel, is commutated with the L wire going to the switch input.
• Parallel phases L 1 and L 2 coming from the output of the switch are connected to the phase inputs to the light groups L 1 and L 2.
• Zero outputs are commutated into one connection.
• Protection and grounding wires are also connected in one piece, if any.

It is strongly not recommended to twist the wires. This method of switching conductors is not reliable. In electrical wiring, the weakest points are the connections. Loose connections can lead to loss of contact or overheating and fire.

It must be remembered that a phase wire is always drawn to the switch. Otherwise, the assembled electrical circuit will not meet safety standards.

Installing a two-button switch is a simple task that is easy to handle for a person with a superficial understanding of electricity. But, getting down to work, you need to pay special attention to safety precautions and always remember that 220 volts is dangerous.