The rapid development of the technological sphere of human activity has influenced other areas of life, including home improvement. This is especially true for switches for various electrical appliances. In this case, a touch switch will help a lot. This device allows without unnecessary effort to manage many electrical devices in the apartment using normal touching.
Content
- Design features
- Types of touch panels
- Device advantages
- Dimmer description
- Criterias of choice
- Connecting the device
- DIY sensor creation
Design features
Touch switches have an extremely simple operating principle. Moreover, you can make them yourself at home. To turn on the light, simply slide your finger along the special sensitive panel. Such models are usually used to control light and other low power devices.
The device is very sensitive and reacts even to the slightest touch. It is based on three elements:
-
Control block. This device processes the incoming signal and, passing it on, triggers other necessary elements. - Switching device. Controls the electrical load by varying the voltage applied to the device.
- Panel with a sensor. A sensitive sensor is installed on it, which sends a primary signal to the control unit. In new versions of touch switches, to activate them, it is enough to move your hand at a distance of 2-3 centimeters from the panel.
Standard types of structures are able to turn on, turn off and adjust the brightness of light, control heating systems, alert you to sudden changes in voltage or temperature, and an improved motion sensor makes it easier to usage.
Types of touch panels
At the moment, there are three types of switches designed for different purposes and devices.
The first type of device works with a control panel. Use this switch when the touch panel is located in places where it is difficult to reach. In addition, this type of device is used by people with reduced mobility. In order to control the device, you do not need to buy special console. A universal one is suitable, which can be connected to several devices at once.
The second type of switches differs in that a timer is built into it. The advantages of this type of device are completely silent operation, simple installation and cost-effectiveness. The timer switch has increased safety. This means that if any cable is damaged in the power supply, the switch will automatically go to the off position.
The timer sensor has a beautiful design that can be changed depending on the design of the room. It can, for example, be painted in a different color. This type is also reliable. It is created using high quality cut glass, due to which it has a smooth surface and is safe to use.
The last type of touch panels is optical-acoustic. This is a special view, which differs from others in that it is not controlled by a remote control or a light touch., and sounds and movement. The panels are equipped with special sensors with a microphone or infrared beam. A signal is sent to the control unit when a key word is pronounced or when moving in the area of the beam.
Device advantages
Touch panels are reliable, practical and functional. In addition, there are several more advantages, namely:
- the ability to combine work with any electrical device;
- energy saving;
- longer term of use;
- simple and straightforward installation;
- silent work.
The modern panel is water resistant and reacts even to touch with wet hands.
Dimmer description
The 220 W touch-sensitive light switch works with such an improved addition as a dimmer. it special device, which adds to the panel the ability to adjust the brightness of the light by changing the voltage supplied to the lamps. If a person needs to read some important paper, but he has poor eyesight, you can easily increase the brightness in the room.
In moments when light is not particularly important, you can lower the brightness to a minimum, thereby saving a lot of electricity. In addition, if there are several light sources connected by one circuit in different parts of the room, using a dimmer, you can redirect energy to certain lamps and turn off unnecessary ones. However, it should be remembered that you cannot use a dimmer switch if energy-saving or fluorescent bulbs are installed in the chandelier.
Criterias of choice
The choice of the touch switch should be approached responsibly. The first step is to ask the seller for the maximum and minimum allowable current and voltage values. If they do not coincide with the characteristics of the network in the apartment, you will have to additionally install a stabilizer.
In addition, attention must be paid to how many simultaneously devices will be connected to one device, whether a dimmer or timer is needed, and whether the device will work from sensors or remote control. After choosing a device according to the specified characteristics, you can proceed to the choice of its design.
Connecting the device
The installation of a touch-type switch does not differ from the installation of a standard push-button.
The first step is to turn off the electricity in the house. Then you need to remove the old button switch and prepare for touch installation. You need to remove the top panel from it and connect the terminals to the wires from the wall. It is necessary to install the switch in the junction box and fix it and the previously removed panel with screws.
DIY sensor creation
If you don't have the funds to buy a sensor device, you can assemble the motion sensor yourself and connect it to a conventional switch. In order to assemble a touch switch with your own hands, you need the following elements:
- relay;
- foil-clad textolite, which will take on the role of a sensor;
- pulse diode.
Using a special circuit, it is necessary to assemble and solder the device, and then integrate it into the back box.
The device is an ideal replacement for push-button models. It looks more attractive, modern and has a long service life. With such a switch, you can save energy well. You can buy such a device in a specialized store or assemble it yourself, if you have the necessary skills.
