The comfort of living is made up of many components, among which an important place is occupied by the control of the lighting system. It can be made more convenient by installing two-button electrical appliances.
Agree, it would be nice to learn how to perform such work independently, especially if you have to overhaul housing and upgrade electrical wiring. But before you connect a double switch for two light bulbs, it is necessary to determine the scheme and study the procedure.
We will help you to realize our plans. The article describes the nuances of the implementation of different wiring diagrams, and also provides step-by-step instructions on installing a double-key switch. The text material is supplemented with visual illustrations and video reviews.
The content of the article:
- Pros and cons of dual connectivity
- How to choose a scheme for two light bulbs
-
Phased installation instructions
- Stage # 1 - wall preparation
- Stage # 2 - Connection to the junction box
- Stage # 3 - mounting fixtures
- Stage # 4 - Switch Installation
- General recommendations and useful tips
- Conclusions and useful video on the topic
Pros and cons of dual connectivity
An experienced electrician starts any project to improve the lighting system by optimizing the use of all electrical equipment combined into one chain.
An example of an optimized circuit is the traditional organization of lighting the “toilet + bathroom” unit. On the corridor side, one switch is usually installed, but with two keys.
Thus, the lamp in the bathroom control one key, and a light bulb in the toilet - the second. With one hand movement, you can take two actions at once by turning off the lights in one room and turning on the lights in the next room, which is very convenient.
If the switch is installed in the wall between the two parts of the bathroom, then choose the key is not difficult - it will be from the side of the room
Installing a general switch for two rooms is advisable if they are nearby. For remote spaces it is wise to use separate electrical installations.
A double switch may also be required when installing a chandelier or wall lamp with two lights. Separate control extends the functionality of the lighting device and allows you to increase or decrease the intensity of combustion.
If you use one key, the lighting will be defective, when you press both keys, it becomes twice as bright.
In order to save electricity, it is not necessary to operate both lights at the same time. To create an atmosphere of relaxation, it is enough to include only one of them.
As you can see, the ability to connect a double switch to two separate bulbs makes it easier to control lighting devices or adjust the intensity of light. When installing a single device for two rooms, not only electricity is saved, but the amount of mounting materials and devices is reduced.
How to choose a scheme for two light bulbs
There are differences in the connection of 1-key and 2-key switches. To better understand the difference, first consider the mounting nuances of a single key.
One or several light bulbs can be connected to a conventional switch with a single key - the principle will remain the same.
The diagram shows the variant with the use of two-core cable, without the use of "earth". The zero core is pulled directly to the lighting fixture, and the phase is fed to the switch, from where it follows to the light bulbs (+)
This is the simplest scheme, it is traditionally used, if you need a simple control of the lamp or the whole group. When the electrical installation is turned on, all the involved light sources come on. If a chandelier or a wall lamp with two lamps, then both will turn on at once, one by one they will not be able to use the possibilities.
And now we will consider what changes if a single-key device is replaced by a two-key device. The first scheme for connecting a double switch to two separate bulbs is relevant for the TN-C system, which is still found in old houses. For the lighting circuit using twin wires.
Zero through the junction box is sent directly to the lamps connected in series, and the phase goes to the input terminal of the switch. But the output is already double: the phase conductor goes to each of the output terminals to a separate lamp (+)
It turns out that at the same time you can use either one or both bulbs, using either one or two keys.
The positive point is the ability to change the intensity of lighting in one room. If the lamps are in different rooms, respectively, you can turn on the light in each room separately or immediately in both.
In new homes, different grounding systems are used, for example, TN-S. The difference of the second circuit for the home power grid is that a three-core wire is required: the third core is the “earth”.
Like the zero conductor, the ground connection is sent to the junction box, and then connected to the wires of the lamps and connected to the metal parts (+)
The ground wire is connected differently if there is a socket in the same block with the switch. Then the "earth" from the electrical panel reaches for the electrical box, and from there to the outlet.
Phased installation instructions
Conventionally, the connection of the switching device can be divided into several stages. They start with cables: if the wiring is old, then it must be replaced.
Then you need to properly connect the wires in the junction box, and finally - in the switch mechanism. For the installation of a chandelier or lamp usually use the instructions proposed by the manufacturer.
Stage # 1 - wall preparation
Stage wall chipping It is recommended to skip only if a new wiring with copper conductors of suitable cross-section has already been laid. When in doubt, it is better to consult an electrician.
For the lighting group is suitable conventional wire VVGng with a cross section of 1.5 mm². If sockets are connected with the lighting, it is better to take the same wire, but 2.5 mm².
The preparation of the walls includes strobing, arranging the mounting places of the underside and switch boxes. At this stage, you can install additional circuit breaker in the electrical panel.
A separate safety device will come in handy when the lighting line requires repair - only one circuit can be turned off, the rest will work as usual.
The grooves are knocked out with a perforator, a circular saw and even manually, but for cutting out even grooves they use a special tool - a wall chaser equipped with a vacuum cleaner.
System wooden house lighting different type of wiring. The hidden method is not used, since it is extremely flammable and requires maximum insulation of cables.
Wires are mounted from the outside, on special insulators. Instead of internal switches, they install overhead, but the principle of connecting the conductors to the terminals does not change.
At the end of the stroking of the concrete, brick, aerated concrete walls, the grooves into which the wires are laid are buried with mortar or alabaster. Then you can plaster and carry out decorative finishing of the walls, but the location of the wires is better to keep on the drawing or diagram - until the next repair.
Stage # 2 - Connection to the junction box
A distribution box is a camera where the wiring and connection of the conductors takes place. At installation of switches or sockets of various types the connection scheme changes.
But first you need to correctly choose a soldering box. Previously, metal products were used, now they produce safer and easier to install plastic analogues.
There are internal and external models, but it is easier and more efficient to work with external ones. If urgent wiring is required due to the replacement of the electrical installation, then access to the built-in junction box will have to remove the plaster and then repair it.
The case of the external model is always in sight: just unscrew the cover and take the necessary action.
The core connection is simple: the neutral wire from the shield is twisted with zeros of two connected lamps, and the phase is sent to the switch. Two output phases from the switch go to the lamps - one for each
If the wire is three-core - and now it is most often used precisely - then in the electrical junction box, similarly to the zero conductor, the “ground” is twisted. And if the wiring is old, but reliable, then there is no point in changing it, and you need to use the connection indicated in the schematic diagram.
There are several ways to connect wires. The most common - twisting followed by insulation and terminal use.
Soldering is used extremely rarely. If you are used to using terminal blocks, you can consider the option of junction box with pre-installed terminals.
Stage # 3 - mounting fixtures
How is it made? chandelier installation with two lamps or two separate lamps, depends on many factors:
- lighting model;
- readiness wiring;
- bases for installation.
It is easiest to change the lighting equipment when the wire is laid out at the installation site, for example, in the center of the room.
To install the chandelier, you must perform two operations: hang the lighting fixture on a hook or bracket and connect the wires correctly
If the ceiling is new and is a suspended structure (stretch, plastic or plasterboard), then for mounting the chandelier, you must install additional hardware or mortgages.
When two phase wires are supplied from a double key switch to the luminaire, they are connected alternately - each to its own lamp. Also, two zero conductors are stretched out of the electrical distribution box - they are also scattered across different lamps.
If both bulbs are connected to the same wire, they will turn on / off at the same time, and there is no point in installing a double switch.
When two separate lamps are installed in different rooms, the connection principle remains the same; only the wire pulling from the junction box changes - they are sent in different directions. As a rule, the rooms are located next door. It is better to mount the junction box above the switch, about 15-20 cm from the ceiling.
Stage # 4 - Switch Installation
There are no difficulties either in the installation or in the connection of the double keyboard. It is installed in the bottom plate or directly into the wall, fixed with paws or screw connection. How exactly the wires join is shown in the photo.
The double switch is always connected only to the phase conductor coming from the junction box, where it goes from the electrical panel. The core is inserted into the terminal labeled “phase L”. From the outgoing contacts L1 and L2, the phase conductors go to the lamps (+)
If there are not two lamps in the chandelier, but more lamps, which is much more common, then the connection is made in groups. All lamps are divided into two equivalent or unequal groups, and then the wire from the contact L1 is sent to one, and the wire from the contact L2 - to the second.
Conditional division into groups is made depending on the desired degree of illumination of the room. If you need two modes of intensity, weak and bright, then you can bring the first core to one lamp, and the second to the others. To achieve the maximum level of brightness, just press both keys.
General recommendations and useful tips
There are several important points that should not be forgotten. They concern both installation work and equipment selection.
The implementation of simple rules will make the system more secure and reliable, which is important for a closed network.
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All work on connecting electrical equipment in the switchboard is carried out by qualified electricians serving the house. It is not recommended to independently intervene in the security system located on the site
For the external type of wiring, special materials are used: a cable with strong insulation, ceramic rollers on which it is mounted, and a patch switch. Products from one collection look more aesthetically pleasing
If it is not possible to rent a wall chaser, then the grooves can be cut out and circular, but this is a difficult and time-consuming task. To keep the grooves even, it is recommended to make accurate markings on the walls.
For a neat installation of switches, podrozetniki are used, as well as for outlets. These are polymeric boxes of non-combustible material that need to be fixed in the wall hole. Installation is carried out on fasteners, gaps covered with alabaster
To ensure your own safety, you must use screwdrivers and pliers with electrical tools during electrical installation. insulation, as well as special gloves and instruments for measuring voltage in electrical installations - testers and indicators
To twist or insert the wires into the terminals, the ends of the cores must be freed from the insulating braid - cleaned. To do this, use a sharp stationery or construction knife, as well as special tongs - stripper
Traditionally, color marking is used to designate the load on the cores: phase - red, brown, black; zero - blue or blue-white; the earth is green or yellow-green. However, the installed wires may be confused, so re-checking is necessary.
Junction boxes and receptacles have a limited internal space, so it is necessary to cut off excess wires. However, you should always leave a small margin for the subsequent replacement of electrical equipment or reconnection.
Installation of the circuit breaker in the panel
Installation of external wiring in a wooden house
Cutting Tool
Switch hole equipment
Electrical installation tool
How to strip the wires
Color marking of wires for connection
Cable length in boxes
Do not forget that any actions with electrical appliances and installations are made only after a power outage at the general apartment panel. Before each operation with wires, make sure that the circuit is de-energized.
If instead of the usual dvuhkishnik you want to install a switch contactless type or device with dimmer, be sure to study the scheme, since the installation of such devices may differ.
Conclusions and useful video on the topic
It is best to imagine how to properly wire the wiring and install the instruments by viewing the training video.
Two keypad for two lamps:
Nuances of connecting chandeliers:
Useful tips for connecting:
The procedure for installing and connecting a double switch can be performed without the involvement of a qualified master, however, during the work, you should remember the safety rules. Before electrical work it is necessary to take into account all factors and choose the right scheme.
Is there anything to supplement, or have any questions about connecting a double switch? You can leave comments on the publication and participate in discussions. The form for communication is in the lower block.
