Technological progress does not stand still and eventually affects all areas of human life. Was no exception, and home improvement. For example, touch light switch, which appeared recently, has already managed to take a decent niche in daily use.
The device not only increases the level of comfort, but also increases the service life of the lighting devices, and also relates to a stylish design element.
Let's understand the operating principles and structural features of these devices. At what points to look out for when choosing and how to make installation of the touch switch.
The content of the article:
- Design features and principle of operation
- The characteristics of the sensor device
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Types of electronic switching products
- Capacitive devices - luxury or necessity?
- Comfort and savings of the optical switches
- Convenience and practicality of high-frequency devices
- Marking and connect subtleties
- Choosing the optimal model
- Conclusions and useful videos on the topic
Design features and principle of operation
The appearance of the classical model of the electronic switching device is almost identical with the touch panel and It is a screen of a glossy electrochromic material (crystal glass) coated with a marking. In a wide variety of design options are presented, color and configuration of devices.
Regardless of the external characteristics, and the number of connected users, structurally touch device consists of the following main parts:
- The controller or control unit. For a decorative obverse surface of the screen is an active sensor, which reacts to various stimuli. Based on the type of touch switch, irritants are: the touch object impact, in some models approach, clapping, voice command.
- semiconductor converter. In the previous block is generated a signal which at this portion is converted into electric power sufficient for operation.
- switching part. the switch carried by the basic steps in the electrical circuit: opening, closing or stepless regulation degree of load supplied to the lamp.
On the basis of the electronic products unit its principle of action is clear: exercising a light touch of fingers to the panel, made a signal that is converted and will activate the relay.
Additional features built into the universal touch-type switch, are often used for the system arrangement of a smart house control of heating devices, the opening / closing of the Window shutters and other
The characteristics of the sensor device
Electronic device refers to a high-tech generation of devices, the main purpose of which - the illumination control. The principle of its operation is based on controlling the current through the chip, in the conventional switches are used sliding contacts of the standard type.
Due to this the board is eliminated short circuit formation. This means that significantly increases the service life of the lamps, as well as the resource of the switch.
Household modification of the electronic switching devices used in networks with a voltage of 220 V. They are used for connecting the bra, control and adjust the backlight illumination or the basic
The maximum convenience lighting device control - the main advantage of the touch (electronic) switch.
It differs from the normal presence of a special sensor, which served as the basis for the name of the species. The sensor is disposed in the structure, radiant heat fixes the hand responds to touch, or to an audio signal.
Sensory mechanisms can be found in daily life almost everywhere. This modern sensor allows you to control various actions
Since the touch sensing element alone is not able to reproduce the signals sufficient to adjust the lighting start directly used in the apparatus amplifying devices. These conductors are transistors or other alternative components.
For distribution amplifiers used method cascade of accommodation:
- The first place in the chain, immediately after the sensor takes a transistor with high sensitivity and low power.
- The next in the resonant circuit is a similar mechanism, but with a lower susceptibility, but with enough power to transmit a large load on the element.
Very often in electronic switches is applied galvanically isolated control circuit, wherein the pilot signal sent by the optical radiation - optocoupler. Thus, the separation is carried fragile parts of the mechanism, namely, from the power sensors.
It is also possible to use the radio and where to send commands executed through the ether an enabled wireless network protocols, for example, BlueTooth or Wi-Fi.
The sensor current has a power of only a few units of milliamperes, which is insufficient even for a signal transmission to the base of transistor. Therefore amplifiers are used to send commands to the touch switch
Power active elements that make up the electronic switch, can be carried out via the battery or the mains. However, the second embodiment performs certain manipulations required for rectification of the mains voltage, followed by truncating it to a desired level.
The simplest example - a semiconductor Zener diode. In rare cases, you can find a built-in high-grade switching power supply.
Types of electronic switching products
Despite the fact that the sensor switches are divided into six main types, a household uses only three, namely, capacitive, optical and high frequency. Let us consider them in more detail.
Capacitive devices - luxury or necessity?
Capacitive type works as a sensor capable of detecting light and locate object at the set distance. The device is mounted instead of standard light switches, however, pressing a button / keyboard mechanism is not required for its operation.
The essence of work based on the following sequence of actions: when a hand approaches the sensitive area of the touch screen, in substantially 40-50 mm, the apparatus performs predetermined command - performs adjustment lighting, turning on or off her. Some options require a light touch to switch the active panel.
The Chinese company Suntruth Electrical is one of the few representatives of the market, specializing in the production of touch switches, on-site conventional
For some, this functionality will be perceived as a luxury, however, many consumers, especially their female half, evaluate the essence of this mechanism highly.
For example, if in the process of cooking in the kitchen you want to include additional lighting, then a slight movement hands, regardless of whether it is wet or dirty, no problem controls the electronic switch.
The main representatives of the capacitive electrical accessories for controlling light engineering firms are available: Jung, Berker, Livolo and Steinel. Despite its popularity, many developers abandoned the kind of products and refocused production on separate types of installed devices.
Comfort and savings of the optical switches
Switch equipped with an infrared sensor, it perceives only the thermal radiation in the infrared range originating from the body during the movement. Its name is the alternative sensor motion or presence.
Optical pattern with pirodetektorom designed to effect the infrared wavelength of not more than 9 microns. Devices of the series Delta reflex from Siemens versatile company. They can be installed both on the ceiling and on the wall, and even on the street
The operation of this device is based on the sensitive pyroelectric element. Optical system redirects the heat rays to the semiconductor receiver, a lens surrounded accumulation of plastic.
The last element is divided into segments. In this front portion infrared sensor is divided into successive sensitive and non-sensitive zone, and accordingly, visible and blind sectors.
The operating principle of the device is as follows: when the moving object enters the heat zone, controlled by the lens in pirodetektore generated voltage pulse. By this signal of the amplifier increases, and the switch performs switching of lamps.
When choosing intelligent controller lighting should pay attention to the technical part of it. One important element is the mechanism to delay the time off lighting. Duration trip phase delay can be set to a few seconds or minutes.
The timer function is needed to correct the problem with the person moving into the blind area of the sensor when pyrodetector not perceive infrared radiation and sends a command to shutdown.
If the switch is used in sensor mode, the locking movement is selected little time delay tripping operation if the presence of - a longer period will
To lock the operation of the infrared switch between natural daylight, almost all models are fitted with regulating a photosensor, which is installed in one of the positions - in operation at full or dusk darkness.
Also, manufacturing companies have excluded the likelihood of sensors response to small objects such as pets - lineup expanded IR devices with additional electronic controller forces thermal radiation corresponding to only the movement of a subject weighing more than 20 kg.
Equally interesting embodiment with a complicated structure represented by motion sensors B.E.G. Such devices provide acoustic control channel. When playing certain audio signals -. Cotton, voice command, etc., included in lighting fixtures.
For more information about how to select and install motion sensor read Further.
Most convenient for use in the home infrared sensitive switches with highly directional element placed on the hinge loop with one, two or three free phases. Due to this, you can not set up the necessary level of height and tilt lens review
Relatively recently, Siemens presented a new series of optical touch switch Delta Reflex. This versatile device mounted to any flat area, including the exterior, with a degree of protection against external adverse factors IP 55.
High-tech models are equipped with a control panel through which the reproduced programming various functions such as time setting off delay timer or imitation presence predetermined period.
Comfort and practicalityysokochastotnyh devices
High touch switches are presented active type sensors (illuminance) and volume. Structurally, these devices are quite similar to the previous option, but the principle of response is significantly different.
The operation of the detector is the use of photodiodes. At the moment of contact with the photosensitive area of light quanta the device disables the lighting equipment. Wherein in the housing there is a special regulating mechanism, used to specify a desired level of illumination.
Such intelligent mechanisms increasingly used for illumination of facades. At dusk they include lights in the area, when the dawn - cut off.
Despite the high degree of protection, ambient light detectors with snow buildup can work incorrectly - deciding that the dusk, the device turns off the lights, so the snow is necessary constantly clean off
By popular models include sensors Steinel German companies and Osram. Presented as products that are installed in place of the old bulbs, and separate devices.
Assemble Electric circuit rupture, supplies power to the lighting fixtures. The apparatus has a high degree of protection, at least IP 44.
The operating principle of the sensor is based on the volume of weak emission of high-frequency pulses that are reflected from the various pieces of furniture and decoration, floor and walls.
Creating a complete picture of the premises in the reflected microwaves, the light control device at regular intervals it inspects. If the area has a new object, formed a team, and the light turns on, if nothing changes, then the unit is in off mode.
Microwave sensor consists of the same elements as that of all other types of touch switches. Even seemingly these devices are similar, but the lens is not provided, and the sensor is closed by a plastic cap
The main manufacturer of such devices is still the same company Steinel. They are produced as circuit breakers installed instead of the standard or the more expensive models, in the form of table lamps.
Marking and connect subtleties
Analysis of labeling will be performed on the example of electronic switch model VL C701R company Livolo. Modification of the device is indicated by Latin letters C6, C7, and so on. d. Next is a two-digit number indicating the number of connected lampochnyh groups: 01, 02 and 03.
Deciphering marking model VL C701R: VL - the abbreviated name of the manufacturer; C7 - series; 01 - a control line; R - Radio Control Console
Recent letters will denote the additional functionality of the touch switch:
- R - radio control;
- D - dimmer mechanism for the smooth adjustment of the degree of illumination;
- S - function of the flow switch;
- T - sleep timer.
Wiring diagram for the touch switch similar as for standard apparatus-KEY or dimmer.
Just look at the chart and it becomes apparent that the switch to connect the touch pad does not require additional cores or wires. On VL C701R example shows that instead of installing a conventional dimmer
According to the above scheme, the red line, extending from the panel, connect to terminal L (In).
Further, the commutation phase, Figure orange connected to terminal L1 (Load). This wire is guided after one or several groups of lamps.
All settings and switch the remote control will be retained even when no power when passing a battery, which is an important aspect of
Neutral conductor (N) are equipped in one node via terminal blocks. Similarly drawn and protective conductor (PE).
As far as possible is better to use Enclosures with sufficient recess to complete the laying and switch, and all the wires
After accurate placing of conductors in a niche Escutcheon proceeds to mount the switch base and its consignment glass panel.
Choosing the optimal model
The main parameter for defining the full operation of the sensor the switching device - characteristic of the electrical network. The required rate voltage of 220 V is not for all models. There are options with a deviation of 20-30%.
Therefore, the choice should pay attention to the voltage thresholds specified in the device characteristics. When significant deviations will further establish stabilizer, whereby oscillations will be leveling.
To purchase an electronic switch met all expectations and the device significantly increased the degree of comfort in the room, the choice should take into account the necessary functionality, which should have instrument
To determine the appropriate model of sensory products must take into account the possibility of priority, the presence of which is necessary to:
- Number of bulbs groupsConnected to the controller - they may be one, two or three.
- Intensity. Some instruments are additionally equipped with a dimmer, which means changing the current is supplied to the lamp.
- Built-in timer. The walk-through models set the sleep timer will be triggered after the specified time. These devices are increasingly used for corridors and stairwells.
- control method. It all depends solely on the customer's preferences. there is device controlled by remote control, Touch, sound, and so forth.
Having defined the set of necessary functions, it should stop at one of the represented manufacturers. Price range devices does not refer to cheap, so purchasing a product of low cost, you can be faced with poor quality analogue.
Belgian brand Basalte focused on the production of elite-class. Deseo model - the embodiment of multifunctionality and elegant design. Almost all products are LED backlight
The Belgian company producing sensory Basalte regulating high-quality devices. The developments are guided by customers with the highest demands.
Elite models differ not only in the original design, but also one of the highest price categories. Nevertheless, the cost is quite compensated by ease of use, the presence of various functions and simple regulation.
Despite the fact that many buyers are prejudiced against Chinese products, Livolo company was able to prove the quality of its products
Among the Chinese company representatives say Livolo. The main advantages of the touch switch of the brand - the reasonable cost of production and original design solutions for home, able to emphasize individuality.
In this case, the range is not limited to the technically simple models. Also worth noting, and a permanent addition to the range.
We also recommend you to read our other stuff, where we gave a detailed account of how self collect touch switch.
Conclusions and useful videos on the topic
If you decide to turn your home into an intelligent, you should use tips on choosing electronic models. This was in the plot:
Having defined the model and the desired features it is important to understand how to play connectivity:
Despite the high price category, touch-sensitive switching devices equipped with such powerful functionality, which is sufficient for everything smart home system. Selecting and buying the right model, corresponding to a request, it is possible to connect on their own.
Do you have personal experience with touch switches for the light? Please share it with our visitors. Tell us about the advantages and disadvantages of such devices that you have noticed it. Write comments in the article under the block.
