Many of us are familiar with the light switch for lighting. It serves to ensure that in a corridor, in a room or a staircase, it is possible to control the work of a lamp from different places. It is especially convenient to use the device when moving in large rooms, when it is extremely inconvenient to move without lighting. One of the types of pass-through switch is a two-key switch.
What is a two-button switch?
From the very title it is clear that the device is distinguished by the presence of not one, but two keys. Their presence will allow to control not one, but several lighting devices in the room.
There is a switch of the following elements:
- actually, two keys;
- plastic housing;
- electro-adjusting mechanism.
The last element is a system of screw terminals or terminal blocks, output and input terminals. By the way, the two-key switch has different sizes. But basically it's the shape of a square with a side 80-82 mm.
Terminal blocks are the mechanisms that are equipped with self-clamping terminals. This is a more convenient way of connecting an electrical cable. In screw terminals, the end of the wire is fixed when the bolt is tightened. And to each key is a separate contact. Thus, the two-key switch serves to close and open the wires, which lead to a group of lighting devices or to a separate lamp of the luminaire. For example, in bathrooms, a two-key switch is used to control the luminaire and extractor.
Types of double switches
In specialized stores you can find different types of devices. Quite popular is a two-key switch with illumination .
Outwardly, it practically does not differ from usual. The only difference is the presence of a light indicator. Thanks to this, finding a switch in an absolutely dark room will not be difficult now. A miniature LED or neon lamp, consuming very little power, is connected to the switch contacts in parallel.
Two-key overhead switch , in which the case is wider, is used for open sockets.
If we talk about a two-key switch without fixing , then such a product is distinguished by the absence of a housing.
By the way, there is a special kind of two-key switch, which consists of two one-key connectors. Such modular products are used to control light from different points of the room: for example, at the door and near the bed.
Installation of a two-button switch
Set the switch is simple, follow the steps indicated:
- Before installing the two-key switch, turn off the light supply to the house. Make sure that there is no voltage using the indicator.
- After that, go up to the ceiling wires, strip them of insulation and spread them apart. Turn on the electricity.
- The indicator check the ends of the wires: when the device lights, this is the "phase". There should be two wires. If the fire does not occur, it means "zero". Such contact is only one.
- Now it is necessary to turn off the electricity supply to the apartment again. Do not forget to check the presence of voltage indicator device.
- If everything is ok, you can start connecting the two-key switch to the wires. Two wires "phase" of the switch are connected with similar wires on the ceiling. Zero ceiling wire is combined with a zero contact of the lighting fixture.
- In no event should you forget about the insulation treatment of the ends of the wires.
It's all. It seems uncomplicated, but if you are not confident in your abilities, better use the services of an electrician.