How to connect a switch with two keys. How to connect a two-key light switch correctly and avoid mistakes

Connecting a two-gang switch: preparatory work

It is worth noting that before you connect the light switch, which is double, you need to lay the wiring. If the house is just being built and hidden wiring is carried out in it, then there are no difficulties. The wiring itself is installed even before the plaster is applied.

After that, you need to connect the switch itself and the fixtures to the wiring. All wires are laid according to the diagram (see below).

The two-gang switch is designed to turn on and off two electrical appliances from one place or control separate sections of one appliance.

Most often, such switches are used to switch the operating modes of the chandelier: each of the two keys turns on one of the two groups of lamps, and when both keys are turned on, the entire chandelier is connected completely.

Using this switch, you can control the illumination of the room. Also, the use of a light switch with two keys is useful for turning on the lighting of a separate bathroom and toilet.

It is actually not as difficult to draw up a connection diagram for a two-lamp switch as it might seem at first glance. If this is a private house, connecting a double light switch will be convenient for lighting the street when leaving. If it is possible to use a lighting device with a two-gang switch on the balcony, the presence of the device there will also be appropriate.

Each group can have a different number of bulbs - it can be either one or ten or more bulbs. But a two-gang switch can only control two groups of lamps.

It is clear that if it is planned to carry out open wiring, then each cable that needs to be connected to a two-gang switch and a lamp is laid in separate cable channels or corrugated pipes.

If the wiring in the house has been used for many years, and the existing electrical wires are not suitable, then they will need to be replaced. In the event that they were mounted in an open way, there will be no problems. If they were hidden under plaster, you will have to make new strobes and lay new cables. After placing the cables in their places, they begin to connect them.

Before starting work on replacing the wiring in an apartment or a private house and installing a two-gang switch, for safety reasons, the power supply should be completely turned off.

To do this, it will be enough to turn off the automatic switch, which is at the beginning of the circuit designed to supply current to the lighting fixtures.

And so, when all the preparatory work is done and the wires are placed according to the diagram, you can start connecting the two-gang switch.

How to choose a scheme for two light bulbs

Before installation, you should carefully familiarize yourself with the location of the switch contacts. Sometimes on the back side of the switches you can find a switch contact diagram, which shows the normally open contacts in the off position and the common terminal.

The double switch has three contacts - a common input and two separate outputs. A phase from the junction box is connected to the input, and two outputs control the inclusion of groups of chandelier lamps or other light sources. As a rule, the switch must be mounted so that the common contact is located at the bottom.

If there is no circuit on the reverse side of the switch, then the contacts are defined as follows: the input contact is on one side of the switch, and the two outputs to which the lighting devices are connected are on the other side.

Accordingly, the two-gang switch has three clamps for connecting wires - one at the input contact, and one at two output contacts.

So, we figured out how the switch works. Now you need to prepare the workplace, tools and materials. We must not forget that the most important thing when performing any work related to electricity is safety.

Each of the keys of the two-gang switch can be set to one of two positions, turning on or off the appliance. Each group can have a different number of bulbs - it can be either one or ten or more bulbs. But a two-gang switch can only control two groups of lamps.

First you need to check the wires, that is, test which one is the phase one. With the help of an indicator screwdriver, it will not be difficult to do this: upon contact with the phase in the screwdriver, the signal LED will light up.

Mark the wire so that you do not confuse it with zero when performing further operations. Before you start installing the switch, you need to secure your work area.

If we are talking about a chandelier, you should de-energize the wires coming out of the ceiling. When the type of wires is determined and marked, you can turn off the power (for this you should use the appropriate machine in the shield) and proceed with the installation of the double switch.

Determine in advance and ensure the presence of connecting material for the wires.

self-clamping terminals;
screw terminals;
caps or electrical tape for hand-twisted wires.

The most convenient and reliable way is fixing with self-clamping terminals. Screw clamps can weaken over time, and electrical tape tends to lose elasticity and dry out. Because of this, the reliability of the connection can be significantly weakened over time.

Self-clamping terminals provide a reliable, durable connection. To properly connect the switch to the light bulb, you must carefully study the step-by-step instructions on how to do this. After that, you can not only make the installation according to the scheme, but also identify possible malfunctions. When providing electrical installation in premises, the question often arises of how to lay a cable using a corrugated pipe.

2 screwdrivers - flat and Phillips;
assembly or clerical knife or other device for stripping insulation;
pliers or side cutters;
construction level.

In distribution the box was brought to phase-zero power, a three-wire wire was lowered onto the switch. The phase conductor is connected to the common terminal of the switch, the other two conductors will be, it is a phase interrupted by contacts that return to the distribution box and each wire goes to its own lamp. Zero is common and leaves immediately from the junction box to the lamp holder.

Why zero on the lamp, and the phase on the break on the switch, this is related to safety. So that when the switch is off, the phase does not remain on the lamp holder.

Imagine a fictional situation, a lamp burned out, you are trying to replace it, turned off the switch, took an aluminum stepladder, installed it on a damp concrete floor and climbed onto it, grabbed the lamp socket, and there is a phase on it, a current will pass through your body through a conductive stepladder, the consequences may range from falling from a height to fatal electric shock.

Hence the conclusion, before doing something, it is necessary to clearly present the expected result. It’s not worth doing it by the method of scientific poke and hoping maybe it will work out.

Before we learn how to properly connect a two-gang light switch, let's find out more information about its device. The mechanism includes a plastic case, input and output type terminals, two keys, and some models have a light indicator.

If the connection is made correctly, then with the help of the keys you can provide electricity or stop it.

the ability to turn off and turn on entire groups of lamps;
saving on cable, since you do not need to pull two wires, as for single devices;
allows you to adjust the lighting with a large number of lamps in the chandelier;
used for rooms with a high level of humidity;
It does not require special care;
ease of installation.

Before studying the instructions on how to connect a chandelier to a two-gang switch, you need to prepare all the necessary tools. These include a plastic mold, indicator and shaped screwdrivers, crimping tools, and a construction knife.

An experienced electrician begins any project to improve the lighting system by optimizing the use of all electrical devices combined into one chain.

An example of an optimized contour is the traditional arrangement of lighting for the "toilet bathroom" block. From the side of the corridor, one switch is usually installed, but with two keys.

Thus, the lamp in the bathroom is controlled by one key, and the light in the toilet is controlled by the second. With one movement of the hand, you can perform two actions at once, turning off the light in one room and turning on the light in the next one, which is very convenient.

If the switch is installed in the wall between the two parts of the bathroom, then it will not be difficult to select the key - it will be located on the side of the desired room

Installing a common switch for two rooms is advisable if they are nearby. For rooms remote from each other, it is reasonable to use separate electrical installations.

A double switch may also be required when installing a chandelier or sconce with two bulbs. Separate control expands the functionality of the lighting device and allows you to increase or decrease the intensity of combustion.

If you use one key, then the lighting will be inferior, when you press both keys, it becomes twice as bright.

In order to save energy, it is not necessary to operate both bulbs 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 fixtures or adjust light intensity. When installing a single device in two rooms, not only electricity is saved, but the number of installation materials and devices is reduced.

In order to find the cause, you need to return to the beginning of the installation and carefully follow all the steps. Armed with an indicator, be sure to ring all the wires and mark them. If you suspect a wire malfunction, contact the masters. If there are no problems with the wiring, re-fasten the marked wires according to the diagram and be extremely careful at the same time.

Conclusion.

Thus, a two-gang electric switch allows you to adjust the intensity of lighting in one room or can be used to turn on lamps located in different rooms. Installation work, if you have the necessary tools and certain knowledge, can be performed on your own.

When connecting electrical appliances, you must strictly follow the safety regulations. It is necessary not only to turn off the power, but also to prevent accidental voltage supply. The above work operations will be easier to perform if high-quality components and tools are used. Wiring should be checked if it is planned to install equipment that consumes more electricity.

Having an idea about the design features of the switches and what the two-gang switch connection diagram is, it is much easier to choose the right system elements correctly.

With this basic knowledge, it is quite possible to connect the switch with your own hands, without resorting to the help of specialists.

All the connection options we have considered are the most common, you must remember the following:

first of all, determine the phase "L";
the device is placed only on the phase wire;
follow the manufacturer's recommendations;
be sure to check the strength of the wire ends with screws on the terminals;
when working, observe safety precautions.

As you can see, there are no particular difficulties in this electrical work, you just need to pay attention to the working unit and install the switch on the desired wire.

I would also like to draw your attention to the fact that if you are not confident in your abilities, then it is better to contact an experienced specialist who will perform such work quickly and efficiently. We hope that the recommendations from ElectroManual.ru will help fill your home with light.

1. Junction box - a junction of wires and their wiring in different directions.

2. Twisting - connecting wires in order to protect against the occurrence of excessive resistance, which will lead to constant heating of the contacts.

Illuminated two-gang switch

A backlit switch differs from a conventional one only in that it contains a backlight indicator. This indicator can be a neon lamp or an LED with a limiting resistor. The backlit switch circuit is quite simple.

The indicator is connected in parallel with the switch terminals. When the light switch is turned off, the backlight indicator is connected to the neutral wire of the network through a small lamp resistance and lights up. When the lighting is turned on, the indicator circuit is short-circuited and it goes out.

the lighting circuit is de-energized. For reliability, the absence of voltage is checked with a probe or multimeter;
a box for the switch is installed and fixed in the opening in the wall. When replacing the old one, it is first dismantled;
the key is removed from the switch and the power wires are connected. In parallel with the cables, the outputs of the backlight indicator are connected;
the switch body is installed in the box and fixed with screws;
the network is turned on and the operability of the switch, its backlight and the lighting network are checked.

Photo of mounting a two-gang light switch

first you need to de-energize the housing by turning off the switch on the disconnect panel or circuit breakers, you can check the current shutdown by inserting the lamp into the outlet (if it is not on, then everything is turned off);
before installation, the bare parts must be cleaned;
passing neutral wire from the shield must be combined with two contact groups;
the second phase wire from the shield is attached to the wire going to the common contact;
the color of the wires of different groups must be different (the first wire is connected to the phase of one group of fixtures, the second is connected to another group);
phase wires are attached to their consumer groups;
zero wiring from the shield is connected to the zero wiring of fixtures (a two-key switch combines two groups of consumers);
you need to carefully consider the safety of finding a large number of associations located in the cutting box (twist well, solder);
the switch is neatly attached to the box on the wall (the mounting wire is very rigid);
a decorative frame is attached to the base, the button block is inserted into the grooves, securely fixed to the body;
A voltage indicator will help you check if the pass switch is functioning properly.

Sometimes it becomes necessary to install a two-button switch complete with a socket. In this case, an additional section of wire is laid from the switch to the outlet. The height of the device is the most diverse: the main thing is to be comfortable.

How to find a phase wire? To properly connect a double switch, you need to decide on the wires. Sometimes doubts arise which wire is phase.

the ends of the wires are carefully laid aside (so as not to stick together);
turn on the voltage on the shield;
touch the bare parts with an indicator screwdriver;
the phase wire, when touched, the light bulb will light up.

Dimmers help control the intensity of lighting. There are touch, pressure, rotary. The installation scheme for all types is the same.

Precautionary measures

What measures should be taken when installing light in the house? Working with a voltage circuit requires a reverent approach, taking into account safety rules.

In order to avoid injuries/accidents, before connecting the two-gang switch, you should properly turn off the current supply, check for voltage on the input cable.

Work on the installation of sockets / switches is better to start before the design repair.
Before starting installation, check the condition of the wiring.
Properly organize actions during daylight hours (it is harder to install in the dark).
Be sure to check the serviceability of light bulbs and other parts.
Use a voltage indicator to check the power supply is off.
Turn off the circuit breakers or package switches on the home panel.
In accordance with safety standards, it is correct to use red phase wiring.
The neutral wire is blue.
All actions should be carried out with extreme caution.
To avoid electric shock, special attention is paid to rooms with a high level of humidity.
The power supply of the porch, bath, basement requires the use of reinforced insulation.
The light bulb is replaced when the electricity is off.
Using a ladder, an insulating mat is placed at the base.
After connecting the electrics in the house, there should be no hazardous areas.
Contacts are connected in compliance with all technical standards.

During the operation of the home electrical network, installation products break down - switches, sockets, fixtures fail. In some places of residential premises, two-button light switches are installed, which allow you to turn on the light separately. This is intended for rooms such as a toilet, a bathroom, a hall in which a chandelier is located. To connect the chandelier, a two-gang switch is used, this is necessary to change the level of illumination in the room.

So how do you connect a double switch to two light bulbs yourself? For a knowledgeable person, this is not a big deal; an experienced craftsman will do it quite quickly and easily. To work, you will need an electrical installation tool - pliers with insulated handles, a tester to check the absence / presence of voltage, a screwdriver with interchangeable nozzles (bits), insulating tape, a phase indicator.

The installation of a two-gang switch is carried out by one specialist electrician; to ensure the safety of the work being carried out, it is necessary to turn off (de-energize) the home electrical network. This is done by turning off the circuit breakers in the switchboard of the input power supply device of an apartment or a private house.

After de-energizing the home electrical wiring, the faulty switch is removed (dismantled), and a new (serviceable) two-gang switch is installed in its place. A two-button switch provides separate power supply for two-lamp fixtures or two adjacent rooms (for example, a toilet and a bathroom).

Wiring diagram

The electrical connection of the switch for two light bulbs is quite simple and is done similarly to single-gang switches. For these purposes, it is necessary to have pliers and a Phillips screwdriver; in the process, a faulty switch is removed and a new switch is installed in its place. The two-gang switch provides distributed switching on / off of electric lamps both in chandeliers and in adjacent rooms.

Wires made of aluminum or copper are inserted into the clamps of the switch and twisted securely. In such an electrical circuit, three wires are used - one wire is incoming phase, the other two wires go to the lamps. The correct electrical connection diagram must provide a break in the phase wire, that is, the switch breaks the power circuit.

After the wires are screwed to the switch terminals, the switch is installed in a mounting metal / plastic "glass", this name means a mounting device that is previously attached to the wall with spacer screws during wiring.

If the circuit breaker is intended to be flush-mounted in a wall, then the scheme of such mounting is used; if the switch is structurally made remote from the wall, then it is mounted on a pre-installed base made of dielectric material.

Electrical wiring is pre-mounted on the wall (if the electrical wires are hidden under a layer of plaster), specialized fasteners are used for such purposes. If the wiring will be mounted on top of the plastered surface of the walls, then in this case a plastic cable channel is used. This channel is mounted on the walls using the same spacer screws.

Production of electrical work

For electrical work in the house, you will additionally need an electric hammer drill or drill. It all depends on what type of wall: if the wall is brick, then a drill will do, and if the house is built from reinforced concrete panels, you only need to use a puncher.

To drill holes in the wall, only drills with a victorious soldering are used. When drilling a wall, it is necessary to periodically remove the drill from the hole and cool it in water. This will avoid breakage of the drill (falling out of the winning soldering) during prolonged work. The material used for soldering the win to the drill is brass. This metal is soft and can melt if exposed to high temperatures.

The drills required for work must be of good quality and from reputable manufacturers. It is best to have a set of various drill bits available for these works, while the efficiency of electrical work will increase significantly.

Previously, the places for future drilling for fasteners are marked, for this you can use graphite pencils or with a hard metal object to put risks on the surface of the walls. In places of marking, holes are drilled with a drill or puncher.

Spacers are driven into the drilled holes, for this you can use a hammer with a wooden mandrel. The spacer fasteners must hold tightly in the finished holes. The electrical wiring is laid and fastened with spacer screws. Wires from the switch and light bulbs, as well as the supply line from the input power supply device, are output to the junction boxes.

When wiring, it is best to use wires with colored cores, in which case it will be easier to navigate the electrical connections. For the phase wire, it is better to use a red wire, the neutral wire can be any other color.

Assembly of lighting in the house

To carry out installation work, electric lighting of a house or apartment, you need a high-quality tool - a drill, a puncher, drill bits, pliers, wire cutters, a drill for a puncher (used to drill large holes in the wall for sockets / switches), electrical tape, an electrical tester for checking voltage, a screwdriver with interchangeable heads, a wire stripping knife, a two-pole voltage indicator.

An incorrect lighting assembly scheme can be detected using a tester; if the electrical circuit is incorrectly connected, the automatic input switch in the switchboard will work. Therefore, the circuit is de-energized and sections of the circuit are called by the tester to detect a short circuit.

When establishing the place of the circuit, it is necessary to disconnect the wires in this place, make the correct connection and insulate the twisting of the conductors. The connection to the input power devices of the mounted electrical wiring is done last, after the entire circuit is mounted and laid under plaster or in cable ducts.

Sockets made of metal or plastic are installed in pre-drilled holes of large diameter (done using a puncher with a drill) and fastened in place with spacer fasteners.

When performing work, instead of twisting wires, small terminal blocks can be used, this will allow faster installation work and further simplifies the operation of electrical wiring. In terminal connectors, it is most convenient to connect electrical power groups, this is done using a Phillips screwdriver.

The two-key switch will also act as a lighting switch, by turning on one or two keys, the level of illumination of the room will change. A two-gang switch can provide separate switching on of chandelier lamps, groups of spotlights, adjacent rooms.

The second group of spotlights from the switch can be connected in a larger number, connect one or two lighting fixtures to the first key, and connect three to five light bulbs to the second. As a result of this combination, it is convenient to change the brightness of the light in different rooms or non-residential premises.

The final phase of electrical work

After the entire electrical circuit is assembled / mounted, all connections are insulated and laid in place, the electrical circuits are “ringed” without the bulbs screwed in using a tester (multimeter) both with the switches on and off. This will check the correct assembly of the lighting circuit.

If everything was assembled correctly, the tester will show the absence of electrical resistance. Further, lighting lamps are screwed into all fixtures, all wiring is connected to the input switchgear (usually one- or two-pole circuit breakers for 16/25 A are mounted in it). The entire circuit is switched on, the operation of all light switches is checked by separately turning on / off the keys.

Switch in the socket

Additionally, the places of twisting of wires and connections are examined in order to possibly detect heating in them, this can lead to burnout of the electrical connection. Therefore, it is necessary to eliminate such defects in a timely manner. It is also necessary that there is no overcurrent on the switch, with excessive load it will quickly fail.

There should always be light in residential and utility rooms. For lighting, a group of light bulbs is used, the convenience of their use directly depends on the availability of a suitable switch. They are single, double and triple, but the most popular is double.

Two-gang switch

The device consists of the following elements:

Plastic case.
One input and two output terminals.
Two keys.
In some species - an indicator of light.

Principle of operation

The device, with the help of its individual keys, you can apply and interrupt the current going directly to the lighting fixtures.

Advantages and disadvantages

Using different keys, you can turn on and off certain groups of lamps.
Cable saving during installation (one is needed), because the installation of two single switches requires laying separate ones.
If it is installed for a large number of light bulbs, it can turn on only a part of them (light control), and this saves electricity.
Used in rooms with high humidity.
It does not require special care.
Ease of installation.

Nuance: the case is made of durable plastic, but can burst from strong physical impact.

How to connect with your own hands?

Before starting work, you need to familiarize yourself with the scheme and prepare the necessary tools, otherwise the process will take a lot of time and effort. Considering all the nuances, the connection is within the power of an ordinary user, and not a professional electrician.

Required tools:

Switch and plastic mold (glass).
Screwdriver curly and indicator.
Crimp lugs and special tool (crimp).
Construction knife.

Step by step connection process:

Initially, the power supply is turned off throughout the house or apartment, by means of a switch in the panel block.
The switch is disassembled: the keys and the case are carefully removed so that there is access to the terminal blocks.
A special plastic form is mounted in a suitable hole in the wall, which protects the entire mechanism from various undesirable factors. A three-core cable is passed through the hole in the housing.
The edges of these cores must be cleaned of insulation. With a knife, about 1-1.5 cm is cut off, the main thing is not to damage the copper or aluminum base.
Crimp lugs are put on the edges of the cores and inserted into a special crimp (pressed). This contributes to their protection during the bolting process in the circuit breaker.
Of the three wires, it is necessary to calculate the phase. To do this, the room is connected to the current, and the end of the indicator screwdriver is alternately leaning against the bare tips. If the diode in the middle of a plastic transparent screwdriver lights up, this is a phase. After finding the right wire, the room is de-energized again.
The end of the input phase is placed in the opening of the switch and clamped with a screwdriver. As a rule, it is located at the top and is marked with the “L” icon by manufacturers.
The ends of the other two wires are placed in the terminals that are located below.
When the wires are fixed and checked, the body and the base must be combined together and placed in a plastic base in the wall and fixed (turn the side bolts alternately, which expand the metal petals). Two keys (covers) are attached.
Further, the switch in the panel block resumes the supply of electricity throughout the house, after which the operability and its correct functioning are checked.

Safety

Work on connecting an electrical appliance is carried out only when the room is completely de-energized. Neglect of this condition threatens with electric shock to the body, burns of the hands or death.

All tools used must be with insulation elements (plastic handles, body). For complete protection of a person, it is advisable to put on special gloves on your hands and walk in rubber shoes (materials are dielectrics).

Wiring diagram for two groups of light bulbs

For the divergence of electricity flows in the room, it must be mounted in the wall - this is a key element. Initially, a two-core cable from the shield block is inserted into it (one wire is connected to the phase, and the second to zero).
From each group of lighting devices, a two-core cable is also laid to the box. The cable contains two wires with insulation of different colors (for example, red "zero" and blue "phase").
Three red wires are connected together by twisting or to the terminals. They serve as an inseparable base, connected to all light bulbs or other devices.
The phase central wire coming from the "shield" is incoming (main) and is connected directly to the switch to the desired terminal. Blue wires from different groups of light bulbs are not connected together, but run as separate wires to the output terminals of the switch.

In total, the box should contain the following items:

1 main phase wire.
1 output for the first bulb or group.
1 exit to the second group.
1 wire "zero" combined with all bulbs (twisting).

Considering all the nuances of connecting according to the scheme, it is noticeable that it is the phase wire that plays the key role in the process of turning on and off groups of light bulbs from the power supply. Zero - serves as an addition.

Recommendation: When twisting the cores together, their ends must be carefully cleaned of insulation and not less than 4-5 cm long. It is desirable to clamp the wires with pliers in such a way that a braid (pigtail) is obtained. The bare area must be wrapped with insulation or put on a protective cap.

Advice: to reduce waste on the conductivity of wires from the box to the switch, you can use one three-core, the cores in which serve as phase distributors.

Wiring diagram for one light bulb

This method is much easier to connect the necessary lighting device and is almost similar to the previous option. In the example, it looks like this:

A two-wire cable is connected from the "shield" to the junction box.
An identical cable is run from the light bulb.
Wires with a zero indicator are connected together and insulated.
The main phase wire is connected to the appropriate input of the switch (terminal "L"), and the output to one of the two lower terminals.

In this case, one of the buttons of the two-button switch is inactive.

Connecting a switch with a light indicator

Some switches have transparent windows at the bottom, next to which there is an LED. It is designed to make the switch in the room visible at night and to be visible from the main electrical supply system.

Connection process

Two thin wires depart from the diode for connection with the main power conductors.
One tap must be combined with the main phase conductor and fixed in the terminal block.
The second tap can be attached to any tap phase.
After that, the lower part of the device keys will glow, which means that the switch is fully functional.

Wiring diagram for a two-gang switch

Do not connect the household appliance with the power supply switched on.
All work must be carried out with serviceable tools.
The switch in the complete assembly must be of high quality.
It is recommended to purchase a device with clamping terminal blocks that allow you to fix the wires once. Bolt-on switches can damage it, and pressing it all the way down reduces wear resistance and can cause sparking.
During the connection process, there are often cases when you need to resort to the process of twisting wires (serial connection). In such cases, it is necessary to carefully clamp the connecting wires and wrap them with insulating material, and put on a protective plastic cap over it. Faced with this problem and confusion with the connection diagram, it is better to contact a qualified specialist so as not to de-energize the entire apartment.

Conclusion

The most profitable option for a room is to install a two-gang switch, because it can be used to turn on the light in the required amount (brightness control) and in the corresponding rooms. The main thing is to install the switch correctly adhering to safety precautions, and it will last for many years, without additional intervention or repair.

When wiring indoors, it is necessary to take into account a lot of different factors, ranging from the location of all consumption devices to their individual characteristics. Often, when creating a project for placing lighting systems, additional questions arise. The most common of them is about how to connect a double switch to two light bulbs.

Necessity or extra cost

First of all, you need to understand the purpose of such electrical circuits in order to determine in which rooms they are needed. The fact is that the need for this connection arises where it is necessary to adjust the lighting by turning on an additional light bulb or separate groups of light sources.

A typical double switch circuit is often used in halls, living rooms, bedrooms and even in the kitchen. Usually in these rooms chandeliers are installed on several lamps, which implies their separate power supply. Thus, it becomes possible to create lighting of various intensities, which not only significantly increases the level of comfort, but also saves on electricity consumption. Therefore, the cost of an additional conductor that will need to be carried out fully pays for itself.

Necessary materials

Many tutorials on how to connect a double switch to two light bulbs simply offer the user a typical diagram, according to which the installation should be carried out. However, it is worth talking separately about what kind of materials it is necessary to use for this, how to place them on the planes, and describe in detail the process itself. This will allow even novice craftsmen who do not have experience in such a business to get to work.

Switch

This device can be purchased at almost any hardware store or building materials market. However, it must be remembered that an electric switch can not only have a lot of modifications, but it can be made from different materials. Therefore, experts recommend paying attention to several factors.

First of all, it is worth saying that it is better to choose a ceramic core for this product. It does not pass electric current, has high reliability and perfectly withstands heat in the event of an accidental short circuit.
Products with plastic cores are also good, but nowadays there are many cheap fakes that do not meet safety requirements.
You should also pay attention to the material of manufacture of the terminals. Usually they are made of metal, but if copper contacts are installed on the product, then this electric switch is designed to work with copper wiring.
Some craftsmen recommend looking at the material used to make the body and buttons. The fact is that some types of plastic emit toxic substances when heated. Therefore, it is best to purchase the switch from reliable suppliers or from well-known manufacturers that have a good reputation in this market sector.

boxes

If the switch is installed in a room without wiring, then boxes will be immediately required, which are simply necessary for proper installation. However, it is important to remember that they also differ, both in purpose and in size.

First of all, you should focus on the surface into which the installation will be carried out. The fact is that products for drywall systems and concrete have different dimensions and methods of fixation.
Then boxes are selected according to their purpose. At the same time, it is worth remembering that for this type of installation you will need one installation product for a socket, one for a lamp on the ceiling and for wiring.

Conductor

It must be said right away that you should not use separate wires, since it is much easier and more economical to use a ready-made cable. Even if it is necessary to make a tap of one core, you can always dissolve it. Moreover, in the cable, usually all the cores have their own specific color, which greatly simplifies installation, especially if a connection diagram is used.

It is also important to understand that you should not twist or solder conductors that are made of different materials. The fact is that under the influence of an electric current, this place will begin to oxidize and collapse, which will eventually lead to a break. Therefore, experts recommend using either copper or aluminum materials, it all depends on the financial capabilities of the customer.

Almost all instructions describing how to connect a double switch to two bulbs recommend using a cable with three cores. The cross section of the conductor is selected individually, based on the power of the lighting devices used. At the same time, craftsmen often resort to cables of the PPV, APPV or PVS brand. The cross section for them is recommended to choose 1.5 sq. mm.

Insulation

When installing double wires, all wires are usually connected by twisting. However, there are places where the insulation has been broken, which means that they need to be protected. Even if there is a lot of space and the conductors do not touch, it still needs to be done.

Usually, special caps are used for these purposes. The wires are twisted in such a way that one end is formed, on which this product should be put on. This is very convenient as you can always easily access the twist for additional connection or verification. Also, this work is performed with the use of insulating tape.

Circuit making

In order to figure out how to connect a double switch to two light bulbs, it is best to make a diagram that will display all the connections and devices. At the same time, it is very important to highlight the phase and zero on the conductor in order to avoid errors, both when drafting a project and during installation.

First, all the boxes are applied to a sheet of paper and the input contacts are drawn.
Next, from the location of the lighting fixtures, it is necessary to designate three conductors that will go into the junction box. At the same time, it is immediately worth noting that we mark two of them as a phase, so that after turning off the cartridge in the lamp there would be no voltage. Inexperienced craftsmen do not pay much attention to this, but it is this connection that is considered correct.
Then three wires are also brought out from the box with the switch to the distribution block. This connection diagram of a two-gang switch assumes that two of them will be energized when the contacts are closed, and one will become a constant phase. In fact, they are indicated on the drawing in the same color, since there is a distinction between conductors before the source of consumption.
The next step is to connect all the wires in the box along with the input. The phase is connected to a constant phase that goes to the switch, and zero is connected to one of the wires that go to the light bulb.
After that, two wires are connected, the remaining wires of the consumption source and the switch.
At the final stage, the lamps themselves are connected. Moreover, if a chandelier is used, then it should already have the necessary contacts. However, if we are talking about ordinary lamps in the cartridge, then between them it is worth making a jumper that will connect zero.
The switch itself is introduced into the circuit in accordance with its individual design. The fact is that the switch is installed by connecting the wires to the appropriate terminals.

Mounting

A further solution to the question of how to connect a double switch is to do all the work in accordance with the diagram. In this case, you can use strobes, special boxes for placing wires, or perform internal wiring on drywall. At the same time, the boxes are fixed using special devices or on a landing plaster. Twisting is best done using pliers to make the connection more secure.

Safety

It should be said right away that a switch, the price of which is below 70 rubles, is not worth buying. Usually these are not very safe products that quickly fail. Therefore, it is best to purchase materials from trusted manufacturers. Experts say that the cost of a quality switch should not be less than 100 rubles.

It is also important to remember that all installation must be done without connecting power. Even highly qualified craftsmen with a certain tolerance do not allow themselves otherwise. In this case, it is desirable to isolate the ends of the input separately and attach them as a last resort.

Usually the wiring is carried out under the ceiling, where the box is installed. This assumes that the work will be carried out at a certain height, which means that you need to follow the safety rules for this type of installation.

Deviation from the project is not allowed, even if the master thinks that such a decision will not interfere with the operation of the circuit and will be more efficient. Such actions can lead to a short circuit or cause difficulties in further operation or repair.

A typical double switch circuit is quite simple, even a person who does not have the appropriate education will understand it. However, only a specialist can compile it on his own. Especially when it comes to serious projects in public spaces.
If the work is done in old houses, then it makes sense to completely replace all the wiring. The fact is that over time, the insulation dries up on some conductors, as a result of which cracks appear and there is a danger of a short circuit.
It is necessary to install the boxes in such a way that after applying the putty to the wall surface they would be flush. However, some projects provide for a different mounting method, which involves placing the entire chain directly on the surface. At the same time, the cable is laid in a special corrugation.
It will be much more convenient to read the circuit if the phase and zero are highlighted in different colors. For example, the conductor is marked in red in the direction of the current to the source of consumption, and the wiring coming from it is drawn in blue.
If you want to install a chandelier, then you need to know that it has its own connection scheme. Usually it is indicated in the instructions that come with the package.

Conclusion

After studying the material provided, you can understand that this process is quite simple, even a person without special education can handle it. This is due to the fact that these types of switches have almost the same principle of operation and a standard scheme is suitable for their installation. However, at the stage of project preparation, it is necessary to be very careful, especially when distributing wires at the time of connection. Even a minor mistake can lead to a short circuit and can disable the entire network.

For the convenience of users, especially in rooms with a large area: sports or concert halls, long corridors, it is good to be able to turn the light off and on from different places. This will eliminate unnecessary transitions from one end of the room to the other.

Double contact switch

The connection diagram of a two-gang pass-through switch easily solves this problem, it allows you to install switches in two or more places from where you can control the lighting.

Device and principle of operation

The functionality and practicality of a two-gang pass-through switch are based on the principles of operation of a single-gang transfer switch.

Practically in one case, two single-gang pass-through switches are assembled, which greatly expands its capabilities and the entire wiring diagram.

The principle of switching contacts remains the same: there are two input terminals on the switch, 4 output terminals, a total of 6 pieces.

The keys are marked with arrows, where to press to turn the light on or off. The circuit is assembled in such a way that you can turn off the light by pressing any key on the switches. In what position are the keys of the used pass-through switch, it does not matter. The possibilities of two-button walk-through switches allow you to create various options for light control schemes from two or even three places.

Control from two places

Two two-button walk-through switches in the circuit are located in different places, they work autonomously in two directions, controlling different groups of lighting devices.

The scheme is very convenient for long tunnels, corridors, flights of stairs. It doesn't matter which side you enter from, you can always turn on the light and turn it off at the other end when you exit.

The installation locations of two-button walk-through switches are selected, it is logical to install them at different ends of the object. Mounting holes with a diameter of 72 or 80 mm are drilled in concrete or brick walls with a special crown with victorious or diamond teeth, depending on the selected switch housing.

Cylindrical metal or plastic boxes (sockets) are inserted into the holes. If the wiring is external, then the switch housing is attached to the wall with dowels and self-tapping screws.

Along the entire length of the room, on the ceiling or walls, two groups of lighting fixtures are installed. It can be chandeliers, cheap lamps or sconces. Connections are made in parallel so that if one lamp fails, the rest continue to work. Wires are laid from them to the junction box; for the operation of the circuit, two cores in the cable are enough.

According to the requirements of the PUE (rules for the installation of electrical installations), for safety reasons, the housings of lighting devices are grounded. All modern lamps, chandeliers and other devices are equipped with a ground terminal.

Therefore, it is better to lay a cable with three cores:

L is the red phase;
N - zero working wire of blue or black color;
ground wire yellow-green coloring.

The design of the two-gang pass-through switch provides 6 terminals for connecting wires, so two three-core cables must be laid from each box for switches to the junction box, leaving 15-20 cm ends for stripping insulation and connecting wires.

Connecting a 2-pin switch

7 cables must converge in the junction box:

4 from switches;
2 from lighting groups;
1 power cable.

21 - wire, all are divorced into 8 pins. It is required to make a connection according to the specified scheme.

Lighting control scheme from two places

The requirement for wires to match the color for the intended purpose L; N, ground, can only be performed on sections of the power cable circuit and lighting groups. In the intervals from switches to the junction box, they are not feasible, in this case any wires are used.

Therefore, you need to be very careful to identify the desired wire, use a multimeter in continuity mode. One wire in the junction box will remain unused - from the switch on the right side.

Insulate its ends and leave it as a backup or connect it to a ground contact.

Management in three places

This circuit uses the same elements as for 2-point switching control, plus a two-gang crossover switch. It is placed at any convenient point in the room according to the scheme between two two-button switches.

According to the design and principle of operation, the two-gang crossover switch is two two-gang switches in one housing. It can be replaced with two double-gang switches, but it is more practical to use the factory one in one case.

In this model, one common key is installed on the two-key switch, which synchronizes the switching of the contacts of the two lines. Jumpers are placed on the terminals of the two-button cross switch in such a way that it ensures the passage of current in the desired direction.

Cross switch

The two-gang end switches are connected to a four-wire crossover cable. The scheme works as follows: the working zero starts immediately on two lighting groups. The phase comes to both input contacts of the first two-key feed-through switch.

Regardless of the position of the keys, the current passes to 2 of the four input contacts of the cross switch through a jumper to the input of the second double-gang switch. At the moment, the position of the keys of the 2nd switch determines the passage of current to one of the lighting groups.

If the group is lit, it is enough to change the position of the key of any of the switches in this row to break the power circuit. In the same way with the inclusion: it is worth changing the position of any key in this row, and the circuit will be restored.

Three-place lighting control scheme

The designs of pass-through switches significantly expand the possibilities of switching lighting circuits. They are universal, they can be used as conventional switches with one key or as two-gang switches.

As a disadvantage, the cost can be noted: they are more expensive than simple switch models. Therefore, it is recommended to use them for their intended purpose in circuits with pass-through lighting control from several places.

How to connect. Video

You can get acquainted with the features of connecting a pass-through switch in the video below. Compliance with the developed technology will help to avoid unforeseen consequences in the future.

The presented diagrams, photographs and information presented in the text will allow those who wish to understand the principles of operation of two-button walk-through switches, understand the rationality of the practical application of circuits and their use, and master the method of self-installing lighting control systems from several places.

This will make it possible not to turn to professional electricians and save considerable money during electrical work in your own home.