Pass-through switches make the process of turning on and off the lighting more convenient and have the following advantages:
- Interlocking switches can be connected to each other using a two-wire cable. This practice eliminates the need to pull stranded wires, which saves costs and simplifies the wiring process.
- Control system for one lamp from several places at once, itself adds convenience to this process, making it much more comfortable.
At the same time, such devices have several disadvantages:
- When installing two-key models in the circuit, six contacts will be used at once, which will increase not only the number of wires, but also affect their length. Accordingly, three-key models have nine contacts in their device and have the most complex connection principle.
- Switches of this type, due to the specifics of their device, do not have a fixed state value. Whether it is on or off will depend on the position and state of other similar devices connected to the same light source. Such a system takes a certain amount of time to get used to.
Self-connection
Connecting a one-button switch
To connect a one-key or two-key switch, you will need to pre-prepare tools and materials in accordance with the following list:
- knife with a sharp blade;
- nippers;
- screwdrivers of different types;
- pliers;
- contact with the insulator;
- insulating tape;
- wires;
After all the preparations are completed, you can start the installation process.
To install a one-button switch, you will need to reproduce the following sequence of actions:
Connecting a two-rocker switch
A number of nuances arise if you plan to connect a two-key pass-through switch. In fact, there is nothing complicated about this, since there are no fundamental differences in the schemes.
The connection of such a device is carried out using a doubled one-key switch circuit, which is detailed above. To put it more simply, each of the keys of such a device will be equal to the connection of two independent one-key pass-through switches.
The number of wires used increases in proportion to the growth of the keys used; otherwise, the connection technology remains unchanged.
Varieties
The classification of these devices does not fundamentally differ from that which is used when dividing conventional switches.
The main sign of separation, as well as the selection criterion, is the number of keys:
- With one key.
- With two keys
- With three keys.
- Cross type with one or two keys.
The crossover option is suitable for such situations if there is a need for remote control of lighting from three or more different points.
However, there is another classification that divides devices according to the types of control systems, here the choice is made only based on the individual preferences of users:
- Standard devices with keys.
- Innovative models with a touch panel that functions like the screens of modern smartphones.
- Devices, in which the keys are replaced by a rotary mechanism.
Before making an independent connection of the walk-through switches, it is recommended that you familiarize yourself with the following tips given by experienced users:
- To connect one device or system, use wires from only one manufacturer, since different companies may use different colors for identification, which can lead to confusion or incorrect connection.
- Cross switch, which is responsible for controlling a lighting system from three or more locations, does not have to be purchased ready-made. Such a device can be made independently on the basis of a two-key version of the device, for this, you will need to install two jumpers in it, as well as replace several keys with one large one, although you can simply glue them together with glue.
- A balanced approach is required when choosing the number of keys on the device. If the room does not differ in large dimensions, then it is best to limit yourself to two lighting control points and, accordingly, two single-key devices. This is due to the fact that the more keys on the switch, the more money will have to be invested in it and the more complex the editing technology will be.