How to connect a double switch to two light bulbs? Diagram of connection of a two-button switch

When doing wiring in a room, it is necessary to take into account a lot of different factors, from the location of all appliances to their individual characteristics. Often, when creating a project for lighting systems, there are additional questions. The most common of these is how to connect a double switch to two light bulbs.

Necessity or extra costs

First of all, one must 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 you need to make lighting adjustments by including an additional light bulb or separate groups of light sources.

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

Necessary materials

Many of the manuals on how to connect a double switch to two light bulbs, simply offer the user a typical scheme, which should be used for mounting. However, it is worthwhile to tell about which materials are necessary for this, how to place them on planes, and describe the process in detail. This will allow to start work even for beginners who do not have experience in such a case.

Switch

This device can be purchased in almost any hardware store or on the market of building materials. However, it must be remembered that the 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 the core of this product is better to choose ceramic. It does not pass an electric current, has high reliability and perfectly withstands heating in case of accidental short circuit.
• Products with plastic cores are also good, but in our time there are many cheap fakes that do not meet the safety requirements.
• Also pay attention to the material for the manufacture of terminals. They are usually made of metal, but if copper contacts are installed on the product, then this electrical switch is designed to work with copper wires.
• Some masters recommend looking at the material for making the case and buttons. The fact is that some types of plastic when heated emit toxic substances. Therefore, it is best to purchase a switch from reliable suppliers or from well-known manufacturers that have proven themselves in this industry market.

Boxes

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

• First of all, you should be guided by the surface in which the installation will be carried out. The fact is that products for gypsum board systems and concrete have different dimensions and ways of fixing.
• Then choose boxes according to their purpose. In this case, it is worth remembering that for this type of installation you will need one installation product under the outlet, one under the lamp on the ceiling and for the wiring.

Conductor

At once it is necessary to say that it is not necessary to use separate wires, since it is much easier and more economical to use the finished cable. Even if it is necessary to make a tap of one core, it is always possible to dissolve it. And in the cable, usually all the wires have their own specific color, which greatly simplifies installation, especially if the circuit is used to connect a two-button switch.

It is also important to understand that it is not worthwhile to 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 in the end will lead to a breakage. Therefore, experts recommend using either copper or aluminum materials, it all depends on the financial capabilities of the customer.

Virtually all instructions describing how to connect a double switch to two light bulbs, it is recommended to use 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, masters often resort to cables of the brand PPV, APPV or PVS. The cross section for them is recommended to choose 1.5 sq. M.

Insulation

By installing double light switches, all wires are usually connected by twisting. However, there remain places where isolation has been violated, which means that they must be protected. Even if there is a lot of space in the junction box 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 article should be worn. This is very convenient, because you can always easily access the twist for additional connection or verification. This work is also performed with the use of an insulating tape.

Making a Schema

In order to understand how to connect a double switch to two light bulbs, it is best to make a diagram showing all the connections and devices. It is very important to allocate the phase and zero on the conductor in order to avoid errors, both during the design and during installation.

• First, all the boxes are drawn on a sheet of paper and the input pins are drawn.
• Next, it is necessary to designate three conductors from the location of the lighting devices, which will enter the junction box. At the same time, it should immediately be noted that two of them are marked as a phase, so that after switching off on the lamp in the lamp there would be no tension. Inexperienced masters do not pay much attention to this, but it is this connection that is considered correct.
• Then, from the switch box to the distribution block, three wires are also output. This circuit for connecting a two-switch switch assumes that two of them will be energized when the contacts are closed, and one becomes a constant phase. In fact, they are indicated in the drawing in one color, since the source of consumption is distinguished by the conductors.
• The next step is to connect all the wires in the box together with the input. The phase is connected to the constant phase that goes to the switch, and zero is connected to one of the wires that go to the light bulb.
• After this, two wires are connected, the remaining wires of the source of consumption and the switch.
• At the final stage, connect the lamps themselves. In this case, if you use a chandelier, then it must already have the necessary contacts. However, if it is a question of ordinary lamps in the cartridge, then between them is to make a jumper, which will connect zero.
• The switch itself is introduced into the circuit in accordance with its individual design. The fact is that the installation of the circuit breaker is carried out by connecting the wires to the respective terminals.

Installation

The further decision of a question on how to connect a double switch, consists in making all works according to the scheme. In this case, it is possible to use shrouds, special boxes for placing wires or to perform internal wiring on gypsum boards. Boxes at the same time fixed using special tools or planting gypsum. Twists are best done using pliers to make the connection more reliable.

Security

It should immediately be said that the switch, the price of which is below 70 rubles, should not be purchased. Usually these are not very safe products, quickly failing. Therefore, it is best to purchase materials from trusted manufacturers. Specialists 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 power connection. Even highly skilled masters with a certain tolerance do not allow themselves to do otherwise. In this case, it is desirable to isolate the ends of the input separately and attach them to the last place.

Usually the wiring is conducted under the ceiling, where the box is installed. This assumes that the work will be carried out at a certain height, and therefore, it is necessary to observe the safety rules for this kind of installation.

It is not allowed to deviate from the project, even if the master thinks that such a decision will not interfere with the chain's operation and will be more effective. Such actions may lead to a closure or cause difficulties in further operation or repair.

Recommendations of specialists

• A typical circuit of a double switch is quite simple, even a person who does not have a proper education will understand it. However, only an expert can make it independently. Especially when it comes to serious projects in public premises.
• If the work is done in old houses, then it makes sense to completely replace all the wiring. The fact is that over time, some conductors dry up the insulation, resulting in cracks and a risk of a short circuit.
• Install the boxes in such a way that after putting the putty on the surface of the wall they would be flush. However, some projects provide for another method of installation, which involves placing the entire chain directly over the surface. The cable also fits into a special corrugation.
• Read the diagram will be much more convenient if the phase and zero highlight in different colors. For example, the red marks the conductor in the direction of the current to the source of consumption, and the blue draws the wiring coming from it.
• If you want to install a chandelier, you need to know that it has its own connection scheme. Usually it is indicated in the instructions that are attached to the delivery kit.

Conclusion

Having studied the material provided, it can be understood that this process is quite simple, even a person without special education can cope with it. This is due to the fact that similar types of switches have almost the same operating principle and a standard circuit is suitable for their installation. However, at the design stage of the project, it is necessary to be very careful, especially when distributing wires at the time of connection. Even a minor error can lead to a short circuit and can disable the entire network.