How to connect a three-button switch correctly

The main devices with which you can control the lighting of the apartment are switches. Today on the market there is a huge selection of them in various designs and appearance. And if a few decades ago, it was rare to find a light switch with three keys in ordinary living quarters, now they are in almost every modern home. This device is convenient in that it can handle three groups of lighting fixtures from one access point. And since these electrical switching devices are so popular, let's talk in more detail about how to connect a three-button switch.

Where are they used?

Modern renovations and design solutions are increasingly offering lighting to be divided into different groups.

For example, a room has a complex configuration - niches, ledges, separation by partitions or curtains. Very often now large one-room apartments are divided into zones, so-called studios are made of them. In this case, a three-key switch is the best choice. By means of specially thought out and mounted zonal lighting, it is possible to select a working area, where there will be a computer table, a sofa, shelves with books, here the lighting is made brighter. The second area is the sleeping area, a more subdued light is quite suitable there. The third zone is the living room, where there is a coffee table, armchairs, a TV, here lighting can be combined.

When else is it advisable to use a household three-key switch?

• If from one point it is necessary to control the lighting of three rooms at once, for example, a corridor, a bathroom and a bathroom, when they are close to each other.
• In the case of combined lighting in the room - central and spot.
• When lighting in a large room is provided by a multi-track chandelier.
• If the room has a multi-level plasterboard ceiling.
• When the lighting of a long corridor is divided into three zones.

Benefits

From the installation of such a triple switch, you will receive some advantages:

1. Outwardly, one switch for three keys looks more compact and aesthetically pleasing than three single keys.
2. Laying electrical wires to the connection point will be less costly in terms of labor and money.
3. In the wall for the mounting box, you need to make one technological niche instead of three.
4. Economic effect. For example, if your chandelier has 3-4 bulbs, then turning on the one-button switch ensures that everyone works at once, while maximum electricity is consumed. But such illumination is not always needed, there is enough subdued light. If a 3-key household switch is installed for such a chandelier, then, if necessary, one or two lamps are turned on, thereby saving almost half of the electricity.

Kinds

Do not rush to connect a three-button switch until you decide exactly which device you want to see in your apartment. After all, these switching devices are of several types:

• Regular.
• Checkpoints. They are used in long corridors or on different floors, when at the entrance (at the beginning of the corridor or on the first floor) the lighting turns on one switch, and when exiting (at the end of the corridor or on the second floor) it turns off another. That is, you do not need to wade in the dark and crawl along the wall with your hand in order to feel the button of the switching device.
• With indication. Such light beacons have two options for indicating the state of the device.Or they light up when the lighting is off and thus indicate in a dark room where the switching device is. Or, on the contrary, the beacons are on when the keys are on, thereby making it clear where exactly the light is on at the moment.
• Three-gang switch with socket. They are most often used in rooms where a toilet, bathroom and corridor are located nearby.

How to choose?

Now there is such a huge range of switches on the electrical goods market that you can find the right model and color for any design solution or interior. Nevertheless, you understand perfectly well that the shade and appearance are far from the main indicators that you should pay attention to when choosing a device. When purchasing a three-button switch, check the following:

1. The presence of modern self-clamping terminals, they are more convenient in operation. It is enough to insert the wire into the hole, as it will be immediately fixed.
2. The outer side of the product is free of burrs, scratches, damages.
3. Normal operation of all terminals, they must ensure reliable fixation of the wire cores.
4. The keys do not jam when pressed (on and off), they work clearly, with a well-audible characteristic click.
5. On the back there should be a triple switch connection diagram.

Design

There are no special differences in the design of these switches. The principle of operation is the same as for two- or one-key.

Let's consider the main elements of the switching device.

Keys and frame, so-called protective elements. For their manufacture, special heat-resistant plastic is used. The buttons directly turn on and off the switch.

A working mechanism, or drive, that drives the keys. The frame is connected to the working mechanism with special latches or screws. All this structure, assembled, is mounted in an installation box and fixed in it with special spacers.

The connected three-key device must have four contacts - one to connect the power supply wire, three more will ensure the connection of the switch with the lighting elements. The material for the contacts, as a rule, is copper, the size varies depending on the cross-section of the wire and the connected load.

The use of this type of circuit breakers is more intensive than others, therefore their average service life is from 8 to 10 years. There can be two main reasons why the device may fail:

• Mechanical - fasteners were damaged, the body collapsed.
• Electrical - damaged contacts.

Do not try to replace any components in the three-button switch in case of one or another breakdown, the device should be changed completely. It will be better if a professional electrician does it in compliance with all safety rules. Although if you are familiar with electrical engineering, have the skills to work with a power tool, you understand what "phase" and "zero" are, it will not be difficult for you to do it yourself.

Installation and connection

Let's talk a little about how to properly install the device in question. But above all, about the tools. You must have in stock:

• flat and cross-head screwdriver;
• screwdriver with voltage indication;
• a stripper so that you can remove the insulation, or a knife;
• pliers;
• electrical tape or clamps.

A two-wire wire (phase and zero) comes from the power supply to the junction box, which is installed in the room.

Four wires must fit to the switch. One is a phase from the mains (it comes from a junction box) and three phase wires from lighting fixtures.

The three-key device has 4 contact nodes:

• input contact, the supply phase must be connected to it;
• three more contacts, phase conductors of wires going to lighting devices are connected to them.

The neutral conductors of the wires going to the luminaires must be connected to the neutral wire of the supply network in the junction box.

Now for some practical steps:

1. Ensure complete de-energization before connecting the triple switch. Disconnect the input machine that is installed at the entrance to the apartment. This is an important condition for any work related to electricity.
2. There is a wiring diagram on the back of the switch. According to it, connect the phase wires from the supply network and from lighting fixtures. The contacts are made with self-clamping terminals, so you just have to fix the wires in them.
3. The switch is then fixed in the junction box with clamping screws. It remains only to fix the keys and frame on top.
4. The connections in the junction box can be made by twisting. The wire from the switch to the luminaire is connected to the phase wire of this luminaire. A small part of the wires is cleaned, twisted between themselves with pliers, after which the contact is isolated using a special tape. Everything can be simplified if you use modern clamps. Do the same with the other two pairs of wires. And in the same way, they connect the neutral wires of the three lighting fixtures to the zero of the network.
5. It remains to check the connected switch. Turn on the introductory machine to the apartment and by alternately pressing the keys of the mounted switching device, check if the lamps of the lamps light up.

A device with which you can control three independent lamps is undoubtedly a very successful and beneficial invention of mankind. But still, before connecting the switch, evaluate your knowledge and strength. There are times when it is better to trust the professionals.