Pass-through switches: features of connection and installation

Pass-through switches allow you to control one model of lighting equipment (lamp, chandelier, floor lamp) from several rooms, and this can be done simultaneously. It is important to know how to connect a walk-through switch so that all fixtures work properly. To do this, use the appropriate schemes.

Passage switches are an indispensable option in private houses, the layout of which provides for several rooms located on different floors. Appropriate connection schemes can be selected for large apartments, institutions with a corridor type layout. The advantages of such options include not only convenience, but also the ability to reduce the amount of electricity consumed: the light is on only where it is needed. In other rooms, the lighting does not turn on, respectively, and energy is not consumed.

Connecting the walk-through switches in the junction box

Pass-through switches differ from standard models in the following features:

• Their design provides three contacts, unlike standard models, which have two contacts.
• The equipment allows you to quickly change the "phase" to the second or third contact from the first.

Important! The functions of the light source, under the conditions of the appropriate circuit, can be performed by fluorescent, LED, energy-saving and any other lamps. It is noteworthy that the circuit can be used as part of connecting a load of almost any type, which is controlled from different parts of the room.

Switch group distributor

Wiring diagram: 2 places

For those who are interested in the question of how to connect a pass-through switch, a connection diagram for 2 places will be especially useful. In fact, the process is practically no different from a similar circuit that works with a standard type switch. The main differences are as follows:

• Total number of contact type terminals
• The number of wires to be connected to the equipment.

Important: the feed-through switch is connected via three wires and the same number of terminals. You will need a wire with three cores, which will need to be carefully pulled to the switch in the direction from the distribution box.

Scheme of control of a group of switches from two elements

As part of this connection scheme, a distribution box is used, two pass-through switches are also used. In the box, as noted above, wires leading from a chandelier or any other lamp should be drawn. Wires with three cores are pulled from the switch. Connecting a pass-through switch according to the scheme from two places implies the use of a phase wire. It is recommended to adhere to the execution of work in the following order:

• From the junction box, the phase wire is pulled to the contact entry area on the first switch
• Contacts are fixed on wires that are pulled from other similar contacts in the design of the second switch
• The input contact of another switch is connected to the wire of a floor lamp, wall lamp or other lamp installed in the room
• The remaining wire is fixed at zero, and this should be done directly.

Important! The cross section of a wire with three cores should be selected, focusing on the power of lighting equipment. If you need to connect several lighting control sections, you will need to purchase cross-type switches. The wiring diagram of the pass-through switch, in this case, will not work, because several contacts are used, and the wire must have the appropriate number of cores.

Control from two places with two loads

Wiring diagram: 3 places

In this case, switches of the standard type are selected. They are installed on the last and on the first control sections. For those who want to know how to connect a pass-through switch, this type of circuit should be clear. It is somewhat more complicated than the connection scheme from three places, but you can understand its specifics. In accordance with it, cross switches should be installed on the remaining sections, that is, not on the last and not on the first.

Wiring diagram for three pass switches

The number of luminaire control sections can be any. Their number determines the complexity of the connection in the distribution box, because many more wires are connected to it. In this case, their correct and orderly labeling will be required. Otherwise, there is a risk that the wires will not be sorted out.

Work on the installation of the pass-through switch, the scheme of which is not difficult, is carried out in the following order:

• Two contacts at the output, located on the site of the first switch, are fixed on those wires that are output to the pair at the input of the next element of the cross type. This step is repeated exactly until the last element is connected.
• The common contact of the last element is connected to the wire that leads to the floor lamp, lamp, sconce
• A phase-type wire is connected to the input contact in the design of the first circuit breaker
• The second wire of the lamp, floor lamp or other lighting equipment is fixed on the zero section of the box.

Important! To each element of the pass-through type, you need to bring a wire with three cores. Wires of four wires are connected to the cross switches.

Important Points

How to turn off the pass switch, connect it - the answers to these questions will be given by theory, practice. It should be clearly understood on what principle the proposed schemes work. Within each of them, the same elements are involved:

• Through-type switches;
• boxes;
• Wires, at certain stages replaced by cables;
• Lamps.

The first scheme is considered the simplest. It is easy to understand from it how to make a pass-through switch: the neutral wire leads from the source of electricity to the lighting equipment. Plus, it comes in a box. The phase wire is also placed there, but leads through it directly to the contact. All contacts are connected to each other. The phase comes from a common contact. The second scheme is somewhat more complicated, but it is really convenient.

A simple wiring diagram for a pass-through switch

The installation of the switches is carried out simultaneously with the installation of the box into which cables from all sources of electricity are led. In the box they are connected, guided by the selected scheme. It is important to remember that the installation site must be chosen correctly, in accordance with the characteristics of the cables, including their length.