The three-key switch with a socket is suitable for controlling lighting (for example, a bathroom and toilet rooms) from a corridor or for use in a room where several lighting devices are operated at the same time. To ensure that there are no malfunctions in the mains, the fitter must know how to properly connect the triple switch with a socket.
Application, benefits and uses
A socket with three switches has a more complex connection scheme than a simple light switch, since three contacts are directed to the chandelier or lamp at the same time. However, the use of such a block has several advantages:
- compactness and functionality - the case contains several devices;
- lighting control in neighboring rooms;
- energy saving;
- the ability to use combined lighting;
- simplicity of regulation of light intensity.
When connected, the zero working cable is routed from the switchgear to the outlet, and the phase wire comes from the jumper of the switch.
Types of devices
A key switch 3 with a socket is available in a wide range of design solutions, it is possible to choose an option that suits the design of the room where you plan to connect the device. According to the criterion of the location for which the device is intended, the products are divided into walk-through views, placed in the corridor or on the landing, and designed to control the chandelier and local lighting devices in the same room. Some switches are equipped with indicators that can remind you of a burning light or show the location of the lamp in the dark.
Choosing a suitable model, you need to inspect it for physical defects, scratches, scuffs. During switching, the keys should make clicking sounds. If the process occurs silently, this indicates the failure of the self-clamping lemmas designed to secure the connected cables.
Connection Features
The unit itself is connected in the same way as the option with two or one button. The power cable is connected to the input of the switch, and the cores are pulled to three bulbs. The outlet has its own zero, it is not connected to the switch, but they have a common phase. Zero working wires (both from the outlet and from the bulbs) are sent to the distribution box, and the phase wire leads to the unifying contact at the input of the device. Lighting cables are placed on insulated blocks, the voltage from which is supplied to the lamps. The ends of the wires are cleaned from insulating material by 1 cm.
The switches are placed vertically on the wall, most often next to the door frame. Under the block, you can design a niche with spacers and a frame. The switchgear is equipped with 5 connections, while grounding goes to the outlet. For devices with metal elements, it is necessary to put under the screw a protective connection that protects against current shock.
Three-key switch wiring diagram with socket
The circuitry is often placed in the instructions supplied with the device. For a triple switch, regardless of the presence or absence of an outlet, it has a typical appearance. Zero cables (3 pieces) from the fixtures are connected to zero, and one conductor is sent to the outlet.In apartments of multi-storey buildings, only phase cables go from the wall, and zero leads directly to the lighting device. If you ignore this rule, chandeliers and sconces will be energized all the time - then the tenant will be at risk of receiving a current shock even if you follow a simple procedure for replacing bulbs. Models with a power outlet have an extra zero.
In the absence of an outlet, 4 cables lead to the switch, if available, 5.
In apartments with a Soviet-era layout, a box with three keys can only be placed at the junction of the bathroom, hallway and kitchen. To put it in the bedroom or living room, you will need to partially change the placement of the wiring. To do this, it’s best to invite a professional electrician.
If you intend to connect all the switches yourself, in the living room of such a house you can put only a device with one or two buttons.
Connection Methods
A three-button switch can be connected using the junction box or bypassing it.
Using junction box
First of all, you will need to disassemble and remove the old switch from the wall, clean the niche and check the condition of the wiring. Five wires should come out of the wall. Now you need to de-energize the apartment, straighten the wires, then send power to them. Using an indicator screwdriver or other device, paying attention to the color of the insulating material, find the phase single-core and zero conductors and connect them to the outlet. The phase is placed on the contact going to the jumper of the device. The remaining three wires are placed on their respective contacts. When the switch buttons are pressed, the lights should be illuminated.
Without junction box
With direct connection, after eliminating the old block, 8 wires will stick out of the wall. It is necessary to pay attention to the color of their insulation. If the wires are painted the same, you need to cut down the current in the apartment, then straighten the wires, laying them in space so that the ends on which the insulating material is stripped do not touch each other. They apply voltage and look for a phase indicator (two-wire cable). It must be marked with insulating tape, having previously disconnected the line. Then they search for zero. From the remaining six wires going to connect 3 lighting devices, it is necessary to distinguish phase and zero. The phase for each lamp is combined with N, coming from the distribution box, and zero is supplied to the socket contact. N lead to the outlet, he goes to 3 devices. L from the shield connect to the outlet. The remaining wiring going to the sconces and chandeliers lead to the switches. When using this scheme, the zero wires are twisted - they must be hidden in the unit with a socket.
Installation Errors
When connecting a three-key switch with a socket in one housing, erroneous actions are possible, as a result of which the lighting devices may not turn on. Common cases include:
- Idle switch with a working outlet - indicates that the master has mixed up the phase and neutral wires. It is necessary to check the design with an indicator and make the required changes.
- Two buttons do not work until the third button is pressed - a sign that the phase has been started to the output of the third button, and not to the main input.
Do not connect a tee to the outlet - its contacts are not designed for high voltage, the device may cease to function.
Circuit breaker manufacturers
Choosing a brand is based on your own priorities. If artistic qualities are important, you can focus on the assortment of Fede and Gira. The first of them specializes in "antique" styles. Functional models in a modern design solution can be found at the manufacturer ABB.Some of these switches are backlit with LEDs. Among Russian companies, devices with a power outlet (with a different number of buttons) are produced by Kuntsevo-Electro.
When installing the device with a socket, the correctness of the determination of zero and phase wires and their correct connection with each other is crucial. Only in this case will reliability and safety of operation be ensured.
