Developers of wiring accessories are constantly expanding their functionality, due to increased requirements for these devices. A confirmation of this trend is a triple or three-key switch. Before buying and connecting, it is important to understand the design of the product, as well as the features of installation within the room.
Appointment, design features and advantages
At first glance, this type of switch does not differ from typical devices with one or two keys. In the design of the device, three rear-facing buttons are distinguished, combined in one housing. Its main difference from the simplest switches is the ability to immediately switch 3 groups of lighting devices from one access point. Switches with three separate keys are usually installed in rooms of complex configuration:
- combined plumbing units;
- passage corridors of considerable length;
- living rooms combined with kitchen spaces.
In addition, 3-key switches are often used to control chandeliers with multiple horns.
In combined illuminators, they are used for the phased inclusion of bulbs, in which one of them first lights up, and then the other two.
The design of the three-key switches is extremely simple. The structure includes three built-in mechanisms with keys fixed to them and a frame of the case on which the executive part with terminals for connecting wires is located.
Among the advantages of modern switches with 3 keys are:
- profitability - instead of three devices one is used;
- reduction in installation costs;
- the possibility of combined light control.
The simplification of the installation of the device with three keys is explained by the reduction in the cost of preparing one seat and for connecting the cable to it.
The main types of switching devices
According to the type of switching mechanism, triple switches are divided into ordinary keyboard products and touch devices. The first ones work when you press one of the keys, and the second - by touching the touch panel at a certain point. Some models of devices are equipped with a device for smooth adjustment of illumination up to a complete blackout (dimmers).
Depending on the mounting method, triple switches are of three types:
- for outdoor installation;
- for discreet placement in a wall niche;
- combined products combined with a power outlet.
The installation of a combined 3-key switch is justified in cases where an open electrical wiring is provided in the room. Difficulties with the installation of this variety are the need to bring to the outlet a separate neutral conductor.
There are triple switches in a wireless design, which can be installed in any convenient place for use. There are also switching devices equipped with a light bulb or a miniature LED that allows you to organize the illumination of the control panel. Their use is advisable in cases where it is often necessary to turn on lighting in complete darkness.
Criterias of choice
The main criteria for the correct selection of a triple device are:
- the operation of the switching mechanism should not be accompanied by jamming or jamming;
- the desired product is selected provided that there are no clearly visible defects on its case;
- To install the device in the bathroom, a switch with a high moisture protection rating will be required.
When examining purchased products, you should make sure that pressing each of the keys is accompanied by a characteristic click. Its presence is the best confirmation of the health of the mechanism.
Samples in waterproof design are equipped with an additional rubber or plastic shell, which protects the interior from water. To facilitate subsequent installation, it is recommended to choose a switch whose switching mechanism has screw or clamp type terminals.
Wiring diagram
Before connecting the three-key switch, you will need to disassemble it into its component parts. To do this, first with a flat screwdriver, all three keys are removed, and then the decorative frame is removed. After that, access to the terminals to which you want to connect the phase wires. Before starting work, it is important to determine the scheme by which it is supposed to connect the purchased device. When choosing it, the following options are possible:
- The user expects to gradually turn on three bulbs in the chandelier. For switching it is planned to use a junction box.
- To obtain the same effect, direct connection of conductors is assumed. The liner goes directly to the contacts of the lamp.
The connection diagram for each of these cases has its own characteristics.
Connection of three bulbs through the distribution box
Three phase wires diverted from the upper terminals of the switch are laid in the cable channel in the direction of the junction box. It performs their exclusion with the subsequent designation of the branch towards the chandelier. Each of the supply buses is switched in such a way that through it the voltage goes to a separate bulb. In this case, it will be possible to turn on the lamps in stages - one after the other until the maximum illumination is obtained.
This approach is convenient in that if you need to adjust the circuit, it is enough to change the exclusion in the box without touching the chandelier itself.
Direct inclusion
The user saves on consumables and wins in reliability. The basic rule of electricians is: the fewer contacts, the more reliable the circuit.
Three buses extending from the switch terminals are laid in the cable channel directly to the chandelier. Inside the illuminator, they are turned off in accordance with the color marking of the conductors. If it is absent, you will have to use a multimeter included in the “Callback” mode. With it, the conductors that are connected to the metal base of all three holders are determined: this will be a zero contact. The remaining three conductors are called on the contact spots of the lamp holders: these are phase eyeliners. After marking, each of the wires is connected by means of miniature adapters with the corresponding busbars withdrawn from the switch. The sequence of their switching does not matter, since the bulbs are usually turned on in random order.
Zero wires are formed into a twist, well soldered and with the help of an adapter are connected to the zero bus, output through the hole in the ceiling.
Features of installation of combined models
The connection scheme of combined products differs from the options already considered.Its feature is the need for a zero bus line routed from the junction box to the corresponding socket terminal. Outwardly, it looks as if two cables are moving away from the combined device: along one of them “zero” is supplied from the distribution box, and on the second - three phase conductors are led away.
To obtain the expected effect of the three-key switch, the contractor must adhere to the rules for its connection. Only in this case it is possible to realize all the capabilities of the switching device.
