It is possible to realize the function of instantly turning off the light in a house without arranging the so-called “smart home”. It is enough to equip your electrical panel with a contactor, which will turn off the light in the house immediately upon receipt of a signal from the outside. It is controlled using a special device called a master switch.
What is a master switch
The contactor is a modular element mounted on a DIN rail and provides convenient load switching in the home power supply system. Its performance characteristics depend on the selected contactor. For example, if a master switch with four groups of contacts is installed, the maximum permissible switching power of each of them will be in the region of 24 amperes. In the predominant majority of cases, such a switch is enough to turn off the electricity in your apartment or country house without any problems.
If a single-phase power supply with a power of up to 20 amperes is used in the room, it will be quite enough to install a two-pole contactor.
The simplest way to control the contactor is to use the main disconnecting device, which will be placed indoors. Such a device looks like an ordinary switch, which operates in two positions - “on” and “off”. When turned off, the light immediately disappears in the entire room, regardless of the position of the other switches, while when the system is turned back on, light will appear only where it was turned on.
It is not necessary to use a single main switch, which will simultaneously control both the overhead light and the sockets. The houses mainly use the option with two separate appliances for each purpose. Moreover, in large cottages, switches are used that regulate the supply of electricity for different floors or rooms.
Master switch or circuit breaker
Using a knife switch is the simplest and most common option that is found everywhere. Advantages of this solution:
- Simplicity. Switchboard equipment is operated by people with minimal knowledge and skills in the field of energy supply.
- Reliability. Simplicity of execution and a minimum of elements in the design make the switch a reliable option.
- Compactness. The useful space of the electrical panel is not limited in any way.
- Cost. The cost of installing a knife switch is lower in comparison with similar options.
In general, the circuit breaker is a long-lasting and reliable solution that does not hamper the equipment of the electrical panel, unlike the installation of a master switch on the entire living space. At the same time, the switch is not so convenient in operation, because the master switch in the apartment is easier to use in comparison with the switch that is installed on the shield itself. In addition, additional installation of lighting on non-disconnected lines along the entire route to the electrical panel will be required.
Since the circuit breaker must be located inside the switchboard itself, in order to ensure a simple shutdown of all devices, to regulate the supply of electricity you will have to approach it and perform all operations manually. In addition, you need to make sure that the route from the room inside which the device is installed is illuminated, because otherwise you will have to reach the switch in the dark, which creates discomfort.
The master switch is a universal option that provides everything you need. It is not necessary to use the button, which is located in the apartment and immediately turns off the light in the house. Instead, there are options for a holistic access control system, remote shutdown, card access, and others. This solution is convenient, it does not require additional installation of non-disconnectable lighting to the shield, and there is also no difficulty in equipping the machine that will operate at the right time.
At the same time, since the equipment of the normal operation of the contactor requires the involvement of a number of components, as a result, the system becomes unreliable, because when any component fails, it all stops working. In addition, a large number of elements leads to an increase in the cost and cumbersomeness of such a solution, because of which it takes up a lot of space in the shield, but this problem is partially solved by installing a phase selection relay.
The choice between a master switch and a circuit breaker must be made based on your needs and preferences, since each of them has its own advantages and disadvantages.
How to equip a master switch
Depending on where it is planned to use the master switch, its connection scheme to the apartment changes. For different objects and premises there are solutions that provide all the necessary needs, so you need to choose them wisely.
Machine
On the electrical system, the machine is located at the very beginning of the circuit, while being physically located near the meter. The principle of operation of this scheme is that the user sets the maximum permissible power of electricity, which can be consumed in total by all devices in the room. If it is exceeded, after a while the machine will work and completely de-energize the room. Due to negligence, such a decision can only upset the owner by turning off the light at the most inopportune time, but on the other hand, it is ensuring fire safety.
If a current leak or short circuit occurs, the light turns off without delay.
The scheme "Hotel"
If five or more electrical appliances are used indoors at the same time, which can lead to the automatic turning off the light, you need to equip it with several separate circuits at once, each of which will have its own function. Each circuit is connected to a specific group of devices, and even the simultaneous use of several devices will not exceed the permissible power, regardless of how much energy they consume. Such electrical circuits in professional circles are called "hotel".
A key feature of such a scheme is the need for an additional purchase of several tens of meters of wire or cable, the machines in the right amount, as well as the master switch, by which all the machines will be regulated. Thus, it will be possible to easily turn on and off the light in the entire apartment or to de-energize the desired group of devices.
The master switch is a simple and convenient solution that not only simplifies the regulation of light in the room, but also provides fire safety, allowing the owner to feel relaxed when leaving his home.
