How to install a switch

2024 Author: Malcolm Clapton | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 03:44

You will need no more than 30 minutes and the minimum set of tools that can be found in every home.

1. Prepare the necessary tools and materials

To install a new or replace an old switch, you will need:

• switch;
• knife;
• voltage indicator;
• flat and Phillips screwdrivers.

2. Turn off the electricity

All work with electrical wiring should be carried out in a de-energized room.

To do this, turn off the main switch on the electrical panel in the apartment or on the staircase. Move the handles of the machines down: the icons should change from red to green or from one to zero.

Flip the switch in the apartment and make sure that there is really no voltage in the network.

3. Disassemble the old switch

If you do not change the switch, but install a new one, go to the next item.

The disassembly procedure is slightly different for older and modern machines. For Soviet-style products, the procedure is as follows:

• Unscrew the screws on the decoration panel with a screwdriver.
• Gently pry off the cover and remove it.
• Loosen the screws of the mounting braces and remove the mechanism from the wall.
• Do not disconnect the wires yet.

In modern switches, the decorative panel is fastened with latches or screws that are hidden under the keys. Therefore, proceed differently:

• Gently pry the keys with a flat screwdriver and remove them.
• Unscrew the screws or bend the tabs of the latches on the edges of the switch and remove the decorative cover.
• Loosen the spacers and remove the fixing screws on the metal frame, if present.
• Without disconnecting the wires, remove the switch from the wall.

3. Count the wires

The number of veins can be judged by the number of keys, but sometimes there are exceptions. Therefore, it is better to make sure that the required number of wires are laid in the wall. This will determine which switch you can install.

Take a close look at the mechanism. Count how many wires are connected to it, and find out if there are any unused wires in the wall. There can be from two to four in total.

• Two wires - suitable for a one-button switch. One or all lamps of a single luminaire can be controlled.
• Three wires - Suitable for a two-button switch. It is possible to control two groups of lamps of one chandelier or two separate lamps.
• Three wires - also three wires are needed for pass-through switches. It is possible to control one or all of the lamps of a single luminaire from two different locations.
• Four wires - Suitable for a three-button switch. It is possible to control three groups of lamps of one chandelier or three separate lamps.

4. Turn on the electricity

This is necessary in order to accurately identify the incoming phase wire on the breaker.

To activate the current, move the handles of the machines in the electrical panel to the upper position. The indicator icons will change from green to red or from zero to one.

5. Determine the phase

Take the voltage indicator and alternately touch each of the wires coming to the switch. On one of them, the indicator LED should light up - this will be the phase wire. Memorize its color or mark it with a marker or piece of electrical tape.

6. Turn off the electricity

Go to the electrical panel and turn off the main machine by moving its handles down, as described in the second paragraph.

7. Dismantle the old switch

If you do not change the device, but install a new one, go to the next item.

It remains only to loosen the clamping screws of the contacts with a screwdriver in order to pull out the wires and remove the old switch.

8. Strip the wires

For reliable contact with the cable cores, it is necessary to remove 5-10 millimeters of insulation with a knife. Strip the wires along, not across. Be careful not to damage them inadvertently.

nine. Connect a new switch

Difficult, at first glance, the task is quite simple and consists in the correct connection of the wires according to the diagram. There are differences for single-key, multi-key and pass-through switches, but the principle is the same.

It is necessary to connect the phase wire, which we marked in the fifth paragraph, to the corresponding contact of the switch. It is usually denoted by the letter L, less often by the number 1, or by the symbol of an arrow pointing towards the inside of the movement.

Outgoing phases or, as they are also called, control wires are connected to the rest of the contacts. They are designated by the symbols L1, L2, L3 or simply 1, 2, 3. In some cases, arrows pointing outward from the breaker are used as markings.

Most often, the incoming and outgoing phases are located on opposite sides of the device. However, there is a design when all contacts are on the same side.

How to connect a one-key switch

• Insert the stripped wire strands into the terminal clamps. They may not be labeled on a one-button switch, since this is not important here.
• Tighten the clamping screws well for a secure fit and good contact.

How to connect a switch with multiple keys

Wiring diagram for a two-button switch

Three-button switch connection diagram

• Insert the incoming phase wire, which we marked in the fifth paragraph, into the terminal marked L.
• Insert the rest of the wires into the remaining terminals labeled L1, L2, L3 (1, 2, 3 or outgoing arrows).
• Tighten the clamping screws firmly to securely hold the wires.

How to connect a pass-through switch

• Install the phase wire marked in step five into the terminal marked with L or with the arrow entering.
• Insert the rest of the wires into the terminals with the outgoing arrow symbols or numbers 1 and 2.
• Tighten all clamping screws with a screwdriver for a secure fit.
• Repeat the procedure for the second switch.

10. Mount the switch in the wall

• Accordion fold the wires and place the switch in the back box.
• Align the mechanism and secure it by tightening the spacer screws.
• Fix the switch with the mounting screws to the metal bar, if any.
• Snap the decorative cover back into place.
• Put on the keys and fix them by pressing with your finger.

11. Turn on the electricity

Apply voltage by turning on the breaker in the electrical panel. If everything is done correctly, the installed switch will work properly.