How to make pass-through light switches diagram. Pass-through switch

02.09.2023

Reading time ≈ 3 minutes

In the modern world, we increasingly strive to make our routine life easier in all available and not so accessible ways. Even such a minor procedure as connecting a pass-through switch in the house. In fact, it is not nearly as complicated as it might seem at first glance and does not require special efforts. First of all, it is worth saying what is a pass-through switch, and why, in fact, install it.

Such easy-to-use examples are most relevant in private homes or country houses, as they allow you to connect one light source to two switches at once. That is, it becomes possible to turn on and off a lamp (or even several at once) from two points. You can also find names such as backup and changeover, which are applied to the same type of switch.

Connection diagram for pass-through switch

Frankly speaking, the wiring diagram for a pass-through switch is understandable to almost everyone. It involves the use of two pass-through switches of exclusively single type. Each of these ordinary switches has three contacts, including 2 outputs and 1 input. The neutral wire from the main power source goes to the lamp directly through the distribution box. A phase wire already passes into it, then it goes to the switch contact number 1. Through the distribution box, the two output contacts of the first switch are gradually connected to the two input contacts of switch 2. Then from the common contact of a separate second pass-through switch, the contact goes through the same distribution box directly to lamp.

Connection diagram for a two-key pass-through switch:

Connecting a two-key pass-through switch is no more complicated. It makes it possible to control different groups of individual light bulbs or luminaires. The main difference between the scheme is, first of all, that to implement the plan, two double switches are required, and not single ones, as shown in the previous diagram. They are also called two-key. They already have 6 contacts, including 4 outputs and 2 inputs. Connecting a double pass-through switch follows a similar principle.

Connection diagram for three pass-through switches:

The connection diagram for three pass-through switches is intended to directly control one light source from three separate places at once. This circuit includes a coupled double type switch. It is actually different from both doubles and singles. First of all, the fact that it has four contacts, two inputs and outputs, respectively. Pressing this double switch makes it possible to switch two independent contacts at once.

For a more detailed understanding of the connection process, of course, a clear example is needed. Therefore, you can see the features of connecting pass-through switches in video and photos directly in our article. This will definitely make the task easier.

Switching light sources according to the principle “approach, turn on, pass, turn off” is one of the options for the efficient use of electrical energy. The functionality of such a control system is provided by the same traditional devices - switches, but structurally somewhat modernized.

Switching modernization allows you to connect a pass-through switch from two or three places in order to control the light source from each individual point. Agree, this solution is especially convenient for long rooms, for example, a corridor.

We suggest you understand the principles of connecting a pass-through switch to two and three control points. The article provides working diagrams for organizing light groups, and also describes the features of the implementation of switching projects.

The logic of saving energy spent on lighting devices or others is explained by simple user actions.

If a lighting device is needed, electricity is supplied to it by simply closing the switch contact. Otherwise, the opposite action is performed.

Light source switch - interpreted in electrical slang - a pass-through switch. Provides a fundamentally new approach in terms of operation of electrical sections of networks intended for the installation of lighting devices (+)

However, let’s assume that the premises (residential or other purposes) are passable. Then the user will turn on the lights at the entrance, but when leaving the room through another door, he will no longer be able to de-energize the circuit. There is irrational use of electricity.

But the situation is easy to improve. And the option of connecting from two places in the room for a pass-through mode scheme will help to do this.

Long corridors of premises for different purposes are potential objects for the installation of control systems for light sources from different places. It is during the operation of such premises that the pressing issue of energy saving is raised.

For example, there is a room with a functional purpose - a corridor. It is required to control the general group of lamps for this room from two points - at the first (passage) door and at the second (passage) door.

Switching light from two places

The lighting of the project corridor consists of two light groups, so in this case it is logical to use two two-key switches for control.

Accordingly, in addition to them you will need:

two socket boxes;
one ;
three-core cable.

The meterage of electrical conductors should be calculated after drawing up the diagram and layout of the wiring. It is recommended to purchase a cable with a small reserve.

The control circuit for two light groups through two-key pass-through switches looks something like this:

This is the same switch, but in terms of circuit design it is made with five contact terminals, two of which are short-circuited with a jumper. The switching group of such a switch contains four contact pads.

A widely used circuit design for residential buildings: N, L – household network; RK – distribution box; L1 – light group; PV1, PV2 – pass-through switches; PRK – cross commutator (+)

The line cross-switching device is an additional element of the circuit, which also involves the installation of two pass-through switches.

Simple single-key instruments are used.

The operating principle of the three-seater scheme is as follows:

A phase is connected to the “common” terminal PV1.
The 1st and 2nd contacts of the crossover switch are connected from the changeover contact terminals.
From the 3rd and 4th terminals of the crossover switch, connection to the 1st and 2nd terminals of the PV2 changeover contacts.
The common terminal “common” PV2 is connected to one terminal of the light group.
The second terminal of the light group is connected to the electrical zero.

Such solutions involving simple single-key devices are recommended for use in rooms where the number of inputs/outputs is equal to the number of control places.

Implementation of the circuit design according to Fig. 6 in a “natural” form. This is roughly what a completed installation looks like indoors, where a control system from three places is needed

For example, creating a similar circuit for the conditions of passing a long corridor, with 1 entrance and 1 exit, with switching in the central zone, is clearly impractical. Obviously, it makes no sense to turn off the lights when a person has only passed the first half of the corridor. Meanwhile, you can find similar recommendations from “professional” electricians on the Internet.

Schemes with control from more than three places

The number of control places is, in principle, unlimited. Another question is how complex such decisions are. The more devices are involved in the implementation of the control system, the more complex the construction scheme becomes.

The number of switched lines and contact terminals is increasing. Accordingly, costs for components and installation increase. However, projects with 4-5 control points are used quite actively. For example, this project:

It uses a pair of single-key simple pass-through switches and a pair of switches with a reversible switching function. The diagram shows only one light group. Meanwhile, it is possible to connect additional light groups.

Additional light groups

Additional light sources (light groups) can be connected via free terminals and act as light sources for intermediate transition zones. That is, in the same long corridors it becomes possible to use the circuit for a larger number of control positions.

Five-point control circuit for the light switching system: L1 – light group; N, L – network; On 1, On 2 – pass-through switches; On 3, On 4, On 5 – reversible switches (+)

In this case, light groups should be divided into action zones - entrance, intermediate, exit. With this solution, it is already possible to walk through a long corridor halfway, turn off the lights on the completed half and turn on the lights on the remaining half.

Multi-element schemes, of course, are of little use for the private residential sector, since projects of this kind rarely have long corridors or large rooms with several doors. But for the commercial sphere or production environment, solutions of this kind are in demand.

Principles of control system design

In general, there are no installation features for installing pass-through switches. All installation work is carried out in a standard manner, in accordance with the rules for installing conventional switching devices.

Classic installation detail for wiring inside walls. The socket box is installed (tightly walled up). An electrical cable is routed inside the socket box. A control device is connected (two-key)

If the budget allows, it is advisable to equip each individual device with a distribution box. Then you need to purchase small boxes according to the number of mounted switches. But the option with one RC is also not excluded.

The selection factors here are directly related to specific installation conditions. Typically, switches are installed “flush” with the wall surface - internal wiring diagram.

Meanwhile, the implementation of projects for private (country) properties often involves the installation of “overhead” (surface) installation schemes, despite the fact that this approach is considered obsolete.

For the first case, socket boxes will be required for installation. For the second - overhead plates. These accessories are necessary to securely mount switches in wall panel niches or directly on walls.

The cable is connected strictly according to the diagram indicated on the back of the device. The circuit layout of a single-key switch is simple. However, mismatch of conductors with incorrect wiring can result in failure of the device.

The electrical conductor, as a rule, is three-core cables, where two cores are needed to power the system, and the third is used to form a protective grounding loop.

Household lamps can be used without an “earth” if the body is non-metallic. Industrial lamps must have a grounding bus.

Of course, regardless of its purpose, domestic or industrial, the installed network is always connected through additional protection -. This device must be calculated based on power and cutoff current in relation to the built-through light control system.

Analysis of possible errors:

The appearance and implementation of devices of this kind in electrical networks may not be so significant, but it still affected the ease of use. Moreover, solutions based on pass-through switches actually lead to energy savings.

Meanwhile, the improvement of devices does not stop. New developments appear periodically, for example, similar to touch switches.

Do you have anything to add or have questions about connecting the pass-through switch? You can leave comments on the publication, participate in discussions and share your own experience in arranging an electrical network. The contact form is located in the lower block.

A practical walk-through switch, the connection diagram of which is quite accessible for independent installation, allows you to control the lighting system from two or more places.

However, when connecting such a device, you must remember that all switches of this type can only be used in conjunction with other devices of a similar purpose.

Pair-of-way switching devices or “pass-through” switches refer to devices that close a specific circuit in different positions.

When two lamps are connected to them, in one of the positions the operation of the first light source is ensured, and in the other the operation of the second lighting device is ensured.

Such switches have three connectors for connection and, as a rule, are used in feed-through circuits if it is necessary to connect two independent switches for one consumer.

A valuable advantage of a pass-through switch is the ability to control the operation of any number of lamps from several points. In this case, for example, the traditional, most common switches, simply interrupt the electrical circuit by opening it.

Pass-through single devices are equipped with three contacts, which makes them switchable. According to its operating principle, such a switching device is a system based on a pair of switches mounted in the most convenient places for operation. Thanks to this feature, the consumer can turn on the lighting from one place and then turn it off at a completely different point.

If the pass-through switch is equipped with several keys and belongs to the multi-key category, then the number of contacts and switching circuits increases many times, and control can be carried out for two or more groups of lighting devices.

Operating principle of a pass-through switch

It is important to remember that the basis of the operating principle of any pass-through type switches is the switching process based on reversing conductors. Inside the distribution box, such elements are combined using standard terminals. Each switching device must have a power supply conductor, and the second switch, in this case, is used to connect the wired element to the lighting.

The presence of a phase on two conductors requires the mandatory use of exclusively three-wire wire, and when installing a lighting system on three control points, it will be necessary to use four-wire wiring.

According to the control method, all currently produced switching devices belonging to the “pass-through” type are, as a rule, represented by easy-to-use, keyboard devices.

Scope of use

Pass-through switches are in demand when arranging a lighting system in the following cases:

long corridors in which one of the switches is mounted at the beginning of the room, and the other is installed at the end;
multi-storey residential buildings or public buildings;
interfloor staircase space, allowing the installation of switching devices on different floors;
bedrooms, where switches are installed next to the doorway, as well as above or next to the sleeping area.

Pass-through switches are especially in demand in street lighting, as well as for providing comfortable lighting in basements, terraces, verandas or gazebos.

Kinds

The choice of pass-through switching devices is not very extensive, however, when selecting the optimal option, it is necessary to take into account the specific features of such switching devices.

The basic classification of pass-through switches does not differ significantly from the characteristics of traditional type switches, therefore such devices can be:

single-key devices with one input and two outputs;
two-key devices with two inputs and four outputs;
three-key devices, with three inputs and six outputs.

Depending on the type of control, pass-through switching devices can be different, but the most common are keypad, touchscreen and remote-controlled models. It should be noted that when choosing, you need to take into account the number of keys, which must fully correspond to the number of groups of lamps that can be turned on simultaneously.

It is important to remember that the use of single-key or two-key cross-type switches for two inputs and the same number of outputs is advisable when controlling lighting from three or more points.

How to connect a pass-through switch: connection diagram

Automatic switching on and off of lighting fixtures can easily be organized using special timers or sensors that can respond to movement.

However, such electronic devices are characterized by high cost, difficulty in connecting independently and insufficient durability, so it is much easier and more practical to install a pass-through switch yourself.

Connection diagram for single-key pass-through switch

At the stage of preparation for installation, it is necessary not only to calculate the number of consumers and the amount of consumables, but also to prepare all the tools necessary for installation, presented:

Phillips screwdriver;
flat-head screwdriver;
mounting knife;
side cutters;
building level and tape measure;
a probe screwdriver with a built-in phase indicator.

The set of working tools and basic consumables may vary depending on the chosen method for laying cable ducts, as well as depending on the characteristics of construction and finishing materials in the room where the lighting system is supposed to be installed.

Connection diagram for pass-through switch

In wooden households, in order to prevent accidents and fire hazards, cables must be installed inside a copper or steel pipe. It is also possible to carry out open installation of electrical wiring.

It should be noted that the use of corrugated polymer and metal tubes for electrical wires is prohibited, in accordance with the standards established by PTEEP and PUE, and cable laying in non-combustible structures is carried out by cutting special channels.

Lighting control

Depending on the type of lighting system you prefer, wiring can be done in different ways. Despite the fact that the design features of all standard pass-through switches are the same, there are several differences in the connection diagram of the system with control of two and three places.

Before you begin self-installation, you must turn off the electrical power supply, which is dictated by safety regulations.

Control from 2 places

Controlling the light from two places is often a very convenient solution.

This method of organizing the control of lighting devices is most often used when it is necessary to control the process of turning on/off light sources not only from the room itself, but also from adjacent rooms.

In this case, as a rule, preference is given to installing switching devices to control a couple of consumer groups:

thorough removal of decorative coatings in the wiring area;
marking the proposed wiring line;
scoring according to the markings made, starting from the shield, taking into account the free distance to the upper edge of the cable channel with dimensions of ½ the diameter of the laid wires;
checking the horizontality of the completed lines;
laying electrical cable. It is quite possible to fix laid electrical wires with special fasteners without damaging the protective sheath;
installation of switches and distribution boxes;
connecting laid electrical conductors to terminals in accordance with color markings.

Lighting control scheme from two places

The assembled wiring is inserted into special mounting boxes, after which they are securely and durablely fixed with built-in retractable mechanisms with pointed elements.

Only after testing has been carried out and the operability of the entire lighting system has been confirmed, cable channels are cemented, wall surfaces are finished and frames are installed.

Control from 3 seats

Independent installation of control from three places is a more complex system that can cause some difficulties for untrained installers. The most common electrical circuit is based on one crossover and a pair of pass-through switches.

Work technology:

preliminary preparation of grooves for laying electrical cables using a hammer drill;
laying electrical cables with an optimal cross-section of 2.5 mm 2 or more;
connecting wires to the electrical panel;
choose the optimal height for mounting the switch that is comfortable for operating the switching device;
Drill a hole in accordance with a pre-made mark, which is one and a half times larger in width and depth than the diameter of the device being installed;
electrical wiring is connected to the switching device from below, so the groove must be made 50-100 cm lower than the installation point of the switch;
laying electrical wires in prepared grooves with fixing the wiring elements using small special nails;
insertion of electrical wires fixed in the channels into the installation box;
cutting the wires inside the wiring box to a length of 10-11 cm using side cutters;
removing approximately 10-15 cm of the insulating layer from the wires;
installation of a pass-through switching device (switch) with connection to the terminals, according to their markings;
installation of a cross-switching device with four electrical cables of the corresponding color marking;
connecting the first pair of electrical cables from the pass-through switch to the upper terminals, and the remaining two wires are fixed to the lower terminals;
connecting the last switching device using wires coming from the communication crossover device.

Connection from three places

At the final stage, it is necessary to carefully insert the device mechanisms inside all the completed mounting boxes, bending the cables to their base. Then the devices are fixed using special fasteners inside the mounting box or “claws” on the clamps. Next, the frame is applied, and then the keys of the switching device are mounted.

Wiring when controlling the lamp from three places

The completion of self-installation of a switch to control the lighting system from three different points is the connection of lighting fixtures with electrical cables coming from the junction box, checking the functionality of the circuit and subsequent decorative finishing.

When choosing such a device, you need to take into account the design features, as well as their functional purpose.

In order to implement various schemes for controlling electrical energy consumers, double or triple type switches are used, as well as standard crossover devices.

If there are long corridors in a house or apartment, then a pass-through switch will significantly simplify the lighting system. – procedure for installation work.

The rules for measuring current with a multimeter are outlined.

Among other things, depending on the installation method, switching feed-through devices can be installed internally or externally. In this case, it is necessary to take into account all the advantages and disadvantages of such methods.

Most often, internal installation is used, which is reliable, aesthetically pleasing and guaranteed safety. In any case, the main condition for proper installation and safe operation is strict adherence to the entire lighting connection diagram.

Video on the topic

When designing lighting, you need to know about the basic circuits for connecting switches. The connection diagram of the switch directly depends on the tasks that a particular switch faces, i.e. control of a particular lamp or group of lamps.

1 Connection diagram for a single-key switch:

The simplest single lamp is connected exactly according to this scheme. The switch contact switches the phase. Most of the lights in our homes and offices are connected in this way.

The light switch must always break the phase conductor!

This circuit is used to turn on (off) lamps in large rooms or single multi-lamp lamps. All lamps or lamps are divided into two groups. Each key serves to control a separate group.

The use of this circuit is similar to a two-key switch. All lamps are divided into three groups.

In long rooms with two exits, i.e. In walk-through rooms, it is advisable to install walk-through switches - switches for control from two places. These switches have a special contact group and one key. Recently I used these in the hallway during the reconstruction of a private house.

Apparently, this scheme should be used for long corridors. At the beginning and at the end of the room, near the exits, ordinary single-key pass-through switches with circuit 6 are installed, and in the middle of the corridor - a two-key switch with circuit (6+6). The scheme works like this: I entered the room - turned on the light of only the first half of the lamps, reached the middle - turned on the second half of the lamps with one key, turned off the first half of the lamps with the second switch key, reached the end of the corridor - turned off the second part of the lamps.

The difference from the previous scheme is that a single-key switch with a 6/2 scheme is used in the center. Here, when you press this switch, some lights turn off and others turn on.

7 Control diagram for a luminaire or a group of luminaires from four places using switches with schemes 6 and 6/2:

Control circuit for a luminaire or a group of luminaires from four places using switches with schemes 6 and 6/2

I use this scheme in branched corridors with three or four exits. Switches with circuit 6 are installed along the edges, and with circuit 6/2 in the center.

It is worth noting that these diagrams do not show the protective grounding conductor - PE, which must be mandatory, although in household chandeliers there is often nowhere to connect it. Well, you need to remember about distribution (terminal) boxes.

Conclusion: the most common switch circuits:

single-key switch;
two-key switch;
three-key switch;
pass-through single-key switch with circuit 6;
pass-through single-key switch with 6/2 circuit.
pass-through two-key switch with circuit (6-6);

3 lighting control options (6 luminaires) using a two-key switch:

Walk-throughs were created for convenient control of lighting in long corridors, staircases, walk-through rooms and other places. They are installed between floors, when going down to the basement, near the doors of rooms that have several entrances. While in your home, it is convenient to switch utility rooms. Or control lights on the porch and garden. The walk-through switch makes it possible to control lighting from different places, saving people from inconvenience. This also saves electricity.

A conventional switch contains a two-position key and a pair of contacts. Wires are connected to them. In contrast, the built-in pass-through switch consists of three contacts: one common and two changeover. Each of them is also connected to a wire. To control lighting from several places, for example from two, a 4-pin switching device is required. In addition, there must be one wire connection to each. Thus, you can control not only lighting, but also any other electrical appliances, although installation of the circuit becomes more complicated.

How does a single key switch work?

The principle of operation is that a changeover contact opens one circuit, and at the same time closes another. The connection diagram for the pass-through switch is always on its reverse side. One of the contacts is common (1), and the other two are changeover (2, 3). From two such devices located in different places, you can assemble the simplest and most common scheme for controlling a lamp from two different points.

Terminals 2 and 3 of switches PV1 and PV2 matching in number are connected to each other by wiring. Input part 1 from PV1 is connected to the phase, and PV2 is connected to the lamp. The other end of the lamp is connected to the neutral power wire. How the pass-through switch circuit works is tested by turning it on. To begin with, voltage is applied. In this case, the lamp sequentially lights up or goes out when any of the switches is switched independently. If the circuit of one of them is broken, the circuit stops working. But at the same time, another line is being prepared to turn on.

How to connect a simple pass-through switch?

Before installation, you should draw a diagram of all connections.

First, (RK) is installed. All wires will be collected and connected in it. Power is supplied here from the control panel. To do this, a three-core cable 3 x 1.5 mm is laid. It is the most common for all connection schemes. Here, two wires are power supply, and the third is for grounding electrical appliances. In addition, 2 socket boxes are installed in which the switches will be placed. Three-core cables are laid from each glass and from the lamp to the RK.

Once all the wires and cables are in place, connections are made. First, the phase L wire is connected between the output of the machine and the input of PV1 (No. 1). Then the corresponding output contacts (2-2, 3-3) of the switches are connected to each other. Next, they are installed in the socket box. Two cartridge terminals to input PV2 (No. 1) and to the blue neutral wire from the control panel. If it is supplied from its output contact, if single-pole - from the zero bus. The end of the grounding conductor is insulated. Or it is connected to the lamp body if it is metal.

When all connections are completed, the light bulb is screwed into the socket. Then the circuit of the pass-through switch is checked by turning on the machine in the panel. The lamp may light up immediately. Or after turning on PV1 or PV2. You can turn it off by pressing the key of any of the switches. Important! The switches do not have fixed “on” and “off” positions.

Cross switch

Connecting pass-through switches in three places requires additional installation of a device with cross-connection of contacts. It consists of 2 single-key devices with internal jumpers, assembled in one housing.

A cross switch (CS) is installed between two conventional ones. It only applies to them. Its distinctive feature is the presence of four terminals (2 inputs and 2 outputs). To control from four points, you need to add another such device to the circuit. The PP should be connected to the changeover contacts of the pass-through switches in such a way that a working power supply circuit for the lamp is created.

Complex contact groups require a large number of wires and connections. It is preferable to assemble several simple circuits. They work reliably and are easy to use. Note! All main connections are made in junction boxes. No twists should be made on the supply wires.

Which model should you choose?

Which pass-through switch to use depends primarily on the type of wiring. For open ones, overhead models are selected. Under the hidden you will need socket boxes. Suitable sizes should be selected so that they can be connected to each other. It is important to install the regular and crossover switches with the same appearance. Devices can be rotary, keyboard, lever, touch. Contacts are selected for the appropriate load. Switching should be easy. The devices must be securely fastened.

Installation of a three-point switching system

To do this you need to do the following:

Draw a wiring diagram.
Mark and drill grooves and recesses for wiring and boxes.
Install distribution parts. They are selected in large sizes so that 12 connections can be made inside.
Install socket boxes.
Lay the cable from the panel to the connection points.
Connect the wires to the switches and terminals in the boxes. Label the wires. Assemble the circuit sequentially, checking the correct connections.
Place the switches in their places.

Connecting pass-through two-key switches

The device consists of 2 single-key independent switches. They are collected in one building. They work on the same principle of transferring contacts. But at the same time, the number of inputs is 2, and the number of outputs is 4. The difference is that the 2 switches are located at different points. Their keys work for different lamps.

Installation of two-key switches for control from two places

The sequence of actions should be like this:

A diagram is drawn up, without which it is difficult to make connections.
Distribution boxes and socket boxes are installed.
2 lighting groups are installed.
Three-core cables are laid based on connection to the 6 contacts of each switch and to the lamps.
According to the drawn up diagram, the cable cores are connected in the junction box, to the lamp sockets and to the switches.

The two-key pass-through switch can be replaced with a circuit of four single-key switches. But it will be irrational. Since more junction boxes will be required and cable consumption will increase.

Control of two lighting systems from three places

A two-key pass-through switch can be a cross switch. It is installed as a kit. That is, it also includes two two-key limit switches if you need to control the lighting from three points. It will have 4 inputs and 4 outputs.

Installation is carried out as follows:

To install the circuit, a standard box with a diameter of 60 mm is not enough. Therefore, its size should be larger. Or you need to install 2-3 pieces in series. ordinary.
There are 12 wire connections for connection. To do this, you will need to lay 4 three-core cables. Here you should correctly mark the cores. Two limit switches have 6 contacts each, and the cross switch has 8 contacts.
A phase is connected to PV1. Then you need to make the necessary connections. On the back of the device there is a diagram of a two-key pass-through switch. It must be correctly combined with external connections.
PV2 is connected from lamps.
The four outputs of PV1 are connected to the inputs of the cross switch, and then its outputs are connected to the 4 inputs of PV2.

Conclusion

The pass-through switch is convenient. No extra walking up stairs or long corridors is required to turn a light bulb on or off. Sometimes it is simply necessary. In addition, energy is saved due to fast switching. It is important to choose the right devices and correctly install electrical connections.