To increase comfort and convenience when operating lighting devices, a pass-through switch is used: the connection diagram clearly displays the operating principle of the switching device. With its help, you can control the lighting of the room from any point. The design features and installation rules of the product are described in detail in this article.
Pass-through switches are designed to turn lighting on and off from different ends of a room or flight of stairs. This means that you can turn on the light, for example, when entering a room, and turn it off in another part of it. This operating principle allows for significant energy savings.
The pass-through switch does not differ in appearance from a regular one. Its front movable panel also shows up and down arrows. A typical switch has one input and one output. In contrast, a pass-through device has one input and two outputs. This indicates that the current is not interrupted here, but is redirected to any of the outputs.
Despite the fact that experienced electricians will be able to identify a pass-through switch by eye, reliable manufacturers produce products with a drawn electrical diagram of a double pass-through switch, triple or single, which is located under the device body.
You can also determine that it is a single pass-through device before your eyes by examining the terminals with copper contacts. There should be three of them. To make sure that the terminals are not mixed up with each other, you should use a multimeter. The device should be put into beep mode and its input and output should be ringed. If the multimeter emits a signal when you touch a contact, there is a contact at that location.
Another difference from a simple switch is that the pass-through device has three-wire switching, and not two-wire, like a regular one. This is a kind of switch that redirects voltage from one contact to another.
Pass-through switches usually work in pairs to control one light source. A zero and a phase are supplied to each. Changing the position of the switch key closes the circuit, which causes the light bulb to light up. When the first or second switch is turned off, the phase wiring opens, and the contact of the paired switch closes, and the light goes out. That is, when the keys on both devices are in the same position, the lighting turns on, but on different devices it turns off.
You can control lighting not only from two places, but also from three or more. To do this, it is necessary to add one or more cross switches to the general circuit for connecting a pass-through switch from two places.
Pass-through switches allow you to control room lighting from two or more places, which is an undeniable convenience. This is especially valuable for multi-story houses with flights of stairs. Here you can install the first switch on the first floor and the next on the second, which will turn on the light downstairs and turn off the upstairs.
A good solution is to install one switch at the entrance to the bedroom, and a second near the head of the bed, which will allow you to enter, turn on the light, get ready for bed, lie down and turn off the light. It is also advisable to install switches at the entrance to a house or apartment and at the end of the corridor.
Helpful advice! Using special motion sensors or a timer built into the switch, you can automatically turn off the lighting when leaving a certain place.
Walk-through switches have significant advantages compared to conventional devices:
Despite the fact that at first glance, regular and pass-through switches have minor differences, their cost is significantly different. You can buy a pass-through switch 1.5-2 times more expensive than a simple switch. Therefore, many craftsmen strive to make a switching device themselves.
To get a pass-through single-key switch, you need to use conventional single-key and two-key devices of the same size and manufacturer.
Helpful advice! When purchasing a two-key pass-through switch, the diagram of which is printed on the body of the device, you should make sure that it has the ability to move the terminals in places in such an order as to ensure that the circuit is broken and closed independently of each other.
The process of converting a simple switch into a walk-through switch consists of the following steps:
You can also assemble one switch from two simple ones. They should be placed next to each other so that when the top part of the key is pressed, one is activated, and the bottom – the other. The keys should be connected with a plate that is glued on top. It is imperative to install a jumper between two adjacent contacts.
The circuit of a pass-through switch from two places is carried out using two pass-through single-key devices that work only in pairs. Each of them has one contact at the entry point, and a pair at the exit point.
Before connecting the pass-through switch, the connection diagram clearly displays all the stages; you should de-energize the room using the appropriate switch located in the control panel. After which it is necessary to additionally check that there is no voltage in all wires of the switch. To do this, use a special screwdriver.
Helpful advice! A similar check must be performed at the installation sites of switching devices.
To complete the work you will need: flat-head, Phillips and indicator screwdrivers, a knife, side cutters, a level, a tape measure and a hammer drill. To install switches and lay wires in the walls of the room, appropriate holes and grooves must be made in accordance with the device layout plan.
Important! It is impossible to install a pass-through switch in place of a simple switch.
Wires must be laid at a distance of at least 15 cm from the ceiling. They can be placed not only in a hidden way, but also placed in trays or boxes. This installation makes it possible to quickly carry out repair work in case of cable damage. The ends of the wires must be inserted into installation boxes, in which all connections are also made using contactors.
All actions for installing switching devices are carried out on the basis of a connection diagram of 2 places of pass-through switches, which can be found on the Internet. It differs from the installation of conventional switches, since there are three wires instead of the usual two. In this case, two wires are used as a jumper between two switches located in different places in the room, and the third is used to supply the phase.
Five wires must be suitable for the distribution box: power supply from the machine, three cables going to the switches, and a connected wire directed to the lighting device. When constructing a connection diagram for a single-key pass-through switch, three-core cables are used. The “zero” and grounding wires are led directly to the light source. The brown phase wire, which supplies current, passes through the switches, according to the diagram, and is output to the lighting lamp.
Helpful advice! To avoid problems with future wiring, it is recommended to use copper wires with a cross-section of at least 2.5 mm2.
The switches are connected at the break in the phase wire, and the zero, having passed through the distribution box, is directed to the lighting fixture. Passing a phase through the switch will ensure safety during repair and maintenance of the lamp.
Installation of a pass-through switch consists of the following sequence of actions:
Helpful advice! If twists are made, they should be soldered and wrapped with electrical tape.
If there is a need to control lighting fixtures from different places, then you should implement a 3-point pass-through switch connection diagram. This is true for multi-story buildings, large halls, long corridors with several exits. To do this, you will need, in addition to the two conventional pass-through switches, a cross switch. In such a switching device there are not three, but four contacts: one pair of input and two output, which switch simultaneously. To do this, use a four-core cable.
In the connection diagram for pass-through switches from 3 places, conventional switches are used at the first and last point, between which a cross switch is installed.
Helpful advice! Since wiring in the distribution box with each additional point involves a large number of wires, it is recommended to label the wires.
The connection diagram for pass-through switches from three places will look like this:
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If lighting control is planned from a larger number of places, additional cross-switches are introduced into the overall circuit, which are connected according to the above principle.
A three-wire cable is supplied to each pass-through switch, and a four-wire cable is supplied to the crossover switch. All wires used for connection must be of the same cross-section. Switches that can operate at normal currents of 6.10 and 16A must have the same rating. A visual diagram for connecting pass-through switches from 3 places can be seen on specialized websites on the Internet.
Using pass-through switches, you can control not only one lamp, but also a group of several lighting fixtures. To do this, connect pass-through two-key switches. Each of them has six contacts. Common wires are determined according to the same principle as for conventional devices, but a larger number of wires need to be wired.
The difference between the double pass-through switch wiring diagram is that more wires are used here. The phase is supplied to both inputs of the first switch. Wires should go out from the two inputs of the second switch to two lamps. In the case of organizing lighting control from three or more points, two cross switches should be installed for each of them, since they are only available as single-key switches.
In this case, according to the principle of connecting double pass-through switches with crossover switches, the first pair of contacts should be connected to one crossover, and the second to the other. If necessary, the devices are connected to each other. The output of both crossover switches must be connected to the last two-key transfer device.
The Legrand company occupies a leading position in the electrical goods market. The demand for Legrand pass-through switches is due to the high quality of the products, ease of installation, ease of further operation, stylish design and flexible pricing policy. The only drawback is the need to adjust the installation location. If it does not coincide with the product, difficulties may arise during its installation, which is carried out according to the connection diagram for the Legrand pass-through switch.
A subsidiary of Legrand is the Chinese company Lezard. However, the products have only a stylish design left from their native brand. The build quality is much lower, which is due to the low cost of the products.
One of the leading domestic manufacturers of electrical goods is the Wessen company, which is part of the Schneider Electric company. All products are manufactured using the latest technologies on modern foreign equipment and comply with European quality standards. The models have a universal, stylish design that allows each element to fit into any interior of the room. A distinctive feature of Wessen switches is the ability to replace the decorative frame without dismantling the device.
Another equally well-known manufacturer is the Turkish company Viko. The products are characterized by high quality workmanship, reliability and durability, and comply with electrical safety requirements and European quality standards. In the manufacture of the device body, fireproof durable plastic is used, which is designed for a large number of operating cycles.
The Turkish brand Makel offers high-quality, reliable, safe and stylish products. Thanks to the ability to connect a cable without the need to use a distribution box, installation of switches becomes simpler, and further operation becomes comfortable and safe.
Legrand pass-through switches from the Velena series are distinguished by their stylish design and a variety of color variations. Here are one- and two-key products that have a dust- and moisture-proof layer. You can buy a switch from 300 rubles.
The Celiane series includes products with circular keys inscribed in a square. They can be non-contact with levers or silent. The cost of switches starts from 700 rubles. The Exclusive Celiane range features a limited number of switches handcrafted from marble, bamboo, porcelain, gold, myrtle and other materials. Frames are made exclusively to order. The price for the product starts from 5.9 thousand rubles.
The most popular series of switches from Lezard are Demet, Mira and Deriy. Here are products made from non-flammable polycarbonate, which meets electrical safety requirements. The conductive elements are made of phosphor bronze, which is characterized by high conductivity and low heating. You can buy a pass-through single-key switch from 125 rubles.
The W 59 Frame series from Wessen uses a modular principle, allowing you to install from 1 to 4 devices in one frame horizontally or vertically. The price of the product is 140 rubles. Single and double pass-through switches from the Asfora series are distinguished by a simple design, but high quality workmanship, which can be purchased for 450 rubles.
Among the popular series of the Makel company we can highlight Defne and Makel Mimoza. The device body is made of high-quality plastic, equipped with an internal reliable mechanism. The cost of products starts from 150 rubles.
The operating principle and installation of switching devices do not pose any significant difficulties. It is necessary to first study the connection diagram and follow the recommendations of electrical safety rules, which will make it possible to carry out reliable and safe installation of devices, thereby ensuring convenient and comfortable control of lighting devices in the house.
How to connect a pass-through switch: video connection diagrams
If you need to control one lamp simultaneously from different rooms, then use pass-through switch connection diagram. But it is quite difficult to assemble such a circuit using conventional switches; then the use of pass-through switches or switches, as they are also commonly called, is required.
To organize control of lamps from several places, such switches are used. Not only is it very convenient, but it also allows you to save significant energy.
To easily calculate the required number of lamps, use the Calculator for calculating the number of lamps.
Application of pass-through switches especially relevant for controlling the lighting of staircases. For this purpose, circuits using time relays are often used, but such circuits are less economical and reliable, and are also not very convenient to use.
People move up stairs at different speeds, some faster and others slower, so setting large time delays taking into account the reserve means reducing savings.
Connection diagram for a pass-through lamp at the bottom, one switch allows you to turn on the lamps, and going up the stairs, another switch allows you to turn them off. If you need to go down, then to turn on the light a pass-through switch is used at the top, and to turn it off - at the bottom. A similar scheme is convenient to use for lighting long corridors.
Pass-through switches will be very useful not only for owners of long corridors and high-rise buildings, they will also be very useful for residents of small apartments. For example, in an apartment there is a passage room, upon entering which the light turns on, then when you go to the next room, the light turns on in it, and in the passage room it turns off pass-through switch, lighting that has become unnecessary. This scheme is very convenient and eliminates unnecessary walking, and also saves electricity.
Or another example. When an apartment dweller enters the bedroom, he turns on the light at the door, and when he goes to bed, he turns on the sconce or table lamp to read before going to bed, but now he needs to get up, go to the door and turn off the chandelier. And if in advance install a pass-through switch at the head of the bed, then all these manipulations do not need to be done.
In order to implement such a control circuit, so-called “pass-through switches” are used, which are switches. Unlike conventional switches, they have not two, but three contacts and can switch the “phase” from the first contact to the second or third.
Any type of lamp (from incandescent to fluorescent, LED, and energy-saving) can be used as a lighting source for such a circuit. You can connect according to this scheme not only lamps, but also any other load, the inclusion of which needs to be controlled from several places.
The procedure is not much different connecting a pass-through switch from connecting a conventional switch. The only difference is in the number of wires and contact terminals supplied; there are three of them at the pass-through switch.
It is necessary to take into account in advance that a three-core wire will need to be pulled from the junction box to such a switch.
In this scheme we use two pass-through switches and a distribution box into which wires and three-core wires from switches are brought from the controlled lamp.
From the junction box, the phase wire is connected to the common input contact of the first pass-through switch. Two other (output) contacts are connected to the wires, which come from similar contacts of the second switch. Then it is connected to the wire coming from the lamp, the common (input) contact of the second switch.
The second wire from the lamp is directly connected to the junction box zero
In accordance with the power of the controlled luminaire, it is necessary to select the cross-section of the three-core wire that is supplied to the pass-through switches.
Sometimes it becomes necessary to provide not two control points for lamps, but three or more. For example, on the stairs of a multi-story building, the lights on each floor must be turned on and off. With a long corridor into which the doors of several rooms open, the situation is the same.
To implement this scheme, in addition to simple pass-through switches, you will also need crossover switches. Such switches no longer have three contacts, but four - two input and two output, which represent two pairs of simultaneously switched contacts. A four-wire wire must be connected to such switches accordingly.
They are used in such a control scheme at the first and last control points of lamps - regular pass-through switches, on all others there are cross switches.
The number of control points is not limited, however, the complexity of switching in the distribution box increases due to the large number of wires connected to it. When laying them, you simply cannot do without proper marking of the wires, otherwise you can easily get confused in them.
The connection principle is as follows: the output pair of contacts of the first pass-through switch is connected to wires that go to the input pair of the next cross switch and further, up to the last pass-through switch, the common contact of which is connected to the wire going to the lamp. The phase wire is connected to the input contact of the first switch, and the second wire from the lamp to the junction box zero.
A three-core wire is pulled to each pass-through switch, and a four-wire wire to each crossover switch.
To increase the operating comfort of lighting fixtures, walk-through lighting fixtures are used, which allow you to control room lighting from two or more places. Sometimes this is not only a convenience, but also a necessity.
Most often, the connection diagram for a pass-through switch from 2 places is used in the following places, namely:
This list can be kept for quite a long time, since each case has its own option for using pass-through switch systems. To save time and money, all operations can be performed independently, subject to the recommendations that will be given in this article.
Read in the article
A pass-through switch is a device that allows you to control one light source from two or more places. The schemes for connecting them to the electrical network are a little more complicated than, since it involves the installation of several switching devices.
Lighting with pass-through switching devices, as a rule, is mounted on, in, long and garden. Such a scheme makes it possible to turn on the light in one place and turn it off in another, without resorting to the first switch.
To understand how a switch differs from a switch, you must first define the terms.
The switch is a two-position switching device with two contacts for use in electrical networks with voltages up to 1,000 volts. This device is not intended to cut short-circuit current unless equipped with an arc arrester. A household switch can be designed for indoor and outdoor installation.
A switch (also known as a backup, pass-through or changeover switch) is a device that switches one or more electrical circuits to several others. Externally, it is practically indistinguishable from a regular switch, except for the presence of more contacts.
When considering the question of what it is - a pass-through switch, it is worth knowing that they, like ordinary ones, come in single-key, two-key and three-key. They are also similar in the type of control - keyboard, touch, with remote control, etc.
The simplest pass-through switching device is a single-key switch. In appearance, it is practically no different from a conventional switching device, with the exception of the presence of an internal circuit, which, as a rule, is printed on the back of the case.
A conventional switching device makes and breaks an electrical circuit on one wire of the circuit. The principle of operation of a pass-through switch is that the mechanism key breaks one circuit and closes another. Switching contacts allows the switches to work in pairs and control the same lighting fixture. The pass-through switch can only be used in conjunction with another similar device. You can use this type of switch as a regular one, but in this case the meaning of its entire design is lost.
In a conventional device, the switching plate is permanently closed on one contact and, when a key is pressed, it is connected to another, thereby completing the electrical circuit. The device of pass-through switches provides for the presence of a third contact located between the other two, and the plate connects it alternately, then to the first, then to the second, so it would be more correct to call such a device a switch.
A set of contacts with a switching plate is called a group of contacts. To control lighting from two different points, just one group is enough; from three or more, you will have to use two paired pass-through switches.
It’s worth saying right away that despite the seemingly small differences, a pass-through switch costs much more than a regular one. Therefore, many craftsmen, having decided to control lighting from several places, prefer to make such devices on their own, especially since for a person with the right hands, this is not so difficult. So, let's look at how to make a pass-through switch from a regular one, which can be bought at any market or electrical goods store.
In principle, converting a conventional switch into a walk-through switch consists of adding a third contact to the device circuit. To do this, it is advisable to purchase, or maybe someone already has, two switches, for one or a pair of keys, made by the same manufacturer.
It is very important that the switches are the same size. If you purchase a two-key switch, you need to make sure that they have the ability to swap terminals so that the breaking and closing of each circuit is carried out independently of each other. As a result, it should turn out that in one position of the key one circuit will be turned on, and in the other - the second.
Now let's look at the step-by-step process of converting a conventional switch into a walk-through one.
Important! First of all, and this is not discussed, it is necessary to de-energize the network, having first identified the phase wire using the indicator, which needs to be marked, for example, with a piece of electrical tape (this will facilitate further connection).
| Photo of the stage | Process description |
 | We take a regular overhead one-key switch. |
 | Using a screwdriver, carefully pry out the device key (as a rule, they are equipped with clips) |
 | Carefully press the switch core out of the housing. |
 | Release the clamps on the housing of the internal mechanism of the switch. |
 | We remove one of the terminals from the socket. |
 | We reinstall the contact opposite the other one. |
 | We install a “rocker arm” on the contacts. |
 | Reassemble the body and the conversion is complete. |
A pass-through switch can be made from two regular ones, placing them side by side so that one of them is turned on when you press the top part of the key, the second - on the bottom. The keys are connected by a plate glued on top of them. A jumper is installed between two contacts of adjacent switches.
Before installing the pass-through switch, you need to loosen the spacer tabs, connect the wires in accordance with the diagram, insert them into the wiring box and tighten the clamp screws back.
The remodeling process can be seen in more detail in the presented video:
To know exactly how to correctly install a pass-through switch, you first need to understand the connection diagrams for various types of switches with different numbers of lighting fixtures.
The single-key pass-through switch circuit is the simplest.
To control lighting from more than two places, you will need to include a single-key cross switch in the circuit.
It is preferable to install pass-through switches with several keys in large rooms with several inputs and different ones that need to be turned on simultaneously. The most popular is connecting a pass-through double switch, which allows you to control several groups of lamps.
A two-key pass-through switch consists of two single-key transfer switches that are housed in a single housing. Accordingly, for installation and operation the device will need six wires, which is clearly visible in the diagram of a two-key pass-through switch.
The lighting circuit using a three-key pass-through switch is quite complex due to the presence of a large number of wires. However, these switching devices are popular because they allow you to control three different lighting groups from one access point.
In the wiring diagram, triple pass-through switches are usually a two-key and a single-key switch.
As mentioned above, pass-through switches are designed to control one or more lighting groups. We have already looked at how to connect a pass-through switch, and we know that control can be done from two or more points, but each of these schemes has its own characteristics.
Unlike conventional one, two and three-key switching devices, which are mounted individually, the installation of pass-through switches is carried out only in pairs. Next, we will look at how to implement a scheme for controlling lighting groups from two or more places and connection features.
Important! To control lighting fixtures from three or more places, in addition to the usual pass-through switches, it is necessary to connect cross switches.
The video clearly shows the connection diagram for the pass-through switch:
Connecting a pass-through switch is practically no different from installing a conventional 1, 2 or 3-key switch. The difference is only in the number of terminals and wires supplied.
For your information! Simply installing a pass-through switch in place of a regular one will not work since it will require at least a three-core cable.
To implement a circuit for connecting a pass-through switch from two places, you will need two switching devices, a distribution box into which wires from and three-core cables from the switches are supplied.
The phase wire from the distribution box is connected to the common input contact 1 of the pass-through switch. The output contacts are connected in parallel to similar terminals of the second switching device. From the common contact of the second switch the wire goes to the terminal of the lighting fixture. The other terminal of the lamp is connected by wire to the “zero” in the distribution box.
That’s basically the whole diagram for connecting switches from two places. In my opinion, there is nothing difficult about this.
Important! The wire cross-section must be selected in accordance with the power of the lighting fixtures.
Sometimes there is a need to create more than two control points for different lighting groups, for example, in multi-storey buildings, in large halls, long corridors with several exits, etc. In such cases, a connection diagram for pass-through switches with at least 3 points is implemented.
You can also make such a connection without problems, however, for this, in addition to the usual pass-through switches, you will also need a cross switch. In such switching devices there are no longer three, but four contacts - a pair of inputs and two outputs, which switch simultaneously, and accordingly it is necessary to use four-core cables.
In such a scheme, conventional pass-through switches are used at the first and last lighting control points, while cross switches are used at all other points. The number of group control places is unlimited, but with each additional point the connection in the distribution box becomes more complicated due to the large number of wires. To make the work easier, it is necessary to mark the wires so as not to get tangled in them later.
The principle of connecting pass-through switches for three control points is as follows:
The diagram above shows the connection to the lighting of three control points, consisting of two pass-through and one crossover switches.
Attention! Through and crossover switches can operate at 6, 10 or 16A current ratings. All switches in a given circuit must have the same or greater current rating, and the wires used must be the same size.
Having understood the above connection options, it will not be difficult to implement a connection diagram for a pass-through switch with 4 points or more. The difference lies in the introduction of additional crossover switches into the circuit.
The principle of work is practically no different from the previous ones, you just have to deal with even more wires, so it would be completely useful to label them.
Before you go to a store or market to buy a pass-through switch, you first need to familiarize yourself with the leading manufacturers of these products and their model range. The Russian electrical goods market offers products from a wide variety of manufacturers - from premium to budget. The prices of pass-through switches largely depend on the design and brand.
Legrand is a leader in the electrical goods market due to the highest quality and reliability of its products and differs from competitors in its more flexible pricing policy. Legrand pass-through switches are convenient in everything - from installation to operation. The company's products are associated with style and high quality.
The advantages of Legrand products are as follows:
An insignificant drawback of Legrand pass-through switches is the need for a more precise adjustment of the installation locations, since if they do not match, installation complications may arise.
The Turkish company VIKO has been in the electrical market since 1990 and has already managed to win the trust of consumers. The company's products are characterized by high quality and reliability. For the production of electrical accessories, durable and fireproof plastic is used, designed for a large number of operating cycles. All of the company's products meet high European standards of quality and electrical safety.
The Chinese manufacturer Lezard is part of the Legrand company, but only the stylish design remains from the native brand, and the build quality sometimes suffers from failures. But for such a price the quality is appropriate.
Wessen is one of the leaders in the Russian electrical market and is a branch of Schneider Electric. Because of this, all products undergo strict quality control and are equipped with the latest technologies developed in the field of electrical engineering. The company offers the consumer a wide selection of products with a universal design, which allows them to fit into almost any environment.
The most popular among Russian buyers is the Rondo series. All products in this series are designed for hidden installation and have the necessary safety features. In addition, the decorative frames of the switches can be easily replaced, which makes it possible to customize them to any interior and realize your own design ideas.
A Turkish brand that has long gained popularity among Russian consumers. Makel products are functional, reliable and safe, and despite their seemingly simple design, they attract attention.
Makel switches provide the ability to connect via a cable without using distribution boxes. This makes product installation simple and use comfortable.
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 Valena |
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 Galea Life |
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 Wessen W 59 Frame |
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 Lilium Nat Care |
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 Defne |
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 Makel Mimoza |
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When installing switches, it is necessary to ensure that there is no electric current using an indicator.
The most convenient height for ease of use is considered to be 900 mm from the floor. It is better to place the switch at a distance of 200 mm from the doorway.
If the device is installed outdoors, you should purchase switches with a protection class of at least IP44.
Before installation, you first need to use an indicator to identify the phase wire and mark it. This will make it easier to further connect the pass-through switch.
In the distribution box, it is better to connect the wires not by twisting, but by means of connecting blocks, terminal blocks and clamps.
As we can see, the device, operating principle and connection of the pass-through switch are not particularly difficult, especially if you follow the recommendations and adhere to basic electrical safety rules. The introduction of pass-through switches will provide additional comfort for controlling lighting devices. You can improve your home's electrical systems endlessly; it's just a matter of desire, financial capabilities and imagination.
The article discusses the operating principle of a pass-through and changeover switch, and provides wiring diagrams for switches designed to control lighting from two, three or more places. Tips are provided on the correct performance of installation work related to connecting pass-through switches.
The idea on which the pass-through switch was created is not new, the first circuits appeared in the homes of radio amateurs back in the 60s, and it gained particular popularity in the 90s, when the first imported switches appeared on the market, “tailored” to control a lamp from different places
The simplest representative of the family of pass-through switches is its single-key version.
Externally, it is no different from a regular switch, except for the internal diagram, which is usually indicated on the back of the case.
The operating principle of a pass-through switch is simple: when you move the switch key, the internal moving contact opens one circuit and automatically closes the second (the so-called changeover contact). In the figure, terminal “2” is the common contact, terminals “3” and “6” are the changeover output.
The circuit diagram of the pass-through switch looks like this:
Using this effect, you can create the simplest pass-through switch circuit, in which one lamp will be controlled from two different places at once:
1,2 - pass-through switches; 3 - to the lamp body
Installation is carried out with a three-core cable. To simplify installation work, its cores must have factory color markings. The cross-section of the selected wire must withstand the load connected through it. Since the power of the switch contacts is limited to 10-16 A, flexible copper cable with a wire cross-section of 1 to 1.5 mm 2 is most often used for installation.
You can also use the following connection:
1 - branch box; 2 - to the lamp body; 3, 4 — socket boxes
The pass-through switch is assembled in the following sequence:
1. Disassemble the switch.
2. Connect the wires to the pass-through switch according to the diagram.
3. Insert the switch into the installation box and fix it in it.
4. Cover the switch with protective and decorative covers.
Important! Using a tester, make sure which wire in the distribution box is “phase”. Before carrying out installation work, turn off the supply voltage. Do not twist copper and aluminum wires together.
Make sure that each switch can turn the lamp on or off, regardless of the position of the other switch.
Each switching of the pass-through switch should cause the electric lamps to turn off or on; if this does not happen, it is necessary to find and eliminate the error in the installation performed.
These walk-through switches physically consist of two single pass-through switches assembled in one housing.
1 — pass-through two-key switch; 2 - pass-through switches
A double pass-through switch allows you to control multiple lamps at once. To do this, you need to assemble the following diagram:
1, 2 — two-key pass-through switch; 3 - to the lamp body
For switching, you can use either three-core wires laid in parallel or six-core wires, the main thing is not to make a mistake when connecting.
The assembled circuit allows you to independently turn on and off two lamps or two lamps from two different places.
For example, let's turn on lamp No. 1 by changing the position of the first rocker switch.
You can turn on the second lamp in the same way.
Disabling can be done using either the first or second switch.
In some cases, it is not enough to be able to control the lighting from two places. To effectively control the lighting of a three-story flight of stairs, you will need at least three control points. In this case, together with the classic pass-through switches, an additional type of switch is used - a cross switch.
A crossover switch is installed in the connection gap between two pass-through switches, this allows you to create another lighting control point.
1, 3 — pass-through switches; 2 - cross switch; 4 - to the lamp body
With the help of additional sequential installation of cross switches, you can increase the number of places from which the lighting is controlled.
As can be seen from the diagram, switching any of the switches will turn the lighting on or off.
Assembling the lamp control circuit from three different places can be done as follows:
1 — pass-through switch; 2 - cross switch; 3, 5 — socket boxes for pass-through switches; 4 - socket box for cross switch; 6 - branch box; 7 - to the lamp body
Installation is carried out similarly to the option discussed above with a single pass-through switch; installation will require a two- and three-wire cable.
As can be seen from the material discussed, using pass-through switches, you can organize control of one lamp from two different places. Using a cross switch allows you to increase the number of control points to three or more.
To make the adjustment of lighting in the house more convenient, pass-through switches are used, which in professional circles are also called changeover or backup switches. The main difference between this version and the classic one is the presence of a mass of contacts, which makes the connection procedure somewhat more complicated. To do everything yourself, first you need a diagram for connecting a pass-through switch from 2 places.
In large rooms it is advisable to install a pass-through switch with control from two places
The pass-through switch has one key with two arrows on it. The light switch circuit from two places is somewhat more complicated in comparison with the classic one, since the latter provides for the use of only two contacts, while in the walk-through there are already three, two of which are considered common. The light switching scheme provides for the use of such devices in quantities of two or more.
When a key is pressed, the input is connected to one of the outputs - the first or second. These are the two main operating states of such equipment. There are no intermediate provisions, so the circuit always works properly.
In order not to be mistaken about which switch is used in a particular room, you should study in more detail the diagram of a pass-through switch from two places for 1 light bulb or several lamps, which in most cases is located on the body of the device being installed. It is placed mainly on products from well-known manufacturers. When using inexpensive models, the only solution left is to “ring out” the ends using special equipment.
Contacts are called at different key positions. The procedure is also carried out in order to ultimately prevent confusion with the ends, since irresponsible manufacturers often make mistakes in the location of the terminals when producing switches, which is why the device simply cannot work normally.
To dial, you need to use switch or digital equipment. The latter is switched to the desired mode by a special switch and determines the presence of short-circuited sections in the wiring being tested or in any radio components. If you close the ends of the probes, the device will emit a characteristic sound signal, which is a fairly convenient operating principle, since it eliminates the need to constantly monitor the readings on the display. If there is only a pointer device, when you try to close the probes, the arrow should deviate all the way to the right.
When carrying out this procedure, you need to find the common wire. This will not be difficult for experienced specialists. If you don’t have the skills, it is recommended to watch a video on the Internet that will contain a detailed description of the connection diagram for pass-through switches from 2 places.
Connection diagram for pass-through switches
The need to connect two light bulbs to one switch often arises in the bedroom, when one switch is left near the entrance, and the second is placed somewhere near the bed so that you can conveniently reach it by light, and then turn it off before going to bed.
The connection diagram is quite simple: a phase is supplied to the input of the switch, the input of the other is connected to the chandelier wire. The second end of the chandelier is combined with the neutral wire, and the N1 outputs of both switches are combined with each other in the same way as N2.
The circuit works extremely simply: if you switch any of the switches in any order, the light will turn on and off.
Special attention should be paid to wiring. Modern requirements provide for the possibility of laying it at a distance of at least 15 cm from the ceiling. It is customary to lay cables in special boxes or trays, and combine the ends in a junction box. This design option has many advantages, the main one being the ease of replacing damaged wires.
In the wiring boxes, the wires are connected with special clamps. Twists are also possible, which must be soldered and provided with reliable insulation.
If you need to provide remote control of lighting from three places at once, you need to supplement the circuit with a cross switch. Its main feature is that it switches two contacts at once, and therefore is equipped with two outputs and inputs. Connecting three switches is somewhat more complicated compared to the previous case, but in general, you can easily understand the principle of operation of this equipment.
To connect lighting according to this scheme, you need to perform several key procedures:
Using this scheme in work, you can equip a room with four or five lighting control points. In this case, it will be necessary to increase the number of additional crossover switches, since they should always be located between the pass-throughs.
If there is a need to control the operation of several lamps from different points, you can use two-key pass-through switches, but their connection is complicated by the presence of six contacts. The main thing in working with such equipment is to calculate the common contacts.
The phase wire is fed to the inputs of each switch, while their other inputs will be connected to one end of each lamp. The free ends of the lamps will be connected to the neutral wire. The two outputs of one switch are combined with the outputs of the second, and the remaining pairs of outputs are combined in the same way.
If you want to regulate the operation of two lamps simultaneously from three or four points, you need to use two cross switches. In this case, each pair of pass-through outputs is connected to a crossover pair, and then the devices are connected to each other, pair by pair.
If you understand in detail all the features of connecting pass-through switches, the procedure is very easy to repeat, especially when it comes to connecting single-key devices. When using two-key switches, the work is much more complicated, as more switches and more wires are used. At the same time, such a scheme in itself is not so practical, but its cost is much higher.
Experts recommend using a circuit with two-key switches only if it is really necessary. In practice, they are more difficult to connect and ensure stable operation over time.
