How to replace a switch in an apartment, installation and connection
In each apartment, switches are installed to turn the light on and off. These devices are considered durable, but sometimes they fail. In this case, you will have to deal with replacing the broken switch. However, before that you need to familiarize yourself with the work recommendations.
Kinds
There are several types of switches that are most often installed in apartments.
Outside
Some people use exterior switches which are easier to install than interior switches. These wiring accessories should be used in rooms where electrical networks are laid by an open method. Some consider them inferior to embedded designs, but they are not, and they are in no way inferior to other switches.
The only drawback of outdoor products is that they are not always suitable for furnishing certain rooms. Therefore, many people prefer integrated products.
Integrated
These models are installed in a special hole created inside the wall.
Pivot
Rotating fixture designs are considered the least common. Their characteristics include the fact that they only have two layouts. Turning off and turning on the bulb is carried out after a full turn of a special handle installed on the surface of the case. Most often, such structures are installed in houses with open-type wiring. However, some install them in apartments with closed electrical wiring.
Among the advantages of rotating structures are:
- low price;
- ease of installation;
- compactness.
Keyboards
Such switches are considered the most common, and therefore can be found in almost every home. Keypads are manufactured for indoor and outdoor electrical wiring. The advantages of such devices are ease of use and simplicity of design. In addition, the advantages include the fact that a single switch can be used to turn on several lighting fixtures.
The operating principle of keyboards is simple. A conventional switch is installed inside their case, with the help of which the electrical circuit is opened or closed.
Button
Models of push-button switches are equipped with a special spring mechanism, when pressed, the contacts are closed. If you press the button again, the electrical circuit will open. Previously, these types of switches were used only in table lamps, but now this mechanism is also used on wall structures.
Push-button designs are used less often than keypads, as they cost several times as much. The advantages of such products include high quality and durability.
Motion sensors
The most modern switches are considered equipped with special motion detectors. They turn on the light when an object moves around them. This saves you a lot of energy, as the light will only burn for 1-2 minutes, after which it will turn off automatically.
Experts do not advise buying cheap motion sensors, as they are of poor quality. Such devices detect the movement of an object only if it occurs in a perpendicular plane. If you go straight to the sensor, it won't notice anything.
Sensory
These are rarely seen switches and consist of two different circuits. The first models were created using a capacitor circuit. In this case, by touching the surface of the switch, a special signal was given, with the help of which the lighting was turned on or off. With the help of such devices, it was possible to independently regulate the degree of illumination. For example, if you hold your finger on a surface, the light will begin to turn on gradually.
Modern models have small displays with which you can manually adjust the desired level of lighting.
Wireless
Wireless switches are radio-controlled devices capable of independently transmitting a signal. The signal receiver is installed on the power line, with the help of which the energy is transmitted to the lighting devices. A small generator is installed in the design of the switch, which is responsible for generating electricity when the button is pressed. The main disadvantage of cordless models is their high cost. Therefore, many people are more likely to install other types of switches.
Dimmers
The name of these switches comes from the English word dimmer, which means dimming. Such dimmers allow a person to manually change the level of illumination from full illumination to maximum illumination.
Often, such fixtures are installed inside cinemas to control light. However, dimmers are sometimes found in residential areas. At home, they are used to adjust the level of lighting for watching television or reading books.
Coaching
Before proceeding with the replacement of the switch, it is necessary to carry out preparatory work. First you need to remove the bulb and check it to make sure the switch is broken. Sometimes a breakdown is associated with the usual burning out of a light bulb. If it is found that the malfunction is associated with a breakdown of the switch, then it will have to be disassembled. However, you must first completely de-energize the room. To do this, turn off the switch and check that there is no electricity in the apartment.
How to delete the old
After completing the preparation, they begin to disassemble the old product. The work is carried out in several stages:
- Elimination of building keys. Switch keys are removed first. To do this, carefully remove them with a flat screwdriver.
- Disassembly of the upper part. After removing the keys, the upper part of the structure is disassembled, making it its decorative decoration.
- Removing screws. After removing the upper part, the fixing screws are unscrewed, with which the switch is screwed.
- Disconnecting the wiring. Unscrewing the housing, disconnect the wiring.
Install and connect a new
After unscrewing the old switch, a new one is installed in its place.
With just one button
First, the wiring wires are installed in special grooves, after which they are screwed with pliers. After connecting the wiring to the grooves, they begin to install the structure in the wall. For this, the fasteners are screwed into the wall, after which the upper part of the structure with the knob is mounted. After installing a one-button design, check its performance. If the switch turns the light on and off, the job is done correctly.
With two buttons
When installing a switch for a concealed type of wiring, the structure is connected so that the wiring is connected to a common contact. Then the structure is installed in a special hole in the wall and screwed. If the switch is installed for open wiring, it is first mounted in the wall and only then the wires are connected.
Then the installed structure is closed with a special cover, on which buttons are installed for turning on and off the electricity.
With three buttons
A three-button switch is installed as follows:
- The phase wire is connected to the L pin, and the other two are connected to the first and second connectors.
- After connecting the wires, tighten the fixing screws with special spring terminals.
- Installation of the switch in the socket.
- Tighten the sliding tab screws so they don't have a gap.
- Install the cover with keys and check the functionality of the connected device.
How to replace the exterior with the interior
Replacing an external switch with an internal one is quite simple. First you need to get rid of the old structure, completely remove it and disconnect it from the wiring. Then, after removal, a special hole is made for the power cable.After that, connect the internal switch to the wiring and install it in a special recess.
Review
To check the functionality of the installed switch, it is sufficient to apply electricity to the socket and operate the switch. If the light turns on when using the switch, it is installed correctly.
Common Mistakes
There are a few common mistakes people make when configuring radio buttons:
- installation of inappropriate switches;
- using the wrong tools;
- incorrect wiring.
Conclusion
Sooner or later, the installed switch fails, and you have to deal with its replacement. Before that, you should familiarize yourself with the varieties of these switches, as well as recommendations for their subsequent replacement.