It consists in the ability to control the lamp from different points. It is most relevant to use this type of electrical accessories in a long corridor, a spacious cottage, or even a bedroom (if the first one is installed near the bed, and the second one at the entrance to the room). Next, we will look at a simple diagram for connecting a pass-through switch with one key, and will also provide you with a visual video lesson on how to properly connect wires in a junction box.

So, it should immediately be noted that the switch (it can also be called that) is not used alone; at least two products must be present to control it. As for connecting the wires, the principle is no different from the usual version - the zero goes directly to the lamp, the phase goes into a break. The only difference is that in the connection diagram of a single-key pass-through switch, not one phase is connected at the output (as in the classic version), but two. The output 2 contacts are connected to the next switch, which has one output wire for connection to the chandelier.

Photo in which you can see the real picture of switching wires for 2 lamps:

The output of the second switch has 2 contacts, because in this example two light bulbs are used

It is a little difficult to perceive the information in words, so we provide an electrical diagram for connecting a pass-through switch with one key:

As you can see, two single-key devices are connected with a three-core cable, which in turn must have a suitable core diameter. Read about that in the corresponding article!

A visual video example will show you the essence of the connection:

Instructions for connecting wires

I would also like to mention that a frequent case is a circuit variant in which there are 3 or even 4 single pass-through switches. In this case, you can turn on/off the lights from 2, 3 and even 4 places, which is very convenient when you are in a long corridor. To create such a chain of control, you need to use another type of product - cross, which are intermediate elements of the circuit.

As for the scheme according to which you will carry out installation, it looks like this:

This option makes it possible to control the lamp from three places. In the event that you want to switch off from four places, another cross switch is added to the circuit.

The pass-through switch significantly expands the user's ability to control lighting devices. The design and connection diagram of the pass-through switch allows you to control one lighting device or a group of lamps from several places. This is widely used in buildings, individual rooms and structures for various purposes with large areas.

Using pass-through switches in the house

By having walk-through switches at different ends of a stadium, concert hall or other large venue, you can turn on all the lighting at the entrance. If you need to exit the structure on the opposite side, you do not need to return to the switch that turned on the light - there is the same pass-through switch at the other exit. Electrical circuits with pass-through switches allow you to control lighting from several different locations.

It is very convenient to use such electrical circuits in underground passages and tunnels; circuits with walk-through switches are increasingly used in private houses and on flights of stairs in the entrances of multi-storey buildings.

Design and operating principle

The pass-through switch is no different in appearance from conventional products. The significant difference is in the design of the contact group, which is hidden inside the housing. A simple switch closes and opens an electrical circuit on a single wire. The connection diagram for a pass-through switch, when the position of the keys changes, opens one circuit and immediately closes another. The principle of switching the contacts of the circuit ensures that the switches operate in pairs to control the same light source. According to the technical solution, it would be correct to call such an element in the circuit not a pass-through switch, but a switch. Professional terminology has already been formed, and changes can only create more confusion, so everything remains as it is.

When the contacts of the pass-through switch are switched, one section of the lighting circuit opens and another section closes. The connection diagram of the pass-through switch is changed so that any of the switches is ready to turn the light on or off. A pass-through switch can only be used in conjunction with another. In practice, it is possible to connect a pass-through switch to the circuit so that it works as a simple one, but then the meaning of all the elements of its design is lost.

Kinds

Like regular switches, pass-through switches are divided depending on the type of wiring: for external wiring, for hidden wiring.

According to the design of the contact terminals: terminals with screw clamps, spring clamp terminals.

By number of keys:

• single-key;
• two-key;
• three-key.

They have everything like conventional switches, the difference is in the design and operation of the contact group. The principle of a single-key pass-through switch is to switch the input contact to one of two output contacts. Two-key pass-through switches, like three-key switches, in their housing contain 2 or 3 designs of a contact group of a single-key switch.

Connecting a pass-through switch is simple; you can do everything yourself. The number of contacts, keys, and switch sizes change, but the operating principle remains the same.

Scheme of the structure of one-, two-, and three-key switches

• a single-key switch has one input terminal and two output terminals;
• two-key switch - two input terminals and four output terminals;
• three-key switch - three input terminals and six output terminals.

Lighting control from 2 places

One lighting fixture or group of fixtures can be controlled from two places: sconces in the hallway or lampposts along the garden path. You will need a regular circuit for connecting a pass-through switch, more precisely with two pass-through single-key switches, because they only work in pairs. Using this example, it is easiest to understand how pass-through switches work. The figure below shows how to connect a pass-through switch to the circuit.

Connection diagram for pass-through switches

The phase from the 220 V network is connected to the input terminal of one of the pass-through switches, its output terminals are connected to the output of the second. The free input terminal of the second switch remains; it is connected to the lighting fixture. The second contact of the lighting device is connected to the neutral wire of the network. The diagram shows that the lamp is in the off state; when the position of the group of contacts of any switch changes, current is supplied to it. The next switch on one of the two switches breaks the circuit and the lamp goes out.

Closer to real conditions, the installation diagram is shown in a picture of the wiring of cables and wires in the junction box. According to the requirements of the PUE (Electrical Installation Rules), in this case a cable with three copper conductors is used:

• red – phase;
• blue – 0;
• yellow-green – ground wire.

Connecting cables and wires in the junction box

The circuit is divided into four circuit sections:

1. cable from the 220 V power supply: from the circuit breaker in the distribution board to the box;
2. cable from one pass-through switch to the switch box;
3. cable from another pass-through switch to the junction box;
4. cable from the lighting fixture to the junction box.

There are four cables in the box.

Requirements for the color of wires according to their functional purpose are fully met only in two areas. From the distribution board and lamp to the box, when disconnecting the contacts of pass-through switches, they are partially carried out. It is allowed to use wires of any color. If you are confused, check with a multimeter in continuity mode or another measuring device. The phase (red) wire must be connected to the input contacts of the switches.

To control two lighting groups, a two-key pass-through switch connection diagram is used. If a person understands how single-key pass-through switches are connected, he will figure out how to connect a triple switch.

Connection diagram for a two-key pass-through switch

Lighting control from 3 places

To control lighting from three places, you will need a cross-through switch. You can install it in any place convenient for use. In the circuit, a crossover switch is connected between conventional pass-through switches. They can be used on flights of stairs, for lighting courtyards and other objects, at the request of the customer.

It’s easy to make a cross switch with your own hands; to do this, you need to slightly modify the two-key pass-through switch. Two jumpers are placed on the output contacts, and the two keys are combined into one; you can simply glue one to the other. It is necessary to glue it so that the mounting holes on the keys coincide with the pins on the switch. The gap between the keys can be compensated with a cardboard spacer, to which plastic strips must be glued on both sides.

There are ready-made products in stores; you don’t have to reinvent the wheel, just buy and deliver.

Lighting control circuit from 3 places

Diagrams A1 and A2 (below) show different connection options, but the functional purpose remains the same - the principle of pairwise transfer of contacts is observed.

Cross switch connection options

In cases where the lighting element is a large chandelier with two groups of light bulbs or just two rows of sconces along a long corridor, two-key pass-through and cross switches must be used. The circuit is a little more complicated, but it is clear that the same principle of switching contacts works. When the light source is turned off by one switch, the contacts close the circuits of the other switches.

The circuit is in such a state that when any key of this group of lamps is pressed, current flows to the contacts of the lamps. Based on these circuits, it is possible to control lighting from four or more places by inserting additional cross switches.

Connection diagram for four switches

Usage example

For a situation where you need to walk through a dark yard to the house, a circuit with pass-through switches in two places is ideal. In a private home it is easy to implement this project with your own hands. In the hallway next to the distribution board you need to install a distribution box and one pass-through switch. The second one needs to be placed on the inside of the fence near the gate; lamp posts installed along the path can be used as lighting fixtures. Large electrical supply stores have many options with original decorative finishes.

The connection should be made according to the diagram described above. It is recommended to lay cables from the street switch and between poles underground in plastic pipes. There is no need to bury it deeply; 30-40 cm will be enough to protect against mechanical damage. There is no point in taking into account the depth of freezing in each region; this is not a water supply system; copper wires will not freeze.

How to connect. Video

You can learn how to connect a pass-through switch according to all the rules from this video.

Having studied the principles of operation of a circuit with two single-key switches and assembling it with your own hands, you can, without outside help, begin installing more complex circuits with two-key switches in three places or three-key switches in two places, if necessary.

Schemes of pass-through switches allow you to turn the lighting on and off from two or more different locations. In some cases this is not just convenient, but also very necessary.

For example, there is a long corridor in the room. It is naturally illuminated. By turning on the light at the beginning, and having this very pass-through switch connection diagram, you don’t have to go back again to turn it off, but you can do it with the second switch, which is installed at the other end of the corridor. Very often, such circuits are also used to control the lighting of stairs.

What is better to use: pass-through switches or bistable relays? Answer .

How to correctly connect pass-through switches for independent lighting control from two places.

Let's take a closer look at this connection diagram consisting of two pass-through switches. It requires two switches (also called “pass-through”), each of which has three contacts and two switching positions. Moreover, the switching mode must be of a “change-over nature”, that is - one contact is common to the other two. In one position it is closed with one of them, and in another position, naturally, with the other. Consequently, the general short circuit of all three contacts is completely eliminated.

Connection diagram for a pass-through switch for controlling a lamp from 2 places

Pass-through switch with three contacts and two positions (the common contact is on top)

Explanations for the diagrams

Now let's look at the drawn diagrams. Both circuits consist of the pass-through switches themselves, a lamp and connecting wires (during installation, these will be two, three and four-core cables). The first diagram shows wiring diagram for a pass-through switch with control from two different places.

As you can see, one wire (in our case it is neutral) goes from the power source to the junction box and from there to the lamp. The other (phase wire), after the box, is connected to the common contact of one of the switches. Two switched contacts of one switch are connected to two contacts of the second switch (via a box). Well, from the common contact of the second switch, the phase is supplied to the second contact of the lamp.

As for the installation of this circuit itself: they are placed in their installation places pass-through switches, from which three-core cables are output. Lamps are mounted that are connected in parallel and from which a two-core cable ultimately comes out.

Next, a connection box is installed in the most suitable location (taking into account the minimum cable length and the convenient location of this box). The cable from the lamps, power supply and the pass-through switches themselves is inserted into it. This box is made between each other, as shown in the diagram.

Connection diagram for a pass-through switch for controlling a lamp from 3 places

How to control lighting from three places

Connection diagram for a pass-through switch with control from three places not much different from the previous one (the general principle of operation is the same). It adds another pass-through switch, which is slightly different from the previous ones. As can be seen from the diagram, this twin switch. That is, when one key is pressed, two contacts that are electrically independent of each other are simultaneously switched. In addition, as you should have noticed, there is a four-wire cable coming out of it.

Connection diagrams for pass-through switches of this type are good because they are relatively simple in their design (no additional components are required). But they are limited by the number of such control places.

The problem of independent lighting control from two places can also be solved using special pulse relays and.

Based on basic savings, you begin to think about how not to turn on the lights around the clock. Lighting in different rooms especially on different floors. Whether they have their own house or an apartment, everyone has the same problem. In the recent past, lights were on everywhere without turning off. How can you make a connection that will solve this problem? And there is a way out. To prevent the light from being constantly on, it is possible to control it from different places.

It is possible to turn the lamps on and off from different places. And this opportunity exists thanks to pass-through switches. They may be called “duplicate” or “reversible”. But this is all one type of equipment. They differ from ordinary ones in the large number of contacts. Therefore, connecting these switches is more complicated. And so we deal with the pass-through switch.

• How does a pass-through switch work?
• Switch connection diagram from two places
• Three point diagram
• Two-key switch: connection diagram

If we talk about the visible difference, then this is the only thing: a barely noticeable arrow on the up and down key.

It looks like a pass-through one-key switch, there are double arrows

The circuit of a pass-through switch is not so complicated: in simple switches there are only two contacts, in pass-through switches (also redundant) there are three contacts, two of which are common. There are always two or more such switches in the connection diagram; they are assembled using common wires.

Pass-through switch: difference in the number of contacts

A simple principle: changing the position of the key switches the input to one of the outputs. Pass-through switches have only two operating positions:

• input to output 1;
• input to output 2.

There are simply no other provisions. This is why it all works. Because the contact switches from one position to another, it is more correct to call them "switches". Therefore, the pass-through switch is the same device.

Even if the arrows on the keys are not visible, we disassemble the contact part. Standard products indicate a connection diagram that allows you to understand what type of equipment you have in your hands. All more or less self-respecting manufacturers have this scheme. Many Chinese do not have this scheme.

Rear changeover switch

If there is no diagram, look at the contacts (copper clips in the holes): you will find three contacts. Very often, a separate contact, especially with inexpensive manufacturers, is the input. They are often confused. To determine the general contact, you just need to ring at different positions of the key. This must be done in any case, otherwise it may not work, and the switch itself may burn out.

Using a tester or multimeter, we determine which of these three is common.

After watching this video you will understand how to find the input (common contact) for a pass-through switch.

Such a connection will be needed on the stairs of a two-story house or in a long corridor. You can also use it even in the bedroom - turn off the overhead lights at the entrance and near the bed (remember how many times you suffered with this)

A pass-through switch is a connection system where zero and ground (if any) are supplied directly to the lamp. The phase is connected to the output of the first switch, the input of the second is connected to the free wire of the lamp, the outputs of the two switches are connected to each other.

Looking at the diagram, it is immediately clear how the pass-through switch works. The lamp in the picture is in the on position. When you press a key on any of the devices, the circuit breaks. Also, in the off position, by pressing the key, we will close the circuit through one of the jumpers and the lamp will light up. pass-through switch connection diagram

For clarity, here are a few examples.

Switch diagram

Speaking about the premises, the wiring needs to be done starting from the electrical panel with automatic machines and and continuing as shown in the photo below. According to the rules, they should be located at a distance of 15 cm from the ceiling. They can be laid both in corrugations and boxes; wires are inserted into installation boxes. For the convenience of possible wire replacement. According to the latest standards, all connections are made only using contactors in junction boxes. When using twists, they need to be soldered and well insulated.

We connect the return wire of the lamp to the output of the second switch. White indicates the wires connecting the outputs of both devices.

Wiring around the premises

How to connect everything in the terminal box is described in the video.

to 3 points

To adjust the switch from three places, add a cross (cross) switch to two switches. It differs from those previously described by the presence of two inputs and two outputs. He switches a couple of contacts at once. See the figure for the connection diagram. If you understand what was above, understanding this one will not be difficult. pass-through switch connection diagram

1. Zero (and ground, if any) is connected directly to the lamp.
2. The phase is connected to the input of one of the pass-through switches (with three inputs).
3. The input of the second is fed to the free wire of the lamp.
4. The two outputs of one three-contact device are connected to the input of a crossover switch (with four inputs).
5. The two outputs of the second three-contact device are connected to the second pair of switch contacts with four inputs.

The same diagram, but from a different perspective - where to connect the wires on the housings.

Where to connect the wires

And this is approximately how to distribute it around the room.

If a circuit with four, five or more points is needed, then the only difference is the number of cross switches (for four inputs/outputs). There are always two switches (with three inputs/outputs) - at the beginning and at the end of the circuit. All others are cross switches.

Connections of pass-through switches for 5 points

If you remove one crossbar, you get a four-point control scheme. Add more - there will already be a circuit for 6 control points. pass-through switch connection diagram

Also watch this video.

Connection diagram for pass-through switch two keyboards

To control two or more lamps (or a group of lamps) from several places, it is necessary to use two-key pass-through switches. The two rocker switches have six contacts. You can find common wires using the same principle as in a conventional device of this type, only the number of wires will increase.

The switching circuit of a 2-key pass-through switch is distinguished by a large number of wires: the phase is supplied to both inputs of the first switch, just as from the two inputs of the second it must go to two lamps (or two groups of lamps, if we are talking about a multi-arm chandelier).

The principle of connecting two-key pass-through switches

To organize control of two or more light sources from three or more points, you will have to install two cross switches at each point: there are simply no two-key switches. In this case, one pair of contacts is placed on one crossbar, the second on the other. And later they are connected to each other. The outputs of both crossbars are connected to the two-key transition switch, which is the last one in the circuit.

Information to note: ,

Pass-through switches allow you to control one model of lighting equipment (lamp, chandelier, floor lamp) from several rooms, and this can be done simultaneously. It is important to know how to connect a pass-through switch so that all lamps work properly. To do this, you should use appropriate diagrams.

Pass-through switches are an indispensable option in private houses, the layout of which includes several rooms located on different floors. Appropriate connection diagrams can be selected for large apartments and institutions with a corridor-type layout. The advantages of such options include not only convenience, but also the opportunity to reduce the amount of electricity consumed: the light is on only where it is needed. In other rooms, the lighting does not turn on, and accordingly, energy is not consumed.

Connecting pass-through switches in the distribution box

Pass-through switches differ from standard models in the following features:

• Their design provides three contacts, in contrast to standard models, which have two contacts
• The equipment allows you to quickly change the “phase” to the second or third contact from the first.

Important! The functions of the light source, under the conditions of the appropriate circuit, can be performed by fluorescent, LED, energy-saving and any other lamps. It is noteworthy that the circuit can be used to connect a load of almost any type, which is controlled from different parts of the room.

Distributor of a group of pass-through switches

Connection diagram: 2 places

For those who are interested in the question of how to connect a pass-through switch, a connection diagram for 2 places will be especially useful. In fact, the process is practically no different from a similar circuit that works with a standard type switch. The main differences are as follows:

• Total number of contact type terminals
• The number of wires that need to be connected to the equipment.

Important: the pass-through switch is connected via three wires and the same number of terminals. You will need a wire with three cores, which will need to be carefully pulled to the switch in the direction from the distribution box.

Control circuit for a group of pass-through switches consisting of two elements

As part of this connection diagram, a distribution box is used, and two pass-through switches are also used. As noted above, wires leading from a chandelier or any other lamp should be placed in the box. Wires with three cores are pulled from the switch. Connecting a pass-through switch according to the diagram from two places involves the use of a phase wire. It is recommended to adhere to the work in the following order:

• From the junction box, the phase wire is pulled to the contact input area on the first switch
• The contacts are fixed on wires that extend from other similar contacts in the design of the second switch
• The input contact of another switch is connected to the wire of a floor lamp, sconce or other lamp installed in the room
• The remaining wire is fixed at zero, and this should be done directly.

Important! The cross-section of a wire with three cores should be selected based on the power of the lighting equipment. If you need to connect several lighting control sections, you will need to purchase cross-type switches. The wiring diagram for the pass-through switch will not work in this case, because several contacts are used, and the wire must have the appropriate number of wires.

Control from two places with two loads

Connection diagram: 3 places

In this case, standard type switches are selected. They are installed in the last and first control sections. For those who want to know how to connect a pass-through switch, a diagram of this type should be clear. It is somewhat more complicated than the connection diagram from three places, but you can understand its specifics. In accordance with it, cross switches should be installed in the remaining sections, that is, not in the last and not in the first.

Connection diagram for three pass-through switches

There can be any number of lighting control sections. Their number determines the complexity of the connection in the distribution box, because many more wires are connected to it. In this case, their correct and orderly labeling will be required. Otherwise, there is a risk that the wires will not be understood.

Work on installing a pass-through switch, the circuit of which is not complicated, is carried out in the following order:

• Two contacts at the output, located in the area of ​​the first switch, are fixed on those wires that are led to the pair at the input of the next cross-type element. This stage is repeated exactly until the last element is connected
• The common contact of the last element is connected to the wire that leads to the floor lamp, lamp, sconce
• A phase-type wire is connected to the contact at the input of the design of the first switch
• The second wire of a lamp, floor lamp or other lighting equipment is fixed to the zero section of the box.

Important! A wire with three cores must be connected to each pass-through element. Wires of four cores are supplied to the cross switches.

Important points

How to disconnect a pass-through switch, connect it - theory and practice will give answers to these questions. It is necessary to clearly understand on what principle the proposed schemes work. Within each of them the same elements are involved:

• Pass-through type switches;
• Boxes;
• Wires, at certain stages replaced by cables;
• Lamps.

The first scheme is considered the simplest. It’s easy to understand how to make a pass-through switch: the neutral wire leads from the power source to the lighting equipment. Plus, it fits in a box. The phase wire is also placed there, but leads through it directly to the contact. All contacts are connected to each other. The phase starts from general contact. The second scheme is somewhat more complex, but it is really convenient.

A simple connection diagram for a pass-through switch

The installation of switches is carried out simultaneously with the installation of the box into which cables from all sources of electricity are routed. In the box they are connected, guided by the selected diagram. It is important to remember that the installation site must be selected correctly, in accordance with the characteristics of the cables, including their length.