How to connect a light switch with two keys + Photo

From this article you will learn how to install the light switch correctly. Switches are used to control electrical sources of lighting in residential and commercial premises. In most cases, the switches are mounted on the wall. The location, the height at which they are installed, the shape of the switches vary from country to country. Switches are of different types: single or multi-key, for installation indoors or in the open air, etc. Installing and connecting the switch is a simple task, provided that you understand the basic principles of electrical networks and observe safety engineering during electrical work.

In this article, we will show you step by step how to install a switch. To do this, you will need:

Preparatory Work

The first thing you should do is turn off the power. Some people believe that it is enough to disconnect only the circuit on which the switch is to be installed, but we strongly recommend that you completely de-energize your apartment.

Using the voltage indicator on each wire, make sure that you can safely touch them. It is better to check several times before starting work.

Power outage.

The next project step is to clean the floorboard (installation box) from paint, small plasterboard fragments, dust and dirt. This operation is very important, especially when it comes to a newly renovated room or apartment in a new building. But even if you are replacing an old switch, it is better to pre-assess the condition of the subfloor to make sure that the new switch can be installed and aligned properly.

Preparing the platform for installation of the switch.

After you have bought a new switch, you must disassemble it with a screwdriver or simply with your hands, depending on its type and manufacturer. This operation is indispensable, since you will connect the electrical wires to the inside of the switch. It is necessary to remove the switch buttons and frame.

Disassembled switch.

Now you have to connect the wiring. Using pliers, cut the excess length of the wires - they should protrude from the wall by about 15 cm. This length should be enough to connect the switch without any difficulty. Do not leave the wires too long, otherwise they will be difficult to place inside the socket.

Cutting wires.

By cutting the wires to the desired length, you can proceed to the next step. Using pliers, clean about 2 cm of insulation from each wire. Stripping longer is dangerous, since exposed wires may accidentally touch one another, causing a short circuit.

Using pliers, attach the end of each wire to a G-shape (or C-shape for some switches with side screws).

Tip: the easiest and most effective way to strip the wire is to use special pliers to remove the insulation.

Remove insulation from wires.

Connecting the wires to the light switch

You probably noticed that the wires are painted differently: the brown wire is the phase, the yellow-green is the ground. (The color marking standards for conductor insulation differ from country to country.) Each of these wires must be connected to a specific connector.

How to connect the switch correctly? There are small differences in the connection of single- and dual-key switches. The main thing to remember: the phase should open, the phase wire is attached to the connector labeled L (usually at the bottom of the switch).

Wiring to the switch.

After you place the end of each wire in your connector, fasten them with screws, using a screwdriver for this purpose. Make sure the wires are securely fastened, otherwise the switch will not work properly.

Connect the wires to the switch.

Once again, make sure that the wires are connected correctly and that they are secure. In the figure below you can see how to connect a two-button light switch.

How to connect a switch with two keys.

After connecting the wires, you must bend them to “hide” in the box.Make sure there is enough space left for the switch. If there is no problem, you can fix the switch in the box with screws. Do not rush to tighten the screws, first you should check how well the switch is aligned.

Placing the switch in the box.

To level the switch, use a laser or alcohol level. In the figure below you can see the technique of this operation.
If you notice horizontal deviation, loosen the screws and adjust the position of the switch.

Breaker Leveling.

Do not forget to securely fasten the switch in the final with screws. Do not overdo it, otherwise you risk breaking the screw threads or damaging the switch.

Fastening the switch.

The next step is to mount the frame and the switch buttons in place. To do this, you do not need tools, enough fingers. A small press, and the elements removed at the very beginning are again in their places.

This operation is perhaps the easiest. In addition, it foreshadows the imminent completion of work.

Installation of the switch buttons.

It remains to turn on the power on the electrical panel. Turn on the light with a new, newly installed switch to make sure that your work was not in vain, and everything works as it should. Is the light on? So now you know how to connect a light switch.

Installed switch.

Source of translation: www. howtospecialist. com