A staircase automat is an electrical device that helps to automatically control lighting. It works perfectly where it is necessary to turn on the light only for a moment, such as in staircases. In what places is it worth using such a solution and how to choose the right solution?
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In what places will a stair lift automatic be useful?
Despite the name, the staircase automatic has a wider application than just staircases. In fact, it will work in any place where functional solutions are necessary, enabling automatic control of light. Most often, staircase automatics are used in common parts of buildings, such as staircases in apartment blocks and multi-family houses, where there is no need for the light to be on all the time.
Classic solutions might not work, because it is difficult to enforce mandatory turning off of the light after leaving the building or entering the apartment. Thanks to automatic solutions, the light turns off after a set time. This is a simple way to reduce the consumption of electricity in the common areas of the building and reduce electricity-related expenses.
In addition to staircases, automatic solutions are also used in corridors in apartment blocks or public utility buildings within one floor. An automatic light switch will also work well in basements and garages, as well as in laundries, drying rooms, i.e. wherever there is no need for constant lighting of the space, and it is easy to leave the light on, generating high costs.
How to choose the right electrical equipment to connect a staircase automatic device?
In practice, staircase automatics are two types of solutions that are used depending on the specifics of a given situation. The first are mechanical models, in which the lighting time is set mechanically. The second, more modern solution are electronic models. They are characterized by high precision of operation, and more advanced proposals allow for additional settings (e.g. delay of the lighting switch-off time). When choosing the right solution, it is necessary to take into account not only the preferences of users, but also the possibilities of the electrical installation with which they are to cooperate.
Depending on the variant, the automatic devices with which the staircase switch will cooperate are available in different power supply variants. The most common, because they are used in public buildings or in homes, are models powered by 230 V AC (i.e. for alternating current). An alternative are specific solutions, such as 12 V DC or 24 V DC. These solutions are mainly used in low-voltage installations. They appear, for example, in photovoltaic installations or when battery power is used.
Another factor to consider when choosing a staircase automatic device is the lighting load, given in watts or amps. The maximum load value of the automatic device must be matched to the number of light sources and their power.
The type of lighting is also very important. You can choose between classic bulbs or LED fluorescent lamps. Some of the models currently available for sale are adapted to work with two variants, but before buying it is best to make sure which solution is recommended by the manufacturer.
Depending on the method of installation, you can distinguish between surface-mounted and flush-mounted switches . The former are installed like classic switches - on the surface of the wall. Flush-mounted switches, on the other hand, can be aesthetically hidden inside the wall, which is why they are often chosen where the visual end result and appearance are of great importance.
Modern models offer additional features that make everyday life easier. These include delayed shutdown, maintaining lighting, and cooperation with motion sensors.
When choosing the optimal solution for a staircase automatic, it is best to choose models that offer a wide range of lighting time adjustments. This will allow you to individually adjust the lighting time to the needs of a given room.
Staircase automatic assembly diagram
To properly connect automatic lighting control, first of all, you need to take care of safety rules. Work with electricity and cables must be preceded by proper preparation of the workplace. The basis is to turn off the power and prepare the necessary tools. Installation for an experienced specialist is not complicated, and properly functioning staircase lighting of the mechanism will facilitate everyday functioning. Connection depends on the specifics of the given device and system, as well as whether a double or single staircase switch will be installed.
To connect devices to the installation and obtain the ability to control lighting, the staircase automatic device must be connected to the appropriate installation cables: phase and neutral. They are connected at the indicated location to the staircase automatic device. Additionally, the so-called momentary switches must be connected to terminal S. Each of the switches is connected in parallel, so each of them causes the light to turn on.
Lamps in the installation are connected to the automatic device, while maintaining the appropriate order. The phase wire located in the L terminal of the automatic device is connected to the lamp, while the neutral wire N is connected to the neutral wire of the power supply in the same way. Additionally, the phase wires in this type of system have additional protection. Properly matched to the needs of the system, fuses protect the system from overload and failure.