Stair switches (also known as stair switches, two-way switches or switches) are popular elements of the staircase lighting system. They appear in most homes and in many other facilities. A properly connected staircase switch (they are always installed in pairs!) allows you to turn the light on and off from two different places, which significantly increases the safety and comfort of using staircases, multi-step stairs and large rooms. In this article, you will learn how exactly this element of the installation works and how to install a staircase switch - single and double, step by step.
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How does a staircase switch work?
The basic version of the staircase installation consists of two staircase switches controlling one light source, mounted in two different places. The staircase switch allows you to turn on the light at the bottom of the stairs and conveniently turn it off after crossing the last threshold on the upper floor. But its use does not end with the stairs. Stair switches work well wherever there is a need to control light from two points.
They are often found on opposite walls of larger rooms (e.g. conference rooms), at the ends of long corridors, by the bed and the entrance door in the bedroom, on both sides of the building, etc. The principle of operation of a pair of stair switches is quite simple. They are located at two ends of the circuit, turning one light source on or off. The electric circuit flows through both elements.
Stair switch installation diagram
The easiest way is to connect a single staircase switch. As mentioned in the introduction, staircase switches are always installed in pairs. They should be connected with communication cables.
The phase will pass alternately through both wires. When the circuit is closed, the lighting is on. When the switch button is pressed, the circuit is broken, and as a result, the light goes out.
The simplest staircase installation includes two staircase switches and a light source (as in the diagram below). Power cables are connected to the switches. There are connecting cables between the switches. The light source is additionally connected to the neutral and protective cables.
Pressing any of the buttons connects or disconnects the circuit, and consequently turns on or off the lighting. A cross-stay switch can be connected between the switching points, which allows for increasing the number of places for controlling the circuit.
Connection diagram for double staircase switches
Due to the number of lighting points supported, stair switches are divided into single, double and triple. To connect a double stair switch, contrary to appearances, you do not have to work much harder than in the case of installing single switches. A double stair switch has two buttons, allowing you to control two circuits simultaneously. Thanks to this, it is possible to use only part of the lighting (e.g. several multi-point light sources, a two-zone chandelier). This solution extends the functionality of the lamp and optimizes the consumption of electricity.
When installing double staircase switches, it is necessary to ensure that the individual circuits are connected to the appropriate switches. The first switch should be connected to the phase wire and two correspondence wires, responsible for switching the phase. The phase from the second switch is fed to lighting no. 1. In the next step, the next two correspondence wires must be connected. Finally, the phase wire from the common terminal should be fed to lighting no. 2. All that remains is to feed the protective wires to the lamps. The result of the work is the creation of two circuits, which will be closed and opened by pressing one of the two buttons on the double staircase switch.
We encourage designers of electrical installations, electricians and other professionals to familiarize themselves with the offer of our wholesaler, where modern electrical equipment awaits. This category includes modular equipment , including surge arresters , overcurrent circuit breakers and differential circuit breakers . Our assortment also includes flush-mounted and surface-mounted staircase switches in over 700 variants and many other types of switches and installation sockets. We base on solutions from leading manufacturers and brands of electrical equipment, such as ABB, Elektro-Plast Nasielsk, Kontakt-Simon, Legrand, Ospel, Panasonic or Schneider Electric. If you need more advice on the selection and installation of electrical installation elements, contact Onninen's technical and sales advisors.