Outdoor Waterproof Light Switch for Outdoor Installation

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Today, many owners of private houses are trying to electrify their territory. This is why many people install lighting in their yard. In order to control it you will need an outdoor switch.

For outdoor use, you will need a special type of switch. It must be protected from moisture. In this article you will learn how to connect a street switch with your own hands.

Features of installing sockets on the street

Before connecting products when installing a waterproof outdoor light switch, follow the regulations.

If you are installing an electrical outlet or waterproof light switch outdoors, protect it with a canopy. Instead of a canopy, use moisture-proof shields for a high degree of protection against accidental moisture entering the outdoor external electrical switch;
The correct height for installing a waterproof switch outdoors. If the light switch is not installed correctly, there is a risk of accidental exposure to moisture;
When installing an external moisture-proof switch outdoors on a brick, you do not need to use a gasket for protection and internal grounding. And so, use protection for the surface of the product where you are installing a surface-mounted single-key or double-position waterproof electric switch for light. Install non-flammable internal switch protection on the tree.

Determine on the street where the cable for the waterproof external switch will go, connecting the product, grounding, direction of the end wire, familiarize yourself with the electrical wiring, protection.

Various types of switches

Next we will look at the different types of switches. In addition to the usual switches we are all familiar with, there are other types of switches that are not so popular, but at the same time have their own characteristics and advantages. Let's look at some of them.

Innovative touch switches

These switches are activated by lightly touching a special sensitive touch panel located on the outside of the device. Thus, the panel works in a button or key system. Its design includes an electronic circuit operating on semiconductors of a sensitive element and its own switch. When you touch the panel. Tactile contact occurs and the sensor element sends a signal to the electronic circuit. Touch switches can also be equipped with additional sensors and respond to their signals or work remotely.

Touch switches

Remote switches

These switches can control the lamp from a distance. Using a special remote control, a command is transmitted to the lighting device via a radio channel. The switch in this case is a receiver equipped with switching contacts that cut into the supply wire of the lamp.

Remote switches

This type of switch comes with a remote control. Often it looks like an ordinary keychain. Its range largely depends on the material from which the remote control is made, but usually the distance is 20-25 m. The remote control operates on power, which depends on batteries. This scheme uses microprocessor controllers. They provide the opportunity for additional functions: setting a timer, adjusting the light intensity, etc.

Switches with built-in sensors

These special sensors have detectors that can detect the level of movement in the environment. More precisely, the absence or presence of a fairly large object in the affected area, as well as the intensity of lighting.

Switches with built-in sensors

Signals from the sensor are sent to the controller, which analyzes them. When predetermined parameters are recorded, a signal is sent to the executive body. After this, the circuit contacts close and open. So the switch is triggered only after it detects the movement of an object within its reach. The device significantly saves energy and is quite easy to use.

Walk-through or changeover switches

This is a type of keyboard model. Unlike pass-through switches, they do not open/close contacts, but simply switch them. That is, one of the lamps connected to this switch lights up or goes out. Rocker switches are needed in order to use them to control the connection of light in several rooms at the same time. They can be removed from each other, the main thing is that not only one, but also several lighting fixtures can be connected to such devices.

Bottom cable entry

Whatever light switch you choose - for open or hidden installation - an open, moisture-proof single-key light switch is durable when protected, if you organize protection, install the box, and run the cable.

Electrical cable connection:

The “zero” of the cable passes through an automatic electrical sealed box and a controller with a high degree of protection;
when mounted on the controller, the load on the waterproof white cable will remain;
use a waterproof box for other points;
calculate the correct load on the waterproof cable and controller;
The waterproof external cable VVG is optimal for a waterproof single-key surface-mounted or built-in switch, which is equipped with a high degree of protection against exposure to accidental moisture;
from the moisture-proof open outer box to the luminaire, use a 3-phase white cable, and from the controller box to the surface-mounted or built-in switch, use a 2-phase cable.

Comments:

Victor

I had a Viko like in the picture above, so it shorted out at the first rain. And this is taking into account the fact that it was installed under the visor, i.e. no direct drops fell on it.

Evgen

From my experience I will say that only ABB switches provide real protection against water according to IP 44, all the others only make claims. If you want to equip a large facility with sealed switches, buy one and test it.

Stas

Evgen, how to test them? Build your own laboratory?

Evgen

Stas, why the laboratory? I took the switch, took it apart and stuffed toilet paper inside. After that I watered it from the shower. That's the whole laboratory. Such tests turned out to be enough to understand that ABB (and Legrand) really protect, and the rest only on paper

Wiring Requirements

How to make hidden or open wiring for light with protection?

For installation we use one piece of cable with a high degree of protection. Sort your cable wires so you know which wire to run in which direction.

When installing and sorting waterproof outdoor street light cable wiring, use plastic for protection.

For protection, make an external socket for a waterproof single-key or double-gang switch.

Sorting, protecting and installing the waterproof outdoor light switch cable goes from the box to the terminal connection controller. For protection and grounding, remove voltage from hidden wires.

Install a sealed lamp and switch, connect the “phase” of the cable towards the lamp, leave the end in a moisture-proof box. Pass the white switch cable through a sealed seal for protection, connect the automatic equipment. Connect the white wire to the “phase” in the box and to the waterproof automatic light switch controller. Connect the light with the wire of the waterproof controller and switch.

Basic principles of photo relay operation

The general principle of operation of a photo relay is similar. The differences between the models are in functionality. The key task of a photo relay for street lighting is to turn on the lighting device when it gets dark and turn off the system when morning comes. First you need to understand what a photo relay is. Understanding the design of the device will allow you to learn how the mechanism works.

The basis of the equipment is a key unit - a motion sensor based on a photosensitive element. The photosensor is connected to a control board with relay contacts, which is responsible for monitoring all parameters of the device. The relay itself looks like a special device at the output that distributes the load. Depending on the degree of illumination, the photoresistor or photodiode changes its parameters, which leads to the closure of the contacts of the electrical circuit and the light turning on and off.

Design features

For the structural installation of an external switch for a light source, sealed automatic boxes to protect the internal mechanism are sorted into single-key, changeover, end and pass-through.

End waterproof single-key products - for automatic control of the internal mechanism. For open installation of the mechanism, IP 65 circuit breaker boxes with a sealed housing for protection are sorted;
Pass-through waterproof single-key products - for installing protection for non-hidden installation and protecting internal wiring. A single-key switch is the best mechanism for installation;
With a high degree of operability, reversible single-key and double-key waterproof sealed automatic mechanisms - for a high degree of protection for the correct pressing of the equipment;
Waterproof switch mechanisms for outdoor key presses. Single-key sealed products of waterproof switches are cheaper, easier to install and protect outdoors.

For installation of outdoor lighting and a high degree of protection, contact an electrician. He will install a waterproof mechanism and sealed protection.

Switch manufacturing companies

The higher the reputation of the manufacturer, the correspondingly better the quality of the switches. Therefore, when choosing a switch for your house or apartment, it is important not to ignore this point. Of course, each buyer is guided by his financial capabilities and, judging by them, chooses a brand. Fortunately, there are plenty of switches to choose from. Let's start with the best of them. Read more about all the popular manufacturers of sockets and switches in the premium and economy segment in a large review article. We will help you choose the best model for your home.

Legrand company from France

The French brand has been on the market since the mid-19th century. The company is one of the five best European electrical manufacturers, as the latest technologies are used in production.

Legrand company

Legrand brand switches is made only of self-extinguishing plastic, which makes them as safe as possible during operation

In the range of these products you can find a variety of types of wall switches. There are both traditional models and devices with creative ideas.

They are a three-key or standard switch installed in a common housing with a socket.

High-quality housings of all devices, regardless of their cost, are made only from self-extinguishing plastic. Thus, the device is safe to use. Legrand is a new approach in design, these switches will fit into any interior of your home.

Swedish company ABB

At the end of the last century, two large Swedish concerns merged. This is how this company appeared. Nowadays, it is one of the leading manufacturers of electrical installation products. Their distinctive feature is the highest safety and quality.

ABB company

Since the brand offers simple installation and the ability to selectively assemble the necessary variations of modular solutions from the proposed elements, the cost of this company’s products automatically increases. For the production of cases, only impact-resistant, UV-resistant materials are used. Such as: steel, wood or bronze.

ABB brand has its own range of products, varying in appearance. Reflex is made in the form of figures of strict geometric shapes, Impuls , on the contrary, has soft rounded lines.

The collections of this brand differ from others, for example, in that all have frames with a fluorescent coating, which illuminate the body of the device in the dark.

French brand Schneider Electric

Initially, in the 19th century, it was a weapons production company. Later it mastered the electricity markets and became a leader in the production of electrical installation products.

Schneider Electric company.

Schneider product range offers several types of switches: with light indication, walk-through, with remote control, with sensors, and other various variations. Of course, they are all of the highest quality.

A distinctive feature of Schneider is the presence of spring contacts made of bronze. Due to this, the need to use an additional clamp disappears, while the quality of contact is not lost.

The design of French switches is characterized by a wide variety. From classic style to bold avant-garde. There are even removable multi-colored horizontal and vertical frames. The brand's collections include a vertical type in various colors. The company's derivative product is Unica , which offers modular devices that allow you to create a variety of combinations of elements based on a unified footprint.

Given such a variety of functions and design approaches of switches from Schneider , it is logical that these products are distinguished by high prices, even in standard models.