What is a legrand pass-through switch, features of its connection diagram

Installing a Legrand light switch: device features

The mechanism consists of five elements. For correct installation, you need to understand how each part works.

• frame;
• frame;
• terminals;
• buttons and contacts;
• the base on which all elements are located. It is this that allows you to securely mount the product on the wall or attach it to the mounting box.

The French manufacturer makes the base from galvanized steel. This material is not subject to deformation, therefore it provides the most reliable fastening. There are four mounting screws on the back side. Installation of the Legrand light switch is possible in a mounting box of any size.

The shape of the fastenings is universal. It allows you to adjust the position of the device - rotate it in any direction and center it.

For convenient connection of wires, automatic terminals are provided. Connecting cables is as simplified as possible: just strip the wires and insert them into the terminals. The latter are often located at an angle of 35°.

The manufacturer took care of the user. He provided a marker on the back panel. Based on it, it is easier to understand how much insulation needs to be removed.

Nuances of connecting switches from Legrand

Control from 2 places of two groups of lamps (double switch for 2 directions)

When considering the installation features of two-key switches from Legrand, special attention is paid to the following important details:

• according to the instructions for walk-through models such as Quteo, Etika and others, open or closed distribution boxes are used when installing them;
• to connect the wires, they use special “walnut” type clamps or they are fastened with screws included in the package of each product;
• Before installing the switch in an open design, a plastic or wooden base is prepared for it, on which it is convenient to mount the housing.

If it is necessary to remove the backlight from the switch, it is better to do this before installing it.

Before installing pass-through switches from the “Ethics” series and the like, it is necessary to thoroughly prepare for work operations. To do this you will need:

• remove the decorative frame and keys from the case - they have special grooves;
• insert a screwdriver with a thin tip into the groove, and then press firmly in the desired direction;
• remove the frame of the product in the same way.

Upon completion of all preparatory operations, the circuit breaker is completely ready for installation.

Direct installation

Disabling a common water machine before installing a switch

It is recommended to install walk-through products in the following order:

1. Before installing each of the switches, the power supply is removed from the line - the input circuit breaker is turned off.
2. The housing of the first switch is placed in the installation box and securely fixed in it.
3. Already laid conductors are connected to its contacts on both sides, which are connected according to the attached instructions.
4. The same operations are performed with the second switch.

At the final stage of installation work, the decorative frame and double key are returned to the already installed devices.

The Legrand two-key switch is no different from a conventional keyboard device. Well-known models of this device Life, Quteo or Valenon are integrated with household electrical wiring in exactly the same way as domestic products. Problems associated with the peculiarities of their installation can be easily solved after reading the instructions for use.

Schematic diagram of the operation of a pass-through switch.

Let's immediately figure out how they work in principle.

Unlike conventional switches, which have a fixed position of the power key and simply break the circuit, pass-through switches can be switched on with any position of the key, because they switch from one of two lines to another, which is very similar to switching a railroad switch (see the diagram above ) and allows us to control the inclusion of artificial light from different places.

The phase comes to the first pass-through switch, and from the second it goes to the lamp, and both of them must be connected to each other with a two-core electrical cable or wire. But, as a rule, no one connects them directly, but three separate wires from each are inserted into a junction box and two of them are simply connected in pairs to each other.

When connecting additionally, if necessary, a third, fourth, etc., the circuit essentially does not change, but their connection differs from the first two, which had one input contact and two output ones. They will need to have two input and 2 output wires connected, allowing them to be used to cross-switch between two lines.

The operating principle of the third pass-through switch (when purchasing, pay attention to whether it has the ability to work as a cross switch) is that when switching, it connects the first contact at the input to the second at the output, and the second contact at the input to the first at the output. To connect it, you actually need to connect it to two other pass-through switches with a 2-wire cable, but no one does this, but run the 4-wire cable into a junction box and make the connection there according to the diagram

Similarly, you can add a fourth to the circuit, which will be located between the third and second or first switch.

We have looked at the theoretical part, let's now look at specific practical schemes.

Types of crossover and pass-through switches

Let's take a closer look at the subject of our interest. First, we will study the existing options, and then we will learn how to connect them to electrical wiring.

In appearance, changeover switches vary in color and shape, and they also come in:

• hidden or open installation;
• single-key, two-key, three-key;
• with or without backlight;
• a special character on the keys may or may not be present.

Considering the internal diagram, we can talk about the following types:

• Single-key pass-through switch. It is most often used as the first and last device in the case of 2 or more control points.
• Pass-through switch with two keys. A double device is used for the same purpose to control lighting using 2 groups of lamps.
• 3-key pass-through switch. Used for the same purpose to control three groups of lamps.
• Single-key cross or toggle switch. Used as an intermediate device in a chain of three or more locations.
• Two-key cross switch. Used as a middle device in a chain of 3, 4 or more control points for two groups of luminaires.

As follows from the illustration above, in a pass-through switch, the input terminal is connected to one of the output terminals when the key is pressed. In crossover - the conductors connected to the input and output change places when the position of the key changes.

There's no point in worrying about internal circuit diversity at this point. Firstly, most often only a single pass-through switch is in demand. Secondly, something else may be required, and this will become clear from the specific options for connecting devices.

The photo shows a rear view of the wiring accessories. Now you can choose and purchase the right model yourself. Unfortunately, not all manufacturers indicate the contact markings on the device body. If it is missing, you will have to use a multimeter to determine the placement of the product terminals.

Connection diagram for the pass-through switch wires in the distribution box

Scheme without grounding conductor

Now the most important thing is to correctly assemble the circuit in the junction box. Four 3-core cables should go into it:

power cable from lighting circuit breaker

cable to switch No. 1

cable to switch No. 2

cable for lamp or chandelier

When connecting wires, it is most convenient to orient them by color. If you use a three-core VVG cable, then it has two most common color markings:

or second option:

To choose a more correct phasing in the second case, follow the tips from the article “Color marking of wires. GOSTs and rules."

1Assembly begins with neutral conductors.

Connect the neutral conductor from the cable of the input machine and the neutral going to the lamp at one point using the terminals of the car.

2Next you need to connect all the grounding conductors if you have a grounding conductor.

Similar to the neutral wires, you combine the “ground” from the input cable with the “ground” of the outgoing cable for lighting.

This wire is connected to the lamp body.

3 All that remains is to connect the phase conductors correctly and without errors.

The phase from the input cable must be connected to the phase of the outgoing wire to the common terminal of the pass-through switch No. 1.

And connect the common wire from pass-through switch No. 2 with a separate wago clamp to the phase conductor of the lighting cable.

Having completed all these connections, all that remains is to connect the secondary (outgoing) conductors from switch No. 1 and No. 2 to each other

And it doesn’t matter at all how you connect them

You can even mix up the colors. But it’s better to stick to the colors so as not to get confused in the future.

At this point, you can consider the circuit fully assembled, apply voltage and check the lighting.

The basic connection rules in this diagram that you need to remember:

the phase from the machine must go to the common conductor of the first switch

and the same phase should go from the common conductor of the second switch to the light bulb

the remaining two auxiliary conductors are connected to each other in the junction box

zero and ground are supplied directly to the light bulbs without switches

Areas of application of two-gang switches

Legrand two-key switch with backlight
To solve the problem of long corridors, the company has developed not only walk-through, but also so-called “cross” two-key models that are part of a three-point light control system. Before connecting Legrand switches of this type, you will need to understand their structure and circuit diagram. Both pass-through and crossover models from the Cariva, Life, etc. series have several groups of switched contacts, through which it is possible to implement the desired function.

When a key is pressed, each of the two mechanisms included in the switch set closes one of the connecting lines, simultaneously opening the other. The specified operating procedure allows for separate control of the lighting device using two different switches separated by a considerable distance.

The most obvious example of their use is the installation of one of the switches in the entrance vestibule at the entrance, and the second on each landing.

When entering a building, the user turns on the lighting on all areas with one button, and when approaching his apartment, turns it off.

Features of the Valena series

The most popular switches are those united by the Valena series. They are intended for indoor use and are mounted by installing them in a mounting box.

Polycarbonate is used to produce the frame and key cover of each device. They are mainly available in white, ivory, aluminum and titanium.

As for technical capabilities, most devices in this series are designed for a current of 10 amperes. There are also models that are designed for 16 amps.

The Valena series switches from Legrand have a simple connection diagram and can be one- or two-key, push-button, louver, card, and can also have an indication, backlight or dimmer. The category also includes pass-through switches.

Models have housing protection IP20 or IP44. The latest marking indicates that the switch can be used in rooms with high humidity, since it is protected from water.

Galea Life and Gealine series

Legrand Galea Life series

As for the Galea Life line, it is called elite. This is because it combines expensive appliances. They are intended for indoor use and are mounted in socket boxes. The degree of protection is IP20.

The views are the same as in the previous series.

The main feature of this line from Legrand lies in the external design of each switch. It is created thanks to the original frames and keys.

They are made of wood, metal, corian (artificial stone), durable duroplast, and are also covered with leather. Each material can be dyed a different color and can have a different pattern.

As you can see, the equipment included in this line is ideal for emphasizing sophisticated interior styles.

switch Legrand Celiane

Very interesting is the Gealine category, which combines original shaped devices for turning on lamps. These Legrand switches (some with a dimmer) are characterized by a combination of square frames and rounded keys.

Thanks to the proper use of colors, such devices look very beautiful. They may have different textures. These textures are made not only from plastic, but also from wood, porcelain, glass and genuine leather. Of course, thanks to such materials the price is quite high.

For those people who want to purchase an economical option for switches, you should pay attention to the Etika series. Of course, the frame and surface of the keys are made of plastic

Also distinguishing features include a method that determines how you can connect a one or two-key Legrand switch. It involves using a special nut to secure the wires. As you can see, models in this series do not have terminal blocks.

Outdoor switches Quteo and Plexo

Legrand Quteo series of surface mounted switches

It is also worth paying attention to such series as Quteo and Plexo. The lines described above include devices that need to be installed in a mounting box

However, we know that it is often necessary to use switches that are mounted on the wall surface.

This is exactly what the Quteo line models are. Their special feature is that the body is made of impact-resistant ABS plastic. The housing can have IP20 and IP44 protection.

Series of protected switches Legrand Plexo

Models assume the presence of one or two keys. As for the color design, it involves the use of one of three colors. So, the switch can resemble a tree, it can be white, or it can look like ivory.

The switches in the Plexo line are somewhat similar. They are also mounted on the wall surface. However, their main feature is the presence of IP55 and IP66 protection. In other words, they are intended for use in wet areas.

They are mainly used in industrial premises, restaurants, schools, utility rooms, courtyards, and garages.

Video connection of Legrand switch:

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Information about the company and products sold

Legrand crossover switch Valena Life Legrand is a company from France, whose headquarters are located in the small town of Limoges. The specialists and engineers of this company have been producing electrical products for many years. In recent years alone, Legrand has significantly expanded its business through the acquisition of other companies in more than 60 countries.

Historical reference

The company's founding date is considered to be 1866, when its specialists opened the production of table porcelain. It was only in 1904 that this company was headed by Frederic Legrand, after whom it was named.

With the discovery of electricity, porcelain components began to be used to make switches and other electrical products, which began to be in great demand.

Product characteristics

Legrand Celiane Among all the diversity on the Russian market, two brands of this company stand out, which are usually considered separately. The first of these is Legrand Celiane, a branch of the company that produces premium switches. They are available in a wide range of different colors, ranging from white, graphite, titanium and all the way to ivory. These products are distinguished by their stylish design, elegant rounded shapes and the ability to fit into any modern interior.

The range of this range includes the following models:

• contactless (silent) switches;
• sensory devices;
• walk-through products;
• single-key and two-key samples;
• devices with backlight or indication.

According to their design, they can be with switches in the form of a button or with special levers. Today, these models are increasingly used as elements of a “Smart Home” and are truly unique devices that have no equal.

Products from Legrand Valena differ only slightly from the models already discussed and are also characterized by the perfection of lines and shapes. Their model range is so extensive that the most demanding buyer will be able to select electrical installation products suitable for a specific interior.

Connection diagram

Depending on the application and purpose, feed-through devices can be connected in several different ways:

1. Installation of key-type pass-through devices for controlling one light source from two places.
2. Connecting a single-key switch to control a group of lighting lamps from three or more places.
3. Installation of a two-key switch to control two independent light sources with one double device.

Before describing the connection diagram for a pass-through switch, let’s remember how a standard one works.

Connection diagram for a standard switch

Connection diagram for a standard switch: N – phase zero, which is connected directly to the lamp; L – the energized phase passing through the switch and ensuring the ignition of the light by connecting the contacts in the circuit. Switching off, accordingly, occurs when the voltage is interrupted. Distribution box is the junction of the main cable with the “branches” of lighting and current distribution.

Thus, a regular switch allows you to turn on/extinguish the light from one control point from one place according to the principle of interrupting/connecting current.

The pass-through switch has a slightly different principle of operation: it is equipped with three contacts (and a double switch of this type has six) and operates on the principle of switching from one contact of the circuit to another.

Connection diagram for a Legrand pass-through switch: N – the neutral wire is connected directly to the lamp; L – the energized phase is supplied to the lamp, alternately passing through the switches and, unlike a standard switch, the supply/disconnection of light occurs not due to the closure/connector of the circuit contact, but due to their switching.

Connecting a two-key pass-through switch. A two-key switch is a common type of pass-through devices. As a rule, it is used to turn on/off lights in two different rooms from one place. Often used in apartment buildings.

Essentially, these are two independent single-key devices connected in one housing. The phases of the devices are combined and operate on the “switching” principle. This means that the moment one key is supplied with power, the other interrupts the circuit and is disconnected.

Legrand two-key pass-through devices are equipped with two independent groups of contacts, due to which the keys work independently of each other - when you press one of them, the switch occurs from the upper lines to the lower ones, and the first do not have a final output, and the second are connected to another similar switch.

It follows that these devices have two independent groups of contacts: right and left. Now that we have clarified this point, it will be easier to understand how to connect this type of device.

The most popular models of this type of device are the legrand etika and valena series. Below you can see the connection diagram for a two-key pass-through switch.

Connection diagram for a two-key pass-through switch

Legrand Etika/Valena two-key pass-through switch. Connection diagram: the contacts of the right group are connected to each other by a jumper; the phase wire is connected to the second of them. The contacts of the left group supply current to two lighting devices independent of each other, and they should not be connected to each other.

Advantage and scope of use

The main and distinctive advantage of the Legrand pass-through switch is ease of use - the switch is not localized at only one point, and you can install and control it from different places.

Wiring diagram for a Legrand pass-through switch for controlling one light source with two switches that are located in different places.

Application area:

• long corridors;
• paths;
• stairs;
• bedrooms;
• large rooms.

If previously pass-through switches were used exclusively to facilitate light control in large rooms with long corridors or flights of stairs, today this method of lighting is used everywhere for the most comfortable human life.

Installation of sockets and switches

Sockets and switches are installed after wallpapering or painting the walls. Installing sockets is one of the last jobs performed during a renovation.

It goes without saying that the electricity should be turned off. That is, turn it off exactly in the room in which work will be done to install sockets and switches. This can be done by finding the appropriate machine in the electrical panel. If you don’t know which machine turns off the electricity supply to the room, you can determine this experimentally by turning off the machines one by one and listening to where the cries of “TV doesn’t work!” or “turn on the bathroom light!” This method will allow you to accurately determine the connection of each of the machines with a specific area of ​​the apartment. If there is no one else in the apartment except you, then you will have to do it differently.

Turn off all machines. Expose the wires in the socket boxes and switch in the room where the installation needs to be done. Now, turn on the machines one by one and, armed with an indicator screwdriver, check which machine, when you turn on, the indicator on the screwdriver lights up when it touches the phase wire.

Lezard switches: consumer opinion

Reviews about devices from this manufacturer, as already mentioned, are relatively good online. The advantages of products supplied to the market by Dernek GROUP include, first of all, its wide range. The advantages of the Lezard brand sockets and switches themselves are:

• stylish appearance;
• reliability and long service life.

In terms of build quality, most home craftsmen compare the products of this company to similar products made in China.

The disadvantages of devices from this manufacturer include, first of all, the fact that rather thin plastic is often used to assemble their cases. Equipment of this brand must be handled carefully during installation and operation.

Another disadvantage of Lezard sockets is that the contacts in them are secured with screws. The wire in such structures can, unfortunately, be pinched literally to the point of breaking off. Some batches of products supplied by Dernek GROUP may sometimes contain non-working defects.

Device, principle of operation

Switches of this type are relatively simple devices through which it is possible to switch electrical circuits and control lighting fixtures. It is easier to consider their design and operating principle using the example of a single-key product consisting of the following main parts.

• switching module with built-in switching mechanism;
• special fasteners that allow you to fix the device in a wall niche (used for hidden installation);
• decorative body;
• control key.

The operating principle of a mechanical switch does not require detailed analysis, since in this case the operating contacts are simply closed and opened. A more complex option is a sensor device, for switching which an electronic filling is used that acts on an actuator relay. But even in this case, it all comes down to closing and opening the contacts through which power is supplied to the lighting device.

How to connect a Legrand backlit switch

There are two types of LED models. The first ones operate in induction mode, and the glow indicates that the load is on. They connect like this:

The latter perform the function of night illumination, making it easy to detect the device in the dark. Their connection diagram differs from the previous one:

Before connecting the Legrand Etika backlit switch, make sure that the type of installation matches the intended purpose of the device.

Modern residential buildings are characterized by the presence of long flights of stairs and the same corridors inside the apartment, which are not very convenient in terms of lighting control. In order to solve this problem, manufacturers of installation products have developed modern models of switches, called pass-through switches. They allow you to turn the lighting on and off in a common corridor or in an apartment from two places at once. Common models from Legrand (Cariva, Etika and the like), which are valued by most domestic users for their reliability and attractive design, also fall under this category.

How to properly dismantle a socket

So, having examined the main technical characteristics of sockets and their types, you can proceed to the main thing, how to remove the socket from the wall. To do this you should need:

• small screwdriver with plastic handle,
• insulating tape,
• latex gloves,
• tester.

Here are the step-by-step instructions:

1. The first step is to turn off the power to the apartment. In this case, you should check several times that the electrics are actually de-energized. You can use a tester for this.
2. Depending on the type of outlet, the decorative cover is removed. It can be secured with screws or latches. Domestic sockets use a screw.
3. Then the socket fastenings are unscrewed. If the legs are movable, then when the screw is unscrewed, it will become accessible for removal.
4. Carefully pull out the entire socket structure and see how it is secured

If you want the wallpaper to look beautiful on the wall, then before pasting the surface, remove all sockets and switches from it. No amount of precision will help you get around the fixtures without removing them - the wallpaper around the perimeter will be uneven, and after the repair there will be a bitter aftertaste.

Below is a brief instruction with a photo; after spending 5 minutes on it, you will not receive an electric shock, and the wallpaper will look beautiful in the interior of your apartment.

Lighting control scheme from three places

In order to control lighting from three places at once, the previously used scheme with two two-key devices will need to be supplemented with one more (it is called cross). This switch can be placed anywhere in the room between two already installed products.

Structurally, a cross double pass-through switch consists of two two-key devices combined in one housing. In this product, instead of two, one common key is installed on a conventional changeover mechanism, due to which the switching of both lines is carried out synchronously. To understand how to connect a triple two-key switch, it is enough to place jumpers on the terminals of a regular cross switch.

The 3-point connection diagram is organized in such a way that the neutral wire is supplied to both lighting groups at once, and the phase wire is supplied to each of the inputs of the first two-key switch. Regardless of the position of the keys, current will flow only through 2 of the 4 input terminals. From the first pass-through switch, the current flows through the jumpers to the input of the cross switch, and then to the second pass-through switch.

This position of the switch keys determines the path of current through the lighting fixtures. If this group is in working condition (the lights are on), just press the key of any of the switches to remove power from it. The same thing happens when they are turned on: when you change the position of any key, the power circuit is immediately restored.

Popular series and classification

Legrand offers consumers a large number of different switches. All of them are divided into series, which differ from each other both in functionality and appearance. The most popular series among them are:

• Valena and Valena Life are one- and two-key switches and switches of a classic (square) shape, made in the colors “aluminium”, “white”, “ivory”. Some models are equipped with backlighting. Products from the Valena Life series are distinguished by the gracefully curved shape of the keys, which allows you to turn on the light with a light touch of your finger.
• Galea Life - waterproof models included in this series of one- and two-key products, are distinguished by a strict design and original colors (dark bronze, titanium, mother-of-pearl, etc.). Many of them are equipped with backlight or indication.

All Legrand switches and switches are classified according to their functional purpose, type of installation and control method.

Based on their functional purpose, the following groups of products are distinguished:

• Switches are devices equipped with one or more pairs of contacts. When on, these contacts are closed (lighting is activated), and when off, they are open (lighting is off). As a rule, switches open only the contacts to which the phase wires are connected, but there are also two-pole options - in which the contacts also break the neutral (“zero”) wire.
• Switches are devices that use three or more contacts. In the “On” position, the first and second contacts close together, and in the “Off” position – the first and third. Switches equipped with three contacts are sometimes called "dual-way switches." They are usually used in cases where lighting is controlled from two places.
• Cross switches are devices that switch two separate lines crosswise (when switching, phase and “zero” change places). Such switches are also called “intermediate” - in lighting control circuits they are installed between switches in two directions, which allows you to turn on light sources from three or more places.
• Circuit breakers are devices designed to protect light sources from overvoltage or short circuit.

Based on the type of installation, switches/switches are divided into surface-mounted and built-in.

• Invoices are used with open wiring.
• Built-in ones are designed for use when laying electrical wires hidden. Unlike overhead models, their actuator is hidden in a specially made recess on the wall surface.

According to the control method, switches/switches are:

• push-button;
• sensory;
• keyboards;
• responsive to people's movements.

The introduction of innovative technologies allowed Legrand developers to create actuators:

• activated by a light touch of the hand (touch type models);
• activating lighting when it appears and turning it off when there are no people in the room (devices equipped with infrared sensors).

Models with push-button control, which appeared relatively recently, are easy to use and can bring a certain originality and elegance to the interior of the room. However, their use will require some time for the user to get used to it.