Schemes of touch light switches. How to assemble a touch switch with your own hands

Technologies do not stand still, and now we already have a touch switch in wide use, which allows us to take the lighting control system in the house to a fundamentally new level.

Our article will tell you why such a device is needed, what it is and how it works. Thanks to this, you can make a touch switch with your own hands for 12 or 220 volts without any problems, and the connection itself, both a home-made device and a purchased one, will not be difficult.

How the device works

The touch switch looks like a standard touch panel and looks like a plate consisting of crystalline glass with markings applied. This dimmer can have a wide variety of appearances. The switch circuit is a semiconductor device. It helps control the energy consumer.
A touch dimmer can be connected to luminaires to control the light level. These can be any lamps. But besides this, you can connect electric curtain rods and other modern electronic devices that are part of the “smart home” system to it.
The device circuit (220 or 12 volts), regardless of the number of lamps connected to it, consists of three main functional parts:

• decorative profile or face plate. A sensitive element is placed on it. The profile has the ability to respond to touch or proximity;
• semiconductor circuit. This circuit is the “soul” of the switch. The circuit is responsible for analyzing, controlling lamps and turning on the lights. It converts the sensitive signal that the decorative profile perceives into an electrical impulse;
• switching part. The dimmer in this part perceives the converted electrical signal. It is responsible for various actions with the electrical circuit: smooth adjustment of the light of lamps, opening, closing.

Dimmer device

The operating principle of the device is based on the following: when you touch the front part, a signal is generated, which is subsequently converted into an electrical impulse and activates the switching part of the device.

What is good about the device?

Touch switch is a modern technological solution for comfortable and efficient control of the operation of lamps in the house. When installing it you get the following benefits:

• the operating life of the light source, regardless of the type of lamp, is significantly increased due to the smooth switching on of the lighting;
• excellent quality;
• high reliability;
• compatibility with any light sources;

Note! The touch dimmer can be connected to any type of light source: diode lamps, induction lamps, incandescent lamps, etc.

Motion sensor switch

• there are models with voltage of 12 and 220 volts;
• the presence of an economical operating mode, as well as the ability to regulate power;
• Possibility of integration into a standard lighting circuit or a smart home system.

In addition, the touch switch today is often equipped with additional functionality. These additional options include:

• the ability to use a dimmer in conjunction with a remote control. With its help, you can remotely control the operation of lamps in the house. You can connect several switches of the same type to the remote control;
• equipping switches with temperature, motion, light sensors, etc.

Note! The most common addition is a motion sensor.

As you can see, using such a switch (for example, 12 volts), you can significantly simplify your life in your own home.

Selection rules

To take full advantage of all the benefits, you need to choose the right touch switch model. When choosing, you must be guided by the following criteria:

• the number of lamps that will be connected;
• dimmer location;
• is it planned to connect additional electrical appliances;
• operating voltage (12 or 220 volts);
• need for additional functions.

Only by taking these parameters into account will you be able to make the right choice.
Now let's look at the most popular models.

Basalte

These are products of the Belgian company Basalte. The company provides a huge selection of a wide variety of touch switch models.

Basalte switch

Such devices are always of high quality, but they are also very expensive.

Livolo

Livolo touch switches are domestic products. Therefore, their price will be several times lower than that of foreign companies.

Livolo switch

At the same time, Livolo touch switches, despite their affordable price, may be slightly inferior in quality. In rare cases, the device may not operate correctly if fluorescent or LED lamps are connected to it.

Legrand

Switches from the French company Legrand are distinguished by excellent quality and functionality.

Legrand switch

But here again you will have to face the high cost of imported products.
In terms of functionality and variety of models presented, all three brands have almost the same distribution on the market in our country. They only differ in price and, slightly, quality.

How to install

Connection diagram

Connection of touch switch models occurs as follows:

Note! Installation of the device is generally similar to that of a standard push-button switch;

• turn off the electricity;
• dismantle the old switch;
• remove the top part of the dimmer;
• we connect the “phase” and “zero” wires according to the diagram to the corresponding terminals;
• We install the dimmer in the mounting box and fix it here with screws and spacers.

As you can see, selecting and installing a touch switch is not difficult. You can do this kind of work without proper experience in about ten minutes. As a result, you will modernize your own home, adding several points to home comfort and coziness.

Details about the motion sensor switch
Selecting a street motion sensor to turn on the lights

The process of technology development has entered into all areas of human life, including the arrangement of everyday life. One of the innovations is a touch-sensitive light switch. This mechanism greatly improves the comfort of living in the home and facilitates the control of lighting fixtures by touch. This function is not the only advantage of such a device.

Varieties

The sensitive mechanism may have additional elements; its system is based on various operating principles.

It is worth noting the most popular options:

Modification with remote control. It is convenient to use when turning on sconces, LED strips, for example, to control the lighting of a multi-level stretch ceiling. All light switches with remote control have their own unique address. To put it simply, each radio transmitter is activated only in response to commands sent from the control resource installed in the RAM.

The capacitive type acts as a means of measuring illumination and is sensitive to the presence of an object at a certain distance. The mechanism is installed instead of classic light switches. You don't need to press a key to activate it. The device responds to the slightest touch. You can install this installation yourself.

With a timer that gives a certain signal at a given time. Minimizes electricity costs by turning off the lights if everyone has left the apartment. The electronic circuit of the device is created and adapted to various types of lamps: traditional lamps, with halogen vapor, with LEDs, and also touch switches are used for the operation of any equipment, which greatly expands the scope of use.

The switch, equipped with an infrared sensor, performs its functions without contact. It recognizes only thermal radiation in the electromagnetic field that emanates from the body when moving. A similar name is a displacement sensor.

The operation of this device is based on the action of a sensing element. An electro-optical device sends heat flows to a receiver equipped with a storage lens.

Touch switches for LED strips (dimmers) designed to regulate light. They can work in conjunction with installations on a power supply of at least 12 V.

Models are equipped with photo sensors that block the switch in daylight. The possibility of triggering the sensor mechanism on small objects, such as pets, is eliminated.

Subtleties of connection

You can install the touch switch yourself. It happens in stages:

• de-energize;
• eliminate the worn-out switch;
• remove the panel from a modern product;
• connect the wires to the screw terminal;
• install the switch operating device in the assembly box;
• fix the device using spacers and special screws;
• install the panel.

Installation of the two-key version is carried out in the same way. Use a cable with multi-colored cores, this will make the work easier. All switches are connected using the same circuit. The devices make it easy to control light sources or electronic equipment from anywhere. This creates convenience if the room area is large or there is a long corridor.

When installing touch switches in a 220 volt network, no special actions are required. Only the conditions of the installation site change.

For example, if the mechanism is controlled from a remote control, it should be visible from the rest area. Temperature-sensitive models should not be installed close to the heating system. The switch for the LED strip is assembled according to a different scheme.

Follow safety precautions and turn off the power before working. Exposed wires are insulated with insulating material.

The overhead device does not require a recess on the surface. The instructions for connecting such a device are quite simple and accessible to any consumer.

Determining the optimal model

To enjoy all the advantages of the equipment, you need to choose the right touch switch model. When purchasing, you should consider the following criteria:

• The number of lighting points that will be connected to the device.
• Permissibility of lighting brightness control. There are models where the current strength is determined by the location of the impact on the touch panel.
• In walk-through models, the built-in timer turns off the light after the set time has elapsed. These devices are installed in public corridors. As soon as all movement within the monitored area stops, the timer switches off. This allows you to significantly reduce energy costs.
• Models controlled by remote control. A function recommended for large rooms.

You can make the right decision if you take into account all the parameters.

Quality or price?

The photo of touch switches shows high-quality products from manufacturers of leading brands.

Based on the basic principles of operation of touch-type switches, analogues that are not the best in their characteristics are often manufactured. Therefore, you should not save when choosing - quality is always a priority. The price of the product is determined by its technical parameters. A universal device has a high cost.

Touch switches, which are of good quality and functionality, are imported from abroad and are more expensive. Domestic products have a lower price, but their parameters are far from ideal.

Touch devices do not always work correctly with semiconductor materials and fluorescent lamps. But the price is noticeably lower than the branded one.

Preference should be given to manufacturers with extensive experience in developing exemplary products. They protect their reputation, which means it is important for them to ensure proper quality control during the production process.

Are touch switches a priority? In fact, this is a progressive step in the development of lighting control elements. Just as previously rotary models are a thing of the past, semiconductor sensitive devices will replace mechanical switches. And consumer demand will increase when prices for these products stabilize.

Photos of touch switches

Externally, the touch light switch looks like a crystal panel with markings. Household models used in 220 volt networks may differ in color, shape, and surface texture. Recently, touch switches are increasingly used for:

• Sconce connections
• Controlling lighting elements for multi-level ceilings
• Adjusting the main lighting in the apartment

You can buy such a device or make it yourself.

Devices of different types may respond to:

• Touching a finger to the work surface
• Moving your hand closer to the sensor
• Other changes in room conditions (temperature, movement, sound, time)

The touch switch can be equipped with additional functions; its design is based on different operating principles. It is worth identifying 4 popular modifications:

1. With remote control. Convenient to use for controlling sconces, LED strip, etc.
2. Capacitive. Responsive to light touch. You can make such a device yourself; more on that below.
3. With timer. Helps save on electricity by turning off the lights when there is no one in the apartment.
4. Contactless. Reacts to certain features of the environment: sound, changes in light levels, temperature changes, movement.

Each of the varieties is possible. With its help, the brightness of the lighting in the room is adjusted.

Touch switch device

Regardless of the principle of operation, touch switches have the same structure: they all consist of four main parts.

1. Front surface. Sometimes a lighting element is installed behind it.
2. Sensor. The principle of operation of the switch depends on its type.
3. A switching circuit that converts the signal received by the sensor into an electrical one.
4. Frame. It can be surface-mounted (installed externally) or internally mounted (built into the wall).

Models with continuously adjustable lighting intensity

If you need a device that allows you to change the brightness level gradually, you should pay attention to touch switches with dimmers.

Some of these devices can be adjusted using a remote control. You can adjust the brightness of sconces or LED lighting without getting up from your chair.
The touch switch with this device extends the life of incandescent lamps by eliminating the effect of sudden voltage supply.
The connection diagrams for some devices require a power supply or dimmer. This switch device is ideal for controlling the LED strip circuit.

Models for mounting LED lighting

Touch switches for LED strips and profiles are also called “dimmers”. They can also be used with other devices powered by 12 V.
Dimmers allow you not only to turn on or off a section of LED strip, but also to adjust the brightness.
Electronic devices most often come with touch controls. They are sometimes included in interior LED lighting schemes for:

• Arrangement of entrances and staircases
• Emphasizing the apartment design style
• Equipment of the “Smart Home” system

Many of them are not designed for 220 volts, so you need to connect separate devices for sconces and chandeliers.

Capacitive sensor

Capacitive light switches are more sensitive. The operating principle is based on the existence of an electrostatic field. It also fills the space around the sensor. When the capacity in this field changes (a person brings his hand to the switch), the sensor is triggered and turns on the sconce or chandelier.
The sensor is based on a simple capacitor. The two electrodes on the surface of the switch are its plates. When a physical object approaches them, the capacitance of the capacitor changes. This becomes a signal to turn on the light.
Each model has individual characteristics. The sensitivity of some of them can be adjusted during installation.

How to connect a device

There are no technical features for installing touch switches in a 220 volt network. .
For example:

• If the device supports the remote control control function, then it must be visible from the seating area
• Models that respond to temperature changes should not be placed near a heating radiator

The connection diagram for the switch for the LED strip may differ.
It is important to remember the safety rules when working with electricity and turn off the meter. Necessary .
If the device is overhead, you will not have to make a recess in the wall to install it. The process of connecting such a device is quite simple. .

How to make a touch sensor

Having experience with a soldering iron, and having obtained some parts, you can create with your own hands a simple touch switch, designed to operate on a 220-volt network. The simplest diagram looks like this:

Capacitor C3 is not necessary.

So, to create a touch switch with your own hands you will need the following parts:

• Resistance at 30 ohms
• Transistors KT315 (two)
• Electrolytic capacitor (100 µF, 16 V)
• Simple capacitor (0.22uF)
• Semiconductor D226
• Powerful battery or power supply (output voltage 9 V)

All this needs to be soldered according to the diagram. In a case of a suitable size (you can use an old surface-mounted switch), a hole is made on the front part. The wire comes out into it. To operate the touch-sensitive light switch, the circuit must be connected to the power supply, and the wiring must be connected to a metal plate, which will be attached to the front plane of the homemade device.

Most likely, creating an overhead touch switch with your own hands will cost less than buying a real one. The resulting device can be used to connect lighting in the house.

DIY capacitive switch

A do-it-yourself capacitive light switch can be used to create LED strip lighting or control chandelier lamps. It can also be surface-mounted or built into the wall. The scheme is not as simple as the previous one.

The WA1 sensor reacts to the approach of the palm. The capacitance is introduced into the oscillatory circuit on transistor VT 1 and changes its frequency.

Resistances R6 and R7 are needed for stable operation of the device during voltage surges from 4 to 10 volts.

How to connect a touch switch, install an illuminated mirror in the bathroom, a remote touch switch and much more.

No one will like it if the light is on all the time. To turn it off, switches with contacts have been used since the advent of Edison's light bulb. Now they have an alternative - touch switches.

Touch switch- These are devices for turning off lights. Unlike conventional devices that need to be pressed or turned, these devices are controlled by touching a touch pad. There are simple ones that only work on/off and with built-in dimmers.

TEST:

To test your knowledge, take the test:

1. Do I need an additional wire for connection?

1. Is the sensor under voltage?

1. Is it possible to use a table lamp body instead of a sensor?

1. Are there devices that control multiple lamps individually?

Check the test result:

• b, a, b, b - you know enough to work independently;
• a, b, a, a - your knowledge is not enough to independently select and install the device;
• all other options - you have knowledge, but it needs to be supplemented by reading special articles and watching videos.

Touch sockets and switches (hereinafter S.V.) - 5 advantages

These devices have advantages over conventional switches:

• absence of moving parts and cracks - dust and moisture get inside through them;
• variety of design;
• There are models with built-in sockets and brightness adjustment;
• table lamps and mirrors use a metal case instead of a touch plate, and the electronic board is hidden from prying eyes.
• the cost of such devices does not exceed the price of conventional high-quality switches.

Touch switches are divided by type and amount of load connected to them:

• including one or more lamps separately;
• walk-through - turn on the lamp from different places, from the ends of a long corridor or staircase;
• pulsed - supply voltage only during touch;
• with a built-in dimmer - long touch changes the brightness of the light.

S.V. for a table lamp - 2 operating modes

Installing such a device in a table lamp allows you to do without a key switch and not look for it in the dark, but turn on the lamp by touching the body. A short touch turns it on and off, and a long touch adjusts the brightness.

Attention! Dimming (brightness adjustment) only works with incandescent and LED lamps. Such lamps have a special icon and inscription on the packaging.

This lamp has disadvantages:

• lack of operation when the plug is placed incorrectly in the socket - in this case it is necessary to unscrew the plug.
• false alarms when installing the lamp on a metal bedside table - in this case, you should install it on a dielectric base, made of wood or chipboard.

Scheme S.V. for a table lamp, assembled on 1 chip

This regulator is assembled on microcircuit 145AP2. The control is carried out by one sensor, providing on, off and brightness adjustment. If there are no errors during installation, the circuit starts working immediately, without configuration.

The power part of the circuit is the KT3102B transistor and the KU602G triac. If necessary, it is changed to a more powerful one or connected to the control output of a powerful triac.

This one is used regulator similar to a factory-made device - switching on/off is done by briefly touching the sensor. When you touch it for a long time, the brightness is adjusted, which is remembered and played back when turned on again.

As sensor the lamp body is used.

Carefully! There is high voltage on the circuit elements (except the sensor).

2 cases of need for repair of S.V. for table lamp

Repair of such a device comes down to replacing parts. The most common problem is the lack of light or constant glow. The reason for this is a faulty triac. It should be replaced, and in other cases the issue of economic feasibility of repairs should be decided.

Illuminated mirror for the bathroom with S.V. — 3 types of sensors and example of use

An interesting design effect is achieved by connecting such a device to illuminate the mirror. You can purchase ready-made or make it yourself.

To do this, you need to purchase an electronic board and connect it to the lamp. The sensor is used to mount a mirror, a shelf, or even a pipe—a towel holder.

When renovating a bathroom, you can make a built-in illuminated mirror installed instead of four tiles. Behind it, in a recess in the wall, lamps and a control board are hidden, and wires are hidden behind the tiles. You can purchase this board together with a motion sensor on Aliexpress. A chrome wall-mounted soap dish is used as a sensor, and a motion sensor is installed in the corner.

The resulting system works very effectively - when you try to wash your hands, the light turns on, and 2 minutes after the person leaves the washbasin, it turns off.

3 stages of connecting S.V.

Look at the picture on the back of the device. There are two terminals “L-in”, to which the incoming phase is connected, and “L-load” - the lamp is connected to it. Connecting or replacing such a device is no different from installing a conventional one switch. This work is carried out in several stages.

First of all, turn off the voltage, then strip the wires and separate them. Then you need to determine the phase wire. To do this, you need to turn on the voltage and use the voltage indicator to find the phase. Finally, the switch is connected. To do this, turn off the voltage, connect the wires, install the device in the installation box and close the protective glass.

After completing the work, turn on the power and check the operation of the device. If you apply power before installing the protective glass, the sensor may not work.

In devices that control two lamps, there are two “L-load” terminals.

Remote S.V. hidden installation. 2 types of remote controls.

In addition to direct impact devices, there are devices equipped with a remote control remote management. Such devices are installed and controlled in the same way as conventional ones, but after installation, the remote control must be configured according to the instructions.

There are two types of remote controls for such devices:

• each button is configured for a separate lamp;
• Each button is programmed for a separate function - enable, disable and enable/disable.

In addition to the usual ones, there are pass-through switches, designed to control one lamp from two places.

The phase wire is connected to the common terminal of the first device, and the two output contacts are connected by two wires to the corresponding terminals of the second. The common terminal of the second device is connected to the lamp.

As a result, the lighting device will turn on from one place, for example, at the bottom of the stairs, and turn off at the top.

How to connect S.V. from Aliexpress. 2 types of installation boxes

In addition to purchasing such a device in a regular store, it can be purchased in the Chinese online store Aliexpress. The connection of this product is no different from the usual one, but when ordering, you must take into account the shape of the mounting box required for installation. In Europe and the countries of the former CIS, round boxes of EU standard are used, and in the USA - US standard, square.

In addition, not all manufacturers produce devices “with claws” that are installed in old boxes. Some models are attached only with self-tapping screws.

Connection diagrams for touch switches

S.V. with remote control for 4 devices

In addition to devices that require touch, there are devices, equipped with a remote control. Such remote controls use a frequency of 433 MHz to operate. Externally, they look like a car alarm key fob with four buttons. Each of them is programmed for a separate device.

To program, touch the switched off device, after a sound signal, press the selected button. After the control signal, the device is ready for operation.

The operating range reaches 50 meters.

DIY touch switch 220 V

If you have the skills to install electronic circuits, the touch switch can be made independently according to the following scheme. The sensor is made of foil getinax or any metal object is used instead. Transistors are replaced with KT3102 or KT315. Any diode, pulsed, with a voltage of more than 100V.

The circuit works as an amplifier - when you touch the touch plate, the K561TM2 microcircuit will send a signal to transistors VT1 and VT2, which open the KU208G triac. Instead of a light bulb, a relay is connected that turns on a high-power load.

S.V. doesn't work - 2 installation errors

In addition to failure of board parts, the device may not work due to a poorly configured sensor or installation errors - lack of grounding in the right places or a grounded sensor.

If the sensor operates without protective glass, then you must:

• remove glass;
• turn off the power;
• install glass;
• turn on the power supply.

Sometimes it helps.

Attention! If you install glass on a sensor that is under voltage, it will stop working normally.

Touch light switch VL-C701R from Livolo with remote control

It is also important to know 3 nuances about S.V.

There are things to consider during installation and operation sensory devices:

• when using large metal structures as a sensor, for example, a heated towel rail or door, false alarms are possible;
• the sensor is grounded or wet, in the rain, does not respond to touch;
• When turning on a low-power lamp, you may need to connect a 1-2 µF capacitor in parallel with it.

How to avoid 4 mistakes when choosing and installing switches

There are common mistakes when installing such devices:

• Incorrect zero connection. Before installation, check and change in the junction box or at the input switch.
• Incorrect connection of wires to the “L-in” and “L-load” terminals. Check before connecting.
• Turn on the voltage BEFORE closing the protective glass. First close the glass, then turn on the voltage.
• Incorrect connection of pass-through switches. Carefully connect according to the diagram

Answers to 5 Frequently Asked Questions

There are questions that are asked when choosing sensory switches:

• Do I need an additional wire for connection? No, two wires are enough, as for a regular device.
• Do I need a special mounting box? No, the device is installed in regular sockets.
• Conventional sockets and switches are installed in a row and covered with a common decorative panel. Is it possible to install a sensor in this row? No, but there are devices with built-in sockets, including those with remote shutdown.
• What happens if there is a short circuit in the wires? The power part of such devices are triacs. If there is a short circuit, they will fail.
• Besides single lamps, are there any touch devices that include 2 or 3 lamps? Yes, there are manufacturers producing such devices.

Touch switches for 1 zone

Appearance	Name	Number of keys	Number of posts	Price, rub.)
	WEMMON gold aluminum	One	One	1650
	Series C7 Livolo white	One	One	1480
	WEMMON white	One	One	1350
	WEMMON hare	One	One	1350
	Kopou silver	One	One	1100

Pass-through touch switches

Appearance	Name	Number of keys	Number of posts	Price, rub.)
	WEMMON	One	Two	1850
	WEMMON	One	Two	1850
	WEMMON	Two	Two	1850
	WEMMON hare	Two	Two	2050
	WEMMON black	Three	Two	2250

Touch radio controlled switches

Appearance	Name	Number of keys	Number of posts	Price, rub.)
	Kopou silver	One	One	1600
	WEMMON white	One	One	1850
	WEMMON hare	One	One	1850
	Livolo white	Two	One	2550
	Series C7 Livolo white	One	One	2090

Touch dimmers with radio control

Appearance	Name	Number of keys	Number of posts	Price, rub.)
	Kopou hare	One	One	2150
	WEMMON hare	Two	One	2190
	WEMMON white	Two	One	2190
	Series C7 Livolo white	Two	Two	5334
	Series C7 Livolo white	Three	Three	7926

Combination touch switches (with sockets)

Appearance	Name	Number of keys	Number of posts	Price, rub.)
	Wemmon white	One	Two	1920
	Livolo white	One	Two	2200
	Livolo white	Two	Two	2510
	Livolo white	One	Three	2880
	Livolo black	Two	Three	3720

Illuminated touch mirrors

Sesoo touch switches - instructions, modification and repair

Among the companies producing electrical equipment we can note Sesoo. This company produces devices for the smart home system. Broadlink.

These devices are installed and programmed in the same way as other devices.

When you connect an energy-saving lamp to this device, it may begin to “blink.” This is due to the charge of the capacitor inside the electronic ballast. To solve this problem, you need to solder a 200 kOhm resistor into the lamp, parallel to the capacitor.

Work zone sensor small and limited by a glowing ring (blue when disabled and red when enabled). To expand this area, solder a wire to the contact to which the sensor is soldered and lay it along the edge of the protective glass. This will expand the area in which the sensor responds to touch.

Repair of such devices comes down to finding and replacing faulty parts. The most common problem is a burnt or broken triac.

GC "Flexi" - 3 types of mirrors of the MixLine brand pearl d770 with touch switch

Every bathroom has a mirror. Many of them are equipped with lighting. The Russian company "Flexi" offers a collection of mirrors "Premier" brand Mixline:

• With external lighting. Lamps mounted on a frame or wall are used.
• With internal lighting. Lighting fixtures are installed on the back side of the frame. For lighting, part of the mirror is not covered with amalgam. It can take the form of a pattern or geometric shapes.
• With LEDs.

All mirrors can be equipped with touch switches and motion sensors.

S.V. Legrand

Products of a French company Legrand widely known in the world for its quality and range. Sockets, automatic devices, dimmers and other equipment for the smart home system are distinguished by their reliability and innovative solutions.

S.V. Livolo

The products of the Chinese manufacturer operate at voltages up to 250V with a large number of lamps. The black and white protective panel is made of crystal. Some models work with a separately purchased remote control DU.

S.V. FD Electronics

Touch switches KG-020 are produced by the company FD Electronics. These devices are produced with or without a remote control, in different colors.

Touch switches have come into use relatively recently, but users have managed to convince themselves that a modern device is not only a fashionable and stylish design element, but also a way to increase the comfort of a room, increase the service life of electricity consumers and provide.

Design and principle of operation of touch switches

The appearance of a regular touch switch is practically no different from any touch panel and is a crystal glass plate with markings. Designer models of touch switches can have almost any appearance, color and shape.

Technologically, a touch sensor is a semiconductor device with the help of which energy consumers are controlled. In addition to light sources, such a switch can be connected, for example, to electric curtain rods.

Regardless of the appearance and the number of consumers connected to it, the touch switch consists of three main functional parts:

• Directly behind decorative face plate a sensitive element is placed that responds to the touch (in some cases to the approach) of the fingers.
• Semiconductor analysis and control circuit, converting the signal of the sensing element into an electrical signal that can be perceived by the switching part.
• Switching part, which is responsible for actions with the electrical circuit: closing, opening, smooth load adjustment.

The principle of operation of the switch is also obvious from the device. When you touch the panel with your fingers, a signal is generated, which is subsequently converted and triggers the switching part.

Additional functions and types of touch switches

Touch switches are widely used in the installation of smart home circuits. But they can also be installed in regular ones. For greater convenience, many touch switches have a remote control, with which you can remotely control not only one, but also several of the same type of touch switches.

Often touch switches are additionally equipped with sensors for temperature, light, motion, etc. Switches with are the most common option, which eliminates the unpleasant sensations of entering an empty apartment at night.

It is advisable to use touch switches with temperature sensors when an electric fireplace is connected to the device in addition to lighting devices. Switches with light sensors are often used for street lights in the area near the house, as well as for a perimeter security lighting system.

Like conventional switches, touch devices can be installed for one or several consumers with separate control of their operation. So, by installing a touch switch for a multi-lamp chandelier, you can control each lamp individually or, if desired, mount the circuit so that the lamps are turned on in groups.

A characteristic feature of the operation of touch switches is the ability to smoothly turn on lighting or other electrical appliances, as well as regulate the power of each of them using a touch panel or remote control.

Master button for touch switches

The master button, in fact, is an additional function of touch switches designed for several consumers. When it is turned on (via the panel or remote control), all electrical appliances connected to the device are simultaneously turned on.

Connecting touch switches

Installation of touch switches can only be carried out on de-energized sections of the electrical circuit.

The sequence of work for installing a touch switch is similar to the installation algorithm for a conventional push-button device and consists of the following steps:

1. Blackout of a section of the network.
2. Removing the old switch (if necessary).
3. Removing the top part of the touch switch (press it away from the frame).
4. Connection of the “phase” and “zero” wires with the corresponding terminals.
5. Installing the device in .
6. Fixing the switch using spacers and screws.
7. Installing and fixing (snap) the top part of the touch switch.

Advantages of touch switches

The advantages of touch switches include:

• increasing the service life of electricity consumers (due to the possibility of smooth switching on, which eliminates even short-term operation in extreme starting mode),
• long service life,
• reliability,
• compatibility with any lighting devices (incandescent lamps and other types of lamps),
• Possibility of economical operation of consumers and power regulation.

In order for the touch lamp to live up to expectations and significantly increase the comfort of the room, it is important when choosing to take into account all your needs and determine what functions you would like to “entrust” to the device. It will be easier to formulate requirements if you answer the following questions:

• How many light sources are you planning to connect to the touch switch?
• Where are you planning to install the switch (do you need a model that is resistant to temperature changes or )?
• Are there plans to connect additional electrical appliances, and is it necessary to automatically control their operation (presence of a temperature sensor)?
• Do you need a function to automatically turn on the lights when people appear in the room and turn them off when they are absent (motion sensor)?

Basalte

The Belgian company Basalte is one of those manufacturers whose product quality is beyond doubt. A huge number of models, variations, colors. The price of high-quality Belgian touch switches, however, forces many potential buyers to cross off the products of a well-known brand from the list of possible options. For a single-key touch switch you will have to pay at least 3.5 thousand rubles; prices for four-key models range from 8 to 13.5 thousand rubles.

Legrand

Multi-brand company with a central office in France. In Russia there is not only a representative office of the company, but also a production site, however, in Dubna, where it is located, they produce only small-section cable channels. Touch switches, distinguished by good quality and functionality, are imported from abroad and have a real “imported” price: a single-channel device costs about 3.5 thousand rubles.

Livolo

Domestic products are traditionally competitive in terms of prices, however, their characteristics often leave much to be desired. The products of the Ekaterinburg company Livolo cannot be called of poor quality, however, its touch switches may not work correctly with LEDs (lamps, strips) etc. But the price of a three-channel device is less than that of a single-channel imported device - 2.1-2.3 thousand rubles.