Difference between revisions of "Switch"
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| − | [[File:Wireswitch210101.png|thumb|'''A common switch design'''<br />''(1)'' Front view of the switch without a cover. ''(2)'' Side view of the switch without a cover. ''(3)'' | + | <!--T:1--> |
| + | [[File:Wireswitch210101.png|thumb|'''A common switch design'''<br />''(1)'' Front view of the switch without a cover. ''(2)'' Side view of the switch without a cover. ''(3)'' Circuit conductor that doesn't pass through the switch (grounded conductor, neutral). ''(4)'' Circuit conductor controlled by the switch - connected and disconnected - that is wired to a light or outlet. ''(5)'' Incoming live (ungrounded) conductor.]] | ||
| − | Switches are used to safely turn on | + | <!--T:2--> |
| + | Switches are used to safely turn on and off AC and DC circuits. This can be useful for not only lighting, but also to switch off appliances that remain continuously plugged in. Switch designs vary between countries, but the overall concept remains the same for most residential circuits: a switch [[Special:MyLanguage/Electricity and energy#Circuits|opens and closes]] the [[Special:MyLanguage/Grounding system|ungrounded conductor]] of a circuit to determine whether there is a complete circuit or not. The other conductor of a circuit is not switched, it is only necessary to switch one conductor as this breaks the circuit. As switch designs vary between countries, the proper method for wiring and installing switches will vary. | ||
| + | <!--T:3--> | ||
For examples of how to wire basic load circuits see - [[Special:MyLanguage/Wiring basic load circuits|Wiring basic load circuits]]. | For examples of how to wire basic load circuits see - [[Special:MyLanguage/Wiring basic load circuits|Wiring basic load circuits]]. | ||
| − | ==Considerations== | + | ==Considerations== <!--T:4--> |
| + | <!--T:5--> | ||
*One switch can easily be wired to switch multiple lights or outlets. | *One switch can easily be wired to switch multiple lights or outlets. | ||
| − | *Switches should always be installed in a [[Special:MyLanguage/Junction box|junction box]] or other type of enclosure to ensure that all live metal parts are protected. If they are going to be installed outdoors, they must be installed in | + | *Switches should always be installed in a [[Special:MyLanguage/Junction box|junction box]] or other type of enclosure to ensure that all live metal parts are protected. If they are going to be installed outdoors, they must be installed in an [[Special:MyLanguage/Weather rating|enclosure made for outdoor use]]. |
| − | *If a system has an [[Special:MyLanguage/Grounding system|AC system ground]] then an equipment ground must be run to | + | *If a system has an [[Special:MyLanguage/Grounding system|AC system ground]] then an equipment ground must be run to each switch, light, or outlet for user safety. |
*Connecting [[Special:MyLanguage/Conductor types|stranded wire]] to some types of outlets must be done very carefully to create a proper connection with no stray strands of wire. | *Connecting [[Special:MyLanguage/Conductor types|stranded wire]] to some types of outlets must be done very carefully to create a proper connection with no stray strands of wire. | ||
| − | *Ensure that all wires are properly attached to the switch by tugging on them after tightening the screws on the switch. | + | *Ensure that all wires are properly attached to the switch by tugging on them gently after tightening the screws on the switch. |
| − | ==Notes/references== | + | ==Notes/references== <!--T:6--> |
</translate> | </translate> | ||
Latest revision as of 09:17, 13 February 2021
A common switch design
(1) Front view of the switch without a cover. (2) Side view of the switch without a cover. (3) Circuit conductor that doesn't pass through the switch (grounded conductor, neutral). (4) Circuit conductor controlled by the switch - connected and disconnected - that is wired to a light or outlet. (5) Incoming live (ungrounded) conductor.
(1) Front view of the switch without a cover. (2) Side view of the switch without a cover. (3) Circuit conductor that doesn't pass through the switch (grounded conductor, neutral). (4) Circuit conductor controlled by the switch - connected and disconnected - that is wired to a light or outlet. (5) Incoming live (ungrounded) conductor.
Switches are used to safely turn on and off AC and DC circuits. This can be useful for not only lighting, but also to switch off appliances that remain continuously plugged in. Switch designs vary between countries, but the overall concept remains the same for most residential circuits: a switch opens and closes the ungrounded conductor of a circuit to determine whether there is a complete circuit or not. The other conductor of a circuit is not switched, it is only necessary to switch one conductor as this breaks the circuit. As switch designs vary between countries, the proper method for wiring and installing switches will vary.
For examples of how to wire basic load circuits see - Wiring basic load circuits.
Considerations
- One switch can easily be wired to switch multiple lights or outlets.
- Switches should always be installed in a junction box or other type of enclosure to ensure that all live metal parts are protected. If they are going to be installed outdoors, they must be installed in an enclosure made for outdoor use.
- If a system has an AC system ground then an equipment ground must be run to each switch, light, or outlet for user safety.
- Connecting stranded wire to some types of outlets must be done very carefully to create a proper connection with no stray strands of wire.
- Ensure that all wires are properly attached to the switch by tugging on them gently after tightening the screws on the switch.
