Connection and removal of possible problems when using illuminated switch

Probably each of us is faced with such a situation: the room pitch black and felt for the switch before you necessarily something to cling to. To avoid this search and darkness were created breakers with built-in lighting. In this article, we will examine various options for the use of such a switch, and consider solutions to problems that may arise after the connection of the switch.

Table of contents

1. switch wiring diagrams.

2. Why energy saving lamps are flashing.

3. How to get rid of the flashing.

4. Switch-on indicator.

5. conclusions

In general switch with built-in lighting is no different from an ordinary switch. It only light indication is present, which indicates the location of the switching device in a dark room. And power consumption in standby mode is so small that you could even say that the backlight does not consume electricity.

The light source, in most cases, a diode, or neon lamp, a resistor is included in parallel switch.

Switch connection scheme

You may be a reasonable question: What is the reason through lighting circuit is not light the lamp lighting?

The answer is simple: the neon lamp is included in the circuit through current-limiting resistor that reduces the voltage and current to a very small quantities, which is still enough to operate the backlight, but to light the lamp lighting, this is clearly not enough.

The algorithm of the scheme is as follows: when the switch is in the off-state current is passed through resistor, then through the neon (diode) backlight, then the current through the light bulb goes on zero.

Once the fault current circuit breaker contacts will take the path of least resistance, rather than through a resistor. Therefore, lighting the lamp lights, and the lights stop working.

Note. If the video light goes down, then the light will not function.

Installation of illuminated switch is different from the usual installation System switch about which you can read this article.

Why energy saving lamps are flashing

By installing this switch, you may find this unpleasant picture that with the light off the lamp lights up briefly and then goes out. This is a problem for the energy-saving and LED lamps (incandescent lamps do not have this problem).

And all this is because the small current that flows through the backlight, charges the capacitor in the lamp control board. And once it is fully charged, there is an attempt lamp ignition. However, since the voltage is not enough, she also never goes out. That work lamp in flashing mode.

You can of course leave it at that, but this mode significantly reduces the service life of the lamp itself.

How to get rid of the flashing

There are three scenarios:

1. You can certainly turn off the backlight switch (but you purposefully bought it with light, so this option is not for us).

2. resistance connection. An effective method of eliminating or blinking combustion dim lighting lamps is the parallel connection of resistance, for example 50 kOhm and a capacity to 2W. All the "extra" current will leave it at this resistance and you get rid of the flashing light bulbs.

3. If you do not want to mess around with the installation of additional components, you can use ready-made solutions, and buy, such as a special protection unit for LED and energy-saving lamps.

Switch-on indicator

Such switches are distinguished on the basis of the use of switches with diode illumination. Their main goal is just to indicate that the light is turned on, for example, in the basement, hallway, attic or outdoors.

The principle of operation of the switch is as follows:

Lamp control switch terminals connected in parallel and as soon as there is an inclusion, the control print and lamp lighting light up simultaneously. When disabled, no current flows or where.

conclusions

Using a switch with illumination increases the comfort in your home. But for its correct installation should explore all the subtleties and nuances arise after the installation of the switching device when using different types of lamps.

Thanks for attention!