How to make your own pass switch. Light control from three or more places

To improve comfort and ease of use lighting fixtures a pass-through switch is used: the connection diagram clearly shows the principle of operation of the switching device. With it, you can control the lighting of the room from any point in it. About the design features and the rules for installing the product are described in detail in this article.

Pass-through switches are designed to turn on and off lighting from different parts of the room or flight of stairs. This means that you can turn on the light, for example, when entering a room, and turn it off in another part of it. This principle of operation allows significant energy savings.

Pass-through switch for appearance no different from normal. Its front movable panel also shows up and down arrows. A conventional switch has one input and one output. In contrast to this pass-through device has one input and two outputs. This indicates that the current is not interrupted here, but is redirected to any of the outputs.

How to connect an outlet with my own hands. Description preparatory activities and installation technology. Rules for handling the electrical network

If lighting control is planned from more places in general scheme additional cross switches are introduced, which are connected according to the above principle.

To everyone pass switch a three-core cable is connected, and a four-core cable is connected to the crossover cable. All wires used for connection must be of the same cross section. Switches that can operate at normal current of 6.10 and 16A must have the same rating. You can clearly see the connection diagram of the pass-through switches from 3 places on specialized sites on the Internet.

Wiring diagram for a two-gang pass-through switch

With the help of walk-through switches, you can control not only one lamp, but also a group of several lighting devices. To do this, connect two-gang switches. Each of them has six contacts. Common wires are determined according to the same principle as for conventional devices, but more wires are needed to ring.

The difference between the connection scheme of the double pass-through switch is that more wires are used here. The phase is fed to both inputs of the first switch. From the two inputs of the second switch, there should be wires for two lamps. In the case of organizing lighting control from three or more points, two cross switches should be installed for each of them, since they are only single-key.

In this case, according to the principle of connecting double switches with cross switches, the first pair of contacts should be connected to one cross, and the second to the other. If necessary, the devices are interconnected. The output of both cross switches must be connected to the last two-button adapter.

Well-known manufacturers of pass-through switches

Legrand is a leader in the electrical goods market. The demand for Legrand walk-through switches is due to high quality performance of products, ease of installation, convenience in further operation, stylish design and flexible pricing policy. The only drawback is the need to adjust the mounting location. If it does not match the product, it may be difficult to install it, which is carried out according to the connection diagram of the Legrand feed-through switch.

A subsidiary of Legrand is the Chinese company Lezard. However, only a stylish design remained from the native brand. The build quality is much lower, due to the low cost of production.

One of the leading domestic manufacturers Wessen, which is part of Schneider Electric, is considered electrical goods. All products are manufactured according to the latest technologies on modern foreign equipment and comply with European quality standards. Models have a universal stylish design that allows you to fit each element into any interior space. hallmark switch Wessen is the ability to replace the decorative frame without dismantling the device.

Another equally well-known manufacturer is the Turkish company Viko. Products are characterized by high workmanship, reliability and durability, meet the requirements of electrical safety and European quality standards. In the manufacture of the device case, a fireproof durable plastic, which is designed for a large number of work cycles.

The Turkish brand Makel offers quality, reliable, safe and stylish products. Thanks to the possibility of connecting a loop without the need to use a junction box, the installation of switches becomes easier, and further operation is comfortable and safe.

Popular range of feed-through switches

Passage switches Legrand from the Velena series are distinguished by a stylish design and a variety of color variations. Here are presented one and two-key products that have a dust and moisture protective layer. You can buy a switch from 300 rubles.

The Celiane series includes products in which the circular keys are inscribed in a square. They can be non-contact with levers or silent. The cost of switches starts from 700 rubles. The lineup Exclusive Celiane is represented by a limited number of handmade switches made of marble, bamboo, porcelain, gold, myrtle and other materials. Frames are made to order. The price for the product starts from 5.9 thousand rubles.

The most popular series of switches from Lezard are Demet, Mira and Deriy. Here are products made of non-flammable polycarbonate, which meets the requirements of electrical safety. Conductive elements are made of phosphor bronze, which is characterized by high conductivity and low heating. You can buy a single-key switch through passage from 125 rubles.

The W 59 Frame series from Wessen uses a modular principle that allows you to install from 1 to 4 devices in one frame horizontally or vertically. The price of the product is 140 rubles. Differ simple design, but high quality workmanship single and double switches from the Asfora series, which you can buy for 450 rubles.

Among the popular Makel series are Defne and Makel Mimoza. The body of the devices is made of high quality plastic, equipped with an internal reliable mechanism. The cost of products starts from 150 rubles.

The principle of operation and installation of switching devices do not present significant difficulties. It is necessary to first study the connection diagram and follow the recommendations of the electrical safety rules, which will make it possible to carry out a reliable and safe installation of devices, thereby ensuring convenient and comfortable control of lighting fixtures in the house.

How to connect a pass switch: video connection diagrams

Scheme of connecting the pass-through switch, many belong to the category of aerobatics electricians.

In fact, anyone can complete its installation from beginning to end, for this you just need to have at hand a visual and

detailed guide. That is the guideline in this article. In order to understand how it is arranged and performed circuit breaker connection diagram, let's analyze in detail its installation from the very beginning to the end.

The principle of operation of the switch is based on being able to control the switching on and off of the lighting of one room from two different places. Let's give an example, it can be some kind of large walk-through room, when you enter it, turn on the light with one switch, go through it and at the exit, turn off the light with the second switch or vice versa. From this example, we learned that a pass-through switch, contrary to many misconceptions, cannot work with one mechanism; there must be at least two of them in the circuit.

Let's start studying the material on this issue.

We mount the wires and installation elements of the circuit

Installation begins with a junction box, in which we will soon assemble all the wires in sequence, and then we will connect them.

We need a power supply that, through wires and a protection device, will supply electric current to the junction box.
Any electrical circuit must be protected from currents. short circuit. Also, it should be possible to turn on or off the supply of electricity to this circuit. In our example, all these functions are performed by one device, a two-pole circuit breaker.

There is already voltage on it, so it will not be difficult to power our junction box. To do this, it is necessary to lay a wire from the circuit breaker to the junction box.

It is better to leave a supply of wire for connection with a margin of 10-15 centimeters, it will be more convenient to connect wires and connect equipment.

Next, we need two sockets (mounting cups), in which we will install the switches.

Now, we lay the wire from the first mounting glass to the junction box.

Then from the second.

Last necessary detail scheme, is a lighting element (lamp, chandelier, sconce), which will turn on and off from different places using our switches. In our example, we use for these purposes a conventional cartridge with a light bulb, it will most clearly demonstrate the operation of lighting in the circuit.
We bring the wire to further connect the lighting element.

All elements are prepared, we proceed to their connection.

Connecting Switch Circuit Elements

We continue to analyze the topic of the pass-through switch connection diagram. At this stage, we need to connect the circuit elements.

These include:

  • circuit breaker
  • pass switch - 2 pieces
  • bulb

Let's start with connection to a two-pole circuit breaker wires going to the junction box. We prepare the wires, remove the outer insulation.

We measure for connection right amount wires, clean the wires and connect. The connection of a two-pole machine is considered in more detail.

Before carrying out work on connecting wires to current-carrying contacts and terminals, in order to avoid damage electric shock, turn off the full power supply of the apartment. We make sure that there is no tension, with the help and only after that we start work.

We pay attention to the colors of the wires, blue zero, white phase. The top and bottom of the machine must match. Ground wire, yellow with a green stripe, in our example we do not use it, isolate and put it aside.

Our switches have plug-in contacts, for their connection you need 1 centimeter of stripped core of each wire. There is usually a wiring diagram on the back of the switch. The arrow at the top indicates the suitable or outgoing contact of the phase wire, and the arrows at the bottom indicate the contacts through which the phase will switch over two outgoing wires.

In our example, the phase is white. We connect it to the upper suitable (outgoing) contact. Blue and yellow with a green stripe, we connect to the switching contacts, which one does not matter where to connect.

We install in the socket (mounting glass).

The second pass switch is connected in the same way as the first one.

The switches are set. For more information on how to connect other electrical wiring elements (sockets, light switches with and without illumination, chandeliers and lamps), you can see.

We turn to the connection of the electric cartridge. We also clean the wires and connect. We do not use the ground wire, yellow with a green stripe, we isolate it with electrical tape and put it aside. Alternatively, it can be used as a ground for the luminaire housing if it is metal, this is especially true in rooms with high humidity.

All elements are ready and connected.

Connecting wires to a circuit breaker

There are four wires in our box, let's go through them again:

  • Light (bulb with cartridge).

  • Nutrition.

  • Left lower - switch 1

  • Bottom right - switch 2

Let's start by cutting the power wire and the wire going to the light bulb, remove the outer insulation.

We do not need grounding conductors, yellow with green stripes, so we immediately isolate them with electrical tape.

We clean all the other wires, remove the insulating layer, the bare core should be 3.5-4 centimeters.

We remove unnecessary wires inside the junction box so that they do not interfere with us.

We connect together, by twisting, two blue wires.

Now we prepare the wires going to the switch 1 and 2. Remove the outer insulation.

Here we need all three strands of each wire. We clean 3.5-4 centimeters on each.

We connect the white phase power wire to one of the white phase wires of the switch. You can use any white wire as switch 1 or 2, it doesn't matter.

The second remaining white phase wire of the switch is connected to the white phase wire of the bulb.

Now we connect the switching wires, the phase will walk back and forth along them. Twist the two yellow wires together.

The pass switch circuit is ready.

Checking the work

We screw the light bulb into the socket.

Apply voltage to the circuit breaker. We turn it on (raise the lever up), the voltage is applied to the circuit.

We turn on the first pass-through switch, the connection diagram is brought into operation, the light is on, turn off the switch two lights go out. Let's try the opposite. Everything works. I want to draw your attention to the fact that, unlike, on which there is a rule for setting the top and bottom, there is no such difference on the switches. It can be turned on or off in any position.

We turn off the electricity. To do this, just move the automatic protection lever to the down position. We make sure that there is no voltage, using a voltage indicator for these purposes. With the help of insulating tape we isolate all the twists.

We put them in a junction box.

The scheme is completed, tested and ready for operation.

Scheme of the pass switch.

A do-it-yourself circuit of a pass-through switch helped save us:

  • search and call an electrician - 200 rubles
  • installation of a two-pole circuit breaker- 300 rubles
  • installation of an internal junction box - 550 rubles
  • connection of wires in a junction box, twisting method - 300 rubles
  • installation and connection of a lamp, chandelier (450 rubles for 1 lamp, a chandelier from 800 rubles) - average price 600 rubles
  • installation of a socket ( Brick wall 200 rubles - 1 piece), we have 2 pieces - 400 rubles
  • passage switch installation hidden installation(1 piece for 200 rubles), we have 2 pieces - 400 rubles
  • laying wire open height up to 2 meters (35 rubles - 1 meter), for example, take 4 meters - 140 rubles
  • laying wire open height more than 2 meters (50 rubles -1 meter), for example, take 15 meters - 750 rubles
  • wall chasing 19 meters (120 rubles - 1 meter) - 2280 rubles

Total our savings amounted to: 5920 rubles

View the cost of services for electrical work can be

Happy using! Hope this information was helpful to you.

Sometimes there are cases when you need to turn on the light from 2 different places. This task is feasible by making a pass-through switch from a conventional one. It is within the power of anyone who can hold a screwdriver in their hands. A conventional switch in such a case is a poor helper. You need a special pass-through device. Let's try to make it with our own hands, using the usual push-button.

  • Device modification
  • Conclusion

Purpose of the pass switch

These devices are designed to control any lighting device simultaneously from several places. They are very convenient for installation in long passages, on stairs, in apartment corridors. IN last years they began to be used in bedrooms. The ease of use lies in the fact that there is no need to return to the switch, the light can be turned off from another place. How ? Most often, a circuit using a two-gang switch is used to control an electric lamp.

How to connect the pass switch in other places? In a private house with extensions, you can put it at the entrance to the house, the other - in the room itself. Then, when leaving the house, the light can be turned off right in the yard without returning to the room. If necessary, several such devices are used to turn on the lamp.

Device modification

Rework process simple switch in the checkpoint is available to everyone with their own hands. Its appearance is no different from its counterpart. It can have 1 key, 2 or more. The difference between these devices is visible only from the inside. The feedthrough is used to switch circuits, so it is more correct to call it a switch. Most often, at home, you have to use a conventional single-key marching switch. IN large rooms sometimes you need a device that has multiple keys.

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The alteration consists in adding a contact: instead of 2, you need to put 3. How to connect a pass-through switch to the network? A three-core cable must be laid between a pair of fixtures. Phase always goes to the switch, zero - to the light fixture. Nowadays, they are made on transistors KT315B or on Q6004LT. Our task is to make a do-it-yourself pass-through switch from an ordinary mid-flight switch. For alteration, you need to take a single-gang switch and a two-gang switch. It is desirable that they be produced by the same manufacturer and have the same dimensions. For a two-key switch, the leads for the wires are rearranged and 2 keys change to 1. The do-it-yourself switch is ready. He might be:

  • single-key, equipped with backlight or without it;
  • two-key with or without backlight;
  • three-key;
  • overhead;
  • built-in;
  • intermediate.

Such devices, which can be made by hand, have some disadvantages:

  • by the way the buttons are located, it is impossible to determine in what position the device itself is located;
  • you can not turn on and off the light at several points at the same time.

When the light is off, it is unclear if the switch is on. It's hard to tell from the position of the button. You can not control the light in several places. For example, on both sides of the bed and at the entrance to the bedroom.

Pass-through switch - the very name of this type electrical devices already shows their true purpose. The devices belong to the family of standard household switches, familiar to all owners of residential real estate.

Actually, the design of the devices outwardly resembles the traditional version. The only difference is how to connect the pass switch, diagram contact group which is somewhat different.

The convenience and practicality of this type of device is obvious. Electricity of the net, equipped with such communicators, are operated more efficiently, since in the end, energy savings are actually noted.

For example, to cross a long corridor, the lighting is turned on at the entrance and turned off at the exit. This function is implemented by only two devices mounted at different ends of the corridor.

Here it is - a pass-through switch, which is actively increasing the degree of competition in relation to its relative - a conventional device. This seemingly slightly modified model gives the user more benefits.

If we compare the design with common appliance on / off, the difference is noted in the number of working contacts of the devices. The design of a simple switch provides only the closing / opening of two contacts.

The wiring for connecting a pass-through switch involves the creation of three working lines, of which one is common, and the other two are changeover. So it becomes possible to manage the site electrical circuit from various points.

The principle of operation of a single-key model

Actually, the principle of the function looks simple and clear. The changeover contacts existing in the structure in the first position close one segment of the circuit and open the other, and in the second position of the changeover contacts the circuit is inverted.

The principle of operation of the device in a schematic view: L - phase line of the electrical household network; N - line of electrical zero of the household network; C - common communication contact; P - changeover communication contacts. 1 - one device; 2 - second device

On the body of each branded switch there is always circuit diagram its connections. For example, the user has a single-key device at his disposal. You need to include it in a simple circuit control of one lamp.

If we turn to the installation diagram of a single-gang pass-through switch, which is contained on its case, the user's actions are as follows:

  1. A common line is connected to the first (C) contact.
  2. The second (P) and third (P) contacts are supplied with flip segments.
  3. Install two devices at the previously marked points.

Change-over contacts (P) of two circuit breakers of the same number are connected to each other by conductors. The first (common - Common) contacts of the two devices are connected - one with a phase wire, the second with "zero" through the lamp lamp.

The operation of the circuit is tested as follows:

  1. The mounted section of the circuit is provided with voltage.
  2. Switch the key of the first switch to the "On" mode.
  3. The lighting lamp lights up.
  4. Follow to the location of the second device.
  5. Change the current position of the key of the second device.
  6. The lighting lamp turns off.

Now, if you do all the operations in reverse order, the effect of the lighting system will be the same. So stated normal work schemes.

How to do a real montage

Before starting the installation of an apartment (or other) pass-through switch, it is recommended to draw wiring diagram, something like this:

An example of creating a diagram for the installation of a system of switches through the action: N - the neutral wire of the network; L - phase wire of the network; RK - junction box; PV1 - the first device; PV2 - second device; 1,2,3 - contact groups

The current supply to the section of the circuit with feed-through switches, as a rule, is carried out through a standard junction box. Thus, the first step of the installation is the selection optimal location under the junction box, its installation and supply electrical wiring. The cable is brought into the box three-core (phase-zero-earth).

In addition to the installation of the junction box, the need to prepare niches for mounting the chassis of feed-through switches remains natural. They also choose the most convenient places for them. Typically, devices are mounted next to the boxes of walk-through doors.

One of options installation of communication with two devices - one at each of the passage doors. This option is suitable for classic projects residential and service buildings

Having completed the preparatory installation procedures, they proceed to connecting the divorced lines of conductors. The first is connected to any of the switches, to its 1 output (phase conductor).

Next, the conductors are connected between the changeover contacts. The zero line is connected last to the remaining free first contact of the second switch. It remains to apply voltage to the assembled circuit (turn on the circuit breaker) and test the assembly for correct operation.

Crossover designs

There is a modification of devices - cross switches. Structurally, they are devices with switching to four contacts. Their main purpose is to help in the arrangement of switching circuits for lamps and other devices from three or more control points.

Circuitry with a cross-action model: 1 - a conventional switch; 2 – cross action switch; 3 - ordinary switch; 4 - junction box; 5 - lamp lamp; N - network zero conductor; L - phase conductor

Meanwhile, for the implementation of such schemes with the participation of cross models in the structure, it is required to use conventional feed-through switches. The circuit implementation involves the inclusion of cross modifications in series between a pair of conventional pass-through switches. The crossover model has a pair of input and a pair of output terminals.

Products for external (surface) mounting and devices for use in networks are produced concealed wiring. There is an extensive choice of load capacities, and a variety of color scheme and design also does not limit the user's needs.

Circuit solutions for practical operation

The most commonly used circuits with the connection of through-action devices are, as a rule, circuits for one-, two-, three-key devices. The one-key option was discussed above.

So let's see what it looks like step by step instruction for connecting a two-key device.

  1. It is necessary to schematically outline the installation of the system.
  2. Perform work on the installation of the RC and the socket boxes.
  3. Install the required number of light groups.
  4. Lay the network, taking into account the supply of phase, zero, grounding conductors.
  5. Connect the divorced conductors according to the drawn up diagram.

Attention should be paid not only to electrical work, but also technical work. For example, it is recommended to pay high attention to the installation of socket boxes.

These elements must be securely fastened to the wall, so that in the future they provide no less reliable fastening of the devices.

The implementation of this solution is based on the creation of a system that allows you to control a light group of three separated points. Element base - three devices, of which two are two-button through passage and one is cross.

A widespread version of the three-point scheme: N - electrical zero; L is the electrical phase; ПВ1 - the first two-key switch; ПВ2 - the second two-key switch; PV3 - cross switch

A kind of connection instruction in this case looks something like this:

  1. A wiring diagram is created.
  2. Works are being carried out on the installation of the distribution box and socket boxes.
  3. Three-core electric cables are laid in the amount of 4 pcs.
  4. Electrical installation is carried out - connection according to the scheme.

This option for creating a communication power grid looks somewhat complicated. As is clear even from cable management, you will have to deal with a total of 12 conductors. 6 wires should be connected to ordinary walk-through switches, while 8 wires should be connected to a crossover switch.

A phase line is connected to the common terminal of any of the two-key switches. The line of the light group is connected to the common line of the second two-gang switch. The remaining conductors are connected by pin numbers according to the schematic drawing.

Touch switch models

In addition to keyboard and lever modifications, there are touch-sensitive models on the market. In fact, the functions of the devices are the same, but the principle of operation, as well as the design, are somewhat different.

Modern modification - sensory model, which differs in a more convenient principle of operation. In addition, this type of household communicators has an extended service life due to the absence of mechanics in the structure.

There are two types of touch switches:

  1. Touch direct action.
  2. Touch with dimmers.

The former work on direct, clear contact through a short touch with a fingertip to the glass panel of the device. That is, in this option, only the on / off function is active. Second constructive option(dimmer) provides switching on and off with smooth regulation of the brightness of the lamps.

To work with these devices, the same touch with a finger is required, followed by holding the fingertip on the glass until the required brightness of the lamp is reached.

Rear view of the touch device, where the terminals for connection are located: COM - synchronizing connector for pairing with other devices; L - contact for the mains phase; L1 - the first output channel; L2 - second output channel

The schematic of sensor devices differs from other devices in that it contains one common (phase) terminal (L), two changeover (L1, L2) and one “COM” terminal.

Contact "COM" is used for communication between switches when building complex schemes. For example, with control of three or more points by several lighting zones. At the same time, a load power of not more than 1 kW is allowed for one light zone.

The classic version of circuit wiring with one sensory device: N - electrical zero; L is the electrical phase; L1 - load of the first channel; L2 - load of the second channel

A simple organization of a control system with one touch device is performed as follows:

  1. The phase line is connected to the "L" terminal.
  2. Line "L1" forms one zone of illumination.
  3. Line "L2" forms the second area of ​​illumination.

If a group of devices is used, the phase contacts of the devices (L) are connected in parallel, plus the “COM” terminals are connected to each other. All other terminals are disconnected as standard depending on the number of switched light zones.

Touch Switch Programming

In order for touch devices to function correctly, they must be programmed. In fact, we are talking about synchronizing all the switches in the group. Programming is performed by the sequence:

  1. Touching the sensor for 5 sec. until a beep (or flashing LED).
  2. After a beep, remove the touch and move on to the next device.
  3. Touching the sensor of the second device.
  4. If the LED on the front panel responded with short flashes, successfully.
  5. Cancel synchronization - touch the sensor for 10 seconds.

For touch structures, there are some installation restrictions.

For example, the maximum allowable distance from the circuit breaker to the circuit breaker must be at least 30 m.

Conclusions and useful video on the topic

Theoretical information on how the passage switch is installed in the room:

These are seriously modified electrical components familiar to everyone electrical switches. Now these are no longer just switches for electric lamps screwed into chandelier sockets. These devices can be successfully used to control other objects. For example, performing work on lifting and lowering the curtains on the windows of the apartment.

The walk-through switch is a device for controlling electrical appliances when there is a need to access the last of different points apartments. Most often, such an element is used for lighting fixtures in rooms of different sizes.

For example, when turning on / off the light in long corridors, large rooms or bedroom / study (at the entrance to the room and at the bed or desk). Similar design is popular among consumers, therefore, when conducting repair work, the question arises of connecting pass-through switches.

To assemble the connection diagram of the device under discussion yourself, you do not need special education. However, the final result and the state of health of the employee will depend on strict adherence to the instructions and compliance with safety measures.

Wiring diagrams

Pass-through switch circuits differ in the number of connection points. The easiest to implement is the option with two instrument control points, but more may be required.


If you have experience or a sufficient knowledge base about the connection process conventional switch, with this type of difficulties will not arise. Here the principle of operation is the same, with the exception of more wires and terminals. In the case of the usual design, there are two of them, in the case under consideration - three.

A three-wire type of wiring runs from the junction box to this switch. Moreover, the size of its section must be selected according to the power of the controlled device.

Connecting switches with two control points

According to the connection diagram, the following are brought into the junction box:

  • three-core cable from two control devices;
  • two-core cable from the controlled device;
  • two-wire network cable.

Inside the junction box, the connection starts from the phase wire of the junction box. It is connected to the input contact of one of the control devices.

The remaining common contact of the second device is combined with the cable of the electrical appliance. The second wire of the controlled device is connected to the neutral contact of the junction box.

Connection with three control points

If the number of points of the pass-through switch exceeds two, in addition to simple switching elements, a cross type of control devices will also be required.

This type is distinguished by the fact that it has two pairs of input and output contacts, therefore a four-core cable is pulled to it. To implement the chain, conventional through-flow structures are in the first and last positions, and cross ones in the middle.


The combined schema is created like this:

  • the common contact of the first switch is combined with the box phase;
  • the output contacts of the first device are connected to a pair of input contacts from the cross device;
  • the output contacts of the cross type design are combined with the input contacts of the next cross or last (conventional) circuit breaker;
  • the common contact of the last in the chain conventional control element is connected to the input contact of the electrical device;
  • the output from the electrical appliance is connected to the phase contact of the junction box.

It should be noted that the number of control points in this scheme is not limited. While maintaining the principle of placing conventional structures at the ends of the chain, and cross ones in its middle.

The only thing that will become more difficult is switching in the junction box. With an increase in the number of wires, it is quite difficult to ensure their competent combination. Therefore, even at the stage of bringing to the box, it is better to provide marking for each cable.

Changing a conventional switch under the gate

When studying a photo of a pass-through switch in the network, it becomes clear that the differences of this type from the usual one are minimal. And therefore, if there are a couple of ordinary elements in stock, they can be easily converted into an improved look. Especially when it comes to existing devices. Thus, it will turn out to save not only on the cost of electricity, but also on the purchase of additional devices.


The instruction on how to make a pass-through switch from a standard one implies the presence of a pair of switching devices manufactured by the same company and one release format (key shape, size, color). Moreover, you will need a single-key and two-key varieties.

It is important to pay attention here that the two-key type of device has terminals that allow changing places. This is important to ensure an independent process of closing and opening the network. In other words, in one position of the key, the first network will be turned on, in another position, the second one.

To make a pass-through switch out of a regular one, you will need to add a third contact inside the two-key device. Its presence will allow transmitting a signal not only to an electrical device, but also to a second control point.

The algorithm of actions will look like:

  • at the point of attachment with a probe, determine which of the wires running in the wall (over the wall) is the phase wire and mark it with a color, this will facilitate the installation process;
  • if the element is active and not new, it will need to be de-energized and removed (loosen the contact clamps and each socket screw);
  • from reverse side of the removed device, open the clamps on the case and remove the electrical component;
  • using a thick screwdriver (slotted type), the spring pushers are carefully removed from the frame to avoid damage to the elements;
  • the same screwdriver pry the teeth on the ends of the extracted mechanism;
  • one of the moving rocker contacts located on the electrical part will need to be turned a full turn (180 °);
  • cut off one of the common contact areas (without subsequent insulation);
  • return the removed elements to their place;
  • if we are talking about an active element, you will need to install it in its original place;
  • remove the key from single-gang switch and put on the assembled structure;
  • install the second switch on the planned control point, connecting it to the first three-wire cable;
  • connect the circuit together in a junction box.

In the case of switches installed during repair, the presence of an improved switch can be taken into account in the design. When it comes to autonomous reworking of control points electrical appliance, the process will be more difficult.

A three-core wire should run between the control points, the fixing of which will require wall chasing. You can consider the option of open wiring or disguising wiring as decorative elements (moldings, baguettes near the ceiling, etc.).


At first, after installing the considered types of switches, whether they are from the factory or made independently, there may be confusion in use due to some features of the devices, since it will no longer be clear by the position of the key whether the device is on or off.

Also, the network will not be available simultaneously from both (all) points of control. At one point in time, the command must be given from one point. However, the initial unfamiliarity will not override the benefits of the installation.

Photo of walk-through switches

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