Many like to tinker and do not want to call on a professional when it comes to touching the electrical installation of the house. However, before embarking on such an activity, it is essential to know certain basics. In electricity, you can choose between a push button and a two-way switch. Knowing their roles, advantages and disadvantages allows you to make the right choice.
Push button and switch back and forth: what is it?
Generally, push buttons are intended for different uses, including lighting, door opening, doorbell, or timer. Today the push buttons that have appeared on the market are more designer. The spring devices are small in size and the buttons equipped with backlighting for easy identification at all times. The operation is quite simple: when you press the button, the current starts to flow but the button returns to its initial position.
The switch compared to the push button is more aesthetic and is available in various forms, ranging from the square model to the mini-lever encased in a quadrilateral housing. The most common type comes as an exposed tab in a square or rectangle case. The functions of the back and forth switch are a little more limited unlike that of the button. A switch is usually used to control a lighting system or to pass current through a given circuit.
The specificities of each accessory
The combination pushbutton-panel with module is commonly called remote switch. In terms of connections, this system has the advantage of having many control points. It is simple to use and set up, giving it pride of place in the category of emergency devices.
A switch is connected to a lighting system, whether spotlights or a ceiling light. If conventional switches have only one control point, the so-called back and forth has two. It can even go up to three control points, associated with a switch. Clearly, with a switch back and forth, you can turn on a light bulb from more than two different places. This is practical in a large family, a hotel, or even a work room.
Push buttons and switches: advantages and disadvantages
On classic push button prototypes, you often have to keep the pressure on to establish contact. These are also known to generate parasitic pulses called rebounds after putting your finger on them. To overcome this drawback, push buttons with locking in one position have been designed.
Some new models can even be part of a home automation system. Thus all the equipment in the house can be controlled by a single box, including the lighting for example. In this case, users will not even have to move from their bed to switch off before sleeping. This device is also easy to install in parallel connection with only two wires. The problem is when changing the bulb. Indeed, due to the layout of the button, it will be a little difficult to recognize whether the bulb is powered or not.
The back and forth switch is made for large residences with several entrances. Some innovative so-called wireless versions contribute greatly to the style and interior decoration. Thanks to these electrical components, the walls will be spared and the property freed from kilometers of electrical wires. This jewel of technology works like a micro-transmitter and is powered by a battery. These products are usually sold as a kit with a switch already connected to the electrical installation.