Hello, dear readers and guests of the Electrician's Notes website.

In one of my articles, I told you about it, controlled both manually and from a control panel.

But today I would like to draw your attention to the VL-C701R Classic series touch switch from Livolo with similar functions. True, this switch has its own characteristics and advantages over the same Sapphire-2503, which I will tell you about in this article.

The very first thing that catches your eye is its pleasant appearance with a transparent glass panel. This, in principle, became a fundamental aspect when choosing this switch.

The fact is that on the kitchen apron there is a place prepared for installing a switch, with the help of which one of the kitchen lighting groups will be controlled. Sockets for kitchen appliances will also be located there.

The kitchen splashback is planned to be made of glass, so when choosing a switch, I wanted to find something with an original and interesting design.

And then, on the Internet, I came across a review of a touch switch from Livolo. So I decided to buy it, because why not?! At the same time, I’ll share the information with you, what if you also decide to install one of these products for yourself?!

To begin with, I purchased one VL-C701R Classic series touch switch in order to test its declared functions and characteristics, because the switch is made in China, and here, as you all know, you can expect all sorts of surprises.

So, let's go.

I ordered the VL-C701R Classic series switch from the Livolo online store (rulivolo.ru). Its cost at the time of publication of the article was about 1130 rubles. The prices on Aliexpress are similar, so I decided to order here. You can check it yourself! Among the advantages, I would note the following: Russian-language description of goods and support when ordering, as well as relatively fast delivery, which in my case took a little more than a week. From China (Aliexpress) you would have to wait much longer.

Explanation:

• VL is the Livolo brand designation
• C7 - series (more modernized)
• 01 — number of controlled lines (one)
• R - radio-controlled (with remote control)

Specifications:

• operating voltage from 110 to 250 (V) frequency 50-60 (Hz)
• maximum power no more than 1000 (W)
• maximum load current no more than 5 (A)
• number of switchings - 100 thousand.
• IP20 housing protection degree (read about)
• operating temperature from -30°С to +70°С

Overall dimensions: 80x80x40 (mm).

I received the switch in a cardboard box that held two packages at once.

One package contained a VL-C701R touch light switch with a VL-RMT-02 control panel and an instruction manual (in English), and the other contained a glass panel.

Why is this switch so interesting?!

Like I said, it's his appearance. There are no comrades in taste and color, but personally I like it. Compared to the same Sapphire-2503, it looks much more interesting and prettier.

Based on the color scheme, the background of the glass panel of the switch can be ordered at your discretion, although the choice is not particularly huge - only 2 colors: black and white.

Using the touch-sensitive light switch VL-C701R, you can control almost all types of lamps - incandescent lamps, halogen lamps, both 220 (V) and through, CFL compact fluorescent lamps, fluorescent fluorescent lamps, and LED strips.

True, there is one nuance that applies to LED and fluorescent lamps, as well as LED strips. If their power is from 3 to 18 (W), then the listed lamps may still blink in the off position of the switch. This, for example, the manufacturer recommends in this case installing a resistor with a nominal value of 33 (kOhm) and a power of 10 (W) in parallel with the lamp.

The VL-C701R touch switch can be used not only to control lighting - with the same success, you can connect another load to the output contacts, for example, a blind or gate drive, a fan, a heater, solenoid valves for water irrigation and other various devices. Naturally, if the connected load exceeds the power of the output contacts of the switch, then a contactor will need to be added to the circuit. Read some of my articles about contactors:

Externally, the switch assembly looks quite neat and of high quality. On the reverse side, the housing of the VL-C701R touch switch is made of heat-resistant plastic with brass terminals for connecting wires and cables.

Connecting the touch switch VL-C701R

The VL-C701R touch switch is connected according to the standard scheme, like or.

There is no need to lay any additional wires and cables (some touch switches require a separate 220 V power supply) - the VL-C701R touch light switch is installed instead of a conventional single-key switch or dimmer. Here is the connection diagram for the VL-C701R touch switch from Livolo.

To terminal L (In) we connect the incoming phase from the distribution box (red wire in the diagram), and to terminal L1 (Load) - the switching phase (orange wire in the diagram), which will already go to the lamp or group of lamps.

Initially, I planned to install a touch switch on the kitchen apron, but as practice has shown, this is not possible - I will talk about the reasons below. Therefore, as an example, I will show the installation of a switch to control lighting in the bathroom.

The bathroom had to be installed: one key to control the lighting, and the other. But there is no fan yet, so I will connect only the lighting group to the switch. In the future, perhaps I’ll connect the fan control to the same group, because it still comes with a timer.

The white conductor is the L phase, the blue one is the N zero, and the yellow-green one is the PE protective conductor.

Now all we have to do is connect the incoming phase from the apartment switchboard to the L (In) terminal, and connect the switching phase of the outgoing cable to the group of lamps to the L1 (Load) terminal. I connected the neutrals and PE protective conductors to each other, respectively, in the same place in the socket box using.

I carefully laid the wires in the socket box and moved on to installing the switch. The used Hegel KU1201 socket boxes are 45 (mm) deep, so installing a 33 (mm) deep switch there and laying all the wires is somewhat problematic. Whenever possible, use deeper socket boxes.

The switch is mounted in a standard-sized socket box exclusively with mounting screws (included in the kit); it does not have any spreading tabs. So take this into account if you still have old Soviet metal socket boxes installed. Although it is not so long and laborious to replace them with modern ones. Here are some articles on these topics:

After installing the base of the switch, we attach the glass panel to it - it is held solely by latches. Ready.

And this is how the switch protrudes from the wall - not very much and even less than ordinary switches.

But what if you plan to install several of these switches in a row?!

Let's count! The standard distance between the centers of socket boxes is 71 (mm). The overall size of the glass panel of the touch switch is 80 (mm). Thus, from the center to the edge of the glass panel there will be 40 (mm), which will protrude 6 (mm) beyond the edge of our socket box, which has a diameter of 68 (mm). The switch installed nearby can no longer be installed, because their edges will overlap each other. This means that in this case it will not be possible to install such switches in one row.

The way out of the situation is to increase the distance between the socket boxes in advance, i.e. instead of the standard 71 (mm), make it 80 (mm). Here's the nuance.

Touch light switch operation

We touch the circled circle with a finger (or foot) and the switch turns on; when we touch it again, it turns off. An electromagnetic relay is built inside the switch, which is slightly audible when switching.

Also, the switch is illuminated in a non-intrusive and pleasing way, which is clearly visible in the dark or in dimly lit places. When the switch is on, it lights up in red, and when off, it lights up blue, although during the day it is difficult to determine whether the switch is on or not.

I would like to note the following feature of the switch. If suddenly for some reason your power line is turned off, the switch automatically switches to the “off” position.

Setting up the remote control

The switch is remotely controlled using a separate control panel (VL-RMT-02), or rather even a remote control, which comes as standard.

The remote control is small and compact 40x25x15 (mm) with the ability to program several of these switches. It has a metal faceplate, and its buttons are protected by an opening plastic safety shutter.

The remote control operates at a frequency of 433.92 (MHz) from a 27A/12 (V) battery, which, unfortunately, is not included in the package, so I had to buy it separately. Keep this in mind.

To configure the remote control, you need to press and hold the sensor button on the switch until it emits a sound signal - this is approximately 5 seconds.

Then you need to press any of the three (A, B or C) buttons on the remote control (I’ll take button B as an example) until a second single beep appears.

Ready. With such a simple and simple action we paired the touch switch and button B of the control panel.

Button D cannot be programmed. because its function is initially programmed to turn off all three switches (sensors) programmed to the buttons of this remote control.

If you want to disconnect the control panel from the switch, then follow similar steps. Only when you press a button on the control panel, not a single signal, but a double signal will appear.

If you want to reset all switch settings, press and hold the switch on the sensor for about 10 seconds. All control panels associated with this switch will be disabled.

Now let's check - is everything working properly?!

Press button B - the switch turns on. Press button B again - the switch turns off.

Let's check other buttons on the control panel that we did not program. The remote control does not respond to other buttons, which is what needed to be proven!!!

As I said, with the help of one control panel you can control 3 switches (or 3 sensors). Also, one switch (sensor) can be linked simultaneously to 8 different control panels.

I would like to note that the settings of the switch and the control panel are saved even when the power is turned off and there is no battery in the remote control. And this is very important!

According to the stated characteristics, the operating range of the control panel is 20 (m). I don’t have the opportunity to check at such a distance at home. But from anywhere in the apartment the switch works without problems, even from behind a wall, from around a corner, etc. Let me clarify that all the walls in the apartment are made of plasterboard. I can’t say how the switch will behave against concrete walls.

Minor modernization

Some of you may object that it is not very convenient to aim at the small sensor button. But this can all be solved! One of the radio amateurs has already come up with a so-called upgrade for this switch, i.e. expanded its sensitive zone and now there is no need to aim at a small “target” - the switch will be triggered when you touch any point on the glass panel.

It's not difficult to do this. I will not upgrade my copy, but will attach a photo of a similar touch switch, only without radio control.

You need to get to the circuit board of the switch and solder one tip of the conductor to the indicated location.

The second tip of the conductor remains free (in the air), it just needs to be secured around the perimeter to the base of the board with glue, tape and other convenient methods, as shown in the photo below.

Now the switch will be activated when you press anywhere on the glass surface.

2. Linking the switch to a PC, tablet and phone

On one of the forums I came across a very detailed post that this switch can be linked to an Arduino Uno controller, which means that the switch can now be controlled not only manually or from a remote control, but also directly from a computer, tablet, phone and even using voice commands. So keep this in mind - with the help of this opportunity you can build a more rich and “smart” lighting control system (and not only) for your home or apartment.

Conclusion

I’ll say a few words about the identified shortcomings.

I noticed that the glass panel has some play in the landing latches, but within reason. Also, fingerprints always remain on the glass panel. So far I have nothing else to note about the shortcomings.

As an alternative to switches with touch and remote control, you can use ready-made devices (controllers) similar to those installed in, although they will have much less functionality.

And as usual, watch the video based on this article:

P.S. The Livolo range does not end there. The site presents a large selection of switches, walk-through switches, sockets, dimmers, timers and other devices with various functionality, as well as interesting designs. But only time of operation will tell how reliable Livolo products are. If you already use switches and other Livolo products, then write your opinion and review about them in the comments. Thank you.

The development of technology has affected all areas of human life, including home improvement. One example is a touch-sensitive light switch. This device significantly increases the comfort of being in the room and allows you to control the lighting by touch. And this is not the only advantage.

Design features and operating principle

The touch switch operates even when you lightly touch the button. Consists of three main elements:

1. Control block. The system processes the external signal and transmits it to the necessary parts.
2. Switching device. Gives a load to the electrical network, which opens and closes the circuit and changes the current to the lamp.
3. Touch (control) panel. Designed to sense touches or signals from the remote control. In modern devices you don’t have to touch the sensor, just move your hand nearby.

Standard models of switches are equipped with the following capabilities:

1. Turn on/off the light, adjust the brightness.
2. Monitor the operation of heating equipment and report temperature changes.
3. Open/close blinds.
4. Turn on/off household appliances connected to the switch.

Among the additional functions, the motion sensor is very useful.

Classification system

Touch switches come in different types, which are selected depending on the needs of a residential building or office.

With remote control

Used in such cases:

• the switch is located in an inconvenient place and cannot be moved from there;
• a person with limited mobility lives in the apartment/house;
• switches are located at a height where children cannot reach;
• there is a need to change the brightness of the light without getting out of bed.

To work with a structure of this type, it is not necessary to use a special remote control. A universal one is suitable, connecting simultaneously to two, three or more devices.

With timer

The device has many advantages:

1. Quiet operation.
2. Easy to install.
3. Safety. If the circuit is broken or shorted, the switch automatically moves to the off position.
4. Attractive appearance. The device body can be painted in any color.
5. Two colors to indicate operation. Red indicates the backlight is on, blue indicates it is off.
6. Durability and reliability. Special glass is used to make products. The edges are carefully sanded. This makes the switch safe and easy to clean.
7. Versatility. Works with any type of lamp, be it LED, halogen or incandescent.

Touch switches with timers are distinguished by a wide range of functions and are economical.

Optical-acoustic switches

They react to sound or movement - clap, a spoken word or some kind of gesture. The main thing is that all this happens within the range of the sensor.

What are dimmers

Touch switches with a dimmer allow you to change the level of lighting in the room. Conventional devices operate in two modes - on/off. The dimmer allows you to adjust the brightness of the light to your taste.

Devices with such a device have important advantages:

1. Thanks to the ability to change brightness, they help reduce the amount of electricity consumed. The indicator decreases by 50%.
2. Allows you to adjust the lighting to suit the situation. For example, in the evening after a busy day at work, you can reduce the brightness to twilight.
3. If there are several switches in the room, using a dimmer you can focus attention on one part of the interior.

Designs with dimmers do not work with energy-saving and fluorescent lamps.

Devices for mounting LED lighting

Switches that can be connected to LED strips are also called dimmers. They turn on, turn off and adjust the brightness of the light source.

Most often, such devices are part of an entrance lighting scheme or a smart home system, and also focus attention on some detail of the room.

Advantages

Touch switches, compared to classic devices, have many advantages:

• can work with any light sources and electrical appliances;
• allow you to save energy;
• are distinguished by reliability and long service life;
• perform many functions;
• devices are easy to install;
• operate almost silently;
• safe for humans;
• the sensor is triggered even when it is touched with wet hands.

Several switching systems can be installed in one device.

How not to make a mistake with your choice

When choosing a touch switch, you first need to look at the maximum and minimum current and voltage. Usually the values ​​are indicated on the packaging or the device itself. If they differ greatly from the network characteristics, you will have to install a stabilizer.

It is also worth remembering other parameters:

• number of devices connected to one switch;
• need for a dimmer;
• Do you need a timer that automatically turns on/off lights or appliances;
• Operating principle: by touch or remote control.

When the set of functions and properties is defined, you can move on to external characteristics. For example, decide in advance whether the switch will have a glass or plastic control panel.

Manufacturers of touch switches

The manufacturer of the switch is an important factor determining its choice. Experts recommend giving preference to those that have a good reputation in this field:

1. Basalte. Produces premium products. They are distinguished by their unusual design and high quality. On the front panel, which is often made of glass, there are indicators that act as a backlight. The company also produces switches that can be integrated into a smart home system. The price of products depends on the complexity of their execution.
2. Legrand. A French company producing a wide range of electrical products. The switches it produces are endowed with a large number of functions. They belong to the expensive price segment.
3. Livolo. A Russian company that has appeared on the electrical engineering market quite recently. A distinctive feature of the touch switches it produces is their affordable price.

Subtleties of connection

Installing a touch switch is no different from installing a conventional device. It takes place in several stages:

• turn off the electricity;
• remove the old switch;
• remove the top panel from the new product;
• connect the wires to the terminals intended for them;
• place the operating mechanism of the switch in the installation box;
• secure the device using spacers and special screws;
• fix the panel.

The connection of the two-key model is carried out according to the same scheme. To avoid confusion, it is recommended to use cables that have multi-colored cores.

Pass-through switches are connected in the same way. They allow you to control a light source or equipment from different places. This is convenient if there is a long corridor in the apartment/house.

There is an option for unusual installation - not on the wall, but in the mirror. In this case, the switch must consist of a control unit and an infrared sensor. It is triggered not by touch, but by movement.

How to make a touch sensor with your own hands

You can construct a sensor for a touch switch yourself. To do this you need to prepare:

• relay with voltage 6–12 V;
• part of the foil PCB, which will play the role of a sensor;
• pulse diode with a voltage of 100 V.

Touching the sensor provokes the opening of elements designated in the diagram as VT1 and VT2. After this, the circuit will close (using a relay), and the lamp/electrical appliance will turn on.

You can also make a device with an infrared sensor yourself. It only works when there is movement within the sensor's visibility range. If it is absent, the lighting will turn off after a certain period of time.

The connection occurs according to the following diagram:

This scheme has important features:

• the output is one;
• transistor is open;
• the contacts from the relay must be connected to the key;
• The infrared sensor operates thanks to a pulse generator;
• to increase the strength of the pulse current that goes to the infrared LED, it is necessary to install amplifiers.

The connection is made so that after 20 minutes after a person leaves the room, the light turns off.

The sensor-based device is a good alternative to conventional switches. It is distinguished by its attractive appearance, efficiency, and reliability. Allows you to turn on/off not only light sources, but also household appliances. Products of this type can be purchased at a specialized store or, if you have the necessary skills and abilities, you can make them yourself.

The reliability of any system is higher, the fewer moving elements there are in it. Therefore, when considering a mechanical and touch-type lighting switch, it can be noted that the latter has serious advantages in this sense. But, in addition to reliability, sensor devices amaze, of course, with their futurism. Space design and advanced functionality, what could better meet the trend of modern technology?

Touch switch - what is it?

The sensor device is able to sense any impact on it. Speaking of a switch, such an impact would be a person touching the area of ​​the sensitive zone. But, unlike a mechanical switch, other than a light touch from the operator, no additional effort is required for the device to operate. Moreover, touching the same area again will lead to a change in the state of the device - to the opposite.

A touch light switch, just like a conventional electromechanical one, is designed to turn the lighting on and off. But this does not happen with a direct mechanical break of the contact, but through an electronic circuit, which first analyzes the signal coming from the sensor (sensor) and gives a command to the relay. Therefore, it is incorrect to say that a switch with a sensor device is completely devoid of mechanics. But the reliability of such a relay is much higher than a simple mechanical contact.

The appearance of the device can be completely different. But in all cases, this is a panel on which there is a certain background and the touch zones are clearly marked. For ease of orientation in a dark room, the sensors are illuminated with a special indication. Switches come in one, two or three positions with the ability to switch up to three zones.

What does the device consist of?

Circuit design, all touch switches are similar to each other. Their work is based on the same processes. Therefore, one device node (meaning the switching node) is assembled on the following three main elements:

Connecting the touch switch to the network

Despite the fact that the sensor is a complex electronic device, installing it in a circuit does not require any special knowledge from the installer. All this is explained by the presence in the switch of standard contact connectors, which are also found in mechanical switches.

Also, the size of the sensor seat and its fastening elements are consistent with standard installation boxes.

Let's take a closer look at how to connect a touch switch:

The more switching zones a switch can provide, the more pairs of contacts it will have on the back side.

Connecting the sensor to a table lamp

The general lighting of the room is not always enough for normal work. This happens because the chandelier, as a rule, is located in a certain place on the ceiling and its light may not fall very well on the workplace. The way out of the situation is to purchase a table lamp.

The inconvenience of most table lamps is that the mechanical switch is usually located not on the body of the product itself, but on the power cord. Looking for such a switch, especially near a night light, is, to put it mildly, inconvenient. With the advent of the lamp touch switch, it became possible to correct the situation.

The sensor is better suited for these purposes than a regular switch, because the latter must be embedded into the front panel - this is not always possible to do successfully, from an aesthetic point of view. The touch switch can simply be hidden under the body of the product, bringing it as close as possible to the surface. To install the sensor in a table lamp, you need:

Connecting the sensor to the control panel

The touch switch is easy to use, but sometimes there are times when you need to bind a control panel to it. Most sensors support this feature. This may be necessary if it is impossible for a sick person to approach the switch and in other situations. Using the example of a touch device from Livolo, it is convenient to understand how this connection process occurs:

Device selection criteria

Just like conventional switches, the devices are designed to operate with a certain current and voltage, so when choosing them, you must first pay attention to these parameters. Information can be found on the device body or on its packaging. If the electricity in a real network deviates from the parameters required by the switch, then a stabilizer must be included in the circuit.

Other selection criteria are:

• Number of connection zones to one device.
• The need for a dimmer.
• The need to have a timer, remote control, temperature sensor or other additional function in the device.
• Device type - LED touch switch, for other lamps or electrical appliances.

At the very last stage, you can decide on the design of the product and its compliance with the style of the room where it will be installed.

Advantages

If we compare two types of switches - classic and touch, the latter has a wide range of advantages:

• Ability to work in tandem with most lighting systems and various equipment.
• Longer service life with high operational reliability.
• Safe for human life and health when used even with wet hands.
• Expanded functionality.
• Easy to connect and install.
• Quiet operation.
• Aesthetically attractive appearance.

Using touch switches for lighting fixtures, you can effectively save electrical energy. To do this, buy not ordinary devices, but those that have a dimmer function. This allows you to reduce the voltage supply to the lamp, thereby changing the brightness of its combustion.

Finally

When installing any systems (desktop touch switches or wall-mounted), you should not forget that working with electricity requires extreme care and compliance with safety precautions. Therefore, if you do not have the necessary skills, it is better to invite a qualified electrician for installation.

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Attention! When installing touch switches, be sure to follow the following instructions:

1. Installation must be carried out strictly on de-energized wiring to prevent short circuits and damage to the device.

2. Install and remove the glass front panel with the mechanism de-energized.

3. Do not recess the support (the metal part fastened with screws to the mounting box) into the wall by tightening the screws to maximum force. If it is necessary to loosen the fastening screws by half a turn, the front panel should not rest against the wall on one side and should stand strictly parallel to the wall.

4. Supply power to the touch switches only when each line is under load (the output phase is connected to the consumer).

5. To avoid contamination of the switch sensor and subsequent incorrect operation, place the front glass panel on the switch immediately after installation. Do not press the sensor without the panel! If there is construction dust on the switch sensor, wipe it with a dry, clean cloth and immediately install the front panel.

During installation, avoid contact between metal parts of the installation

tool with the inner painted side of the front panel.

Remove the product from the packaging, insert a flat-head screwdriver into the lock until it stops,

located at the bottom of the front panel and turn it along the axis to disconnect

panel, de-energize the wiring, connect the phase to the L-in input connector, then

then connect the output connectors out-L1-L2 (depending on the number of lines in

product). Secure the caliper in the mounting box, connect the upper part

front panel with the caliper so that the lock teeth fit into the grooves,

flat, close the lock until it clicks.

Connection diagram for CGSS touch switches:

Lighting can be turned on and off by lightly touching the front panel

in the illuminated area where the sensor is located, lights up when switched off

blue, red when on.

For models with dimming switching on and off is carried out briefly

touch, adjust the lighting power with a long touch power

will increase, and when touched again - decrease. Dimmer required

Use only with supporting lamps. It is acceptable if

The dimmer gets hot during operation.

Attention! When using LED lamps with a total line load

less than 15 W, lamps may blink when turned off, in this case

You will need an LED adapter, which can be purchased at retail outlets.

Connection diagram for a touch switch with an LED adapter next to the load:

Connection diagram for a touch switch with an LED adapter in the installation box:

Pass-through touch switches CGSS

Pass-through switches need to synchronize, to do this, hold down until

sound signal sensor of one switch, then touch the second,

The backlight should flash twice. Reset synchronization by holding

touch for 10 seconds or more until a double signal. Pass-through switches

(switches) only work when a phase is connected to the L-in of both products, and

COM-COM connector connections.

Connection diagram for single-line pass-through touch switches:

Connection diagram for two-line pass-through touch switches:

Setting up radio controlled switches

To pair, hold your finger on the sensor for more than 5 seconds until a beep sounds.

After the signal, press the numbered button on the remote control, repeat the steps

for the following lines. To program a scenario button, connect to one

from these remote control buttons, all the necessary lines according to the algorithm described above.

To reset the settings, hold the sensor for more than 10 seconds until you hear a double beep.

The dimmer is connected to the numbered key 5, it is used to turn on

and turning off the lighting, the brightness of the light is adjusted using the +/- keys.

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