Among the models of switches presented on the domestic market, a special place is occupied by samples under the well-known Legrand brand, which are popular all over the world. Products from this manufacturer combine stylish design and excellent performance. A wide variety of assortment allows you to choose and purchase the Legrand switch, which is optimal for any modern interiors.
Information about the company and the products sold
Legrand is a French company headquartered in the small town of Limoges. The specialists and engineers of this company have been manufacturing electrical products for many years. In recent years alone, Legrand has significantly expanded its business through acquisitions of other companies in more than 60 countries.
Historical reference
The company was founded in 1866, when its specialists opened the production of table china. And only in 1904 this company was headed by Frederic Legrand, after whom it was named.
With the discovery of electricity, porcelain components were used to make switches and other electrical products that were in high demand.
In 1984, the first subsidiaries opened in North America, and in 1989 the Italian brand Bticino was acquired. Several Legrand brands are represented in Russia today, including Vantage, Zucchini, Bticino, Etika, Cablofil and ESTAP.
Product characteristics
Among all the variety on the Russian market, two brands of this company stand out, which are usually considered separately. The first is Legrand Celiane, the company's premium circuit breaker division. They are available in a wide variety of colors ranging from white, graphite, titanium to ivory. These products are distinguished by their stylish design, sophistication of rounded shapes and the ability to fit into any modern interior.
The assortment of this series includes the following models:
- contactless (silent) switches;
- sensor devices;
- pass-through products;
- one-key and two-key samples;
- devices with backlight or indication.
By their design, they can be with switches in the form of a button or with special levers. Today, these models are increasingly used as elements of the "Smart Home" and are truly unique devices that have no equal.
Products from Legrand Valena differ only slightly from the models already reviewed and are also characterized by the perfection of lines and shapes. Their model range is so extensive that the most demanding customer will be able to choose wiring accessories suitable for a specific interior.
Features of switches
A feature of modern Legrand switches is the presence of samples that cannot be attributed to any specific category. First of all, it is a one-button wall-mounted model equipped with a control panel included in the switchgear kit. The following samples belong to the same type of product:
- with a cord or a button instead of a regular key;
- touch-sensitive light switches with electronic "stuffing";
- two-key devices;
- pass-through switch Legrand.
The presence in the range of this manufacturer of sensor models used with motion sensors, significantly expands the scope of their application. The same is noted for Legrand pass-through switches, which make it possible to organize original switching schemes.
The demand for such solutions is explained by the need to turn on the light at the entrance to the room and turn it off at the exit from it.
The connection diagram of a two-key pass-through switch with 2 places from Legrand allows you to control a chandelier or other illuminator from different points in the room. In addition, the assortment of these products traditionally includes samples that are built into walls or mounted on them in an open form.
Advantages of Legrand switches
The popularity of Legrand brand products is explained by their advantages when compared with models from other manufacturers. The advantages of switches of this class include:
- reliability in operation, achieved due to high quality workmanship;
- a wide range and a large number of design solutions;
- compliance with the latest technological trends;
- functionality.
The French manufacturer also offers various models for surface and concealed installation.
Every year, new collections of Legrand products appear on the Russian market, which are highly appreciated by both ordinary users and specialists. The complete set of installation products from Legrand is recognized as one of the best in the world, since the French manufacturer pays great attention to its improvement. Thanks to these efforts, the company managed to achieve a record price-performance ratio for most samples, which cannot be found today.
Device, principle of operation
Switches of this type are relatively simple devices through which it is possible to switch electrical circuits and control lighting devices. Their design and principle of operation is easier to consider using the example of a single-key product, consisting of the following main parts.
- switching module with built-in switching mechanism;
- special fasteners that allow you to fix the device in a wall niche (used for hidden installation);
- decorative body;
- control key.
The principle of operation of a mechanical switch does not need a detailed analysis, since in this case there is a simple closing and opening of the working contacts. More complicated is the variant of the sensor device, for switching which the electronic filling is used, acting on the executive relay. But even in this case, it all comes down to closing and opening the contacts through which the power is supplied to the lighting device.
Connection diagrams of switches of different types
The choice of wiring diagram for the switching device depends on its design and version. The simplest mechanical switches are included in the break of the power supply circuit that supplies 220 volts to the illuminators. For a two-key device, the switching circuit is complicated due to the presence of two switched branches, laid up to the junction box or directly to the chandelier.
In the box, crossing (connection in the right order) occurs between the conductors coming from the switch and going to the chandelier.
Switching devices with multiple keys are capable of controlling a large number of groups of lighting fixtures. In this case, the connection diagram becomes more complicated, but the switching principle remains the same. In the Legrand line, there are such models in every series, including Quteo, Anam, Galea Life and others.
Touch switches and illuminated devices are specially mounted, in which a separate power supply circuit is provided for "own needs".In this case, a small part of the energy is spent on the operation of a capacitive sensor or a neon lamp mounted in the switch body. The wiring diagram for the switching devices is given in the installation instructions.
Such devices are often found in a series of switches from Legrand called Ethics, Valena, etc.
Installation features
Even a user who is not familiar with the basics of electricity can connect a switching device from the company in question, including the Legrand two-key switch. The main thing is the ability to handle the simplest tool and the knowledge of what to do. The procedure for models with two keys looks like this:
- The power supply circuit is cut off.
- The conductors are prepared for connection.
- The keys and the protective cover are removed from the switch.
- The bare ends of the conductors are connected to the contacts, and then the decorative panel and keys are installed in place.
When installing double switches equipped with a pair of keys, special attention is paid to the routing of the outgoing conductors. Each of them is designed to control "its own" switching chain of the pass-through system, organized within a long corridor, for example. It also takes into account the presence of markings on the device indicating the connection zones of the inlet and outlet cable cores.
