The rapid development of technology affects all spheres of human life, including home improvement. Recently, a feature called smart home has been gaining popularity; it includes equipping a living space with sensor sockets and light switches. They make your stay in the room more comfortable.
Design features and principle of operation
The touch switch reacts even to the slightest touch of the button. The equipment includes three main parts:
- Sensor. In some models, the devices do not have to come into contact with the touch-sensitive wall switch, you just need to move your hand around it.
- Control block. The system receives a signal from the outside and transmits it to the necessary working nodes.
- Switching device. It loads the electrical network, closes and opens circuits, changes the current strength, if necessary, on the lamps.
The design is simple, each part must be replaced, which maximizes the life of the device.
Light Touch Switch Specifications
The device belongs to the high-tech generation of electrical appliances. The principle of operation is based on the regulation of current pulses using a built-in microcircuit.
It differs from a conventional switch by the presence of a sensor. The sensor is built into the structure itself, it reacts to the warmth of the hands, a touch or a sound signal. Also, the device is equipped with amplifying parts that regulate the lighting technology directly, they are called transistors.
Classification system
There are several types of touch-sensitive pass-through switches. Choosing the right one is easy if you compare the capabilities of the device and the needs of your home or office.
With remote control
The remote control is used in the following cases:
- The switch is located in an inconvenient place, there is no way to move it.
- The house is home to a disabled person, a person with limited mobility.
- The switch is located at a height that children cannot reach on their own.
- Change the brightness of the lighting if desired.
For a proximity switch, it is not at all necessary to use a special remote control. As an alternative, they purchase a universal remote control unit designed to control several devices.
With timer
Sensor sockets and switches equipped with a timer have many advantages:
- versatility of use;
- interaction with any kind of lamps;
- lack of noise during operation;
- reliability and high build quality;
- for the manufacture of a touch-sensitive light switch, special glass is used, the edges of which are carefully polished;
- ease of installation;
- attractive appearance.
Devices equipped with a sensor are characterized by high efficiency and a large list of additional functions.
Opto-acoustic switches
Installing this type of equipment allows you to adjust the intensity of lighting using movement or sound. For example, a special gesture or clap. The main condition: the action must take place in the area where the sensors are located.
Devices for installing LED lighting
Wireless switches are also connected to LED strips. This type of equipment is called dimmers. With their help, it is possible to adjust the brightness of the lighting, as well as to turn it on and off. If the LEDs are divided into sections, you can change the light intensity in each corner of the room.
The ability to adjust the brightness allows you to reduce the amount of electricity consumed.
Fluorescent and energy saving lamps cannot be connected to dimmers.
Advantages of touch switches
- Interact with all electrical appliances and light sources. The sensor reacts even to touch with wet, damp hands.
- Reduces energy costs.
- Safe for humans, easy to use and install.
- Long service life.
Modern devices additionally have many auxiliary functions, for example, the ability to equip several switching systems.
How not to be mistaken with a choice
When choosing equipment, it is important to look at the permissible absolute minimum and maximum parameters of current and voltage. As a rule, they are indicated on the packaging or on the device itself. If the network characteristics do not correspond to the specified parameters, you need to additionally purchase a voltage stabilizer.
It is worth paying attention to other parameters:
- the number of connected devices;
- the need to install a dimmer;
- principle of operation: using the control panel or reaction to touches, sounds, gestures;
- the need for a timer.
After defining a set of properties and functions, you can evaluate the external characteristics of the device.
Manufacturing companies
The build quality and materials used depend on the manufacturer. Experts advise giving preference to the following companies:
- Basalte manufactures premium appliances. They are characterized by high quality and unusual attractive design.
- Livolo is a Russian manufacturer that recently introduced its products to the market. Low cost combined with quality and attractive design made them popular.
- Legrand is a French manufacturer that manufactures a wide variety of electrical appliances. Their products belong to the expensive price segment, but the high cost corresponds to the quality.
Sensors are a worthy alternative to mechanical switches. They are characterized by an attractive appearance, reliability and economy.
