Wall Switch Selection Guide
Wall switches are chosen by their circuit function: single-gang, double-pole, triple, intermediate, two-circuit, momentary and blind control types.
This guide covers what to look at when choosing products in the Wall Switches category.
Wall switch types and their circuit functions
Besides the single-gang switch, the two-circuit switch and the two-way switch (vavien), this category also lists mechanisms with more specialized functions.
- Double-pole switch: breaks the phase and neutral together; it appears in product names as 2-pole or double-pole.
- Triple switch: controls three lamp groups separately from the same box.
- Intermediate switch (permutator, ara vavien): if one lamp is to be controlled from three or more points, it is wired between two two-way switches.
- Two-circuit two-way switch: a two-button mechanism suited to a two-way switch circuit; the wiring of the buttons must be verified against the manufacturer's diagram.
- Light (liht) push button and bell push button: spring-loaded, it returns to its original position when released; it gives a control signal to a stair-light timer, an impulse relay or a bell. A pull-cord version is also available.
- Blind control: runs a roller shutter or blind motor in two directions; the switch type stays in position, while the light (liht) type gives a control signal only as long as it is held down.
- Hotel mechanisms: DND/MUR (do not disturb / make up room) indoor and outdoor unit switches.
- Other: door automation switch, key switch and switch with motion sensor.
What to look at when choosing a wall switch
- Control form. The number of points a lamp will be switched from and the number of separate groups determine the mechanism type.
- Rated current and load. Mechanisms are referred to by values such as 10 AX and 16 A. According to EN 60669-1:2018, the letter A indicates the rated current for resistive loads and incandescent and halogen lamps, and the letter X indicates it for fluorescent and LED luminaires with an external ballast. For LED lamps with a built-in driver, the manufacturer gives a separate value in watts.
- Series and module. Yeni Unica mechanisms are listed in 1-module and 2-module widths; the number of modules determines how many mechanisms the frame and the box can take. Missing parts are completed from the same series in the Switch and Socket Frames, Switch and Socket Covers and Switch and Socket Boxes categories.
- Mounting location. A flush-mounted mechanism is fitted into the box in the wall, while the surface-mounted type is fitted directly onto the surface. For places exposed to dust and water splashes, Wet Location Switches with an IP54 housing are listed separately; according to IEC 60529, IP54 means a dust-protected housing that is also protected against water splashing from any direction.
- Connection terminal. For Merten mechanisms, the connection type (screwless connection, quick connection) is stated in the product name; for other series it is verified from the manufacturer's data.
- Illuminated switch. When the lamp is off, the indicator passes a very small current through the lamp; if the circuit contains only LED or compact fluorescent lamps, this current can make the lamp flash at short intervals. The indicator voltage also varies by model: in the Yeni Unica series, LED illuminated products with 12-24 V in the name have separate stock codes.
Brands in this category
- Schneider Electric: Yeni Unica (switch, two-way switch, two-circuit switch, light push button, blind control, hotel DND/MUR), Asfora and Asfora Plus (switch, two-circuit switch, two-way switch, triple switch, illuminated types, blind control), and Merten and Merten System-D mechanisms.
- Viko: switches, two-circuit switches, two-way switches, intermediate switches, bell and light switches, and blind control in the Karre, Meridian and Karre 55 series; IP54 surface-mounted types in the Palmiye series.
- TP Elektrik: IP54 wet location two-circuit switches, two-circuit two-way switches, illuminated switches, blind control and call (light) push buttons.
Ordering notes
- Products are sold per piece; each color of the same mechanism has a separate stock code.
- Most products in this category are listed as made-to-order; the lead time is confirmed before ordering.
- Schneider Electric and TP Elektrik product names carry the manufacturer's stock code (such as NU320618LN, EPH1400121, 3201-002-0601); searching by stock code takes you directly to the product.
- To adjust the light level, dimmers are in a separate category, as are Lighting Motion Sensors for switching a lamp on in response to movement.
Wall Switch Functions and Comparison Table
| Switch Type | Circuit and Wiring Scheme | Control Scenario | Typical Application | Category Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Single-Pole (1-Way) Switch | 1 input – 1 output · 10 AX / 250 V | Turning 1 lighting circuit on/off from a single point | Rooms, offices, bathrooms and standard lighting circuits | Wall Switches |
| Double (Two-Circuit) Switch | 1 common phase – 2 separate lamp outputs | Controlling 2 independent lamp groups from one location | Living rooms, chandeliers and dual-zone office lighting | Wall Switches |
| Two-Way & Intermediate Switch | Traveler pair cross-switching | Controlling the same lighting circuit from 2 or 3+ locations | Long corridors, staircases and rooms with multiple entrances | Wall Switches |
| Blind / Shutter & Momentary Push Switch | Spring-return or mechanically interlocked | Motorized roller shutter control or staircase timer triggering | Motorized blinds, projection screens and stairwell lighting | Switch and Socket Frames |
Frequently asked questions
Which switches are needed to turn on the same lamp from three separate points?
Use one two-way switch at each end with an intermediate switch (permutator, ara vavien) between them. As the number of control points increases, one more intermediate switch is added between the two two-way switches for each new point. An ordinary switch or a two-circuit switch cannot replace the two-way switch in this circuit. The wiring must be done according to the manufacturer's diagram and the project; in this category, intermediate switches are available in the Viko Karre, Meridian, Karre 55 and Palmiye series.
What is the difference between a two-circuit switch and a two-way switch?
A two-circuit switch contains two independent switches in the same box and turns two separate lamp groups on individually from a single point; it is used in chandelier circuits. A two-way switch (vavien), on the other hand, is a changeover contact with one common terminal and two output terminals, and it is used as a pair to turn a single lamp group on and off from two separate points. From the outside, a two-way switch looks like a single-gang switch and a two-circuit switch looks like a two-gang switch; one cannot do the job of the other.
What does 10 AX on a switch mean?
The 10 indicates that the rated current is 10 A. According to EN 60669-1:2018, the letter A indicates that this current applies to resistive loads and incandescent and halogen lamps, while the letter X indicates that it applies to fluorescent and LED luminaires with an external ballast. For LED lamps with a built-in driver, the manufacturer gives a separate value in watts in its documentation; this value is checked in circuits with a high LED load. For switches made to an older edition of the standard, the scope of the marking may differ.
Why does an LED lamp connected to an illuminated switch flicker when it is off?
The indicator of an illuminated switch passes a very small current through the lamp while the lamp is off. This current slowly charges the capacitor in the electronic circuit of the LED or compact fluorescent lamp, and the lamp flashes at short intervals. It does not occur with incandescent and halogen lamps. The solution varies by mechanism; check the manufacturer's data for the wiring or auxiliary component that the switch manufacturer recommends for LED lamps.
What is the difference between a light (liht) push button and an ordinary switch?
An ordinary switch stays in the position it is pressed to and keeps the circuit permanently open or closed. A light push button is spring-loaded; it makes contact only while it is held down and returns when released. For this reason it does not control the lamp directly but through a stair-light timer or an impulse relay; a bell push button has the same construction. In product names it appears as light, liht or call.
Are the frame and cover bought separately when buying a switch mechanism?
It varies by series. For the Viko Karre, Meridian and Karre 55 products in this category, the supplied components are stated as the mechanism plus the button/cover; the frame is selected separately. Some of the Schneider Electric Merten products are named as the mechanism only. Before ordering, check the supplied components on the product page; complete the frame and, if needed, the button cover from the same series and in the same color.