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Useful information about cord switches and cord dimmers
Cord switches and cord dimmers are electronic switches that are installed as intermediate switches in existing connection cables of electronic devices in order to control their function. Typically, these are lights that are to be switched on, off or dimmed. It is also possible to attach a cord switch for switching other electronic devices on and off. The operation is done manually via a key or by turning or with the foot for pedal switches.
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How do cord switches and cord dimmers work?
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Which cord switches and cord dimmers are available?
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What do you need to consider when selecting cord switches and cord dimmers?
How do cord switches and cord dimmers work?
Cord switches and cord dimmers are installed on as intermediate elements in connection cables of finished devices, usually lamps. These are switches that can connect or disconnect the circuit, which turns the light on or off by pressing the button. With dimmers, the power supply in the cord intermediate switch is modulated in such a way that the lighting gets brighter or darker, whereby different lighting scenarios and room impressions can be realized.
Cord switches and dimmers are available in different colors and with different operating functions. Under a large selection of products, you can thus find a conspicuous variant for the faster detection of the switch by local features or an optically discreet solution, depending on the application purpose. As operating functions, you can choose between simple buttons, rocker switches, slide control, pull and pedal switches.
Where can the switches be used?
Not only the lighting can be switched on and off via cord intermediate switch. Other devices can also be retrofitted with a cable switch . For example, you can retrofit primitive-built small devices, which are otherwise only switched off by pulling the plug from the socket, with rocker intermediate switch, in order to simplify the operation.
How are the switches installed?
Cord switches or cord dimmers are installed between the power source and the device they are intended to control. For this purpose, the existing connection cable is usually cut and then the cord switch/cord dimmer is attached as an intermediate piece by soldering or clamping. A small part of the sheath is removed at the cable ends in order to be able to connect the conductive wire to the electrical contacts in the cable intermediate switch.
Cable limit switches , which are already integrated in a ready-made connection cable with plug for the power supply, are also available. These are connected directly to the device instead of the actual connection cable.
Note:
When installing the device, make sure that you have complete insulation for touch protection in addition to suitable technical parameters. Do not leave cables open, as cord switches are operated by hand or foot.
Which cord switches and cord dimmers are available?
Basically, different models of cord switches and cord dimmers are available:
- Pull switch: Pull switch have only one button as push button, which connects or disconnects the circuit. This switches light on or off again, for example. Depending on the model, they are suitable for manual operation or as foot switches.
- Cord switches: Cord switches have "on" and "off" switching positions for controlling lamps and other devices. Some models are double-occupied and equipped with two tilt controls, they can control two devices.
- Cord dimmer: Cord dimmer usually regulate the lamp function with a slide control for continuous adjustment of the lighting.
- Foot switch/pedal switch: Foot switch or pedal switch are operated with the foot. They are placed on the floor, space-saving and practical when you just don't have a hand free.
- Pull switch: For pull switches, the switching function is triggered by pulling on a cord. This principle of WC controls in bathrooms is well known.
- Intermediate switches: Intermediate switches are on/off switches with a button or rocker mechanism, which are installed as an intermediate piece in an existing cable.
LED lighting requires special dimmers:
- LED cord dimmer : LED cord dimmer usually has a slide switch, which can be used to adjust the light by hand to make it brighter or darker. Another variant is a rotary knob for manual adjustment of different lighting scenarios.
- LED Rotary Dimmer : The LED Rotary Dimmer can be rotated manually, which can change the lighting connected to it.
What do you need to consider when selecting cord switches and cord dimmers?
When it comes to lighting control, the first planning step is always to consider whether these are conventional lamps or LED lamps.
Safety Instructions:
LED bulbs require special dimmers! In the case of dimmers, models for conventional lamps have a higher wattage, which in the case of an LED can quickly lead to overheating and destruction. In conjunction with LED light bulbs, it is also important in the case of simple on/off switches as adapter plug that despite possible cable separation, the necessary series resistor is retained so that the LED lamps do not suffer any damage under high current flow.
Electronic properties of cord switches & dimmers
When selecting intermediate switches, observe the specifications in the operating instructions of the devices that you want to control via the cord switch or cord dimmer. Important criteria are:
Switching capacity : The switching capacity in watts indicates the power supply of the switch and the parameters that the following devices should have. Select a suitable power range for your application using the filters
- Min Switching power : in our shop you will find cord switches with 4 to 75 watts minimum switching capacity.
- Max. Switching capacity : the maximum switching capacity of the models in our shop ranges from 60 to 500 watts.
Switching current : in addition to the switching capacity, the current flow must also be taken into account when dimensioning a circuit, because an excessive switching current can cause damage to electronic components that are not designed for this purpose and become a source of danger.
For safety reasons, the upper limit that you can pre-define in the filter switching current (max.) is relevant. The offered cord switches and cord dimmers can forward a maximum of 2 to 16 ampere to the following consumers.
Safety information : always leave the installation of electronics to a specialist, because incorrectly dimensioned or incorrectly connected cables pose a considerable safety risk. If the months are carried out by laymen, this even leads to a disclaimer in some insurance companies.