Rating of the best switches for houses and apartments for 2022

The modern range of electrical equipment is able to provide various design requests and make lighting control in the room convenient and enjoyable. In order to properly select a switch, one should take into account not only its functional features and external beauty, but also its production quality, otherwise it can become a stumbling block in work. Switches are a special type of electrical equipment that, by closing / opening the electrical circuit, turns on / off the light. They, in fact, like electrical outlets, are considered one of the key control elements in the room.

Electrical switch design

The traditional one-key model includes the following elements:

1. Directly working mechanism;
2. Plastic protective parts.

The key and frame are security elements. By means of a key (button, toggle switch), energy is supplied / turned off in the electrical circuit. A frame is placed under the button, usually fastened with two screws or plastic clips. Under the frame is a working mechanism equipped with a key drive. The fastening of the mechanism in the socket box is carried out on strut legs or by means of special screws. Two paws are installed on the side of both sides. When the screws are tightened, the legs move apart a little, resting against the socket, while zero is connected to one leg, and the phase is connected to the other.

Modern types of electrical switches

For home use, there are many different designs that serve as a switching device with working position contacts designed to close / open the electrical circuit.

Keyboard models

The most popular devices of this type are models with keys that are used to connect lighting equipment. Traditionally, their case is mounted in such a way that the off position is indicated by the button being in the up position. Key devices can have two, three and one buttons. Their advantages include:

• Ease of replacement, repair and installation;
• Comfortable use;
• Relatively low price.

Minor disadvantages include the lack of energy-saving qualities, the inability to adjust the intensity of the supplied light, and a short service life.

Pass-Through Models

They are used in large rooms in which there is a need to turn on / off lighting from various places. In their visual appearance, they differ little from standard devices, however, there are some structural differences in them. Passage samples are usually installed on flights of stairs and in long corridor-type passages, which allows you to control lighting from different points.

Button samples

They exist on the modern market for a long time, and their cost is somewhat higher than that of traditional models. Of the advantages, it is possible to note the original appearance of the button, specially adapted for a particular design solution.The panels of such devices can have up to several buttons in their design, have a decorative design and be provided with LED elements that signal on / off. Thus, it is quite easy to choose a push-button option for a variety of design solutions.

Dimmers

These devices represent the latest group of switches. They are adapted to regulate the intensity of the supplied lighting, which is done by turning the adjusting wheel. This original quality makes such models unique and popularizes them with a potential consumer, because in this way you can comfortably adjust the brightness of the light from full brightness to practical zero.

Their undoubted advantages include:

• Comfort of use - the ability to set a very dim light so as not to wake people sleeping in the room;
• Significant savings in electrical energy;
• Dimmer devices can be equipped with additional automatic elements using microcontrollers to simulate human presence in the room, which can be achieved by periodically turning on / off the light. At the same time, you can set a program in which, if there are no people in the room, the light will automatically turn off.

The disadvantages are the somewhat overpriced and slight difficulties in connecting lighting mounted on the basis of LEDs.

Rotary samples

They are used when it is required to provide a design solution for a retro-style room. Similar products can be found when installing electrical wiring in the bath. Their design is quite simple, and the price is in the lower segment of the cost.However, their main disadvantage will be reduced functionality when compared with most modern designs.

Rope switches

Like the equipment described above, they are most often used for decorative solutions. The “rope” option is considered more comfortable than the keyboard one, because in a dark room it is much easier to find the “rope” than a standard key. In cases where the switch is mounted high enough, then by attaching a “rope” of great length, even a child can easily turn on / off the lighting. The classic rope version is used for wall lamps.

Sensor models

They belong to the category of innovative developments and have a longer service life, they are distinguished by a special comfort of use. Most often, sensors are used in smart home systems, which are equipped with modern apartments and cottages. Interaction with them occurs by touching a person's finger to the working surface. Most touch switches are equipped with additional features, for example, an automatic shutdown system. The main advantage of this type is that there is no risk of short circuits, because the device itself does not have mechanical contacts in its design. This circumstance increases their electrical safety when used in any premises.

Acoustic Samples

Classically triggered by hand clap, which many users like. This means that there is no need to fumble in the dark for the power button. Their main disadvantage is the following quality - switching on / off may not work if the cotton was not produced with the proper volume.However, such a disadvantage can only be found in budget devices.

Remote switches

Another representative of innovative developments. They consist of a set that includes a remote control with a control unit. To supply lighting in the room, you must press the desired button on the remote control. Unfortunately, this functionality can create some inconvenience of use, especially in the absence of lighting. Also, additional disadvantages include overpriced and the possibility of loss / damage to the control panel itself. Sometimes it's faster to feel for the switch in a dark room than to remember where the remote control is. The advantages of such devices include a great variety of built-in functions, such as imitation of the presence of people, automatic shutdown, etc.

sealed samples

They have a rather complex design, which is designed to prevent moisture / dust / dirt from entering the case. These are mainly used in garages, utility or industrial premises, as well as in baths, pools and on the street.

slide switches

On some types of luminaires, slide type switches can be integrated. Directly in the body of the lighting device itself, a mechanism with moving contacts is installed, which is located on top of the central part. The peculiarity of this design is that in this way proper contact is ensured, which can prevent sparking, and this is considered the key to safe and reliable operation.

Switching devices with motion sensors

Their design contains several electronic parts that provide continuous monitoring of the following factors:

• Presence/absence of a person in the area controlled by the sensor;
• The level of illumination of the area of ​​responsibility.

The principle of operation is as follows: if a person passes in the area of ​​​​responsibility of the sensor or the level of illumination decreases, then the triggering function occurs and the lighting parameters of the room are restored. The circuit for connecting the light element to the switch-sensor works by connecting the phase to a separate terminal, and the zero and outgoing phase are connected to the lighting device.

In cases where it is necessary to suspend the action of the motion sensor for a certain period and carry out lighting functions only by means of a usually switch, then some elements of the automatic circuit are simply excluded from the circuit. Thus, the switch will work as usual.

Twilight types of electrical switches

The operation of such equipment is based on the effect of light on a photosensitive element capable of responding to changes in the degree of illumination. When this level is lowered, the device automatically turns on the lighting, which will remain in the connected state until the level of external light rises to the set level. In order to save energy, such devices can be additionally provided with motion sensors.

Problems of competent choice of switching devices

The main parameter when choosing a switch should be the type of electrical wiring on which it will be used. For detached residential buildings with open-type wiring, overhead switches should be selected. For use with hidden electrical wiring, it is necessary to select hidden models of switching devices, the body of which, as it were, is recessed into the wall. A prerequisite is also to check the functionality of the key and all controls before purchase.Often, stores tend to sell an expensive model that is not worth its price. Therefore, any recommendation of the seller should be treated with a share of healthy criticism. Before going to the store, it is still preferable to get advice from a disinterested professional.

A few tips for choosing:

• Be sure to make an external inspection, while paying special attention to the quality of the material of manufacture. The surface of the device must have a certain smoothness, the lines of the body must be clear. The plastic base must have the desired hardness, otherwise the surface can quickly peel off / scratch, which will spoil the whole appearance.
• The quality mark of Rostest (or the manufacturer's company) must be placed on the case.
• An unpleasant smell should not come from the body base. The presence of such a smell will mean that low-quality plastic is used in the composition.
• The weight of the switch will also directly tell about its quality - a product that is too light will signal that elements with insufficient thickness are used in its design, which, in turn, may cause a decrease in operating speed.
• A good quality product can always be disassembled into smaller components without much difficulty. The design should provide for the presence of fixing parts, a removable frame, latches and other elements (depending on the type of device). The more elements that can be fixed by means of latches, the better the used plastic is considered.
• The presence of assembly / disassembly instructions in the kit will also tell you about proper quality;
• The visual component of the product should be combined with the overall design of the room where it is to be installed. From here, you should take care of the presence of a colored frame or backlit buttons on the case.

The Consequences of the Wrong Choice

In fairness, it should be noted that the consequences of an illiterate selection of a switch are much less deplorable than in cases with electrical outlets. But still they have a place to be. These may include:

• LED lamps and illuminated switches are a rather bad combination, because the lighting element will most likely blink due to such a conflicting neighborhood of functionality. Replacing it with a conventional switching device will require additional investments.
• The use of devices with light and motion sensors, various timers and other unique options are no longer a luxury today, but their use is not advisable in all cases, because this can lead to increased energy costs.
• The choice in favor of cheap and low-quality products - this problem is very relevant, especially when buying at non-specialized points where the seller is unable to guarantee the proper degree of physical and technical parameters of the goods. In most cases, you will simply have to make a purchase again.

Modern trends in matching switches to the style of the interior

In principle, it is not so difficult to choose the color of a switching device, because the assortment range of the modern market allows you to do this. The main thing is to be guided by three basic principles regarding the desired result, i.e. what should be the "output":

• You can play on a contrasting motive;
• Or fit the device into the interior, making it as invisible as possible;
• Or highlight the main design style.

For example, if the room is decorated in neutral tones, then sand-beige-white colors will be the best solution.The same colors should be applied to rooms decorated in a minimalist style. The style of romantic Provence, on the contrary, involves the design of switches with more delicate and multi-colored shades. Modern loft style, coupled with bold furniture solutions, can include bold contrast, for example, the installation of equipment with metallic-colored cabinets.

Rating of the best switches for houses and apartments for 2022

Single Key Samples

3rd place: "ZDK Z-Light 2154"

This sample is intended for installation in smart home systems and is wireless. Mounting is possible, in principle, in any place where the housing fits. Attaches perfectly to concrete, wood and even glass. Able to operate from kinetics, which means no need for batteries or accumulators. Contact with the control unit occurs via a radio frequency channel with a signal of 433 MHz. Requires a connected controller. The recommended retail price is 1200 rubles.

• Easy to install;
• High-speed communication with the controller;
• Increased range (up to 30 meters).

• The control unit is purchased separately.

2nd place: Bironi B1-203-01 D8/4

Designer model designed for interior design in retro style. Has the ability to use both open and closed type wiring. The body of the product is made of durable electroceramic, which gives the device additional properties of electrical safety. It is a purely design solution, suitable for bath equipment. The recommended retail price is 1000 rubles.

• original design;
• Reinforced housing;
• The presence in the set of fasteners.

• The narrowness of interior use;
• Not compatible with multicore cable.

1st place: "Lux SF-07 4606400610083"

A good floor-based push switch, distinguished by its simplicity and functionality. Can be used for integration with luminaires. The case is made of durable plastic, and the installation involves an open mounting method. It has security according to the European standard of 20 units, and the supported voltage is limited to 250 V. The recommended price for retail networks is 300 rubles.

• Rugged construction;
• Ease of management;
• Multifunctionality;
• budget cost.

• It has poor dust protection.

Two-key samples

3rd place: "Wookee WK-327E"

This innovative radio switch model is equipped with a manual control function that is able to work with electrical circuits that are independent of each other. The system of the device, based on the use of certain radio frequencies, completely eliminates the risk of unauthorized operation. The remote control is able to work even through small obstacles. The price for retail chains is 900 rubles.

• Ease of installation;
• The ability of the remote control to work even through obstacles;
• Extended range - 30 meters.

• The wall block is quite massive.

2nd place: Villaris 2switch BK

Another representative of the retro style, made in a tumbler version. It will be an ideal design solution for loft interiors. This sample is suitable for installation with hidden wiring and even in metal pipes. The black metal of the body offers an original visual solution, while extending the service life.The established cost for retail chains is 1,100 rubles.

• Strong body;
• The original mechanism of toggle switches;
• Compliance with Russian state standards.

• The click of the switch is accompanied by a rather loud sound.

1st place: "Legrand Plexo IP55 (69715)"

This switch is directly designed for outdoor use and has a protection according to the European standard of 55 units. It can be installed on the facade of a building or even at a car wash, where a high humidity regime is maintained. The block is made in monostyle, it is perfectly fastened to the dowels with screws, seals and seals are supplied in the set. The housing is made of polypropylene and polystyrene, which are prone to self-extinguishing in the event of a fire. The recommended cost for retail chains is 1500 rubles.

• High degree of protection;
• The body has fire-resistant properties;
• Appearance is aesthetic.

• There is no backlight.

Three-key samples

3rd place: "DeLumo three keys"

This system is not a banal switch, but a full-fledged radio remote control capable of transmitting a signal over the mains. The relay integrates with lighting sources, traditional lamps and even with some types of power supplies. It does not require connection to electrical wiring, because it runs on rechargeable batteries, the resource of which is about 7 years. The signal transmission range (without interference) is about 250 meters. The front panel is made of glass and it is possible to choose its color for any type of interior. The price set for retail is 2300 rubles.

• Mounting kit supplied;
• The maximum output power is 1000 watts;
• Supports almost any light source.

• Small touch buttons.

2nd place: "Imex 70 Wide Ivory WSN 0326"

This simple and at the same time reliable sample is made in a calm design, it can be supplied in matte or white cases. Each button is provided with an LED backlight, which allows you to quickly find the device in a dark room. The smooth surface of the case is slightly scratch-resistant and allows for simple and easy maintenance. The set price for retail stores is 800 rubles.

• Excellent ratio of indicators of functionality, price and quality;
• Small dimensions;
• Silent switching.

• The backlighting of the keys can seem obtrusively bright.

1st place: "OneKeyElectro Florence 1E31901303"

A very original and pleasant to the touch switch is used in single-phase networks with voltages up to 250 V. The body is made of high quality polycarbonate, so it can last a long time without losing its original properties, even with intensive use. Switches of this type can be combined into a group of up to five devices using a special frame. The established store price is 300 rubles.

• Ability to combine multiple switches;
• Minimalistic design;
• Extremely affordable cost.

• There are no indicators.

Instead of an epilogue

The analysis of the Russian market found that most of the popular modern types of switches (especially their most advanced models) are produced abroad.It is their high-tech performance that is most suitable for the equipment of today's apartments. At the same time, the spread of prices for these goods is quite wide. For it all depends on the filling of the product. Naturally, such components for a “smart home” will cost 10 or even 20 times more than standard switches. It is noted that switches with indicator illumination are the most popular, since they are very easy to detect in the dark. Acoustic products are recognized as the most unclaimed sample - they, as a rule, are intended for detached residential buildings, their setting is very sensitive, and the cost is far from budgetary. Regarding the presence of fakes in the current market, this situation is extremely relevant only for the lower price segment.