Switch

What is a Switch?

A switch is an electrical component that controls the flow of electricity in a circuit. It has two positions and lets you direct power along different paths. In real-world installations, switches are commonly used to turn lights on and off, or to select between different electrical loads. In Elecplanner, the switch is an interactive component that you can toggle during simulation to see how it affects your circuit.

Adding a Switch to Your Canvas

Step 1: Open the Component Library

1. Click the Components button in the sidebar
2. Open the Control category
3. Find the Switch component

Step 2: Place on Canvas

1. Click and hold the Switch icon
2. Drag it onto your canvas
3. Release to place it at the desired location
4. The switch will appear in Position 1 (default state)

💡 Tip: Switches are typically placed on walls near doorways or at convenient heights for easy access.

Understanding Switch Positions

The switch has two positions:

Position 1 (Default)

• Switch is in its first state
• L terminals are connected to terminals labeled “1”
• Default starting position when you add the switch
• In simulation, appears in standard color

Position 2

• Switch is in its second state
• L terminals are connected to terminals labeled “2”
• In simulation, the switch shows green to indicate Position 2
• Click the switch during simulation to toggle to this position

Switch Terminals

The switch has 6 terminals for flexible wiring:

Line Terminals (Always Connected)

• L_1 (top-left) - Line input terminal 1
• L_2 (top-right) - Line input terminal 2
• These terminals are always “active” and typically connect to your power source

Position 1 Terminals

• 1_1 (middle-left) - Position 1 output terminal 1
• 1_2 (middle-right) - Position 1 output terminal 2
• Connected to L terminals when switch is in Position 1

Position 2 Terminals

• 2_1 (bottom-left) - Position 2 output terminal 1
• 2_2 (bottom-right) - Position 2 output terminal 2
• Connected to L terminals when switch is in Position 2

How It Works

When the switch is in Position 1: L_1 connects to 1_1, and L_2 connects to 1_2 When the switch is in Position 2: L_1 connects to 2_1, and L_2 connects to 2_2

This allows you to control which circuit path electricity flows through!

Editing Switch Properties

Opening the Properties Panel

1. Click on the switch to select it
2. The properties panel appears on the right side of the screen
3. Or double-click the switch to open properties

Selecting the Brand

The Brand property lets you choose the manufacturer:

Available Options:

• Legrand (default) - French manufacturer, common in Europe
• Schneider - Another major European brand

This setting:

• Changes the visual appearance of the switch
• Helps match real-world equipment for accurate planning
• Maintains consistency with other components in your plan

💡 Note: Choose the brand that matches your other electrical components for a cohesive design.

Wiring a Switch

Basic On/Off Light Switch

The most common use case - turning a light on and off:

Step-by-step wiring:

1. Connect L_1 and L_2 to your circuit breaker output (hot and neutral)
2. Connect 1_1 to the light’s Phase terminal
3. Connect 1_2 to the light’s Neutral terminal
4. Leave Position 2 terminals unconnected
5. When switch is in Position 1, light turns on
6. When switch is in Position 2, light turns off (no connection)

Two-Way Switching (Choose Between Two Loads)

Control which of two devices receives power:

Example: Switch between two different lights

1. Connect L_1 and L_2 to power source (circuit breaker)
2. Connect 1_1 to Light A’s Phase terminal
3. Connect 1_2 to common Neutral
4. Connect 2_1 to Light B’s Phase terminal
5. Connect 2_2 to common Neutral
6. Position 1: Light A is on, Light B is off
7. Position 2: Light A is off, Light B is on

Using Multiple Wires per Terminal

You can connect multiple wires to the same terminal:

1. Select the Wire tool (or press W)
2. Click a terminal to start a wire
3. Click the destination to complete the wire
4. Repeat from the same terminal to create multiple connections
5. All wires from the same terminal share the same electrical state

Using Switches in Simulation Mode

Starting the Simulation

1. Click the Simulate button in the toolbar (or press S)
2. Your circuit becomes interactive
3. The switch starts in Position 1

Toggling the Switch

1. Click on the switch body to toggle its position
2. Switch turns green when in Position 2
3. Returns to normal color when back in Position 1
4. Watch how power flows through the circuit based on switch position

Observing Behavior

• Devices connected to Position 1 terminals work when switch is in Position 1
• Devices connected to Position 2 terminals work when switch is in Position 2
• You can toggle the switch as many times as you want during simulation
• Wires will show power flow based on the switch state

Common Wiring Patterns

Pattern 1: Simple Light Control

Power Source → Switch L terminals
Switch 1 terminals → Light → Neutral
Switch 2 terminals → (unconnected)

Result: Position 1 = Light ON, Position 2 = Light OFF

Pattern 2: Two-Way Light Selection

Power Source → Switch L terminals
Switch 1 terminals → Light A
Switch 2 terminals → Light B
Both lights → Common Neutral

Result: Toggle between Light A and Light B

Pattern 3: Switched Outlet

Circuit Breaker → Switch L terminals
Switch 1 terminals → Outlet
Switch 2 terminals → (unconnected)

Result: Control power to an outlet (useful for lamps)

Pattern 4: Bypass Circuit

Power → Switch L terminals
Switch 1 terminals → Device (normal operation)
Switch 2 terminals → Direct to output (bypass device)

Result: Toggle between normal path and bypass path

Advanced Wiring Techniques

Three-Way Switching (Control from Two Locations)

To control a light from two different locations, you need two switches and special wiring:

1. First Switch wired normally to power source
2. Traveler wires connect Position 1 and Position 2 terminals between switches
3. Second Switch wired to the light
4. By toggling either switch, you can turn the light on or off

This is a more advanced technique that requires understanding of traveler wires.

Using Switches with Junction Boxes

For cleaner wiring:

1. Route power from circuit breaker to junction box
2. From junction box to switch L terminals
3. From switch outputs back to junction box
4. From junction box to final devices
5. This creates a “home run” wiring pattern

Practical Applications

Residential Uses

• Light switches - Most common application
• Ceiling fan control - High/low speed selection
• Bathroom exhaust fans - On/off control
• Outdoor lighting - Porch and security lights
• Garage door opener - Power control

Special Applications

• Holiday lighting - Seasonal decorations
• Aquarium equipment - Filter/light control
• Workshop tools - Equipment power control
• Security systems - Zone activation

Best Practices

Installation Planning

1. Height: Mount switches 42-48 inches (107-122 cm) above floor
2. Location: Near doorways, at room entry points
3. Accessibility: Easy to reach without obstacles
4. Lighting: Consider switch location relative to what it controls

Wiring Standards

1. Hot wire typically connects to L terminals (power source)
2. Switched hot connects to Position terminals (to device)
3. Neutral may or may not pass through switch (depends on configuration)
4. Ground usually connects through switch box but not through switch itself

Labeling

1. Label switches clearly in complex installations
2. Note which device each switch controls
3. Document any multi-way switching setups
4. Keep a legend for your electrical plan

Troubleshooting

Switch Doesn’t Affect Circuit in Simulation

• Check wiring: Ensure L terminals are connected to power
• Check outputs: Make sure Position terminals are wired to devices
• Verify switch toggle: Click directly on the switch body

Both Positions Do the Same Thing

• Check terminal connections: You may have wired both positions identically
• Review circuit: Make sure you’re connecting to different terminals for different behaviors

Light Won’t Turn On in Either Position

• Check power source: Verify circuit breaker is on
• Check complete circuit: Ensure neutral and hot wires are properly connected
• Check device: Make sure the light itself is properly wired

Safety Considerations

Real-World Installation

⚠️ Important: This documentation is for planning in Elecplanner. For actual electrical installations:

• Always hire a licensed electrician
• Follow all local electrical codes
• Obtain proper permits and inspections
• Use properly rated switches for your application
• Never work on live electrical circuits

Switch Ratings

In real installations, switches are rated for:

• Voltage: 120V, 240V, etc.
• Amperage: 15A, 20A, etc.
• Type: General purpose, dimmer, three-way, etc.

Make sure your real-world switch matches your circuit requirements!

Related Topics

• Double Switch - Two independent switches in one unit
• Light - Connecting lights to switches
• Circuit Breaker - Power source for switches
• Wiring Basics - General wiring techniques
• Simulation Mode - Testing switch behavior

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💡 Quick Tip: When planning light switches, walk through your space mentally and imagine where you’d naturally reach to turn lights on and off. This helps you place switches in the most convenient locations!