The development of technology has affected all areas of human life, including home improvement. One example is a touch-sensitive light switch. This device significantly increases the comfort of being in the room and allows you to control the lighting by touch. And this is not the only advantage.
Design features and operating principle
The touch switch operates even when you lightly touch the button. Consists of three main elements:
- Control unit. The system processes the external signal and transmits it to the necessary parts.
- Switching device. Gives a load to the electrical network, which opens and closes the circuit and changes the current to the lamp.
- Touch (control) panel. Designed to sense touches or signals from the remote control. In modern devices you don’t have to touch the sensor, just move your hand nearby.
Standard models of switches are equipped with the following capabilities:
- Turn on/off the light, adjust the brightness.
- Monitor the operation of heating equipment and report temperature changes.
- Open/close blinds.
- Turn on/off household appliances connected to the switch.
Among the additional functions, the motion sensor is very useful.
Classification system
Touch switches come in different types, which are selected depending on the needs of a residential building or office.
With remote control
Used in such cases:
- the switch is located in an inconvenient place and cannot be moved from there;
- a person with limited mobility lives in the apartment/house;
- switches are located at a height where children cannot reach;
- there is a need to change the brightness of the light without getting out of bed.
To work with a design of this type, it is not necessary to use a special remote control. A universal one is suitable, connecting simultaneously to two, three or more devices.
With timer
The device has many advantages:
- Quiet operation.
- Easy to install.
- Safety. If the circuit is broken or shorted, the switch automatically moves to the off position.
- Attractive appearance. The device body can be painted in any color.
- Two colors to indicate operation. Red indicates the backlight is on, blue indicates it is off.
- Durability and reliability. Special glass is used to make products. The edges are carefully sanded. This makes the switch safe and easy to clean.
- Versatility. Works with any type of lamp, be it LED, halogen or incandescent.
Touch switches with timers are distinguished by a wide range of functions and are economical.
Optical-acoustic switches
They react to sound or movement - clap, a spoken word or some kind of gesture. The main thing is that all this happens within the range of the sensor.
What are dimmers
Touch switches with a dimmer allow you to change the level of lighting in the room. Conventional devices operate in two modes - on/off. The dimmer allows you to adjust the brightness of the light to your taste.
Devices with such a device have important advantages:
- Thanks to the ability to change brightness, they help reduce the amount of electricity consumed. The indicator decreases by 50%.
- Allows you to adjust the lighting to suit the situation. For example, in the evening after a busy day at work, you can reduce the brightness to twilight.
- If there are several switches in the room, using a dimmer you can focus attention on one part of the interior.
Designs with dimmers do not work with energy-saving and fluorescent lamps.
Devices for mounting LED lighting
Switches that can be connected to LED strips are also called dimmers. They turn on, turn off and adjust the brightness of the light source.
Most often, such devices are part of an entrance lighting scheme or a smart home system, and also focus attention on some detail of the room.
Advantages
Touch switches, compared to classic devices, have many advantages:
- can work with any light sources and electrical appliances;
- allow you to save energy;
- are distinguished by reliability and long service life;
- perform many functions;
- devices are easy to install;
- operate almost silently;
- safe for humans;
- the sensor is triggered even when it is touched with wet hands.
Several switching systems can be installed in one device.
How not to make a mistake with your choice
When choosing a touch switch, you first need to look at the maximum and minimum current and voltage. Usually the values are indicated on the packaging or the device itself. If they differ greatly from the network characteristics, you will have to install a stabilizer.
It is also worth remembering other parameters:
- number of devices connected to one switch;
- need for a dimmer;
- Do you need a timer that automatically turns on/off lights or appliances;
- Operating principle: by touch or remote control.
When the set of functions and properties is defined, you can move on to external characteristics. For example, decide in advance whether the switch will have a glass or plastic control panel.
Manufacturers of touch switches
The manufacturer of the switch is an important factor determining its choice. Experts recommend giving preference to those that have a good reputation in this field:
- Basalte. Produces premium products. They are distinguished by their unusual design and high quality. On the front panel, which is often made of glass, there are indicators that act as a backlight. The company also produces switches that can be integrated into a smart home system. The price of products depends on the complexity of their execution.
- Legrand. A French company producing a wide range of electrical products. The switches it produces are endowed with a large number of functions. They belong to the expensive price segment.
- Livolo. A Russian company that has appeared on the electrical engineering market quite recently. A distinctive feature of the touch switches it produces is their affordable price.
Subtleties of connection
Installing a touch switch is no different from installing a conventional device. It takes place in several stages:
- turn off the electricity;
- remove the old switch;
- remove the top panel from the new product;
- connect the wires to the terminals intended for them;
- place the operating mechanism of the switch in the installation box;
- secure the device using spacers and special screws;
- fix the panel.
The connection of the two-key model is carried out according to the same scheme. To avoid confusion, it is recommended to use cables that have multi-colored cores.
Pass-through switches are connected in the same way. They allow you to control a light source or equipment from different places. This is convenient if there is a long corridor in the apartment/house.
There is an option for unusual installation - not on the wall, but in the mirror. In this case, the switch must consist of a control unit and an infrared sensor. It is triggered not by touch, but by movement.
How to make a touch sensor with your own hands
You can construct a sensor for a touch switch yourself. To do this you need to prepare:
- relay with voltage 6–12 V;
- part of the foil PCB, which will play the role of a sensor;
- pulse diode with a voltage of 100 V.
Touching the sensor provokes the opening of elements designated in the diagram as VT1 and VT2. After this, the circuit will close (using a relay), and the lamp/electrical appliance will turn on.
You can also make a device with an infrared sensor yourself. It only works when there is movement within the sensor's visibility range. If it is absent, the lighting will turn off after a certain period of time.
The connection occurs according to the following diagram:
This scheme has important features:
- the output is one;
- transistor is open;
- the contacts from the relay must be connected to the key;
- The infrared sensor operates thanks to a pulse generator;
- to increase the strength of the pulse current that goes to the infrared LED, it is necessary to install amplifiers.
The connection is made so that after 20 minutes after a person leaves the room, the light turns off.
The sensor-based device is a good alternative to conventional switches. It is distinguished by its attractive appearance, efficiency, and reliability. Allows you to turn on/off not only light sources, but also household appliances. Products of this type can be purchased at a specialized store or, if you have the necessary skills and abilities, you can make them yourself.
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Attention! When installing touch switches, be sure to follow the following instructions:
1. Installation must be carried out strictly on de-energized wiring to prevent short circuits and damage to the device.
2. Install and remove the glass front panel with the mechanism de-energized.
3. Do not recess the support (the metal part fastened with screws to the mounting box) into the wall by tightening the screws to maximum force. If it is necessary to loosen the fastening screws by half a turn, the front panel should not rest against the wall on one side and should stand strictly parallel to the wall.
4. Supply power to the touch switches only when each line is under load (the output phase is connected to the consumer).
5. To avoid contamination of the switch sensor and subsequent incorrect operation, place the front glass panel on the switch immediately after installation. Do not press the sensor without the panel! If there is construction dust on the switch sensor, wipe it with a dry, clean cloth and immediately install the front panel.
During installation, avoid contact between metal parts of the installation
tool with the inner painted side of the front panel.
Remove the product from the packaging, insert a flat-head screwdriver into the lock until it stops,
located at the bottom of the front panel and turn it along the axis to disconnect
panel, de-energize the wiring, connect the phase to the L-in input connector, then
then connect the output connectors out-L1-L2 (depending on the number of lines in
product). Secure the caliper in the mounting box, connect the upper part
front panel with the caliper so that the lock teeth fit into the grooves,
flat, close the lock until it clicks.
Connection diagram for CGSS touch switches:
Lighting can be turned on and off by lightly touching the front panel
in the illuminated area where the sensor is located, lights up when switched off
blue, red when on.
For models with dimming switching on and off is carried out briefly
touch, adjust the lighting power with a long touch power
will increase, and when touched again - decrease. Dimmer required
Use only with supporting lamps. It is acceptable if
The dimmer gets hot during operation.
Attention! When using LED lamps with a total line load
less than 15 W, lamps may blink when switched off, in this case
You will need an LED adapter, which can be purchased at retail outlets.
Connection diagram for a touch switch with an LED adapter next to the load:
Connection diagram for a touch switch with an LED adapter in the installation box:
Pass-through touch switches CGSS
Pass-through switches need to synchronize, to do this, hold down until
sound signal sensor of one switch, then touch the second,
The backlight should flash twice. Reset synchronization by holding
touch for 10 seconds or more until the double signal. Pass-through switches
(switches) only work when a phase is connected to the L-in of both products, and
COM-COM connector connections.
Connection diagram for single-line pass-through touch switches:
Connection diagram for two-line pass-through touch switches:
Setting up radio controlled switches
To pair, hold your finger on the sensor for more than 5 seconds until a beep sounds.
After the signal, press the numbered button on the remote control, repeat the steps
for the following lines. To program a scenario button, connect to one
from these remote control buttons, all the necessary lines according to the algorithm described above.
To reset the settings, hold the sensor for more than 10 seconds until you hear a double beep.
The dimmer is connected to the numbered key 5, it is used to turn on
and turning off the lighting, the brightness of the light is adjusted using the +/- keys.
Technological progress does not stand still and over time affects all spheres of human life. Home improvement was no exception. For example, a touch-sensitive light switch, which appeared quite recently, has already managed to occupy a worthy niche in everyday use.
The device not only increases the level of comfort, but also increases the service life of lighting fixtures, and is also a stylish design element.
Let's take a look at the operating principles and design features of these devices together. What points should you pay attention to when choosing and how to properly install a touch switch.
The appearance of the classic model of an electronic switching device is almost identical to the touch panel and is a screen made of glossy electrochromic material (crystalline glass) with markings applied to it. A wide variety of design, color and device configuration options are available.
Regardless of the external characteristics and the number of connected consumers, the structural design of the sensor device consists of the following main parts:
- Controller or control unit. Behind the decorative front screen there is an active surface of the sensing element that responds to various stimuli. Based on the type of touch switch, the irritants are: touching the object of influence, in some models approaching, clapping your hands, voice command.
- Semiconductor converter. In the previous block, a signal is generated, which in this section is converted into an electrical signal of sufficient power to operate.
- Switching part. By means of the switch, the main actions in the electrical circuit are carried out: opening, closing or smoothly regulating the degree of load supplied to the lamp.
Based on the design of the electronic product, its operating principle is obvious: by lightly touching the panel with your fingers, a signal is produced, which is converted and causes the relay to turn on.
Additional functions built into a universal touch-type switch are often used to equip a smart home system: control of the operation of heating devices, opening/closing window roller shutters and others
Distinctive features of a touch device
The electronic device belongs to the high-tech generation of devices, the main purpose of which is to control illumination. The principle of its operation is based on adjusting the current using a microcircuit, while conventional switches use standard type sliding contacts.
Due to such a board, the formation of a short circuit is eliminated. This means that the service life of the lamps, as well as the life of the switch itself, is significantly increased.
Household modifications of electronic switching devices are used in networks with a voltage of 220 V. They are used to connect sconces, control and adjust the backlight or main illumination
Maximum convenience of controlling lighting devices is the main advantage of a touch (electronic) switch.
It differs from the usual one by the presence of a special sensor, which served as the basis for the name of this type. A sensor located in the structure detects the radiated heat of the hands and responds to touch or to a sound signal.
Sensory mechanisms can be found almost everywhere in everyday life. This modern sensor allows you to monitor various activities
Since the sensory sensing element itself is not capable of reproducing signals sufficient to begin adjusting the lighting directly, the device uses amplification devices. Such conductors are transistors or other alternative elements.
To distribute amplifiers, a cascade placement method is used:
- The first place in the circuit, immediately after the sensor, is occupied by a transistor with high sensitivity and low power.
- Next in the oscillatory circuit is a similar mechanism, but with lower susceptibility, but with sufficient power to transfer a large load to the element.
Quite often, electronic switches use galvanic isolation of the control circuit, where the control signal is sent through optical radiation - an optocoupler. Thus, the fragile part of the mechanism, namely the sensors, is separated from the power part.
It is also possible to use the radio range, where commands are sent via the air protocols of the involved wireless network, for example, BlueTooth or Wi-Fi.
The sensor has a current strength of only a few milliamps, which is not sufficient even to transmit a signal to the base of the transistor. Therefore, amplifiers are used to send commands in the touch switch
The active elements that make up the electronic switch can be powered using batteries or the mains. However, for the second option, it will be necessary to perform certain manipulations to rectify the mains voltage and then cut it to the required level.
The simplest example is a semiconductor Zener diode. In rare cases, you can find a built-in full-fledged switching power supply.
Types of electronic switching products
Despite the fact that touch switches are divided into six main types, only three are used in everyday life, namely: capacitive, optical and high-frequency. Let's look at them in more detail.
Capacitive devices - extravagance or necessity?
The capacitive type works as a light sensor and is capable of registering the presence of an object at a set distance. The device is mounted instead of standard light switches, but does not require pressing a button/key mechanism to operate.
The essence of the work is based on the following algorithm of actions: when the hand approaches the sensitive area of the touch screen, generally 40-50 mm, the device executes the given command - it adjusts the lighting equipment, turning it on or off. Some options require a light touch to the active switch panel.
The Chinese company Suntruth Electrical is one of the few market representatives specializing in the production of touch switches installed in place of conventional
For some, such functionality will be perceived as overkill, but many consumers, especially their female counterparts, appreciate the essence of such a mechanism.
For example, if in the process of cooking in the kitchen you need to turn on additional lighting, then a slight movement of your hand, no matter if it is wet or dirty, can easily control the electronic switch.
The main representatives of capacitive electrical accessories for controlling lighting equipment are produced by the following companies: Jung, Berker, Livolo and Steinel. Despite their popularity, many developers abandoned this type of product and refocused production on separately installed types of devices.
Comfort and savings of optical switches
The switch, equipped with an infrared sensor, perceives exclusively thermal radiation in the infrared range emanating from the body during movement. Its alternative name is motion or presence sensor.
Optical models with a pyrodetector are designed for infrared radiation with a wavelength of no more than 9 microns. Devices from the Delta reflex series from Siemens are universal. They can be installed both on the ceiling and on the wall and even outdoors
The operation of this device is based on the operation of a sensitive pyroelectric element. The optical system redirects heat rays into a semiconductor receiver surrounded by a plastic storage lens.
The last element is divided into segments. Due to this, the area in front of the IR sensor is divided into sequentially located sensitive and insensitive zones, and, accordingly, visible and blind sectors.
The operating principle of the device is as follows: as soon as a moving thermal object enters the area controlled by the lens, a voltage pulse is generated in the pyrodetector. By means of an amplifier, this signal increases, and the switch turns on the lamps.
The most convenient for home use are infrared switches with a sensitive, narrowly directed element placed on a hinge, with one, two or three free phases. Due to this, it is possible to adjust the required level of height and tilt of the lens view.
Relatively recently, Siemens presented a new series of optical touch switches Delta Reflex. These are universal devices that can be installed in any area of the room, including outdoor ones, with a degree of protection from external adverse factors IP 55.
High-tech models are equipped with a control panel, through which the programming of various functions is reproduced, for example, setting a shutdown delay timer or simulating presence for a given period.
Convenience and practicality in high frequency devices
High-frequency touch switches are represented by active type (light) and volume sensors. Structurally, these devices are quite similar to the previous version, but the response principle is significantly different.
The operation of the detector is based on the use of photodiodes. The moment light quanta hit the photosensitive area, the device turns off the lighting equipment. At the same time, its body has a special regulating mechanism, with the help of which the required level of illumination is set.
Such intelligent mechanisms are mostly used for lighting facades. When dusk sets in, they turn on the lights in the area, and when it gets light, they turn them off.
Despite the high degree of protection, light detectors may not work correctly when snow accumulates - having decided that it is dusk, the device turns off the lighting, so the snow must be constantly cleared
Popular models include sensors from German companies Steinel and Osram. Both products installed in place of an old light bulb and individual devices are presented.
Installation is carried out in a break in the electrical circuit that supplies power to lighting devices. The device has a high degree of protection, no less than IP 44.
The operating principle of the volume sensor is based on the emission of weak high-frequency pulses reflected from various pieces of furniture and decor, floors and walls.
Having created a complete picture of the room in the field of reflected microwaves, the light control device inspects it at certain intervals. If a new object appears in the zone, a command is generated and the light turns on; if nothing changes, then the device remains in off mode.
The main manufacturer of such devices is the same company Steinel. They are produced as switches installed instead of standard ones or, more expensive models, in the form of table lamps.
Marking and connection details
We will analyze the markings using the example of an electronic switch model VL C701R from Livolo. The modification of the device is indicated by the Latin letters C6, C7, etc. Next is a two-digit number indicating the number of connected lamp groups: 01, 02 and 03.
Explanation of the VL C701R model markings: VL – abbreviated name of the manufacturer; C7 – series; 01 – one controlled line; R – radio remote control
The last letters will indicate additional functionality of the touch switch:
- R – radio control;
- D – dimmer mechanism, allowing for smooth regulation of the degree of illumination;
- S – pass-through switch function;
- T – shutdown timer.
The connection diagram for the touch switch is the same as for the dimmer.
Conclusions and useful video on the topic
If you decide to turn your home into an intelligent one, you should use tips for choosing electronic models. About this in the story:
Having decided on the model and the necessary functions, it is important to figure out how to reproduce the connection:
Despite the high price category, touch switching devices are equipped with such powerful functionality, which is quite enough to equip a smart home system. Having selected and purchased a suitable model that meets your needs, you can make the connection yourself.
Do you have personal experience using touch switches for lights? Please share it with our website visitors. Tell us about the advantages and disadvantages of such devices that you noticed. Write comments in the block below the article.
The idea of controlling lighting fixtures using touch switches is not new; similar switches or light switches were produced back in the last century. But the dimensions of such devices were significantly larger than standard ones, which caused problems during installation. It is also worth noting that the cost of the first touch switches was quite high; naturally, this did not contribute to their popularity. With the development of technology, the situation has changed radically, and today capacitive, infrared and remote switches are in stable demand.
Design and operating principle
Despite the variety of models of touch communicators, most of them have a standard design consisting of the following elements:
- Housing made of heat-resistant plastic (see A in Fig. 1). The dimensions of the structure allow installation in a typical mounting location of a conventional switch.
- Electronic unit (B), it includes a power adapter and a semiconductor switch control circuit.
- Board with capacitive sensors (C).
- The front panel (D), as a rule, is made of quartz glass; in budget models other materials may be used.
Now we will tell you how such devices work. The electronic unit monitors the state of the sensor. When you touch a certain place on the front panel of the switch with your hand (it is marked accordingly), the capacitance of the sensor changes. The electronic unit detects this and changes the state of the contactless semiconductor switch, which opens or closes the electrical circuit.
Scope of application
Initially, this type of switch was planned to be used to turn on/off lighting, but the design turned out to be so successful that the scope of its application has expanded significantly. Today, most modern household appliances have touch controls; examples include kitchen stoves, hoods, microwaves, etc.
![](https://i1.wp.com/asutpp.ru/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/vytyazhka-dlya-kuhni-cata-midas-900.jpg)
The only limitation on connecting to touch switches is the power of the equipment; its permissible parameters are indicated in the device passport.
Additional functionality
Modern technical base has made it possible to install microcontrollers in the electronic control unit of a touch switch, which has significantly expanded the functionality of switches and allowed them to fit into the concept of a smart home. Such switches can be controlled by voice, infrared or radio remote control, smartphone via WI-FI or a programmable timer.
![](https://i2.wp.com/asutpp.ru/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/sensornyj-vyklyuchatel-v-sisteme-umnyj-dom.jpg)
Touch switches can be used in conjunction with sensors that respond to motion or light levels. In the first case, such devices turn on a lamp, table lamp or other lighting fixtures when someone enters a room, such as a bathroom. With the second implementation option, the light will turn on at a low light level.
![](https://i0.wp.com/asutpp.ru/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/trojnoj-sensornyj-kommutator-sesoo.jpg)
Some manufacturers, for example, Livolо, produce touch switches with a dimmer function or that control combined sockets, to which almost any household appliance can be connected.
![](https://i2.wp.com/asutpp.ru/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/sensornyj-vyklyuchatel-livolo.jpg)
Advantages of capacitive switches
Speaking about the advantages of this type of switches, the following qualities should be noted:
![](https://i0.wp.com/asutpp.ru/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/vyklyuchateli-zajcy.jpg)
Now briefly about the shortcomings. First of all, it is necessary to note the difference in cost with conventional mechanical switches, but it has become significantly less than 10-20 years ago. The price of inexpensive Chinese touchscreen models today is much cheaper than mechanical switches from well-known brands, such as GTS or Electronics.
Sometimes LED lamps connected to touch switches flicker. This may be due to both the low quality of the lighting sources themselves and the low-cost switch models. The problem can be resolved in two ways:
- Use products from well-known brands (Jazzway, Panasonic, Sapphire, Funry, LightaLight, Tronic, Sesso, etc.).
- Connect a 0.1 uF 630 V capacitor in parallel with the LED lamp.
Connection
The installation of touch switches is practically no different from the installation of conventional built-in and surface-mounted mechanical switches. You can read more about this process on the pages of our website. Let us remind you how to do this using the example of the kg020gs model from the manufacturer FD Electronics.
Connection algorithm:
![](https://i1.wp.com/asutpp.ru/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/pervyj-i-vtoroj-etap-podklyucheniya.jpg)
![](https://i0.wp.com/asutpp.ru/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/vtoroj-i-tretij-etap-podklyucheniya.jpg)
Some manufacturers, for example, Livolo, produce pass-through switches for 220 V (their connection diagram is shown in Fig. 9). With their help, you can control lighting from several places.
![](https://i2.wp.com/asutpp.ru/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/primer-kak-podsoedinit-neskolko-prohodnyh-panelej-touch.jpg)
Each of these switches controls the lighting in the room from different locations. The concept involves using a main switch and one auxiliary (or more). On the main devices there are three terminals, the phase is connected to one, the zero is connected to the other, and the control conductor is connected to the third. Accordingly, such contacts are marked as: L – phase, N – zero and Com – control wire. Assistive devices
Secondary switches are connected through two terminals: N – zero and Com – control contact. Labeling may vary from manufacturer to manufacturer, so it makes sense to study the instructions. An example is the connection diagram for the electronic dimmer et0802193e, or its analogue tt6061a, which can be controlled with a light touch of your hand.
![](https://i1.wp.com/asutpp.ru/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/shema-podklyucheniya-sensornogo-dimmera-et0802193e.jpg)
Selecting a touch light switch
Before purchasing a device, you need to determine its functionality. To do this, the following criteria must be taken into account:
- Power of connected equipment and its connection diagram.
- Execution corresponding to the type of wiring.
- Operating conditions (if installation is planned in the bathroom, then a device with moisture protection is selected).
- Possibility of remote control (remote control or smartphone).
- Compliance of the design with the interior of the room, etc.
Having decided on the main tasks, you can begin to select a manufacturer. Naturally, you should give preference to well-known brands whose products are reliable. But at the same time, it is necessary to take into account the presence in the model range of switches of devices with the necessary functions. For example, Delumo has devices controlled by a radio remote control, and Sonoff specializes in Wi-Fi devices, Capsens Domuns Line lamps are “tailored” only for their touch switches, etc. There can be many nuances, so we recommend that you study the various options in detail.
Based on practical experience, in addition to well-known brands such as Legrand, we can recommend Vento Electric, Wemmon, Fanri, Merten, CGSS, Steu, Schneider, Ariston, etc.
![](https://i0.wp.com/asutpp.ru/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/besprovodnoj-sensornyj-vyklyuchatel-makegood-classic.jpg)
We recommend monitoring reviews online, where ratings of the best manufacturers are published. Selection criteria are made both by the model range of manufacturers, taking into account functionality and cost, and by other indicators.
Refinement of standard devices
Many people are not happy that the touch zone on the panel is quite small, and to record a signal you need to touch it in the indicated place. Let's give an example of how you can increase the area of indirect surface contact.
![](https://i0.wp.com/asutpp.ru/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/uvelichenie-zony-chuvstvitelnosti-sensor-1.jpg)
You should take the wire and carefully solder it to the place where the signal is supplied from the sensor on the touch board (for this you need to study the circuit diagram of the device). The connected wire is laid around the perimeter of the housing. As a result, such a frame will make it possible to trigger the sensor when touching the front panel without amplifying the signal level.
It should be noted that such an improvement will void the manufacturer's warranty.
DIY touch switch
For those who like to work with a soldering iron, we can recommend several circuits of touch switches that will be easy to assemble with your own hands. Let's start with a simple field-effect transistor circuit, this is exactly the principle that was laid down in the first sensor devices.
![](https://i1.wp.com/asutpp.ru/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/sensornyj-vyklyuchatel-na-polevom-tranzistore.jpg)
Designations:
- Resistances: R1 - 10..15 kOhm (must be selected for sensor response), R2 - 3...5 MOhm.
- Capacitors: C1 – 1000 pF (suppresses false triggering), C2 – 33.0 µF x 50 volts, C3 – 470 µF x 50 V.
- Transistor VT1 – KP 501A.
- Relay K1 can be used of any type whose operating current does not exceed 150.0 mA.
The circuit is powered from a source with a voltage of 12…24 V.
Now let's look at an option based on the NE555 asynchronous RS trigger. The device diagram is shown below.
![](https://i1.wp.com/asutpp.ru/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/sensornyj-vyklyuchatel-na-mikrosheme-ne555.jpg)
Designations:
- Resistors: R1 – 1.0 MOhm, R2 – 1.0 MOhm, R3 – 1.0 kOhm.
- Capacitors: C1 and C2 – 15 nF, C3 – 10 nF, C4 – 0.1 µF, C5 – 100.0 µF x 25 V.
- Diodes: D1-D2 – 1N4001, D3 – standard indicator LED.
- Microcircuit - NE555,
- The relay is the same as in the previous electrical circuit.
The above diagram does not need to be configured.
Concluding the topic of homemade sensor devices, we should mention the Ardunio system. On this platform, you can assemble a switching device that can be easily integrated into a Smart Home. In addition, such a device can be easily configured to operate independently, in accordance with a given program.
![](https://i2.wp.com/asutpp.ru/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/kompaktnyj-sensornyj-datchik-k-sisteme-ardunio.jpg)
In addition, the system allows you to create several profiles for specific tasks. However, this will require programming skills. You can get more detailed information about the Ardunio platform on our website.
Note that in the above circuits, a power source with a voltage of 12-24 V is required to power the control circuit. For this purpose, it is best to use switching power supplies. The electronic balance of LED and energy-saving lamps is ideal as such. Detailed information on this topic can also be found on our website.