Connecting a 3-position switch

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​​​​​What is a 3-position switch?

A 3-position switch or 'fan switch' is used to operate a fan in, for example, a bathroom or kitchen. With the 3-position switch you can choose between slow, medium or fast air supply or air exhaust. The 3-position switch is available in two versions, built-in and surface-mounted.

Please note: make sure that the fan to which this switch is connected is suitable for a 3-position switch.

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Safety

Before starting work, make sure that everything is voltage-free by switching the main switch or circuit breaker of the group you are going to work on. Perform the work on the 3-position switch with the correct tools. A screwdriver, wire stripper and a voltage detector are required for this work.

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Step-by-step plan for connecting a 3-position switch

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Step 1: De-energize

It is important that you de-energize the area where you are going to work, you do this by switching the main switch or the circuit breaker. With a voltage detector you can test whether the area is de-energized.

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Step 2: Stripping the cores of the cable

Strip the wires long enough (approximately 1 cm). After stripping, twist the core of each wire so that it becomes one whole, without small wires sticking out.
Note: Twisting is not necessary if the wires have a solid core. When you place the wires, the core must make a complete connection with the connection.

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Step 3: Connecting the cable wires

Connect the phase wire (brown) and three switch wires (black) to the correct connections on the switch. A plug connection is the standard connection for the 3-position switch, this connection method is only possible with wires with a solid core. The wires are connected by clamping them in the opening of the connection. When loosening and withdrawing the wires, a plastic part must be pressed.

Please note: A 3-position switch with screw connection can be used with wires that have a soft core. With a switch with screw connection, loosen each screw and slide the wires into the correct connection of the switching element. Then tighten the screws carefully: tight = tight!

Tip: When using a screw connection, always insert the wire into the connection on the left side of the screw. This prevents the wire from being pushed out of the connection when you tighten the screw.

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The wires must be connected in the switching element as follows:

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Step 4: Placement and fixing of the switching element

Place the switching element in the wall and screw the element in place using the mounting points.
 

Step 5: Install the cover plate

Place the cover plate on the switching element, without the rotary knob. It is important that the indication positions on the cover plate (usually numbers, an example of which can be seen in the image below) are at the top of the switch. Carefully turn the cover plate onto the switching part with the accompanying screws. Here too, as always, it counts: fixed = fixed!

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Step 6: Install the knob

Place the knob carefully on the cover plate. When placing it, make sure that the indication position on the knob (usually a line, an example of which can be seen in the image below) is at the top of the cover plate.

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Step 7: Turn on power

The mounting of the 3-position switch is complete and the power can be switched on again.