電燈開關的類型及選購指南

燈具開關是控制照明設備、電器及其他設施的重要電氣元件。開關種類繁多，例如撥動式、搖臂式、滑動式或按鈕式開關。款式通常不會影響開關的操作或電路接線，但可能會增加挑選時的困難。不過，只要將選擇範圍縮窄至最常見的開關類型，便能輕易選出符合需求的合適產品。

以下為常見的燈具開關類型。

目錄

• 單極開關
• 雙極開關
• 三路開關
• 四路開關
• 調光開關
• 動態感應開關（佔用感應開關）
• 智能開關
• 如何挑選燈具開關

單極開關

單極開關可應用於多種場合。若要判斷開關是否為單極開關，通常可觀察開關表面是否有 ON/OFF（開/關）標記。如果是撥動式或搖臂式開關，ON/OFF 標記可能會隱藏起來。

仔細觀察會發現，全新的單極開關本體上有兩個黃銅色螺絲接線端子，以及金屬固定帶上的一個綠色螺絲。此開關在正常運作下，用作調節通過電路火線的電流。

在單極開關中，每個黃銅色螺絲接線端子均連接至一條火線，通常無需連接中性線（零線）。電路接地線（通常為裸銅線）則連接至開關的綠色接地螺絲。單極開關是家居中最通用的燈具開關類型。

雙極開關

雙極開關常用於工業用途。然而，它亦常見於部分家居電路系統，多用於控制 240 伏特電器，例如電暖爐、空調、電熱水器或水療按摩浴缸加熱器。雙極開關在家居中的普及程度遠不及單極開關：若家中沒有需要雙極開關的電器，可能完全不會裝設此類開關。

由於 240 伏特電路使用兩條獨立的「火線」，因此這些開關設有四個黃銅色螺絲接線端子，以同時控制電路中的兩條火線：電源輸入線連接至一組螺絲，電源輸出線則連接至另一組螺絲。這些開關的額定電流通常為 30 至 40 安培，而非傳統單極牆壁開關的 15 至 20 安培。電路接地線亦包含一個綠色接地螺絲，因此雙極開關總共有 5 個接線端子。

三路開關

三路開關適用於樓梯間、設有兩個出入口的車庫或地下室、走廊，以及由兩個獨立牆壁開關控制單一燈具或電器的其他場合。三路開關必須成對使用，以便在出入口的任一端控制照明。

三路開關包含三個接線端子螺絲。根據其在電路配置中的位置，開關可連接至電源或燈具。兩個三路開關之間透過連接至「雙控切換線」（traveler wires）的導線互相連通。三路開關亦設有一個綠色接地螺絲，用作連接電路的裸銅接地線。

「3-way」（三路）一詞常用於美國，而在英國等歐洲地區，同類型的開關則可能稱為「2-way」（雙控）開關。 

四路開關

四路開關雖然並不常用，但常見於長走廊及設有兩個以上出入口的大型房間。系統使用兩個三路開關，即可從多個位置控制插座或燈具。現在您可以從三個以上的位置進行控制，例如設有五個控制位置，並在兩個三路開關之間裝設三個四路開關。

四路開關設有四個接線端子和一個接地端子。四個接線端子中，通常有兩個為黃銅色，另外兩個則不是。與三路開關不同，四路開關沒有「COM」或「公共」端子。四路開關會成為三路開關之間雙控切換線的切換單元。

Similarly, the term ‘4-way’ is usually used in the US, whereas the same type of switch might be called a “3-way” switch in EU regions like the UK. 

調光開關

A dimmer switch gives you more freedom with your lighting by allowing you to adjust the brightness level of the bulbs. Dimmers are divided into several subcategories: dimmer switches and inline dimmers.

A dimmer switch is like a switch with an extra dimmer control and it also has various control styles. For example, a rotary dimmer uses a knob that can be turned to increase or decrease the brightness. To turn the light completely off or on, users need to press the knob. A slide dimmer usually has a rocker switch that turns the light on and off, as well as a slider that adjusts or dims the brightness. Some dimmers have very subtle sliders that virtually blend in with the rest of the switch.

Inline dimmers are also called plug-in dimmers that can be connected inline with your low voltage DC lighting, such as light strips or cabient night lights.

動態感應開關（佔用感應開關）

An occupancy switch, or 動態感應燈飾開關, uses a motion sensor that detects when someone enters a room and turns on the light. The light will remain on for a set amount of time. As long as the sensor detects no further movement, it will turn the light off to save electricity.

The motion sensor switches usually have two working modes: occupancy mode and vacancy mode. As occupancy mode is the most commonly used mode that automatically controls the lights ON and OFF for users, thus motion sensor switch is referred to as an occupancy switch as well. Vacancy mode requires users to manually turn on the light by pressing the switch. It’s not as convenient as hands-free occupancy mode and is less commonly used in households.

Additionally, most motion sensor switches also have a light sensor for daylight detection, so they won’t turn on based on motion during the day when you don’t need additional lighting. In addition, they can be used in a bathroom to control both light and fans, so you don’t have to worry about remembering to turn the fan on and off.

智能開關

Smart switch refers to a new style of wall switch with internal circuitry that allows lamps or appliances to be controlled by one of many non-traditional methods, such as a voice assistant (like Alexa) or an Internet or smartphone app. For example, many modern smart switches allow you to control lights and turn them on or off with a smartphone app that can be downloaded from anywhere with an Internet connection. They can also be programmed to automatically turn lights or appliances of your choice on or off.

Although smart switches are typically installed in the same location as a standard wall switch, most require a neutral wire connection to draw a small amount of current flow required for operation. Therefore, you will likely need a circuit upgrade to use these switches. There are a collection of smart switches that use ground wire instead of neutral wire for electricity. If you are incapable of upgrading the circuit, choose the ground wire required switch instead.

Other smart switches do not require a neutral network and connect to the Internet wirelessly through a hub. Be sure to purchase a smart switch that is compatible with your hub or voice automation system, as well as the lights you need to control.

如何挑選燈具開關

The choice of the appropriate wall light switch depends on whether the luminaire or fixture is controlled within the electrical circuit, the type of circuit being controlled, and the degree of automation or remote operation required.

All standard 120-volt household circuits are compatible with single-pole switches, three-way switches, and four-way switches. And it all depends on whether you want to control a fixture from one, two, three, or more locations on the wall.

Double-pole switches are special devices that are only used when it is necessary to control 240-volt circuits that supply electricity to large appliances. When you need the convenience of automating the operation of the switch or appliance or controlling it remotely via the Internet, a smart switch can be used.