Commands and signaling

What is the purpose of a control module?

Control modules are designed for controlling, as its name implies. For example, they are used to open or close electrical circuits to control switching on lighting in offices or the power supply for recharging an electric car.

Modular control devices installed in electrical enclosures are often used to manage an installation's electricity consumption more efficiently. This is especially the case with energy suppliers whose focus is to install these necessary control modules to display and monitor the home's electricity consumption, heating, cooling and domestic hot water production, in new builds, renovations and the commercial sector. Here we are talking, of course, about the energy meter.

The different modular control devices

Control modules can be classified into 2 categories: manually operated and automatically operated.

Manual control modules

• Switches, used to open or close electrical circuits
• Push buttons, which are switches or changeovers controlled by manual pressure
• Switches, used to change the connections of several circuits
• Electric dimmers, for dimming one or more lighting points from different locations Automatic control modules
• Relays, used in control circuits for starter coils, heating elements, indicator lights and sound alarms
• Power contactors, used to control high-power appliances with a current rating greater than 10A
• Remote switches, installed in the electrical panel to operate push-buttons when there are over 3 lighting control points. This is often the case in factories, long corridors and open spaces, for example.
• Programmable timers, which operate autonomously and start or stop an electrical circuit.
• Electromechanical and electronic timers, generally used to manage lighting circuits (halls, toilets, corridors), that automatically switch off an electrical system after a predefined time.

Good to know

The control modules installed in the electrical panel must be protected by a 30mA circuit breaker or differential switch.

Control transformers and emergency remote controls

One-Elec has a stock of control and signalling transformers, which are essential for supplying low-voltage power to outdoor modules such as doorbells, alarms, intercoms and lighting near swimming pools.

These multi-purpose transformers can lower the control voltage from various voltage sources to adapt to the power supply of contactors, timers, and load shedders. Finally, don't forget to install an emergency lighting remote control.

These are compulsory for every emergency lighting installation.