Lichtschalter Anschließen 3 Kabel Blau Braun Schwarz

Willkommen in Deutschland! Planning on staying a while? Or perhaps you’re just curious about the electrical systems here? One thing you might encounter sooner or later is the Lichtschalter, or light switch. While typically best left to a qualified electrician, understanding the basics can be useful, especially if you're renting and need to understand how things work in your new German home. This guide will demystify connecting a standard German light switch with three wires: Blau (blue), Braun (brown), and Schwarz (black).

Understanding German Electrical Wiring: A Quick Overview

Before we dive in, let's establish some crucial safety rules and basic wiring concepts. Never work on electrical installations without first disconnecting the power at the circuit breaker (Sicherungskasten). Always double-check with a voltage tester (Spannungsprüfer) to ensure the power is off. Electricity is dangerous, and mistakes can be fatal. If you're unsure about anything, please contact a qualified electrician. It’s always better to be safe than sorry!

In Germany, the standard color coding for electrical wiring is:

• Braun (Brown): Phase or Live Wire (Außenleiter). This carries the current to the switch.
• Blau (Blue): Neutral Wire (Neutralleiter). This returns the current back to the source, completing the circuit.
• Schwarz (Black): Switch Wire (Schaltdraht). This carries the current from the switch to the light fixture.
• Grün-Gelb (Green-Yellow): Ground Wire (Schutzleiter). This is a safety wire and is used to ground the circuit, preventing electric shock. While vital for safety, it's not always present in older installations. You won't deal with the Green-Yellow wire when connecting a basic light switch as described here.

Important Note: While the above is standard, it’s crucial to remember that older installations might not always adhere to these color codes. Always use a voltage tester to identify the wires, regardless of their color.

Tools You'll (Potentially) Need

Again, we strongly advise against doing electrical work yourself unless you're fully competent and confident. However, knowing what tools might be involved can be helpful. If you *are* attempting this yourself (at your own risk), you'll likely need:

• Screwdrivers (Schraubendreher): Various sizes, including a small flathead screwdriver for tightening screws in the switch.
• Wire Strippers (Abisolierzange): For safely removing the insulation from the wires.
• Voltage Tester (Spannungsprüfer): Essential for verifying that the power is off. A two-pole tester is recommended for added safety.
• Pliers (Zange): For bending and manipulating wires.
• Insulating Tape (Isolierband): For insulating any exposed wires (though proper connections should negate the need for this).
• Light Switch (Lichtschalter): A new or replacement light switch compatible with the existing wiring.

Connecting the Light Switch: Step-by-Step Guide

This guide assumes you're replacing an existing light switch with a new one. Remember to always disconnect the power first!

Step 1: Disconnect the Power

Locate the circuit breaker (Sicherung) that controls the light you're working on. It's usually in the Sicherungskasten (fuse box). Flip the breaker to the "off" position. Double-check the power is off using a voltage tester by testing the wires that are going to be connected to the switch. Be absolutely sure before proceeding.

Step 2: Remove the Old Light Switch

Carefully remove the cover plate (Abdeckplatte) of the old light switch. You might need a small screwdriver to gently pry it off. Next, unscrew the switch from the wall box (Unterputzdose). Gently pull the switch out to expose the wires connected to it. Take a picture of the wiring before disconnecting anything! This will be very helpful as a reference. Use the screwdriver to loosen the screws holding the wires in place, and carefully remove the wires from the old switch.

Step 3: Identifying the Wires (Double-Check!)

Even if you took a picture, it's crucial to double-check the wires before connecting them to the new switch. Use your voltage tester to confirm that none of the wires are carrying current. The Brown wire is likely the Außenleiter (live wire, carrying current *before* you turned off the breaker), the Blue wire is the Neutralleiter (neutral wire), and the Black wire is the Schaltdraht (switch wire, carrying current to the light fixture *after* the switch is on). If your installation is very old and the colors aren't what you expect, a voltage tester is critical. A qualified electrician will use specialized tools to identify the wires with certainty.

Step 4: Connecting the New Light Switch

Now, connect the wires to the new light switch. Most switches have terminals (connection points) marked with symbols or letters. Here's the general rule:

• Brown (Braun) Wire: Connect this to the terminal marked with "L" or a similar symbol indicating "Line" or "Live." This is the power coming *into* the switch.
• Black (Schwarz) Wire: Connect this to the terminal marked with an arrow pointing outwards, a "T" (for Terminal), or another similar symbol. This is the power going *out* of the switch to the light fixture.
• Blue (Blau) Wire: In a simple switch like this, the blue wire is typically not connected directly to the switch. It's usually connected directly from the power source to the light fixture, bypassing the switch entirely. The blue wire is there to complete the circuit but is not controlled by the switch. Make sure the blue wire is properly and safely insulated in the wall box.

Insert the stripped ends of the wires into the appropriate terminals and tighten the screws securely. Make sure the wires are firmly held in place and that no bare wire is exposed. A common mistake is not stripping enough insulation off the wire. Another is to strip too much insulation, leaving bare wire exposed outside the terminal.

Step 5: Mounting the New Light Switch

Carefully tuck the wires back into the wall box (Unterputzdose) and position the switch in the box. Make sure the wires are not pinched or damaged. Secure the switch to the wall box with the screws. Attach the cover plate (Abdeckplatte).

Step 6: Restore the Power and Test the Switch

Go back to the circuit breaker (Sicherungskasten) and flip the breaker back to the "on" position. Test the light switch to make sure it's working correctly. If the light doesn't turn on, immediately switch off the breaker and re-check your wiring. A loose connection or incorrect wiring is the most likely cause. Do not leave the breaker on if the switch isn't working correctly.

Important Considerations and Safety Tips

• Different Switch Types: This guide covers a simple on/off switch. Dimmer switches (Dimmerschalter) and other types of switches may have different wiring configurations. Always refer to the manufacturer's instructions for specific wiring diagrams.
• Older Installations: As mentioned before, older installations may have different wiring colors or may not have a ground wire. Exercise extreme caution when working with older wiring.
• Damaged Wiring: If you notice any damaged or frayed wires, consult an electrician immediately. Damaged wiring can be a fire hazard.
• Loose Connections: Loose connections can cause overheating and are a fire hazard. Ensure all connections are tight and secure.
• German Standards: Electrical installations in Germany must comply with specific DIN (Deutsches Institut für Normung) standards. These standards ensure safety and compatibility.

When to Call a Professional

While this guide aims to provide a basic understanding of connecting a light switch, there are situations where you should always call a qualified electrician (Elektriker or Elektroinstallateur):

• If you're not comfortable working with electricity.
• If you're unsure about any aspect of the wiring.
• If you encounter any problems during the installation.
• If you're dealing with complex wiring situations, such as three-way switches or dimmer switches.
• If you suspect any electrical faults in your home.

"Safety should always be your top priority when working with electricity. When in doubt, consult a qualified electrician."

Conclusion

Understanding the basics of German electrical wiring can be helpful during your stay. While this guide provides information on connecting a simple light switch, it's essential to prioritize safety and seek professional help when needed. Remember, electricity is dangerous, and it's always better to err on the side of caution. Enjoy your time in Germany!

Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only and should not be considered a substitute for professional electrical advice. The author is not responsible for any damages or injuries resulting from the use of this information. Always consult a qualified electrician for any electrical work.