PDA

View Full Version : Combination Devices


jeff48356
05-23-2009, 07:34 PM
I 've seen triple-stack switches where all three are single pole, but does Leviton make any where one of them is 3-way and the other two are single-pole? I know it would probably have to be the rocker-style which use the GFI-type wallplate.

peter d
05-23-2009, 07:37 PM
I'm not sure about Leviton, but I know P&S makes combo devices in all kinds of configurations.

Dennis Alwon
05-23-2009, 07:37 PM
What about despard switches. You build what you want on the yoke. P&S makes them

Dennis Alwon
05-23-2009, 07:43 PM
Here is what one unit looks like. You buy the triple yoke and snap in the switches.

http://ec-images.acehardwareoutlet.com/225/products/3229861hr.jpg

Here are some plates

http://www.arnev.com/images/despard.jpg

480sparky
05-23-2009, 11:24 PM
Here is what one unit looks like. You buy the triple yoke and snap in the switches.

http://ec-images.acehardwareoutlet.com/225/products/3229861hr.jpg

Here are some plates

http://www.arnev.com/images/despard.jpg

P&S calls them Despard devices.

peter d
05-23-2009, 11:33 PM
What about despard switches. You build what you want on the yoke. P&S makes them

P&S calls them Despard devices.

I think they're called Despard devices, but I'm not sure.



:D

wireguru
05-23-2009, 11:45 PM
to answer the OP's question, no leviton doesnt make that. They make a triple single pole, a double 3way/single, and a double 3way, but no triple with a 3way in it.

if you HAD to have it, you could use a triple single pole and use one of the singles to control a SPDT relay/contactor which would act as your 3way switch :D

iaov
05-24-2009, 08:31 AM
It would be a lot simpler to get the double 3 way and wire one as a single pole!!:smile:

Dennis Alwon
05-24-2009, 08:35 AM
It would be a lot simpler to get the double 3 way and wire one as a single pole!!:smile:
Yes, except the OP needs three switches in a one gang box. :smile:

iaov
05-24-2009, 08:47 AM
I thought someone listed a switch with 2 threways and a single.:smile:

infinity
05-24-2009, 09:02 AM
These things are so ugly that I wouldn't want to see one in my house. :rolleyes:

http://www.arnev.com/images/despard.jpg

iwire
05-24-2009, 09:09 AM
These things are so ugly that I wouldn't want to see one in my house. :rolleyes:

http://www.arnev.com/images/despard.jpg

I agree ugly and they just look so 1950s / 60s.

I am actually surprised they still make them.

infinity
05-24-2009, 09:16 AM
I agree ugly and they just look so 1950s / 60s.

I am actually surprised they still make them.

And how do you get 2 three-ways and a single pole or 3 three-ways in a single gang box with one of those devices? Seems like box fill will be a problem.

Dennis Alwon
05-24-2009, 09:58 AM
And how do you get 2 three-ways and a single pole or 3 three-ways in a single gang box with one of those devices? Seems like box fill will be a problem.

No question they are ugly but I don't know the op's situation.

I thought about box fill but it is possible that there would be one feed, 2 travelers and 2 switch legs. Very doable.

infinity
05-24-2009, 10:03 AM
I thought about box fill but it is possible that there would be one feed, 2 travelers and 2 switch legs. Very doable.

I guess that it would depend on the wiring method. Even in you scenario if he's using cable you would likely end up with 3 neutrals in the box, possibly EGC's and not to mention he's also looking to add a single pole switch.

Dennis Alwon
05-24-2009, 10:07 AM
I guess that it would depend on the wiring method. Even in you scenario if he's using cable you would likely end up with 3 neutrals in the box, possibly EGC's and not to mention he's also looking to add a single pole switch.


Feed can be in the ceiling as often is the case (add : in older homes). No neutrals. EGC, feed, travelers and 2 switch legs.

I am assuming there is no way to add another switch to make a 2 gang. Since he obviously needs to get more wires in the box I would stack the switches in 3 single gangs if I could not get a 3 gang in the wall.

Seems our OP left us from the get go.

ultramegabob
05-24-2009, 10:08 AM
I agree ugly and they just look so 1950s / 60s.

I am actually surprised they still make them.

I have done some work in a bowling alley that has large stainless panels set into the countertop that are punched with a whole bunch of those type of switches, I think it was built in the early 60s.

ohm
05-24-2009, 12:57 PM
And how do you get 2 three-ways and a single pole or 3 three-ways in a single gang box with one of those devices? Seems like box fill will be a problem.

That question has been in the back of my mind also. It may be the reason the configuration is not legal in a 1G box.

Box fill only counts the yoke, regardless of what's on it, which IMO is a big mistake. In their minds a GFCI recp. (or tripple stack of 3P switches) takes up the same space as a resi SP switch.

active1
05-24-2009, 05:11 PM
And how do you get 2 three-ways and a single pole or 3 three-ways in a single gang box with one of those devices? Seems like box fill will be a problem.


If you think that's fun you should do the 2 gang versions. Called the double 3 desbard. Back in the 50's or 60's maybe they thought it was a good idea. No need for a 6 gang box when you can fit 6 switches in a 4x4x1.5 box with pipes comming in the sides. I don't know if box fill calcs changed over the years. All I know is when they did this the conductors would only reach outsid the box a 1/2 inch because they had to save space.

http://www.kyledesigns.com/category/11_home_decor.1_switchplates.width_despards/

Those switches are expensive and can be difficult to get. Such as (2) 3 ways, (1) SP, yoke, & trim would cost $55.00 to mail order at the place above, plus shipping. Basicly I think everything is all left over stock. It could be dirt cheap because the store wants to get rid of it, the price could be stuck the same as 25 years ago at an old hardware store, or it could be gold to the person sitting on them waiting for someone that needs one.

Another problem with these are the switches snap in a different direction than a standard toggle. Meaning sometimes a homeowner swapes one out and the switch is sideways.

480sparky
05-24-2009, 05:18 PM
...... I don't know if box fill calcs changed over the years........


From the 1959:

http://i214.photobucket.com/albums/cc172/480sparky/Code%20Book%20Collection/1959370A.jpg

http://i214.photobucket.com/albums/cc172/480sparky/Code%20Book%20Collection/1959370B.jpg

ohm
05-24-2009, 06:14 PM
From the 1959:

http://i214.photobucket.com/albums/cc172/480sparky/Code%20Book%20Collection/1959370A.jpg

http://i214.photobucket.com/albums/cc172/480sparky/Code%20Book%20Collection/1959370B.jpg

480, that brings back memories. The ony difference I see is we only deducted one conductor per strap back then..now, of course, it's two.

What did the Code measure, about 5" x 9" and 300 or so pages?

Maurice

480sparky
05-24-2009, 07:01 PM
480, that brings back memories. The ony difference I see is we only deducted one conductor per strap back then..now, of course, it's two.

What did the Code measure, about 5" x 9" and 300 or so pages?

Maurice

1959 is 4x6.5, 447 pages.

LawnGuyLandSparky
05-25-2009, 01:49 AM
I agree ugly and they just look so 1950s / 60s.

I am actually surprised they still make them.

Beauty is in the eye of the beer holder...

ohm
05-26-2009, 10:15 AM
1959 is 4x6.5, 447 pages.

Love it, wish I would have saved my first copy. Maurice