Door Switches

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tshea

tshea

Senior Member
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Wisconsin
Looking for any hints/helps at installing door switches for closets. As soon as the door opens a light comes on. We are using Edwards 502A.
I have a couple ideas to "cut-in" the switch box namely having the carpenter do it, but was wondering if any of you guys have installed these. We have 14 to install.

Thanks,

Tim
 
I've used limit switches for this a couple of times, but only at my own home. Only because I got them for free.
 
I've installed those switches a few times and cut them in myself with a drill and a hammer and chisel. The last time I made a simple jig out of plywood and cut it out with a router. Works super fast and makes a perfect cut. Getting the jig together was a different story. I would agree with the others that having someone else cut them is a better idea.
 
I hope I'm not getting too basic with this. I don't want to insult anyone but I trust the wiring to the switch is low voltage wiring with a mini transformer and relay inside the light fixture. I don't think line voltage to the switch is acceptable any longer. I'm not familiar with the Edwards 502A. Is it just a switch or a complete switch/relay/transformer unit ?

Also, I agree with the majority in that the carpenter should be the one cutting the switches into the door jamb. You wouldn't want someone cutting anything into your breaker panel no matter how qualified they are.
 
The 502A Edwards switch is 120 volts. Looks like this. As you can see the wiring compartment is very small. Not sure how they even get these things listed for use with a 3 conductor cable and the device.


78264024572pcds.jpg
 
Trevor,

The reason I made the statement the way I did was because it seems like it is a lot easier to drill a small hole and low voltage wire a simple Edwards plunger switch and have it activate a relay than to install wiring to one of these switches (in my opinion). Door frames usually have 2 x 4's packed along side of them to support the header. Having to cut one of these switches in seems like a lot of work to me. But, then again, if the carpenter is doing it - who cares ?

Phil,
Gold Star Electric,
New Jersey
 
Thanks everyone. I think we will "talk: the carpenter into cutting in the switch boxes. Of course everything will be pre-wired and we'll just have to terminate.
 
goldstar said:
Trevor,

The reason I made the statement the way I did was because it seems like it is a lot easier to drill a small hole and low voltage wire a simple Edwards plunger switch and have it activate a relay than to install wiring to one of these switches (in my opinion). Door frames usually have 2 x 4's packed along side of them to support the header. Having to cut one of these switches in seems like a lot of work to me. But, then again, if the carpenter is doing it - who cares ?

Phil,
Gold Star Electric,
New Jersey
Click to expand...


Phil, I agree that it can be a lot of work. But if the carpenter is cutting the door jamb than it's a rather simple installation.
 
I like the occ sensor idea better, eliminates the problem of light being on when door is left open a bit.

To answer OP, on new construction I'd definitely let carpenter do the job.
 
I trace around the switch or make a pattern then use a roto zip. I stay inside the pattern line because it is very easy with the roto zip to enlarge the hole. I prefer to just do it myself.
 
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