One switch controls all the light circuits

[aftershock]

Why?

I went on an estimate today. There is a switch at the front door of this house that controls the coils of 2- 2 pole contactors that are mounted in the panel. these 2 contactors control the 4 lighting circuits to the entire house. When you trun off the switch at the front door, all light circuits are shut down. They want the contactors moved into the attic because the humming noise they create can be heard within the house at night.
I say do away with this contraption but they want to keep it installed, just moved to a location where it will not be heard.


Why have this?

I estimated to move it outside since the panel is on an outside wall and I would rather do that because it keeps from chopping up the wiring in the attic and can be removed easily, plus it would be cheaper.

But, why have it?

 

[bamawildcat]

They may have bought a spec or previous open house for the subdivision.

 

[aftershock]

They may have bought a spec or previous open house for the subdivision.

Ahh,, that sounds like it might be right. It is the second house entering this sub division and it about 15 yrs old.

 

[ultramegabob]

But, why have it?

probably someone who doesnt want to walk back through the house to make sure all the lights are off when they leave, but really who cares why, just do what they want and charge them....

 

[480sparky]

What is the largest amp draw on any circuit?

Maybe you can swap out the clunky contactors with ice cube relays.

 

[aftershock]

What is the largest amp draw on any circuit?

Maybe you can swap out the clunky contactors with ice cube relays.

Pretend I am as dumb as a box of rocks. Now explain that one to me please?

 

[jeremysterling]

Swap for a mechanically held contactor. No humming.

Perhaps, easier than moving the ckts.

 

[Volta]

You might find a mechanically held contactor if ice cubes are too small, coil to energize, different coil to release.
Maybe a momentary SPDT to control.

Oh, I type to slowly!

 

[Dennis Alwon]

Pretend I am as dumb as a box of rocks. Now explain that one to me please?

Looks like this-- no noise-- all electronically done

 

[billdozier]

werent you a teenager or dont you have kids heck roomates you know they leave the lights on this way they can shut em all of would I do it no overkill in my opinion. Even if you move it to the attic wouldnt they hear it outside might be your best option

 

[Volta]

Now explain that one to me please?

They are just small relays. A couple or few inches each way. Up to 10 amps . . .+?

 

[aftershock]

Swap for a mechanically held contactor. No humming.

Perhaps, easier than moving the ckts.

I may look into that. Thanx.

 

[480sparky]

Pretend I am as dumb as a box of rocks. Now explain that one to me please?

Little relays that go click instead of the contactors that go BAM!!

 

[aftershock]

Looks like this-- no noise-- all electronically done

Thanx. The materials might be more than my labor. Although I will try and learn more about those.

 

[aftershock]

werent you a teenager or dont you have kids heck roomates you know they leave the lights on this way they can shut em all of would I do it no overkill in my opinion. Even if you move it to the attic wouldnt they hear it outside might be your best option

That was another reason I estimated it for outside.

Cheaper and quicker to do.
Wont have to chop up the existing wiring in the attic.
Quieter
And can be removed/reconfigured easier.

 

[aftershock]

Little relays that go click instead of the contactors that go BAM!!

Unless those are screw terminals without the screws, that looks like it plugs into something else. Anyways I need to educate myself on that paticular type product.
Thanx.

 

[480sparky]

Thanx. The materials might be more than my labor. Although I will try and learn more about those.

You must work very cheap. Ice cubes are about $10-12, plus 5 or 6 for the bases. And you can get them to control up to 4 circuits.

Unless those are screw terminals without the screws, that looks like it plugs into something else. Anyways I need to educate myself on that paticular type product.
Thanx.

You purchase a base, or socket, seperately, depending on your needs.

 

[aftershock]

You must work very cheap.

My company charges only 70$/hr for resi work.
I wont discuss my payrate but you get the picture.

 

[480sparky]

My company charges only 70$/hr for resi work.
I wont discuss my payrate but you get the picture.

So if material will cost more than labor in this instance, you must work pretty dern fast then.

Swapping out to something quiter will be cheaper than relocating everything. Unless you suspend the control box with an elaborate mouning system, you will still have hum.

 

[aftershock]

So if material will cost more than labor in this instance, you must work pretty dern fast then.

Swapping out to something quiter will be cheaper than relocating everything. Unless you suspend the control box with an elaborate mouning system, you will still have hum.

Well, I figured the job to take about an hour, maybe an hour and a half depending on how quick we can penetrate the brick to install the 6" piece of PVC from the inside panel to the outside JB. From there it is just moving the contactors, routing some THHN, making joints and landing wires. I figured 4 hrs (maybe 3) total considering the 1.5 hr + round trip drive (depending on traffic). Trust me I will look into these alternatives that I have never run across before. Knowing my boss though, he wont wait for my research, he just wants work to keep us busy.