What's It Called?

[jeff43222]

Here's one for the more experienced members:

A couple of times I've come across lighting in residential occupancies where the light switches are connected to a transformer/relay system via low-voltage wires, and the relay system then powers 120V lights. In one case, all the light switches in the house consisted of a single push button that controlled on/off (like the power button on a TV). When the button is pushed, you hear a loud click coming from the attic. The click sound always comes from the same location, which, I'm guessing, is a transformer/relay center.

Just yesterday in another house, I saw a similar switch with a selection dial next to it. Apparently you dial up which light you want to switch and then push the button. Down in the basement I found a junction block of sorts, with a whole bunch of low-voltage wires connected to it (one pair for each tick on the selection dial), and the block was connected to a transformer.

Both of these systems were installed in the 1950s. I'm curious if this type of wiring method had a name.

 

[tshea]

The system you describe was manufactured by GE and others. It is a low voltage lighting control system.
GE had a similar product resurface a few years back called TLC (Total Lighting Control)

The relays you here clicking are usually RR7 relays. P&S made a 1020 relay also. These are latching relays. They only need a momentary voltage to turn on or off.

 

[bdarnell]

And, parts are still available from G.E. May be hard to find, but the local GESCO rep should be able to help.

 

[cdslotz]

The GE controls line is now "Wattstopper"

 

[tkb]

I know of 2 types like you describe.
The GE system with the RR7 relays and a Touch-Plate system.
It's been a very long time since I've seen one.

 

[iwire]

We still get new GE lighting control panels with what looks to me to be the same old RR7.

Only now there is a microprocessor controlling them in place of rocker switches.

 

[charlie tuna]

we once were called to a large residence that had everything controlled by a master control panel in the electric room. the switches throughout the house were then programmed to act as three ways and four ways as needed. all the blinds and drapes were electrically operated. the window operators were operated by small motors. in the masterbedroom, the t.v. raised out of the floor electrically -- all these functions were controlled by a large flat panel next to the bed. the owner could turn any light on -or off, he could close any window or open and close the blinds and/or draw the drapes. a master switch could turn on all the lights inside and outside the house. likewise, the owner could close all the windows with one switch!!! now, why were we called----------someone snuck onto the property and disconnected and removed the emergency generator --- and it was not small ---30 kw! no switch to secure the generator room door!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[Paul B]

Most of the time I came across them, they were used to control outside floods.

 

[77401]

Old low volt system from the 50's was a high end installation for that time. Most original owners hate it & are used to rewiring the switches one at a time.

Getting replacement relays online is what I do
replace & matching the existing switches is tough.
I won't spend the time looking for little stuff like that.

Sell them a 120 volt rewire of the LV switch and move on.

 

[jeff43222]

We didn't have any discussion about replacement. I was called in for a kitchen remodel and happened to see this one switch. The homeowner and I talked about it and futzed with it, but that was it.

 

[tshea]

Sell them a 120 volt rewire of the LV switch and move on.

Interesting! Most of the LV systems I see have a plaster ring nailed to the stud and the LV wire ran inside the wall. The switch is secured to the plaster ring. No BOX!

What do you do?

 

[mdbarlow]

Almost seems more cost effective to replace the lighting control system.

By the time you chop in new switch legs, you just ate up a huge amount of labor

 

[bobbyho]

The Touch Plate system I have found usually had a few troubles. The switch or "button" needs replacement, the relay in the control box needs replacement, or the transducer (not sure if this is what it is called) need replacement. I asked an old timer that wired a house I was working because his name was still on the panel from then. He told me to replace the transducer thing because when they get tired it docent have enough power to hold the relay or release it. I ordered the parts through my supply house which this company still exists and I was good to go. The amazing part was this guy remembered the job like it was yesterday.

 

[George Stolz]

No BOX!

What do you do?

Same thing you do - walk out to the van and grab a smart-box. Gotta use them up, so I can try out Arlington's new version.

A coworker of mine recently had to work on something similar, it was a maze multiplied by a rat's nest in the junction box. To make things better, I believe it was installed in such a position that he had to work on it laying on his back, or studying it with a mirror, laying on his stomach. I forget the details, but he was sorely displeased with the situation. :lol: