Does anyone know a good source or manufacturer for low-voltage lighting switches? I am looking for something that will allow a number (4-6) of small toggle switches to be located in a relatively small space and will also have some dimming function. I appreciate any advice.
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Replies
First a pat on the back to JVRT for looking for low-voltage switches instead of using 120-volt AC ones. It might seem that if it's good for 120-volts it would be great for 12-volts. Not so. AC is easier to switch. The electrons jump different ways each time and the metal removed one time is redeposited the next. In DC, the electrons are always going in the same direction so a switch is typically rated for a lot less wattage in DC than it is for AC.
Sources for low-voltage switches:
1) automotive supply - quality starts at poor and goes quickly to total cr@p.
2) Motorhome equipment - cheapest price for decent quality. But remember that few people live in a motor home 52 weeks a year for 50 years so it's not a sturdy as a $1.39 light switch from Home Depot.
3) marine supply - this would be my suggestion for good quality at a tolerable price. They also have low-voltage breakers, distribution panels, etc. Westmarine is a very good chain with a great catalog.
4) Chemical Process Industry - Omega Engineering would one place to start. Many voltages, amperages, poles, etc available. Not cheap.
5) Aviation - Planes run on 12 or 24-volt (nominal) DC systems. Stuff for certificated planes (non-homebuilts) goes thru strenous review. Definitely not cheap, not by a long shot. Aircraft Spruce & Speciality has a great catalog, http://www.aircraftspruce.com
Get the touch control pad kit and you can hook it up to an exposed hinge for touch control. Approx $17 at HD or Lowes.
What makes you think that he is runnin these on DC?
But the automotive/marine small snaping rocker switches will probably fit his needs, even with AC which I suspect that the has.
But I don't know about the dimmer.
Bill: I guess because, while I have power from the utility, I know a lot of people who don't and who therefore run 12-volt households. But you're right, he could have been asking about low-voltage AC al la doorbells and such. Then it's pretty wide open as to switch choice. Auto, boat, regular household stuff, etc.
David Thomas Overlooking Cook Inlet in Kenai, Alaska
Thanks. I like the West Marine idea.
JRVT, General Electric Company makes a 24 volt remote control system. The switches are 3 wire single pole double throw momentary type switches. they have 25 circuit master switches also that can control 25 lights from a single location. You could get information from any General Electric Supply Company in any large cities. GE Supply is part of General Electric Company. This system was in the Wiring Device catalog the last time I used them. Let me know if you are unable to get the information. I have the catalog numbers on the switches and the relays. Larry
What is it your trying to switch? What is the voltage and wattage or amperage being controlled. Is it an incandescent bulb/s?
In most low voltage applications, under counter lighting, landscape lighting, pool lighting , etc, it is best to switch the transformer feeding the load rather than switching the low voltage side if at all possible. Doing this saves money by eliminating transformer losses, a small but constant load, and increases safety.
Edited 4/29/2002 12:55:04 AM ET by 4LORN1
To JRVT and 4LORN1, Excuse my post. I misunderstood the original post. I posted about a low voltage system with low voltage switches operating a relay and the relay turning on 110 volt AC lights and receptacles. I didn't think of the low voltage lighting system with the lights being low voltage also. Sorry about that or better yet as Gilda Radner would say "Oh Never Mind". Larry