Home Automation - 24 volt light switches

Doityourself.com community forum was created to provide answers to all questions related to home improvement and home repair. Doityourself community can help you find information about how-to topics on small fixes to large remodeling projects. With comprehensive how-to content and expertly moderated community forums DoItYourself.com makes it easy to tackle even the most complex home improvement projects.



PDA

View Full Version : 24 volt light switches

04-16-00, 08:51 AM
I just bought a house built in the 1950s and I have noticed that all the switches are 24volt. Does anyone know where I can buy these anymore and if not any suggestions on what I should do if one goes bad

04-16-00, 11:49 AM
hello Ernie,
a standard light switch shuld work just as well in place of the 24V switch. i have used a standard 120V switch on 12V systems and it worked quite well. the only reasion the 120V switch will not work on your 24V switching is if the switch has the relay on the back. if your switch has the relay on the back then you have 2 options, 1. go to an electrical supply house and try and locate a new switch, 2. rewire the switch.
04-20-00, 07:42 AM
Be careful Ernie. I also have a 1950's house with 24 volt wiring. It is a G.E. Home that had everything, including appliances and kitchen cabinets (metal) from G.E.. The lighting was all 110v. but the switches are on a 24v. circuit with relays controlling the 110v. lighting circuits. The switches are rocker switches and are MOMENTARY contact. Once the switch is pressed, the relay switches to the selected position and latches in (either on or off). If you maintain power to the relay continuously, it can burn out so the use of the MOMENTARY switch is a necessity. I don't know of a source for switches, I have never purchased any. I have bought replacement relays from G.E. Supply (GESCO). But if you have a light not working, I'll bet it's the relay. I have replaced 8 relays in the last 10 years.