Interior lighting and switches

[sneifert1968]

Anyone familiar with this type of lighting controls. System consists of contact type wall swithes with switchgear located in the attic which controls the lighting fixtures. I've seen this type of system only twice. Both were in high end houses built in the 1950's. Any web links, manufacturer info, or other info would be great. Here are photos of the switches and the switch gear in the attic.

Thanks

Scott

NAHI CRI

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[Jim Katen]

Anyone familiar with this type of lighting controls. System consists of contact type wall swithes with switchgear located in the attic which controls the lighting fixtures. I've seen this type of system only twice. Both were in high end houses built in the 1950's. Any web links, manufacturer info, or other info would be great. Here are photos of the switches and the switch gear in the attic.

Several companies made them. Around here, I tend to see them made by GE. I'm not familiar with the system in your picture. Similar systems are still made today.

It's common for home inspectors to tell customers that they can't get parts for these systems anymore. From what I can tell, that's not necessarily true. You might not be able to get the same brand, but a relay, is a relay.

There are some systems that didn't have central relays -- they were spread out in the actual switchboxes. Someone here posted a picture of such a system recently. Those might be more difficult to fix.

- Jim Katen, Oregon