Today on the inspection I have seen this system for the first time. It was fully operational, however since I’m completely unfamiliar with it, I would like to hear from someone who has experience with this system. Mainly my client is interested to know:
-How reliable this system is?
-How easy to purchase the switch relays if necessary?
What are the pros and cons of this system?
I know that we do not evaluate low voltage wiring, and I have this disclaimer in the agreement. but I also don’t feel comfortable to recommend further evaluation by licensed electrician since I,m not sure if there is anything that really warrants this evaluation.
It is a Touch Plate system. They are still in business and parts are available. Their website www.touchplate.com has troubleshooting pdf’s. Troubleshooting is easy, replacing relays and switches is easy, altho a little pricey for the relays at around $50 each. Good news is that they last a long time.
They were installed in older homes to minimize plaster damage when re wiring. They were also at one time considered state of the art for high end homes.
They are very reliable, and easy to repair. I often find them in disrepair, not because of any other reason then they just look intimidating to people. That system has been around for at least 50 years. New systems are being installed to this very day.
Hey just had to do a drive by and say thanks. I’ve worked on one house that had a low-voltage lighting control system. Since I only saw one home with it, I couldn’t really comment about it, and I’m glad to hear more information about such a system.
Not all of the low voltage RR7 style systems used touch plates. An equal number used momentary switches. Bump the switch up for on, and bump the switch down for off. The switches spring return to the center position each time.
Great system as MARC said many are intimidated by all the relays .
You could have a rotary switch and Hold the rocker switch on and ROTATE the rotary switch and turn on ever light in the house and out side very impressing 47 years ago.
Thanks to everybody for the replies. I feel comfortable now to tell my client that this system is a “no worries one”. It has a rotary switch and momentary ON/OFF switches for lighting. As I said, this is the first one I saw in reality after I studied them in college 7 years ago. As usual, we learn something new on each inspection. Thanks again to all. </IMG>
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