normal electrical question [RE-wrenches]

[mlafferty at universalenergies.com]

Jay wrote:

> It uses 6v AC switches that control relays for the lights.
> Anybody have any experience with this, and if so, where
> can I get some replacement relays and switches?

Jay:

There were two typical schemes using this type of lighting control
system.

One used central "relay centers".  Generally a large can with a
spaghetti looking conglomeration of wiring inside.... I have found these
mounted in attics, closets, garages, basements & utility rooms.  If
memory serves, I think these systems were referred to as "touchplate".
Relays on these systems can be replaced with modern relays but may take
some "re-working" of the wiring.  If the swiches are a two-way rocker or
use one to turn the light on and another to turn it off, the switch can
be replaced with conventional switches.  For aesthetic reasons, you may
want to go through the whole house and do this at one time.  If it was
the "momentary" (single switch that operates both on & off functions but
operates like a doorbell switch) type, it becomes a bigger job.  The
simplest way I found to address that  was to look for an out of the way
switch like a closet or a garage and upgrade that one, moving the
original switch to the problem switch location for aesthetic reasons.
This type was less common around here, thank goodness.

One little "look for this first note" on these switches:  I have found
most of them that apparently "failed" to be simply pushed through the
stamped metal frame.  A little straightening or repositioning has fixed
most of these.

The other system used fixture J-Box mounted relays... The relays were
mounted through a 1/2" KO in the side of a 3-0 or similar J-Box.  The
low-volt terminations were external to the box and the line-voltage was
terminated inside the box.  If memory serves, Remcon or Rencon was the
name for these systems.  The relay looked like a 7/8" diameter cylinder
about 1-1/2" long with a black phonelic ob-round base the line termials
were mounted on.  The coil is in the cylinder, the contacts are in the
plastic base.  Re-wiring this style is simple if you can fish a romex
down to the switch and install a switchbox in place of the mud-ring
switch frame.  Remove the relay and wire conventionally.  Beware when
handling the relays!  I have found many to be cracked from heat and
literally crumble apart when moving things around.  Switch replacement
techniques are similar to above.

Both systems were used from about 1950 through about the mid-1960's.
You will need to identify which system type you are dealing with before
proceding.

I have not seen new replacement parts for these systems in years....But
then again, I stopped doing contracting on this type of stuff about 8
years ago.  I used to salvage any "good" parts I could when updating
somebody's electrical and keep it for later.

A dusty old liquidator / salvage guy might have something.  A real
"old-time" electrical wholesaler (few and far between these days) might
also have something laying around collecting dust.  Talk to one of the
"old-timers" at the counter if you have one of these places around.  I
have seen the Remcon relays in a couple of old hardware stores over the
years but I bought every one I ever found....Sorry.  (I would send you
what I have for free if I didn't give my entire electrical stock away
back in '95)

In general, my advice is to consider updating if there is more than one
"problem" area or if you intend to add on to the lighting system.  

Good Luck!

Matt Lafferty
Universal Energies Institute
mlafferty at universalenergies.com
(916) 422-9772
(916) 628-7694 Cell
(916) 914-2247 Fax
www.universalenergies.com

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