ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1995, Roanoke Times
DATE: Tuesday, December 5, 1995 TAG: 9512070002
SECTION: EXTRA PAGE: 3 EDITION: METRO
COLUMN: At Home With Technology
SOURCE: DAVID BUTLER
Q: While I was making the rounds during a recent home tour, an unusual light switch caught my eye. It had nine buttons, yet occupied the same space as one standard switch! As an interior decorator, I must admit this has enormous appeal. I just want to know how all that wiring fits into a single-gang wallbox.
A: What you likely saw was an electronic switch. Wall stations connect via low voltage wiring to a remote electrical panel, where the actual power switching takes place. In a conventionally wired home, the power feed for each light circuit is routed through its respective wall switch. When you turn off a light, you're physically interrupting the flow of current to the fixture.
Line voltage (120-volt) wiring and switches are necessarily bulky, commanding a disproportionate amount of wall space. In contrast, a single-gang electronic wall station can comfortably handle up to 10 loads. The internal circuit board and communication wiring are the same, regardless of the number of connected loads.
Low voltage controlled lighting - perhaps the first example of home automation - has been around for decades. Early adopters had to endure the annoying click-clack chatter of mechanical relays. Today's solid state power switches are totally silent - and totally reliable. Electronic systems are also much easier to install than their mechanical predecessors.
As you pointed out, electronic wall stations have a definite aesthetic appeal. They're a great way to minimize wall clutter. And with a variety of design motifs and colors to choose from, harmonizing with room decor is never a problem. Some manufacturers will engrave faceplates with custom labels so you'll always know which button to push.
Electronic lighting control can also create a sense of drama. Changing the intensity of a single fixture can completely change a room's visual ambiance by directing attention or creating a special mood. Systems that support programmable presets or "scenes" exploit this concept. For example, the wall station in the family room might include scenes for cleaning, entertaining, watching TV, and reading.
Perhaps the best part of electronic lighting control is the flexibility it affords. You can operate often-used lights from several locations, assign all outside lights to a bedside switch, or light a pathway from the garage to the kitchen. Any button can readily be assigned (or reassigned) to any circuit. You can even assign buttons to non-lighting loads such as fans or motorized drapes.
Most electronic wall stations have tiny status lamps (LEDs), making it possible to quickly tell which lights are on and off - even those that are beyond view. One company's wall stations have status lamps that glow faintly when all circuits are off. This makes it easy to find the switch in the dark.
Armchair control is part of the status quo for most home electronics - lighting is no exception. The smallish hand-held remotes are like having a portable wall station. Another convenience option is an event scheduler. Some panels even have connections for a personal computer. However, don't expect to find polished user interface software; this feature is mostly intended for system integrators.
To receive a list of companies that manufacture low voltage lighting control systems, please send $1.50 and a self-addressed envelope to David Butler F-541, Department TWN, 14713 Pleasant Hill Road, Charlotte, N.C. 28278-7927. The list includes toll-free phone numbers and a summary of each company's products. You'll also receive information on wallbox dimming systems.
TechTalk: Low voltage lighting control is often confused with low voltage lighting. The latter refers to the use of 12- or 24-volt fixtures. Low voltage lamps are commonly used for landscape and architectural lighting. In most cases, a single step-down transformer can handle an entire circuit. Be sure to seek professional advice if you're thinking of using dimmers with low voltage light fixtures.
LENGTH: Medium: 75 lines ILLUSTRATION: GRAPHIC: Electronic wall stations can operate up to 10 circuitsby CNBin the same space as one conventional switch.