Touch-Plate

[Jeffrey L. Mathis]

I'm starting a new thread 'cause that last one made my eyes hurt. This group has some wild cats in it for sure.
I inspected a 60 year old house today with a Touch-Plate system. (low-voltage light switching) I understand the basic operation, but does anyone know of any inherent long term problems or advice I can give my client? In this house, all the panels were neat and clean. All the switches operated very well. I just want to guide my client efficiently.

Thanks in advance

JLMathis

[Scott Patterson]

I'm starting a new thread 'cause that last one made my eyes hurt. This group has some wild cats in it for sure.
I inspected a 60 year old house today with a Touch-Plate system. (low-voltage light switching) I understand the basic operation, but does anyone know of any inherent long term problems or advice I can give my client? In this house, all the panels were neat and clean. All the switches operated very well. I just want to guide my client efficiently.

Thanks in advance

JLMathis

Is this an old 60 year old system or a more modern version?

[Jerry Peck]

I inspected a 60 year old house today with a Touch-Plate system. (low-voltage light switching) I understand the basic operation, but does anyone know of any inherent long term problems or advice I can give my client?

If the low voltage lighting system was installed more than 10-15 years ago, then getting parts can become a real problem.

I installed several of those systems back in the mid-1960s working for my Dad, an electrical contractor, and by the 1980s (working for another electrical contractor) parts were getting hard to find for them.

[Jeffrey L. Mathis]

Thanks, it is original to the house. 1960.
JLMathis

[Markus Keller]

Any low voltage system, unless it is produced by a major lighting manufacturer, I advise my clients that parts may be hard or impossible to get. Transformers are no big deal since all you really have to do is match the output voltage. Compatible fixtures, controllers, specialty switches, etc can be an issue.
Any low voltage, especially in NC and kitchens I try to find the transformer. Amazing how often I can't find it. In NC especially they love to bury those things behind the cabinets, inside a wall that was supposed to have an access panel, or in the ceiling behind a blank receptacle box cover that the transformer will never fit through.

[Bob Elliott]

Any low voltage system, unless it is produced by a major lighting manufacturer, I advise my clients that parts may be hard or impossible to get. Transformers are no big deal since all you really have to do is match the output voltage. Compatible fixtures, controllers, specialty switches, etc can be an issue.
Any low voltage, especially in NC and kitchens I try to find the transformer. Amazing how often I can't find it. In NC especially they love to bury those things behind the cabinets, inside a wall that was supposed to have an access panel, or in the ceiling behind a blank receptacle box cover that the transformer will never fit through.
So true.
Every time I see those Halogen puck lights I wonder where the transformer is located and what type of connection is being made from 110v to the transformer.