I want to put a switch on some lights

[OKSooner]

Hi all,

Some of you guys have been helpful in a project I'm doing right now. It's my first residential lighting job at a really nice house out in the suburbs and I want to get it right.

I had submitted a thread a few days back about using a dimmer switch on some lights. Bad idea for reasons that were explained well. (The other bad idea I had was using conduit to go into a porch area, but that's another story.)

I still would like to give my client some control over a couple of 50w lights in a certain place.

How about just putting a 20A switch on the circuit? Has anyone done anything like that?

Thanks

[RLI Electric]

I hate to be redundant, but I think more information is needed than that. Are these 50 watt lights line voltage or low voltage? Are you talking a 20 amp toggle switch or some kind of dimmer. I can't think of any reason in a residence where you may need a 20 amp switch. I am sure any lighting you are looking to control is only on a 15 amp circuit.

[David Gretzmier]

we have put switches on the ground level for gutter mount lights that are on dormers when folks have guests in those bedrooms. we install a switch in a metal red dot box, mount it on the wall and run conduit to the ground and then direct bury from there. I use a standard 120v 15 or 20 amp switch, just break one of the legs of the LV circuit, and we put a red dot bubble cover over the whole thing and make sure the gasket is in place properly. works fine and no problems.

[jbailey52]

How about installing the ABT zone controller. You can split the lights into 3 zones and control them via remote control. You can even just buy the keychain remote also
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[Lite4]

The ABT is fine to go with also, but might be overdoing it if you are just switching a couple lights.

[jbailey52]

My thought was since he needs to switch a couple lights he may as well add that 'wow' factor for the customers and control the whole system with remote. Cheaply also.
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[OKSooner]

Can I use this thing with a transformer that's outdoors?

[NightScenes]

You can use just about any normal 15 amp switch on the secondary side to control a few lights. You can also use a low voltage dimmer if you want to cut it back a little, no problem.

[Steve Atkinson]

Paul,

Do you have a supplier for a good low-voltage dimmer??? I have been searching high and low for some time. Someone said the Lutron is good for low-current flow, but I do not believe will work on 12v +/-

[Mike & Lucia]

Steve,
I use the Zane 12 volt dimmer for this application. (I'm sure that's what Paul is referring to, also). The unit is a small rotary style dimmer, and works by breaking one leg on the 12 volt feed. I test voltage with the dimmer at 100% and mount a weather proof box wherever needed - trying to keep it inconspicuous but also convenient.
I don't know who you distributors are on the left coast, but get in touch with Gerry at www.terradek.com and you'll have your switch, pronto.
Mike