Low Voltage Lighting Controls

[Jerry Simon]

Why would a mid-1960's era house just have such for all of the exterior lights, but not for the interior lights as well?

[John Kogel]

Ours is not to question why they do this stuff. []

Perhaps the interior was gutted and remodeled by folks who didn't care for the LV switches because they don't match the decor?

[kurt]

That'd be my guess; some form of partial remodeling. Low Voltage lights and controls lend themselves to security and control from phones and computers; maybe they were buffing up their exterior security....(?).

[Mike Lamb]

First time for me to see this type of wiring.

[John Ghent]

23 hours ago, Mike Lamb said:

First time for me to see this type of wiring.

Mike:  My parents built in the 50's and these low voltage lighting systems were sold as a security feature.  But our system had both interior and exterior lights.  There was a master control in the master bedroom with numbers up to (I think) 12.  Each number on the dial corresponded to a light and if you heard a noise in the night you could dial the number and turn on a light.  There was also an all on position.  Not sure if the solenoid switches are still available.

[mjr6550]

When I see these systems it is not uncommon for them to only control some lights. I also see portions of the systems abandoned. I don't think a lot of electricians understand the systems or know that parts are available. 

[Mike Lamb]

Thanks.  I got some interesting info at the electric forum:

http://www.electriciantalk.com/f29/old-high-low-votlage-system-replacment-wow-42027/

http://www.electriciantalk.com/f2/ge-low-voltage-lighting-system-repair-replace-51588/