Unusual light switch

[Michael R. Boyett]

Ran across several of these completely silent, push on/push off light switches in a 1978 central Texas duplex and don't recall ever seeing this kind before. Just thought they were interesting that's all. Are they common in other parts of the country?

[brian winkle]

It s an X 10 switch. It can receive commands from other X 10 devices via PLCs (power line carriers). The part on the bottom is the "disconnect" which you slide over to disable the switch while re lamping etc.

[Wayne B. Wilson]

Yep that is what is , Got them all through my home. Works great when your in bed and the kids forgot to turn off the lights

[Jeffrey R. Pope]

I usually see these for exterior applications, very common for pool and spa lights in my area as well. . .

[Michael R. Boyett]

OK, got it. I was aware of but have never run across an X10 device before. Jeez, I must lead a sheltered life! The prior tenant was a security system installer and had added several security and audio features to the duplex so that makes perfect sense.

[Frank P. Newman]

X10 is very versitile. Systems can be as simple as a single controller pulgged into a receptacle to control a lamp to multi location systems (including some 240v devices) that can be used to control water heaters, pool pumps, etc. either with a small dedicated controller or from a PC. They were most popular years ago before low-cost home automation becaome available, but are still useful in many cases.