Solenoids. Low-voltages. Relays. I have no idea what any of this electrical stuff means. But you guys tell me it’s cool. And these vintage lighting systems certainly are something to look at. So here’s Gretchen’s 1961 GE dual-dial 12-station light control panel circa 1961.
Great looking switches like these were installed with the system.
And these.
Gretchen’s home is a “half Jetsons, half Flintstones” Eichler design that is really wonderful. See it on her blog – eichlerific.blogspot.com – and see these lighting system photos and more on her flickr stream. Thanks, Gretchen!!!
For Karmi – 1961 Progress lighting close to her ebay find 
Birgitta’s vintage low voltage lighting system 
Vote for our Readers in the Rejuvenation contest 
Whoa! I’d love to see that dual-dial thingy in action. It’s hard to tell if it’s just a 12-way switch or a 12-zone off/on timer (but with only 12 hours? Should be 24). See if they can provide a movie of it being used.
Thanks Pam — I L-O-V-E your blog. Thank you for posting great resources and information!
I need to clarify that there are actually two separate homes on my Flickr photostream. One is our wacky ranch and the other is the Eichler. They are about 2 miles apart.
Tut — I’m sorry I didn’t see your earlier questions (comments were awaiting moderation). The two dials each function independently. One side turns things on and one side turns things off. There is no timer function. The solenoid panel (also on the Flickr set) controls all the low-voltage switches and the majority of outlets throughout the house and garage. Except for a few post-construction items and now our current in-progress remodel. You can see more notes in the Flickr set.
This is great! I can’t believe it’s front page on retrorenovaton! We just moved into a Upstate New York home built in the 70′s that has the GE Low Voltage System! Our switches (GE RFS-6) and master control panels (RMS4A) in the MB and Kitchen look exactly like yours! I’ve found a local electrical parts supplier that has plenty of new old stock components. I plan on keeping this unique system up and running for years.
That’s cool, Matt! We’ve been using a set of extra switches and solenoids that came with the house. Thanks for the model #’s — very helpful. Do you have a monster solenoid panel too?
Hello everyone! I am so surprised to find this thread. I am an electrician from Michigan and I have worked on many of these systems in both residential and commercial applications in my area – trust me the technology is still going strong out there! I have connections to get all replacement parts for these systems including switches, relays, and even the RMS4A master controllers. If any of you with these systems are trying to get ahold of replacement or upgrade parts or even just a little advise from an expert in the area, shoot me an email and I would be happy to assist!
Justin Anderson
TheNaughtyDonkey@Gmail.com
We have a vintage system in a 1962 built split level home in Duluth, MN. We are interested in renovating the master bedroom control unit. Does anyone have contacts or information where parts or a new one can be obtained. It is 3 separate panels (one for each level). Maybe Justin? Please contact me via email asap!
I have this same system and I am looking for the dual dial control panal one of the dials burnt out. Any Idea where I can find replacement parts? Thanks
I’m an electrician trying to find replacement switches like these. Does anyone know where I might find them.
thanks
Frank, if you cannot find the originals, you can try these GE replacements:
http://www.kyledesigns.com/product/RS2-32-GE-SNAP-IN/Ivory-GE-RS232-Low-Voltage-Light-Switch.html
Again, from the same people who bring you the original wall-plates for the switches.
Dave
Thought you may like a site for the old GE relay switch wall plates.
http://www.kyledesigns.com/product/SPLVA271-LOW-VOLTAGE/Original-Style-One-Low-Voltage-Device-Wall-Switch-Plates.html
Dave
Our house was built in 1954, with the exact same low voltage system. Is there any way to add a dimmer switch , and what accessories are available, such as motion detectors, heat sensors, etc., that would activate the switch.
Dave, this is not a DIY or fixit site — you will have to contact companies that handle vintage (or new?) Nutone to answer these questions. Good luck.
Need some parts for the low voltage lighting control system as show in the above photos. Need solenoid relays (the one’s that have the extra blue wire for the indicator panel), lighted switches, and extra bulbs for the lighted switches and control indicator panel.