Custom Multi Light Switch with Dimmer

[Element13]

TL;DR Summary

Custom Multi Light Switch with Dimmer

My Next DIY,

So, I'm guessing something like this may already exists (see image) light bulbs added for clarification purposes only.
Anyone know if there's something like this already on the market?

So, I did a google search for custom toggle switches but most if not all were for Marine or Auto applications.

They want $300 for this one

and this one doesn't quite do it either, but it was around $30

I then did a search for designer wall switches and Paddle Switches came up.

around $10 to $12

This 3-gang paddle switch has potential so I figured if I couldn't find what I was originally looking for I'll use them and add a dimmer switch.

That said, I may need help adding the dimmer to control all the lights, we'll see.

Peace,
Element13

 

[phinds]

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07WW3WW3F/?tag=pfamazon01-20

 

[berkeman]

So, I'm guessing something like this may already exists (see image) light bulbs added for clarification purposes only.
Anyone know if there's something like this already on the market?

Can you describe in more detail what you are wanting to make? Do you want a central control panel that let's you control and dim multiple light fixtures? That would fall under Home Automation Systems, and there are a number of good candidates.

If you can give more details, I can probably suggest some good potential systems to use.

(Full disclosure, my company makes the technology behind several Home Automation Systems, but I can recommend alternatives as well)

 

[jrmichler]

Here's some ideas.

Search Amazon for 6-gang electrical box. Here's one hit: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00H8NV7ZO/?tag=pfamazon01-20.

Then search Amazon for 6-gang electrical box switch plate. Here's one (randomly picked) hit: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0009KIMYM/?tag=pfamazon01-20. The covers are available for both toggle and paddle switches.

Use six standard toggle or paddle switches. The dimmer, which has a switch built in, would be in a separate 1-gang box. The wiring would be power to dimmer/master switch to all six individual switches to the six circuits.

Wander around the electrical section of a large hardware store, ask an electrician for ideas, look at manufacturers web sites until you find something.

I seem to recall seeing metal electrical boxes that could be disassembled and reassembled into as many gangs as desired. If those are still available, assemble a 7-gang box and put the dimmer next to the switches. You might be able to find a dimmer that fits the same switch plate as paddle switches. If not, you might be able to modify an existing switch plate. I did not look if 7-gang boxes and switch plates are available, that's an exercise for you.

 

[Element13]

Can you describe in more detail what you are wanting to make? Do you want a central control panel that let's you control and dim multiple light fixtures? That would fall under Home Automation Systems, and there are a number of good candidates.

If you can give more details, I can probably suggest some good potential systems to use.

(Full disclosure, my company makes the technology behind several Home Automation Systems, but I can recommend alternatives as well)

...Do you want a central control panel that let's you control and dim multiple light fixtures? That would fall under Home Automation Systems, and there are a number of good candidates...

Yeah, I think this is what I'm looking for. Home Automation Systems, who knew.
Again, I learned something new; that may sound ridiculous but it's true. That's the thing I mentioned about not knowing what to call something...

I want to be able to target a section of our backyard deck or light-up the whole thing. The idea is to be able to control each group of lights individually (one set, three sets, all six sets, whatever) and then be able to dim them all with one dimmer.

So please, suggest away.


Peace,
Element13

 

[Element13]

Here's some ideas.

Search Amazon for 6-gang electrical box. Here's one hit: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00H8NV7ZO/?tag=pfamazon01-20.

Then search Amazon for 6-gang electrical box switch plate. Here's one (randomly picked) hit: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0009KIMYM/?tag=pfamazon01-20. The covers are available for both toggle and paddle switches.

Use six standard toggle or paddle switches. The dimmer, which has a switch built in, would be in a separate 1-gang box. The wiring would be power to dimmer/master switch to all six individual switches to the six circuits.

Wander around the electrical section of a large hardware store, ask an electrician for ideas, look at manufacturers web sites until you find something.

I seem to recall seeing metal electrical boxes that could be disassembled and reassembled into as many gangs as desired. If those are still available, assemble a 7-gang box and put the dimmer next to the switches. You might be able to find a dimmer that fits the same switch plate as paddle switches. If not, you might be able to modify an existing switch plate. I did not look if 7-gang boxes and switch plates are available, that's an exercise for you.

Yes, thank you. I saw these but I wanted something smaller and then I saw the 3-gang paddle set-up. I also saw a set of plastic gang boxes that can be snapped together to build multiple sections; I think each was capable of holding a standard 15A Switch or Outlet, but they were out of stock or sold out.


Peace,
Element13

 

[Element13]

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07WW3WW3F/?tag=pfamazon01-20

Thank You. I did not see these on my search.

Peace,
Element13

 

[Tom.G]

As this project grows, consider making those switches 3-way switches with center Off.

That way you can select each one for On-Off-Dim.

Cheers,
Tom

 

[Element13]

As this project grows, consider making those switches 3-way switches with center Off.

That way you can select each one for On-Off-Dim.

Cheers,
Tom

Tom.G,

Thank for chiming in.

When you say 3-way switches are you talking about having the ability to turn the lights on and off at a second location, or are you referring to a switch that has three positions?

Just to clarify what I'm understanding:
Are you suggesting a 3-way switch that would give me the choice of having the lights not dimmed if I so chose to? In other words, in position 1 lights are dimmable, in position 2 lights are off, and in position 3 lights stay on, at full, even if I use the dimmer?


Peace,
Element13

 

[phinds]

In other words, in position 1 lights are dimmable, in position 2 lights are off, and in position 3 lights stay on, at full, even if I use the dimmer?

Yes, that's why he said

That way you can select each one for On-Off-Dim.

 

[Element13]

Yep, just noticed that part, my bad.

Thanks for the "pay attention to what you're reading dumb-a__" heads up, phinds.

And thank you for the information Tom.G, much appreciated and certainly well worth looking into.


Peace,
Element13

 

[berkeman]

Thanks for the "pay attention to what you're reading dumb-a__" heads up, phinds.

No, he's said that to some users here over the years (usually for valid reasons), but he likes you so that's not what he was saying. You can tell that he likes you because his tail was wagging. Oh, maybe only Mentors can see that part of his avatar...

 

[Tom.G]

or are you referring to a switch that has three positions?

Just to clarify what I'm understanding:
Are you suggesting a 3-way switch that would give me the choice of having the lights not dimmed if I so chose to? In other words, in position 1 lights are dimmable, in position 2 lights are off, and in position 3 lights stay on, at full, even if I use the dimmer?

Clarification not really needed, you got it Right On!