I am attempting to replace a bunch of old light switches in my house - with new ones.
My current dilema - I pulled one off the wall that controls a ceiling light. There are 3 small wires going into the switch - It's a rocker style switch - you push one way for "On" the opposite way for "Off" and the switch return to a neutral middle position.

There are no "hot wires" connected to the switch. I tried wiring to a standard switch in different configurations but couldn't get it to work.

When I use the old switch - turning the light on or off results in a loud "click" - like a relay being thrown. I pulled the ceiling light off - and there does seem to be some relay in the box - with a black wire going in and coming out to the light.

Anyone have any experience with this?

Can I replace these with a normal switch? (I can't get switchplates for these old rocker switches).

Thanks,

Paul

What you have is a Touch Plate system, was marketed for years by GE. All switches were low voltage, that switched a relay for each 120 volt light. The thinking was smaller wire was needed for a portion of the system, and one switch could be easily wired to control any or many lights in the home.


Try this website (http://www.touchplate.com/), also do a webseach for Touchplate for other third party vendors. You should be able to find what you need.

Generically, the switch you need is a single pole, double throw, momentary low voltage switch.