Replacement multi-position switch

D

Drakon

Registered User
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851
Hi,

I'm wondering if anyone has any suggestions that may help me. I'm basically looking for a multi-position household switch, if such a thing exists? Possible a domestic rotary switch of some kind?

Currently the radiators in my house are on two circuits, upstairs and down. These are controlled by a standard double switch: one switch for upstairs (on or off) and one for downstairs (on or off). That leaves four possible states. Though it may sound simple the number of times "we" get this wrong is amazing. For example I arrived in yesterday, nobody was downstairs, it was sweltering and the family were upstairs complaining of the cold. The switches were selected arseways! Again! And they're labelled!

I'm wondering if there is some sort of four-position rotary switch (not a dimmer, mind) that I could replace the current setup with? The four positions being:
A Both off
B Upstairs off, Downstairs on
C Upstairs on, Downstairs off
D Both on

Thanks.

Note, I've rewired plenty of sockets and light circuits in the past so I intend to do similar with this.
 
A new switch would be little hassle or cost. It would take me less than a half hour to replace the current switches. A standard switch costs about €5 so I imagine what I'm looking for would cost less than €20.
Anyway, when you think of it, two separate switches for essentially a single function is madness. And hassle!
A single-switch solution is the way forward.
 
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Have to agree with Páid.

I think a single switch with 4 positions is more confusing than two marked
"UPSTAIRS" and "DOWNSTAIRS" ON/OFF.

Really, it could hardly be simpler.
 
I haven't seen domestic multi-way rotary switches in the ranges offered by a couple of the big brands. Not sure if such a thing exists.

You can get industrial control switches, but you're looking at a lot more money for those, and specialist boxes to install them in as they're not designed for the standard domestic pattress boxes.
 
I've got some advice on boards.ie
A two channel time clock. I've only had a quick google but it seems plausible.

I failed to mention in my original post that there is also a timer switch, which starts the oil burner. After that the double switch determined the radiator circuit. The timer switch is one of those old fashioned ones where there is 24 hours marked off in 15 minute segments, and you depress these tiny plastic teeth. For a house built in 2007 I can only assume that these were iri bases in some antique electrical wholesalers.
Anyway, it sounds like I may be able to replace the timer and the double switch with a single timer. But I must do some research.
 
Why don't you replace the switches with programmable thermostats? These would turn on and off upstairs and downstairs automatically (once programmed). It would then regulate the heat to the set temperature/temperatures, and do away with the need for the timer switch at the oil boiler.

I think the manual switch/switches is not the way to go, since it relies on manual intervention by your family, who don't have the motivation to learn the current (pretty easy) system. No offence meant.

Automation is the way to go.
 
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