A low-voltage system circuit includes a transformer and an electrically operated switch – relay – that is typically mounted near the fixture. If you find this type of system during your low-voltage switching systems inspection, make sure there are replacement relays. Many electrical supply houses do not have extra relays and they would have to be specially ordered from the supplier. If there are no replacement relays and one relay breaks down, it may be several weeks until the condition can be repaired.
Low-voltage electrical wiring was very popular and was installed in numerous homes between the 1960 and 1985, and it is still used nowadays.
Pioneered in the United States by GE® and Remcon, the low-voltage electrical wiring system allows the use of less-costly and easier to install wiring between the relays and the switches in a home. A switching relay – or a group of switching relays – is often located in an electrical box, typically in the building’s attic, basement or garage.
If the building has such an electrical box, special care should be taken when performing any repairs or replacements of components in low-voltage electrical systems. Any work should be done using only the proper devices, otherwise it may consist a safety hazard.
Installing a conventional 120-V switch, an arbitrary push switch or a conventional transformer/voltage converter may not work, but that would be the most minor problem. It could be unsafe, risking to cause a fire hazard or shock, therefore a thorough, professional low-voltage switching systems inspection should be conducted regularly. Because the potential risks are major, it is best to hire a licensed electrician to conduct this inspection.