What Type of Low Voltage Lighting System Is Installed In Your Home?

Original Style RFS General Electric Low Voltage Lighting Systems

Rare, old-fashioned style GE low voltage lighting systems for RFS mini rocker switches (including the RFS-3 brown ridged switches) that are mounted in narrow steel straps. The switch plates have openings that are .656" high by 1.092" wide and cover the strap-mounted devices. Wiring system uses transformers and solenoid relays. Parts in this series are compatible with Bryant lighting systems. Note that original style GE straps (yokes, frames) and devices are no longer manufactured.

To learn more, visit GE Low Voltage Lighting Systems in Older Homes.
To buy parts, visit GE Low-Voltage Lighting Systems Replacement Parts. Kyle Design is the exclusive manufacturer of these replacement switch plates for GE's original style low voltage wiring systems for an older home.

Original Style for Bryant Low Voltage Lighting Systems

Bryant low voltage wiring systems were installed in older homes built in the 1950's and 1960's. These rare, old-fashioned style low voltage lighting systems have brown mini rocker switches with the word "BRYANT" on them mounted in narrow straps. The switch plates have openings that are .656" high by 1.092" wide. Bryant wiring systems are based on the same type of transformers and solenoid relays used in General Electric systems, and the switches have the same dimensions, so parts in this series are compatible with GE lighting systems. Note that original style Bryant straps (frames, yokes) and devices are no longer manufactured.

To learn more, visit Bryant Low Voltage Lighting Systems in Older Homes.
To buy parts, visit Bryant Low Voltage Lighting Systems Replacement Parts.

New Style Snap-In GE RS Low Voltage Wiring Systems

General Electric low voltage lighting systems require switch plates that have a single vertical opening, or one, two or three horizontal openings (as oriented in the photo) that are .76" x 1.278". (Note that the original switch plates were typically installed sideways - short and wide rather than tall and narrow - with the switches rocking up and down.) GE replacement switches snap or clip into the front of the switch plates, eliminating the need for a strap. Choose this system if you are using new style GE RS series snap-in electrical devices without a strap and wish to mimic the format of the old style Bryant or General Electric wall plates and light switches. Original Style switches and straps are no longer manufactured.

To learn more, visit GE RS Series Snap In Low Voltage Lighting Systems.
To buy parts, visit New Style GE RS Series Snap In Low Voltage Lighting Parts.

GE RP2 Bracket Mount Low Voltage Lighting Systems

General Electric's bracket-mounted low voltage lighting system features switch plates that have one to four vertical openings. RS series switches are mounted in diamond shaped one- or two-gang brackets. Choose this series if you are using newer style General Electric RS series snap-in electrical devices clipped into a metal bracket mounted in an electrical box. Switch plates mount onto bracket, so they may be removed or changed without disturbing or unwiring the switches. Their multiple vertical openings are 1.178" high by .756" wide, spaced .906" apart, with device bracket mounting screw holes spaced 2.375" apart center to center. Available in horizontal hole orientations only in both single and double gang widths.

To learn more, visit GE Bracket Mount Low Voltage Lighting Systems.
To buy parts, visit GE Bracket Mount Low Voltage System Parts.

Remcon Style Low Voltage Wiring Systems

Very old Remcon lighting systems featured low voltage rocker switches that were curved, stacked and permanently mounted into brackets. Old style Remcon switchplates were typically installed horizontally with switches rocking up and down vertically to turn lights on and off. Devices were used in conjunction with box mounted transformers. Newer switches were small black rockers that snapped into stainless steel wallplates with openings that were .4375" high by 1.1875" wide for one, two or three devices. Original Remcon low voltage replacement switches and wall cover plates are no longer being manufactured, although Remcon's solid state relays with built-in transformers are still actively manufactured. If you need replacement devices or wall plate covers that will work with your Remcon wiring system, we recommend using Touch-Plate Light Switch Control Switches and Switch Plates.

To learn more, visit Remcon Low Voltage Lighting Systems in Older Houses.
To buy transformers, visit Remcon Low Voltage System Parts.
To buy switches and switch plates compatible with Remcon systems, visit Touch-Plate Low Voltage System Parts.

Touch-Plate 5000 Series Low Voltage Lighting Systems

The Touch-Plates 5000 series looks very similar to the GE & Bryant series of wall plates that have 1, 2 or 3 switches per gang. The difference is that the switches are slightly wider and are spaced closer together than on the GE or Bryant layouts. A standard one gang switch plate measures 4-1/2 H x 2-3/4" W (4.5" tall by 2.75" across) with one, two, or three stacked horizontal switches that are 5/8" high x 1-1/8" wide (0.625" H x 1.125" W) mounted on a bracket with a separate switch plate cover. Openings are spaced 2-9/32" from top edge of upper switch to the bottom edge of lowest switch on two and three button switch covers. Box mounting screw holes in the brackets are spaced 3-9/32" (3.281") apart center to center. Touch-Plate Electro-Systems lighting control systems were installed in the 1940's, 1950's, 1960's, 1970's and 1980's.

To learn more or to buy parts, visit Touchplate Low Voltage System Parts.

Touch-Plate Genesis Series Low Voltage Lighting Systems

Touchplate's Genesis series has larger buttons and features industrial quality mechanisms. A standard two gang switch plate measures 4.5" high x 4.5" wide. The two gang wall plates have switches that are 27/32" (.844") across by 1-23/32" (1.719") tall and spaced 1-13/16" apart on the 2 button wall plates and 1-1/4" apart on the 3 button wall plates (center to center). Box mounting screw holes in wallplate are spaced 3-9/32" (3.281") apart center to center. The switches are screwed into the back of the wall plate. Touch-Plate Electro-Systems lighting control systems were installed in the 1940's, 1950's, 1960's, 1970's and 1980's.

To learn more or to buy parts, visit Touchplate Low Voltage System Parts.

Touch-Plate Classic Series Low Voltage Lighting Systems

#8 - The Classic series features control stations with 1/2" square button caps in arrangements of 4 or 6 switches per gang (8 or 12 buttons on double gang switch plates) that will control an equal number of lights. Switches are mounted on a bracket with a separate plastic screwless switch plate cover that snaps over it. Touch-Plate Electro-Systems lighting control systems were installed in the 40's, 50's, 60's, 70's and 80's. These updated modern systems by Touch Plate Lighting Controls are still installed today.

To learn more or to buy parts, visit Touchplate Low Voltage System Parts.

Touch-Plate MTL Frame Series Low Voltage Lighting System

Touchplate's Frame Series may be replaced with any of the current Touch-Plate control stations.

GE RFS Decorator Style Low Voltage Lighting System

For multiple gang switch plates in the General Electric Decorator RFS series, we have a solution for replacing these switch plates. We have manufactured new replacement covers that may be used with Decora switchplates. Please contact us for more information.

Sierra Electric Low Voltage Wiring System with Trigger Switches

Sierra Electric low voltage wiring systems use straps that are similar in look to those of other systems, but are slightly different. The major difference is that the Sierra trigger switch fits into specialized switch plate openings that are rounded on the ends known as a Despard shape. These switches are momentary contact trigger switches that are shaped like a thumb or tongue with a ridged surface. This is in contrast to typical low voltage series that have rectangular switchplate holes. Sierra Electric went out of business and was purchased by Pass & Seymour who continues to produce both low voltage 3A 24V switches and regular 15A and 20A Despard switches. Kyle Design carries Despard switch plates in a wide variety of metal finishes and configurations.

To replace your current switches, shop Sierra Electric Replacement Low Voltage Trigger Switches.
To buy switchplates, visit Despard Light Switch Wall Plates for Low Voltage Lighting Systems.

GE RCS Specification Grade Low Voltage Wiring Systems

General Electric RCS spec. grade low voltage plates have the largest openings in the older wiring systems that are .906" high by 1.25" wide for one, two or three devices. Note that the 3-switch opening is an open rectangle that is very similar in size and shape to current Decora style wall plate openings, but cannot be used interchangeably because they don't fit. These switch plates were designed for General Electric's large wide rocker switches and pilot lights know as their RCS series. (Pilot lights have a long lighted rectangular red bar in the middle that illuminates when the device is turned on.) This series was produced mainly in the 1970's. Kyle Design manufacturers the replacement stainless steel light switch plates for the discontinued RCS line of switches. These switch plates may also be used in some off-grid battery electrical set-ups typically used in boats & RV's.

To buy replacement wall plates, select GE 1 Rocker Low Voltage RCS Switch Plates, GE 2 Rocker Low Voltage RCS Switch Plates, or GE 3 Rocker Low Voltage RCS Switch Plates. Kyle Design is the only manufacturer of replacement switch plates for GE's old RCS low voltage line.
Learn more at GE RCS Spec Grade Low Voltage Hardware for Older Homes.

Decorative Low Voltage Light Switch Plates

Kyle Design is your best resource for buying low voltage switch plates and switches online. We help you figure out which devices ones are compatible with your current setup through detailed descriptions and photos. We stock the currently manufactured lines that will still work with these older electrical systems.

Hard To Find: Many brands of low voltage wiring systems were produced for midcentury houses built during the 1940s, 1950s, 1960s, 1970s and 1980s including GE, Remcon, Amprobe, Touch-Plate, Sweepe, Sierra and Bryant. These companies have mostly limited production, discontinued those product lines or simply have gone out of business. We also stock other odd sizes of switch plates for discontinued outlets and switches by Leviton and Sierra Electric - see choices at Old Style Switch Plates from the 1950's, 1960's and 1970's.

Many Options: Kyle Design's metal wall switch plates have UL approval, we offer the widest range of sizes and finishes at great prices, plus offer a volume discount when you buy 6 or more switchplates. Our metal low voltage wall cover plates are typically stocked in brushed stainless steel, ivory and white plus we offer attractive decorative versions of popular low voltage switch plates.

Low Voltage Systems - Which Type of Bracket or Strap Do You Have?

Sometimes you are missing a switchplate making it difficult to tell what type of replacement wall plate is needed. If your low voltage switches are currently installed on a strap, bracket, frame, yoke, or mounting plate, then use this photo to help determine which system type you have. Use the title and number designations to purchase the correct coordinating pieces.

• #1 Original Style: Switches sit in a narrow mounting strap that has three openings designed for one, two or three GE or Bryant switches. Note that the larger RCS GE low voltage rocker switches are mounted on a strap similar to the one shown, but without the crossbars separating the three switches (just one large open area.)
• #3 Bracket Mount: Switches clip into a diamond shaped mounting strap. The strap comes in one or two gang versions. The one gang version holds either one or two switches; the two gang version holds three or four switches.
• #4 Remcon: Remcon switches are riveted directly into a metal mounting plate designed for either one, two or three switches. Remcon rocker switches have a curved or winged shape and rock from side to side or up and down depending upon the installation orientation.
• #6 Touch-Plate 5000 Series: Touchplate switches are riveted directly into a metal mounting plate designed for either one, two or three switches.
• #8 Touch-Plate Classic Series: Touchplate switches are riveted directly into a metal mounting plate designed for either four or six switches.
• No Strap or Bracket: If your switches currently are mounted directly into a wall plate, then you may be using the #2 Snap-In, #5 Spec. Grade, newer #4 Remcon, or #7 Touch-Plate Genesis series wall plates and switches.

Discontinued Old vs. New Style Low Voltage Switches for GE & Remcon

The original style switches are no longer manufactured by GE (RFS, RCS, RTS, etc.) or Remcon. If you need to buy switches to finish your remodeling project, then you will need to buy newer style switches and the wall plates that fit them.

• GE Style Light Switches: The older style GE rocker or push-button switches are no longer manufactured. One example of the old style is in the upper left of the photo. Other styles have ridged surfaces, a dot on one side or are lighted. These switches were often used in Bryant solenoid systems as well and can be fully interchanged within both systems. To the right is the currently manufactured pushbutton switch. Fortunately, GE Low-Voltage Rocker Switch Replacements are available. These newer low voltage switches are available in lighted (locator), pilot light, raise & lower versions and may be used for replacing any of GE's or Bryant's older switches.
• Remcon Style Light Switches: The older style Remcon rocker switches are no longer manufactured. One example of the old style is in the bottom left of the photo where two of them are secured in a bracket. These curvy switches have a dot in the center. The newer switches are available in black only.

Can New GE Switches Be Used in Old GE Straps?

In the photo at left, we have installed both an Old GE Switch and a New GE Switch in the original style mounting straps or yokes. While the current GE devices can, with a bit of effort, be jammed into the old straps, they are thicker (protrude more) than the old switches. As a result the switch plate will not mount flush with the wall and will stick out about an 1/8" revealing your cut plaster. If you have any doubts about how these will work, then use the #2 Snap-In style plates with the new low-voltage GE switches.

Kyle Design Carries the Widest Selection of Switch Plate Sizes

Click Wall Switch Plates & Switches, then use the orange box at left on that page to Shop By Size. You'll find more than 300 configurations of electrical switch plate covers in standard, deep, round, oversized, tall or narrow sizes in stock and ready to ship.

GE RMS-2A Lighting Controller

This GE RMS-2A lighting control station is no longer manufactured. The recommended replacement is the 8 switch GE remote control low voltage master selector panel or Kyle Design's Low Voltage 12 Switch Wall Plate Covers for GE Switches. The new 8-switch panel would require combining two switches to reduce the controls to only eight, and the 12 switch wall plate would allow the addition of three more lighting controls (or the unused openings could be filled with blank inserts).

GE RMS-4A Low Voltage Master Selector Panel

This RMS-4A Low Voltage GE Master Selector is no longer manufactured. Photo courtesy Gretchen Steinberg. The closest current replacement is the GE remote control low voltage master selector panel which only has 8 switches (switches would have to be combined if using this unit) but offers the ability to lock the switches in the on or off position. Kyle Design has an exclusive 12-switch replacement wall plate: New Style Snap In GE Low Voltage 12 Switch Wall Plate Covers.

GE RTS Low Voltage Switches

General Electric's low voltage toggle switches look similar to current regular toggle switches, but the sizing and spacing are different. These RTS switch plates and switches were available with one, two, or three switches on a single gang switch plate. GE RTS switch wall plates were usually mounted sideways as shown in the photo. These momentary switches were flicked up and down to control lights. RTS switches are no longer being produced and there are no direct replacements with the same toggle shape. However, GE's current line of RS low voltage switches are compatible and so may be used to replace both the switch and the wallplate.

To purchase compatible replacement parts, visit New Style GE RS Series Snap In Low Voltage Lighting Parts.