1

I have three different lightswitches in my kitchen, and they control three different sets of lights in the room. I would like to control each set separately with a switch for each one, but also be able to control all three together with a single switch.

This seems like it shouldn't be too complicated, but I just asked the electrician doing work here and he said it would be very complicated and expensive. Is there a simple and elegant way to do this? Is there a specific kind of switch for this? How much would you expect it to cost to have this done?

Hatshepsut
  • 133
  • 1
  • 4

2 Answers2

3

Cheap and simple doesn't work with what you're asking. The most you could probably do is keep the "master" switch for each section and wire another switch on each light which, at most, would only be able to toggle select lights individually if the "master" switch is in the on position.

The only other way to obtain what you're looking for is with electronically controlled switches and relays which, exactly how it sounds, is not simple nor cheap.

paulmz
  • 531
  • 1
  • 4
  • 12
1

What you are asking for really is not practical. The closest solution that I can come up with is to have 3 way switches for each of the sets of lights you want to control in multiple places.

Parts needed:

  • 1 triple gang box
  • 3 single gang boxes
  • 6 standard 3-way switches
  • length of 12-3 NM solid copper wire

You can have 1 triple box with 3, 3-way switches in it near the entrance of your room, and then another set of switches located throughout the room where it would make the most sense. Since there would be one set of switches located in the same box, it would be very easy to switch all 3 sets on at the same time while still having the convenience of being able to have another switch elsewhere.

Let's say that you had the main kitchen light on, and you were going to wash the dishes. Instead of having to go across the room, you could just have a switch located near the sink to switch on the pendulum light.

Once you are done in the kitchen, you can just flip all 3 of the switches in the 3 gang box instead of walking around from switch to switch.

Jason Hutchinson
  • 3,532
  • 11
  • 19