Wall switch identification

TR6Guy · Nov 1, 2021

Hello,

I'm new to this forum looking for someone who can help me identify the wall switches in the house that I recently purchased. Most of the switches work but a couple are broken and I'm hoping to be able to replace the broken ones with something similar.

Personally I've never seen switches like this before. They are simple push buttons that toggle on/off with each push of the button. They also apparently came in 2-way and 3-way versions.

Below is a picture of a one set of them as well as one that's not installed as I've now replaced with a modern switch.

[ElectriciansForums.net] Wall switch identification

TR6Guy · Nov 1, 2021

Just to further complicate things, I got to thinking about replacing the switches with modern switches and realized there won't be room. I took off the wall plate where I have a broken switch and, as expected, there isn't room to install full-sized modern toggle switches. If, as I expect, replacements for the old switch aren't available, any suggestions on how to go about retrofitting modern switches into the box?

Electrics · Nov 2, 2021

You would need to pull the old back box out, make the opening the same size as a new fitting and fit that.

Megawatt · Nov 5, 2021

TR6Guy said:
Hello,

I'm new to this forum looking for someone who can help me identify the wall switches in the house that I recently purchased. Most of the switches work but a couple are broken and I'm hoping to be able to replace the broken ones with something similar.

Personally I've never seen switches like this before. They are simple push buttons that toggle on/off with each push of the button. They also apparently came in 2-way and 3-way versions.

Below is a picture of a one set of them as well as one that's not installed as I've now replaced with a modern switch.
View attachment 91566
View attachment 91567

Can’t really tell what size box you have now but it needs to be a 3 gang box. As stated above you will need to remove the old box and install a new 3 gang box. You don’t have to go back to toggle switches you can install regular flip switches but that’s up to you on what you want

norcal · Nov 20, 2021

Those are old/obsolete Despard switches, best solution long term solution is replace the box with a 3 gang giving the option of using more modern Decora® type devices.

Wall switch identification

TR6Guy

TR6Guy

Electrics

Megawatt

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norcal

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