Garage command center for all electrical controls/switches?

[jimmy p]

I am in the process of finishing up my electrical and drywall in my 24 x 32 attached garage. I have run all the wiring to a location between the door to my house and the circuit breaker box. I currently need controls for:

• 2 sets of fluorescent lights
• 2 adjustable speed ceiling fans
• 1 exhaust fan
• 1 set of outside incandescent lights
• 1 set of inside incandescent lights
• thermostat
• 2 garage door openers

I am having a hard time finding a good way to get all of these switches/controls situated on a wall without looking cluttered. I had considered hiding some of them behind a small panel/chalk board/poster etc but am afraid of losing convenience.
Any ideas or pictures would be appreciated. thanks!

 

[cowboyjosh]

If your on a budget it might look a bit cluttered, if not check out Lutron Radio Ra2 system for the garage / house, its pretty kick *** for its price point.

http://www.lutron.com/Products/WholeHomeSystems/RadioRA2/Pages/Overview.aspx

 

[Steevo]

http://smarthome.com
http://homeautomation.com/

 

[Thomarann]

www.homeseer.com

X10 is cr*p from the '70's - go with Insteon, Z-Wave, or Ra2.

Marc

 

[cowboyjosh]

2x for X10 being ****.

Ra2 requires a pro to program if you want to use the astronomic clock and other cool *** features, Z wave is DIY friendly but a PITA (my buddy works for Leviton and still curses his own product), Insteon is alright and is easier to install w/o a pro and is cheaper then Ra2, but it has a few downsides that you can read about all over the web if you use the Google.

Keep us posted on what you decide.

 

[keweenawbee]

Home-run all your loads to a central convenient location and connect them to Insteon relays and dimmers, run a single romex to locations where you want duplicated master control, install Insteon Keypadlincs at those locations, program, and you are there. By far the cheapest way. No cramming wires in boxes for travelers, etc. The system is proven through many generations, is far evolved and very cost effective. A keypadlinc on a single daisy-chained 14/2 romex can control a 30 amp 230 volt load home-run to a Insteon load controller.