Need help with lighting project

[miketyler]

I'm restoring some old movie poster display cases that were mounted outside of an old theater in North Texas. They have two 4ft florescent lights that are used for back lighting and a string of 62 24v incandescent bulbs that surround the movie poster frame.

I'm restoring these for home use and would like to install a small 3 way switch that light the two fluorescent lamps or the flourescent lamps + the incandescent string.

I'd prefer to not use two separate switches and have some very small 3 position, 3 pole switches I'd like to use. However I'm unsure how I can separate the two circuits when its switched to flourescents only. Appreciate any ideas you might have

 

[matt_i]

You need 2 relays bro. If you are still around.

Use the selector switch to drive the coil of the relays, you choose the control voltage when you buy the relay. So the selector switch handles milliamps to pull in the relay contacts (drive the coil). What I can't guess at is the "connectivity" of the selector switch. There is some common terminal and then a couple of "outputs" which you need to test in the various positions with the continuity buzzer on a regular voltmeter.

Now you use the normally open contacts of the relays to switch the various devices on and off.

 

[Shiftless]

I have 2 separate independently wired lighting circuits in my wine cellar. I installed 2 switches and like the no brainer aspect of 2 separate switches.
Don’t forget the K.I.S.S. guidelines.

 

[miketyler]

Thanks guys - I was hoping to keep it simple but if it involves adding additional components to get to a single switch functionality I'll scrap the idea. I do see that relays would work and would keep the two circuits separated

 

[Schu338]

You could also use a double pole / double throw, center-off switch if you can get one to fit.
Probably can get at an on-line electric supply or electronic store. Just make sure rating exceeds the draw.

There will be 6 terminals. Connect your hot wire to the center 2 (common) terminals. Connect the wire from the inc. stage lights to one of the four terminals, doesn't matter which one. Then connect the wire from the fluorescents to all three remaining terminals.

Connect all neutrals together.

When you put the switch in middle, all lights are off. If you flip one way you'll get fluorescent only, and other way all lights will work. No relay needed

 

[miketyler]

I see what you mean. DPDT would keep the two circuits isolated. Would have to consider amp load and switch capacity. Good call. Let me look at what the amp loads are and see what switches are available

 

[Schu338]

I see what you mean. Double throw would keep the two circuits isolated. Would have to consider amp load and switch capacity. Good call. Let me look at what the amp loads are and see what switches are available

You can also get LED bulbs that look like the old incandescent for a fraction of the load.

 

[miketyler]

Yes, thought of that but wanted to stay on budget and retain the old-school look. I plan to keep one for my media room and sell the other 4. The company that makes these heavy duty monsters offers them with LED's now but no longer offers the outer lighting.

https://schult.com/products/snap-frame-mounted-led-poster-case?variant=8728252383297

 

[miketyler]

Got the DPDT switch in and installed. The circuit you described worked great. Admittedly I didn't understand it until I drew it out on paper. Genius. Appreciate your suggestion!

 

[PhysicsDude]

Those are cool! Glad you got it up and working the way you want.