Looking for combo light switch/volume control wall plate.

[scottw]

I am looking to add a volume control knob/slider/whatever to our bathroom. We usually put on a playlist before shower and would like a easy way to turn the volume up/down without leaving the bathroom. I toyed with the idea of a waterproof remote control but I would want it mounted permanently so for now I just want some sort of volume control.

I don't want to add a big wall plate right next to our existing plate so I was wondering if anyone has seen a plate that has a volume control slider built into a wall switch or outlet. What I have now is a light switch and a double outlet (the two outlets on top of each other) to the right of the light switch. What would be cool is if I could just replace the light switch with a switch with a small slider next to it kind of like the ones with the dimmer slider built in but controls volume.

Has anyone seen anything like this???

[wesblack]

Scott,

Look at the Calrad 25 Series volume controls, see the link below, 25-359, 25-360, 25-361.

http://www.calrad.com/download/25%20Series.pdf





Wes Black \ Calrad

[samsonlov]

Hi Scott,

I don't know if this works for you, but you could install a "dual-load" switch that would take care of the two light switches in one "gang" of the box, and then add a traditional volume control like the ones Wes suggested, or any other volume control that fits in the other "gang".

Check http://www.lutron.com/cms400/page.aspx?id=16991&mn=1783 for some examples - the "combo" switches can be super-cool. Your local home improvement store likely also carries some simpler "toggle" style double switches.

Remember to properly isolate the electrical box so that the high-voltage and low-voltage are in their own "separated" boxes (this may or may not be possible with the current box in your wall). Combining "high" and "low" voltage in the same switchbox may be in violation of your local (and National - "NEC") electrical codes unless the devices in question have received a specific "exception" (I am not aware of any volume controls that have received this exemption - though there may be some); not to mention that such a "combination" may create a "life/safety" hazard - especially in a bathroom.

depending on the box in the wall, and where the wires enter the box, you may be able to use something like this:
http://www.hubbellcatalog.com/raco/RACO_datasheet.asp?PN=7090&FAM=RacoBoxes
or:
http://www.hometech.com/hts/products/wiring/wallboxes/mixed/cn-scdiv.html
(These are available at home depot.)

One last thing: Here in California, you'd have to pull a permit to do this work - check with your local building and safety department; they'll give you all the info for free. Permitting your work helps establish that the work was done according to code, and it also helps limit your future exposure in the event that some "bad" electrical thing ever happens in your house - whether as a result of your work or not.

Hope that helps,
Samson