I've tried searching for this and all I get is people making their own light switches using their Arduino. My question is, can I use a standard home light switch as an input device with my arduino? Not necessarily an INPUT device, but can I use it as a part of my circuit? I have a computer application that I want to control with regular light switches and dimmers. Is this possible?
Thanks for the help.
Sure. A light switch is just that. A switch. SPST, or some other configuration -- e.g. for use in a "3-way" circuit. Nonetheless, it still is just doing make/break on contacts.
Mechanical dimmers are just rheostats. Most have an off position, some are "push" on/off.
As with any other switches, you'll need to de-bounce. And pay attention to current/amperage ratings.
It would be hard to get a standard dimmer to work on low voltage. (They're actually phase angle controlled.) Just use a potentiometer.
Don't take this the wrong way, I just want to be sure you understand. You should not be switching wall power using the arduino. The switch will certainly work to make or break a connection. The light dimmer normally used to control lights will not work for a control on the arduino. They are complex devices using diacs or triacs (google it) to control the amount of power that reaches a wall power bulb. If you get wall power connected to the arduino, it will likely be destroyed.
If you already knew all this, just ignore me. If you didn't, do some heavy google lookin' before you actually try something.