Wireless light switch
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A wireless light switch is a light switch that uses radio transmissions to command a light to turn off or on, instead of interrupting the power line going to the light. There are different ways that a light can be controlled with a wireless switch:
- A radio receiver is wired into the light fixture and stored in the light box. The radio receiver's memory is programmed to respond to certain switches through a simple ID learn sequence.
- A receiver is plugged into an outlet and a device is then plugged into the receiver. The plug-in receiver is then programmed to the switches.
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[edit] Uses for wireless switches
[edit] Remodeling
Wireless light switches eliminate the wire from the light to the switch location. This is useful in remodeling situations where new wiring can be a hassle. Rather than tearing down a wall to gain access to the wires a wireless switch can be used. This avoids any need to access wires and makes remodeling fast and simple.
[edit] Log homes
Another use for wireless switches is in log homes, the electrical process in log homes is very technical because there is a lot of routing and drilling involved. In order to get a wire from the light to the switch, the electrician has to drill a hole through all of the logs to get a wire to the switch location. The electrician also has to route a large hole in the log in order to install a switch box. Wireless switches do not need switch boxes because there are no wires, which means that there is no routing which decreases the electrical work in a log home by about 40%.[citation needed]
[edit] Battery-free switches
Various companies, such as Ad Hoc Electronics and PulseSwitch Systems (Lightning Switch) sell wireless light switches that use energy harvesting instead of batteries. The mechanical energy created by pressing the switch generates enough energy to send a radio signal to the receiver.
[edit] Companies that sell wireless switches
- Ad Hoc Electronics
- EchoFlex Solutions
- Rako Controls
- Less Wire (100% Battery Free)
- PulseSwitch Systems (Lightning Switch)
- Black & Decker
- Control 4