Wireless light switch

A wireless light switch is a light switch that commands a light or home appliance to turn itself off or on, instead of interrupting the power line going to the light fixture. There are different ways to communicate between the switch and the fixture:

1. Using radio transmission: A radio receiver is typically wired or screwed into a fixture or device, wired or otherwise connected to the electrical system of the building or plugged into an outlet. The radio receiver's memory is programmed by any number of means to respond to certain selected "switches" or (more correctly) remote control transmitters.
2. Using the existing power lines (such as INSTEON or X10): 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. Some devices are hard wired into ceiling light fittings, making for a hidden system.

Common uses for wireless switches

Complicated wiring

Multiple transmitters can be used with a single receiver, allowing more than the two-switch limit imposed by using a three-way switch. Some modern vehicles also have built-in transmitters.

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.

Log homes

Another use for wireless switches is in log homes, where electrical installations can be difficult because of the amount of routing and drilling that would otherwise be needed. When running a regular (non-wireless) circuit, the electrician must drill a hole through all of the logs to get each wire to the switch location. The electrician also must route a large hole in the log to install a switch box. Wireless switches do not need switch boxes because there are no wires, and no routing is needed which decreases the electrical work required.

Battery-free switches

Most wireless light switches, such as the X10 solutions, rely on batteries for power output. Lightning Switch, EnOcean and Ad Hoc Electronics manufacture wireless light switches that use energy harvesting instead of batteries. The mechanical energy created by pressing the switch generates enough electricity to power a built-in transmitter that sends a radio signal to the receiver.