Remote control of lighting devices is widely used in residential buildings, administrative and industrial premises. A typical device that allows this process to be carried out is a light switch with a remote control. Remote control is produced on the basis of various principles.
The article we presented describes in detail all types of devices that allow you to control devices and lighting systems without direct contact. Do-it-yourselfers will find step-by-step instructions on how to install them. To make your choice easier, we have listed the most popular models on the market.
What is a wireless switch for?
Remote systems that provide control of certain devices at a distance are becoming increasingly widespread. The wireless wall switch is no exception.
It was created to increase comfort, and for senior citizens and people with disabilities it is absolutely necessary.
Using such a device, you can easily control the lighting in your home, change the brightness, turn lamps on and off.
In addition, thanks to the special design, there is no need to damage the walls or make large holes for installation.
Controller in base
It does not have wide functionality, but is easy to install. You don't even need a screwdriver to install the controller! Instead of a lamp with an E27 socket, this device is screwed in, which in turn has a socket for an E27 lamp. There is an obvious dependence on the wall switch. Controllers are available with and without dimming. For example, let’s take devices from the “Cozy Home” series from - the cartridges are programmed to the desired keys of the remote control with a special button, the range is 30 meters, the frequency is 433.92 MHz.
The “cozy home” line also includes plug-sockets that work in a similar way.
Scope of application
Traditional switches are gradually becoming a thing of the past due to inconvenience of use, complexity of connection and installation, as well as a small resource. Wireless analogues have better qualities.
They have a stylish appearance and install within a few minutes.
The use of such products is relevant in the following cases:
- When moving an old switch, when pieces of furniture interfere with its installation. The new device can be mounted anywhere in the room - on a wall, mirror, cabinet or other element of the room.
- To eliminate electrical errors. When installing wiring, mistakes are often made that affect the comfort of living in an apartment or house. In such cases, it is not necessary to make a strobe or plan expensive repairs - you can install a wireless switch (with or without a remote control).
- When there is a shortage of space. The classic option is that it is difficult to install the switch on a cabinet or other piece of furniture due to the complexity of the mounting. Wireless analogues are overhead, and their installation is accessible even to beginners. In addition, during the installation process there is no need to lay the cable and worry about its disguise. And the radio switch can be placed anywhere, be it a coffee table, bar counter, bedside table or other piece of furniture.
- In wooden houses. The advantage of buildings made using wooden materials is undeniable. They are distinguished by their durability, ability to retain heat, and also low price. But when installing wiring, problems arise due to increased safety requirements. The best option is to install open wiring, but it spoils the appearance of the interior and is susceptible to mechanical damage (including from rodents). Making hidden wiring in a wooden house is quite a problem. The best solution is to install wireless light switches, which simplify the process of installing hidden wiring and save money.
- To control lighting from multiple locations. There are situations when turning on the light needs to be done from 2-3 parts of the room. To avoid running wires to each switch, it is better to use wireless devices. With their help, lighting control is simplified and installation time is reduced. If desired, you can install wireless switches with a remote control.
- If necessary, install additional switches. It happens that after completion of the repair work the chosen location is not satisfactory and the installation of an additional device to control the light is required. Installing a wireless switch solves the problem.
- To turn lights on/off over long distances. What to do in a situation where you need to turn the lamp on and off from another room or even from the street? Running a wire to install an additional switch is expensive and unsafe, but new technology allows you to avoid such problems. The peculiarity of radio switches is their large operating range - up to 350 m (depending on the model). Control can be done using a simple remote control, which for convenience is made in the form of a key fob.
- In order to preserve the design of the room. If installing a switch in a recess is not possible, you have to install overhead types of products that spoil the appearance of the room and do not look very solid. The solution to the problem is to install a wireless device that is thin and fits perfectly into the interior.
- As an alternative to conventional devices. During the next renovation of an apartment or house, you want to introduce some innovations into the design and make life more comfortable. One way is to install a wireless remote switch. Such products will cost more, but they are easy to install, have a solid appearance and provide ease of lighting control.
Correct connection
In order to properly mount the switch, you need to know its operating principle, what the device consists of, and how to connect the Wi-fi switch. The connection diagram for this wireless device is very simple.
One of the advantages of a Wi-Fi light switch is its ease of use and connection. If you really want to, you can install the device yourself
It is important to strictly follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer. This installation takes only a few minutes
The connection process consists of only two stages:
- Installing a radio receiver.
- Installation of a light switch (control button).
Basically, receivers have from two to four wires. They come out of the device body. To determine the input wire, you must read the instructions. The remaining wires will be output wires, for example, a double switch will have two outputs. To install the receiver, you must open the phase that supplies power to the lighting device and connect it to the circuit, while observing the sequence.
In the case where it is necessary to connect more than one lighting group, proceed as follows:
- zero is supplied to all lighting fixtures;
- the phase is branched in the Wi-fi switch;
- the phase should be supplied separately to each group of lamps.
The control button is installed quite simply; first you need to make a hole in the wall using a hammer drill with a concrete cutter. A regular plastic socket box is inserted into the finished hole, and plaster can be used to secure it. The installation process is absolutely no different from installing a key-type light switch. The only difference is that there is no need to lay wires, you just need to securely fasten the button in the socket.
Finally, we recommend watching a video that clearly shows how to connect a Wi-fi light switch:
Now you know what a Wi-fi light switch is and how lighting is controlled via a smartphone. Wireless electrical accessories are becoming increasingly popular, so if you decide to implement a Smart Home system, we advise you to acquire the devices we have reviewed.
It will be useful to read:
- How does a Wi-Fi socket work?
- Remote lighting control systems
- Heated floor control systems
Varieties
Wireless switches are not very diverse, but there is still a certain selection.
They are classified according to three main characteristics:
- By type of control;
- If possible, regulate the level of illumination;
- By the number of lighting devices they control.
Taking into account the classification mentioned above, the following types of wireless switches can be distinguished:
- With a delay function to ensure the lamp stays on for a certain amount of time. This option allows, for example, to walk to the bed while the light is on, after which the room is plunged into darkness.
- With the ability to configure multiple channels. In this case, it is possible to turn on several products simultaneously.
- Sensory. To turn the lighting on/off, just touch the panel.
- Wireless (with the ability to control over a Wi-Fi network) or radio controlled.
Using sensors to control lighting
Various motion sensors for remote control of lighting are widely represented on the lighting market. The most common of them are infrared. They are devices that close or open the lighting circuit when the level of infrared radiation increases in their “visibility” zone. As soon as a person or animal whose body temperature is higher than the background temperature enters the sensor’s field of action, the light turns on. As soon as a person leaves the sensor’s coverage area or remains in a stationary position for several seconds, the light turns off. Motion sensors are most often installed in entrances, above the front door, and less often - inside the apartment.
Design and principle of operation of the main elements of the device
The wireless switch consists of the following elements:
- The receiver is a special radio relay that is controlled by a remote control, using a phone with access to Wi-Fi, or directly from a switch. After receiving the signal, the relay closes or opens the contacts. The product is mounted as close as possible to the light source or inside it (if the appropriate dimensions are available).
If we are talking about a spotlight, installation is carried out in a junction box or in the cavity between the main ceiling and the tension fabric. - Transmitter (switch). This device includes a small generator that generates electricity when you press a remote control button, touch a switch, or send a signal from your phone (when controlled via Wi-Fi). The electrical impulse is converted into a radio signal, which is picked up by the receiver. The transmitter can be installed directly into the wall. In this case, there is no need to connect wires to it, because power is supplied from the built-in elements. Thanks to this feature, you can save time on installation and not open the walls. In this way, a transition switch is made that allows you to control the lighting from different points and not have to look for the remote control.
Overview of remote switches
Among the most well-known models on the market, we especially highlight the IR remote light switch of the Sapphire-2503 type, produced in Belarus, as well as a system with a radio-controlled channel of the Nootekhnika Noolight brand. The product of the first of these companies can be seen in the photo below.
Remote control type "Sapphire-2503"
Another type of wireless switches and switching devices for lighting equipment over a radio channel is produced by the well-known. These include such common models as AWST-8800, AWST-8801, as well as the portable key fob “CoCo” AKCT-510 and the built-in transmitter AWMT-230.
Models from the last two manufacturers of remote control systems are more practical and convenient than similar switches with signal transmission via an IR channel. With their help, it is possible to simultaneously control all lighting equipment in the house from almost any point (from the most remote rooms). The presence of special dimmers in the set of these devices significantly expands the capabilities of the system and allows you to adjust the illumination of internal spaces.
The portable control panels included in their composition allow the possibility of choosing one or another scenario of actions leading to the connection of light. More “advanced” products from the considered manufacturers may contain a special RGB controller capable of performing a number of operations, namely:
- Turn on lighting at a given address or in the entire house at once;
- Adjust the brightness level of the lamps;
- In accordance with the given program, set the desired ratio of different color gamuts with LED backlighting and sort through them sequentially.
Due to the fairly compact size of the electronic part of these devices, the remote switch can be placed inside the glass of a chandelier or lamp. When controlled from a remote control, it can be switched over a radio channel from a distance of about 30 meters.
Most of the considered control system samples are capable of working with household consumers designed for power up to 3.5 kW. To connect them yourself, you must perform the following mandatory operations:
- First, a load with a suitable operating power for the device is selected;
- After this, the voltage from the house or apartment is removed automatically by the introductory machine;
- At the final stage of the work, a power unit responsible for turning off the light is installed into the break in the supply line.
All details of connecting the final execution device can be found in the next section.
Advantages and disadvantages of wireless switches
Despite their ease of use, wireless load switches (in our case, lighting) have not only advantages, but also disadvantages. But more about everything.
Pros:
- Ease of installation. For installation and connection, you do not need to drill into walls or lay a separate “branch” of electrical wiring.
- Possibility to control several light sources at once from the remote control or via a smartphone.
- Large range of action. The control signal in an open area can reach the receiver at a distance of up to 30 meters. In this case, walls or pieces of furniture are not an obstacle.
- Safety for adults and children. Even accidental damage to the structure does not pose a health risk. The operating current in wireless remote switches is minimal and not hazardous to health.
Minuses:
- The cost of such products is higher than classic “wired” switches. Adherents of economy and conservatives prefer familiar products.
- Inability to control due to low battery in the remote control or inability to control due to weak Wi-Fi connection.
A little philosophy
Of course, controlling the light without leaving the couch is interesting and exciting... the first minutes of use. In practice, it soon becomes clear that in most cases this is an unnecessary function and no one uses it. There are rare cases where remote lighting control is truly relevant and acceptable. Therefore, you should not tie your entire life to the remote control. Think about it: if machines do everything for us, what will be left for us? Lie and die on the sofa... with a remote control for everything... Common sense says: there is no need to improve something that already works perfectly - an ordinary wall switch! Actually, that's all.
Characteristics you should pay attention to when choosing
When purchasing a wireless remote switch, you should pay attention to the following parameters:
- The type of light bulbs the device controls;
- Material, color and appearance of the case;
- Operating voltage;
- Number of channels;
- Radius of action;
- Maximum load;
- Dimensions;
- Rated current;
- Equipment.
It is also worth paying attention to the following criteria:
- Operating frequency range;
- Signal transmission method;
- Availability of encoding;
- Transmitter power type;
- Estimated battery replacement time;
- Fastening method;
- Operating temperature range;
- Price.
Controlling lighting from your phone
At first, touch control of light was used only in conjunction with the construction of a smart home, however, nowadays you can find a special photo relay in any room. Automatic lighting can make a person's life easier. A multi-channel switchboard is capable of turning on the lighting of all rooms from one point.
Experts highlight the following advantages of a remote lighting control system:
- Control using radio waves can increase the security of the apartment. You can control the light from your phone, personal computer or using a timer. This will protect the apartment from intruders in the absence of the owners.
- Great savings in necessary materials. To run cables to the switches you need a lot of expensive wire. It will also need to be replaced over time. The electronic control system needs a small amount of wire.
- There is no dependence on the electrical power supply network. The multi-channel cabinet and circuit breakers are connected using radio waves, and all light control is carried out without connecting to a local network.
Such a control system is most convenient when it is necessary to control the lighting level in many places at the same time. It can be combined with a dimmer, which will provide the most comfortable lighting in the room.
What does the market offer?
A wide range of wireless remote switches allows you to choose a product based on price, characteristics and appearance.
Below we consider just a few models that the market offers:
- Fenon TM-75 is a remote-controlled switch made of plastic and designed for a voltage of 220 V. The features of the device include the presence of two channels, a 30-meter range, the presence of a remote control and a delay switch function.
A group of lighting fixtures can be connected to each channel and controlled. The Fenon TM-75 wireless switch can be used with chandeliers, spotlights, LED and track lights, as well as other devices operating on 220 Volts. - Inted 220V is a wireless radio switch designed for wall mounting. It has one key and is installed in conjunction with the receiving unit. The operating voltage of the product is 220 Volts, and the range is 10-50 meters. The wireless light switch is attached using self-tapping screws or double-sided tape. The body is made of plastic.
- INTED-1-CH is a light switch with remote control. With this model you can control light sources remotely. The power of the lamps can be up to 900 W, and the operating voltage of the product is 220 V. Using a radio switch, you can control the equipment, turn on and off the lights or alarms. The product is based on a receiver and transmitter. The latter has the form of a key fob, which is small in size and transmits a signal over a distance of up to 100 m. The product body is not protected from moisture, so additional protection must be provided when installing outdoors.
- Wireless touch switch controlled via remote control. The product is mounted on the wall, has small dimensions and is made of tempered glass and PVC. The operating voltage is from 110 to 220V, and the rated power is up to 300 W. The package includes a switch, remote control and bolts for attaching the accessory. The average life cycle is 1000 clicks.
- Inted 220V 2 Receiver - Wireless Light Switch for Wall Mounting. Control is carried out using two keys. The body is made of plastic. The operating voltage is 220 V. The number of independent channels is 2.
- BAS-IP SH-74 is a wireless radio switch with two independent channels. Control is carried out using a mobile phone on the Android operating system. To work, you must install the BAS application. The SH-74 model is used to control incandescent lamps with a power of up to 500 W, as well as fluorescent light bulbs (power limit - 200 W).
- Feron TM72 is a wireless switch that controls lighting at a distance of up to 30 meters. The light sources are combined into a receiving unit, and switching on and off is done using the remote control. The TM72 model has two channels, each of which can be connected to a specific group of devices. The product has a large power reserve per channel (up to 1 kW), which allows you to connect different types of light sources. The big advantage of the model is the presence of a delay ranging from 10 to 60 seconds.
- Wireless 3-channel switch 220V Smartbuy is designed for connecting light sources into three channels with a power limit of up to 280 W. The rated supply voltage is 220 V. Control is carried out from the remote control, which has a range of 30 meters.
- Z-Wave CH-408 is a wall-type radio switch that allows you to program various scenarios for controlling lighting devices. If necessary, up to eight switches can be connected to it. Among the additional features, it is worth highlighting the management of Z-Wave devices (up to 80) and ease of configuration regardless of the main controller. The device is powered by two batteries, and when they are low, a corresponding signal is given. Firmware updates are performed via the Z-Wave network. The maximum distance to the controller should not exceed 75 meters. Protection class - IP-30.
- Feron TM-76 is a wireless light switch that is controlled remotely using a radio signal. The receiver connects to light sources, and the remote control controls the receiving unit at a distance of up to 30 meters. The Feron TM-76 model has three independent channels, each of which can be connected to its own group of lighting fixtures. In this case, control will be carried out separately, using the remote control. The maximum power reserve is up to 1 kW, which allows you to connect various types of lamps (including incandescent). The operating voltage is 220 V.
How an infrared remote control works: personal experience
IR sensors have long been used to wirelessly transmit commands from the remote control to various actuators.
Initially, they began to be introduced for convenient viewing of television programs, and then they were used in other areas of our activity.
A simplified block diagram of the remote control shows the principles of its operation.
At the center of the remote control logic circuit is a programmable controller - a microprocessor, which is usually powered by AAA batteries.
According to a pre-planned algorithm, it generates a strictly defined sequence of electrical impulses used as a unique command for each button.
The encoded signal from the microprocessor is sent to an infrared transmitter and pulsed with light flux is emitted into the surrounding space.
It must be accurately aimed at the IR receiver. Then the command will be received and processed by the remote microprocessor. The decrypted information, after verification, will be sent to the receiver's actuator.
Light switches: overview of possibilities
All IR modules operate according to the principle described above. For example, the BM8049M electronic unit, made in the form of a regular board, can be embedded into a gap in an existing electrical lighting circuit. After installation, it is convenient to isolate it from external circuits with a heat-shrinkable tube.
To configure its operation, you can use the remote control of your TV, interactive television set-top box, or other device. The main condition is that it has a button that you do not need to use for other purposes.
Agree that there are quite a lot of them: in normal work, a few are enough, and we don’t even remember the purpose of others. This useless button is configured to work with the BM8049M switch.
The more modern MP3328 relay module from Master Kit has the ability to control from one to eight separate lighting fixtures located in different places in the house or cottage.
The distance that an infrared signal can normally travel from the remote control to the IR receiver can be up to 15 meters. In a home or apartment, this is quite enough.
But it is necessary to create direct visibility between the sensors: the signal does not pass through obstacles.
The BM8049M switch is equipped with the function of automatically turning off the light after 10–14 hours of operation, which is useful for forgetful people. Its switching capacity is limited to a load of 1.5 kW.
Set of LED RGB lamps with remote control Magic Lidhting: a simple ceiling chandelier for the living room
LED RGB lamps use a rather unique light switch. It is built inside the control module directly in the base of the bulb, created for a regular E27 cartridge.
Therefore, it is enough to screw RGB lamps into any socket, for example, an old Soviet-era chandelier. No further installation steps are required. The remote lighting circuit will work.
My Magic Lidhting remote looks like this.
The transmitter's infrared beam exits in the middle of the top bar, where the Magic Lidhting inscription is located.
The control buttons are arranged in four vertical columns, and for user convenience they are meaningfully combined into groups indicated by dark gray areas.
I marked them all with white numbers and compiled them into a table that allows you to understand the principle of controlling LED lamps.
| Button number | What happens when you press | Notes |
| Turning lights off or on | ||
| 1 | ON - The lamp turns on | |
| 2 | OFF - The lamp turns off | |
| Lamp brightness control | ||
| 3 | Brightness decreases (down arrow) | Use buttons 3 and 4 to adjust the blinking dynamics |
| 4 | Brightness increases (up arrow) | |
| White Light Setting | ||
| 5 | W - Static white color | |
| Color design of the left column of shades R | ||
| 8 | Red color | |
| 11 | Orange | |
| 14 | Light orange | |
| 17 | Dark yellow | |
| 20 | Citric | |
| Color design of the middle column of shades G | ||
| 7 | Green color | |
| 10 | Turquoise | |
| 13 | Dark turquoise | |
| 16 | Blue | |
| 19 | Light blue | |
| Color design of the right column of shades B | ||
| 6 | Blue color | |
| 9 | Blue-violet | |
| 12 | Violet | |
| 15 | Lilac | |
| 18 | Light blue | |
| Flashing Characteristics Settings | ||
| 21 | Smooth change of 7 primary colors in flashing mode | |
| 22 | Flashing mode of the selected color | |
| 23 | Adjusting the brightness of the selected color | |
| 24 | Flashing mode of three primary RGB colors with adjustable frequency | |
This manufacturer, by the way, also produces a separate RGB controller for LED lamps with a total power of 72 watts and a supply voltage of 12 volts. The current of their total load can reach six amperes.
A remote control with a large number of commands was created for it - 44. It has a more complex design that requires connection through a separate power supply. I haven't checked it.
How to connect yourself
Connecting the switch yourself will not be too difficult a task. First, carefully study the receiver circuit. Then apply voltage (connect phase and neutral).
Only the phase is supplied to the switch itself, without zero, so the receiver is installed at the location where the chandelier (lighting fixture) is installed.
- It is usually installed at the base of the chandelier. To obtain the phase, turn on the switch or connect the wires directly, first turning off the power and checking that there is no voltage in the wires.
- Dismantle the old switch and make a continuous phase. To do this, the phase must be connected to one of the wires going to the chandelier. Always coordinate your work with the remote switch diagram.
- It shows in detail how to connect a remote switch. Next you need to combine the switch with the receiver. To do this you need to supply electricity. Next, select the desired operating mode.
- Once you have decided on the modes offered by the device, proceed to attach the device. To do this, the kit includes double-sided tape and dowels with self-tapping screws. Upon completion of installation, you can install a control lamp. Now you can safely check the operation of the system.
In the recent past, wireless switch technology has been one of the new, unavailable technologies. But thanks to increased competition in the market, the price of this gadget is noticeably reduced, which makes it possible for everyone to make a purchase.
