One of the worst feelings is to be cozied up in bed about to fall asleep and realize you left the light, or the fan turned on. You have to leave your pillow fortress for a 5-second walk only to come back and not feel sleepy anymore.
Although this is a very niche situation, the overall problem is a persistent one. No one likes to be diverted to use a switch when they are concentrating on something. This might seem like a very nitpicked problem but in actuality, the situation is unpleasant for a lot of people and the fix is really simple and inexpensive. The solution is using a wireless remote light switch.
A wireless remote light switch is basically a remote control you can use. You can use a wireless light switch for ceiling lights or fans. They are relatively inexpensive and very easy to set up. The ease of setting up and convenience make this a popular choice.
Is It Possible to Have a Wireless Light Switch?
Yes, it is possible to have a wireless remote light switch. In fact, you can get one on the cheap. There are different appliances that a remote light switch can be paired with to use. Some of the relevant ones are as follows:
- A remote for ceiling lights
- For controlling outlets
- Using socket lights
- Basic household appliances
- Ceiling fans or rotator fans
How Does A Remote Wireless Light Switch Work, and What Is It?
A wireless remote light switch works as a regular remote control does. It usually uses radio waves, infrared signals, or Bluetooth technology to pair with devices and control them. The most common kind of pairing is through Bluetooth and it might also come with an app. Some cheaper ones may opt to use radio waves as well. Either way, both of them get the job done without any extra hassle.
A wireless remote light switch will need to be paired with your appliance, be it any device or fans, lights, etc. Afterward, your remote may have further customizations available that will allow you to control the features of that device. A wireless remote light switch lets you control your lights and fans from a distance
Choose A Wireless Remote Light Switch
As mentioned before, a wireless remote light switch can be of different variants. Depending on your preference and budget, you can decide to take whichever one is suitable for you. A wireless remote light switch of any variant will get the job done with added benefits or quirks to each of them.
1. Wireless Remote Light Switch to Control Outlets
This is one of the more popular choices among buyers. This is because these ones are really easy to set up and use. Moreover, this is useful because you are controlling the outlet itself instead of the electrical appliance or utility.
Think of it as a wireless light switch to control outlets. So, you can turn an outlet on or off depending on your need and the outlet will turn on or cut off power accordingly as well.
This type of remote is useful for household appliances in particular. A wireless switch to control household appliances is convenient as well as power saving. Finally, you don’t have to spend a huge amount to do this as well.
BN-LINK – Wireless Remote Control Electrical Outlet Switch
Easily Connect your lights and control with wireless remote around 100ft.
2. Wireless Remote Paddle Switch
Just like a paddle switch, a wireless one will help you control multiple outputs using a single switch. Adding the wireless part is just the icing. Using a paddle switch adds a degree of customization like dimming the lights, using less power, or powering multiple lights at once. Switches like these can be installed in less than 15 mins and Radio waves are mainly used in the wireless department.
GE – Wireless Remote Wall Switch Control
No wiring needed, 100ft remote range, ideal for Indoor Lamps, Small Appliances, and Seasonal Lighting.
3. Wall Mounted Wireless Remote Switch
This is basically a wireless light switch to control socket lights. These are more useful and utilized for floor or table lamps. These are singular switches for individual lights and the remote itself controls the power outlet. They mount directly to the wall so they can be matched with your room’s decoration as well.
DEWENWILS – Remote Control Light Socket
1 Wall Mounted Switch with 2 Bulb Base, No Wiring Required, Wireless Light Switch and Receiver Set.
4. Wireless Smart Wifi Light Switch
This is more a part of the smart home revolution in recent times. At present, companies have started to roll out wifi connected appliances. These products can be administered through a smart home application on your phone as well as through the pairing of a remote.
With this option, you can the greatest flexibility of product choice, appliance usage and customization as well. You can even use your application when you are not at home because everything is connected to the internet via wifi. This turns your phone into a wireless remote light switch capable of controlling more than just a few lights.
Single Pole, 2.4GHz Wi-Fi Light Switch Works with Alexa and Google Home
How To Install A Wireless Remote Light Switch
Now that we have been introduced to the different variants of a wireless remote light switch, you may be asking, how can I install one myself? For the most part, the process is quite simple as removing a socket and installing a new one, or just connecting the product to the internet. Just to be sure, if you are not confident in handling electric work, ask for an expert. You should always put safety first!
General Installation Steps: The overall steps will differ depending on the brand and event variant of the switch you are expecting to install.
1. Power
Firstly, make sure the remote switch you are using is powered up. Check for batteries or plug in any plugs that may come with it. Most modern wireless switches will either be directly wired into the circuit for power or will have to be charged via batteries.
2. Installing
Once you identified the device to be working, you have to decide where to install it. You have to remove a pre-installed wall plug in order to make space for your new one. The process is not that difficult and is similar to installing a new light switch.
Use a screwdriver to remove the screws. Carefully detach the live, neutral, and ground wires and plug in your own switch in its place. Use the screws available with your purchase. You shouldn’t reuse the old ones.
3. Plugging Device
We have added the new switch. Now, we have to add the device we wish to control remotely. The wireless remote light switch or plug will act like any other regular plug or switch. If it is a plug, just put the power cord into your wireless controlled plug. If it is a switch, insert the power cord into the corresponding outlet.
4. Test
You plugged in the power cord and have installed the switch or plug. Now, all that’s left to do is to test out your new connection. Try to use your remote and see if the light is turning on or off.
Also, try it from different angles so you can find any potential interferences in the signal. Finally, you also have to make sure the main power switch or plug is being powered centrally as well. Otherwise, it won’ work.
How Can I Turn on My Lights Remotely?
The process is quite simple. You are using your remote to control either the switch or the outlet itself depending on what kind of device you have bought and installed.
When Using a Switch:
Devices like a paddle switch can be controlled like a wireless switch. You will be able to control the on-off mechanism just like a switch. For more customizable options, you may purchase a paddle switch which allows you to control brightness sometimes and even the speed of fans. Finally, using a smart home integrated option will let you use these devices with a remote after pairing through an app or using your smartphone as well.
When Using the Outlet:
This is even simpler than a switch. There is the little option of any customization or similar control. You are able to easily turn on and off the power to the outlet, which in turn controls the appliances or lights connected to that outlet. It is useful in reducing power wastage and can be implemented to be used on other appliances like a TV because you can just turn it off and on.
Conclusion
So, a wireless remote light switch first sounded very expensive and not worth the effort, but as you can see, the convenience of a wireless switch can make the investment worthwhile. Once you start using a wireless remote for your daily life, you will think about how you could ever function without this in the past!
All in all, a wireless remote light switch is a great choice if you have the patience of setting one up. On the other hand, you can just opt into a smart home system and forgo the need to even install plugs and switches. At present, switching to an autonomous life is as easy as switching a light bulb!
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