Wireless remote light switch, device, principle of operation, how to connect, diagram

From the article you will learn: why do you need a wireless switch, scope and varieties, device and principle of operation, advantages and disadvantages, selection criteria, how to connect with your own hands, circuits.

Wireless network switches fundamentally change the idea of ​​controlling lighting devices, simplify our life and make it more comfortable.

Until recently, such technologies were not available due to the high price and limited production.

At the present stage, there is a tendency to reduce their cost. That is why radio switches and their other analogues are increasingly perceived as an alternative to classic switches.

What is a wireless switch for?

Remote systems that provide remote control of certain devices are becoming more common. The wireless wall switch is no exception.

It was created to increase comfort, and for the elderly and people with disabilities, it is completely necessary.

With the help of such a device, you can easily control the lighting in the house, change the brightness, turn the lamps on and off.

In addition, thanks to the special design, there is no need to damage the walls and make large holes for mounting.

Scope

Traditional switches are gradually becoming a thing of the past due to the inconvenience of use, the complexity of connection and installation, as well as a small resource. Wireless analogs have the best qualities.

They are stylish and install in minutes.

The use of such products is relevant in the following cases:

• When transferring an old switch, when pieces of furniture interfere with its installation. The new device is mounted anywhere in the room – on a wall, mirror, closet 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 an expensive repair – you can install a wireless switch (with or without a remote control).
• With a lack of space. The classic version – the switch is problematic to install on a cabinet or other piece of furniture due to the complexity of fastening. Wireless analogues are overhead, and their installation is available even for beginners. In addition, during the installation process there is no need to lay a cable and puzzle over its disguise. A 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 durability, the ability to retain heat, as well as a low price. But when wiring, there are problems associated with increased safety requirements. The best option is to install open wiring, but it spoils the appearance of the interior and is subject to mechanical damage (including from rodents). Making hidden wiring in a wooden house is a problem at all. The best solution is to install wireless light switches, which simplify the installation process of flush wiring and save money.
• To control lighting from multiple locations. There are situations when turning on the light must be done from 2-3 parts of the room. In order not to pull 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 put wireless switches with a remote control.
• If necessary, install additional switches. It happens that after the completion of the repair work, the chosen location is not satisfactory and an additional device is required to control the light. Installing a wireless switch solves the problem.
• To turn on / off the light at long distances. How to be in a situation where turning on and off the lamp must be done from another room or even from the street? Pulling wire to install an additional switch is expensive and unsafe, and the capabilities of the new technology avoid such problems. The peculiarity of the radio switches is a large operating range – up to 350 m (depending on the model). Management 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 mounting the 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. With the next repair in an apartment or house, I want to make some innovations in the design, 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.

Varieties

Wireless switches do not differ in variety, but there is still a certain choice.

They are classified according to three main features:

• By type of management;
• If possible, adjust 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 that keeps the lamp 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 switch on several products at the same time.
• Touch. To turn on / off the lighting, just touch the panel.
• Wireless (with the ability to control over a Wi-Fi network) or radio-controlled.

The device 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 Wi-Fi access, 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 appropriate dimensions are available). If we are talking about a spotlight, the installation is carried out in a junction box or in a cavity between the main ceiling and the stretch fabric.
• Transmitter (switch). This device includes a small generator that generates electricity when you press the remote control button, touch the switch, or send a signal from your phone (when controlled via Wi-Fi). The electrical impulse is converted into a radio signal that is picked up by the receiver. The transmitter can be installed directly into the wall. In this case, no wires need to be connected to it, because the 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 transitional switch is made that allows you to control the lighting from different points and not look for the remote control.

Electrical wiring is required only for the lamp and power supply to the receiver of the product. As noted above, the signal is transmitted using an infrared pulse or radio waves.

The second control option is more preferable, because control is possible at a great distance and even from another room.

Installation of the product is carried out according to a simple scheme, for the implementation of which you do not need to have deep knowledge in the field of electrical engineering.

The old switch can be left as an additional on / off source when the battery in the control panel is low.

Light control is done in the following ways:

• By touching a special touch panel;
• By pressing a mechanical button;
• Sending a signal from the remote control or phone.

With remote control from the remote control, the signal is transmitted at radio frequencies, which eliminates the presence of interference and increases the reliability of the device.

Walls, furniture and other elements of the interior will not interfere with the command to turn on or off the light source.

Using the remote control, you can simultaneously control a group of wireless switches (up to 8 pieces). Thanks to this, you can not walk around the apartment or house to turn off the light somewhere in the toilet or bathroom.

The range of the remote control depends on many factors – the model of the product, the design features of the building, the materials used in the manufacture of partitions.

Most often, the signal is transmitted at a distance of twenty to twenty-five meters. The transmitter is powered by batteries.

The disadvantage of the remote control is that it is constantly lost and the lighting has to be controlled manually.

That is why touch-sensitive wireless switches that respond to a normal touch and are used in Smart Home systems are gaining more and more popularity.

Some radio switches can not only turn the lamp on and off, but also adjust the level of illumination. In this case, the circuit is supplemented by another element – a dimmer.

The regulation process is carried out using a wireless switch. To change the light level, press and hold your finger on a button or key.

Advantages and disadvantages of wireless switches

Despite the 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, it is not required to gouge the walls and lay a separate “branch” of electrical wiring.
• The ability 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. At the same time, walls or pieces of furniture are not an obstacle.
• Safety for adults and children. Even accidental damage to the structure does not pose health risks. The operating current in wireless remote switches is minimal and not hazardous to health.

Cons:

• The cost of such products is higher than the classic “wired” switches. Conservatives and conservatives prefer familiar products.
• Inability to control due to low battery in the remote control or inability to control due to poor Wi-Fi connection.

Features and principle of operation of the remote light switch

Let’s take a closer look at the wireless control system. It includes a set of equipment that is used to control the level of illumination in an apartment or house.

For control, not a standard switch is used, but a special remote control or telephone (this was partially mentioned above).

The control panel (depending on the model) can be designed for a different number of channels. It can act on one or a whole group of lamps (up to several dozen).

In the most advanced systems, switching on is done using a motion sensor that signals the need to turn on the light if a person approaches the controlled area.

If you set up the motion sensor correctly, it will only respond to a person.

The remote switch is based on a radio transmitter. It is he who transmits the on / off signal to the lighting devices.

The range, as noted above, in most devices is up to 30 meters. But on sale you can find models that can transmit a signal at a distance of up to 300 meters.

The radio transmitter receives a signal from the remote control, and then transmits it to the light sources. The remote control, as a rule, has two channels, but there are also eight-channel models.

The control can also be carried out using a switch in which the transmitter is built.

Radar is often included with a wireless remote device. It is used to connect the remote control and sockets. It can be controlled via mobile phone. Such devices are called GSM-switches.

Management can be done in one of the following ways:

• On call;
• By sending an SMS message.

Features to look out for when choosing

When buying a wireless remote switch, you should pay attention to the following parameters:

• The type of light bulbs that the device controls;
• Material, color and appearance of the case;
• Working voltage;
• Number of channels;
• Radius actions;
• Maximum load;
• Dimensions;
• Rated current;
• Equipment.

You should also pay attention to the following criteria:

• Operating frequency range;
• signal transmission method;
• The presence of an encoding;
• Transmitter power type;
• Estimated battery replacement time;
• fastening method;
• Working temperature range;
• Price.

What does the market offer?

A wide range of wireless remote switches allows you to choose a product based on price, features and appearance.

Below we consider only a few models that the market offers:

• Fenon TM-75 is a remote-controlled switch made of plastic and rated for 220 V. The features of the device include the presence of two channels, a 30-meter range, a remote control and a delayed turn-on function. Each channel can be connected to a group of lighting fixtures and controlled. The Fenon TM-75 wireless switch can be used with chandeliers, spotlights, LED and track lights, as well as other devices powered by 220 volts.
• Inted 220V is a wireless radio switch designed for wall mounting. It has one key and is installed in combination 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 mounted 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 the 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 the radio switch, you can control the equipment, turn on and off the light or alarm. The product is based on a receiver and a transmitter. The latter has the form of a key fob, which has a small size and transmits a signal at a distance of up to 100 m. The body of the product is not protected from moisture, so additional protection must be provided for outdoor installation.
• Wireless touch switch controlled via remote control. The product is wall-mounted, small in size and made of tempered glass and PVC. The operating voltage is from 110 to 220V, and the rated power is up to 300W. The package includes a switch, remote control and bolts for attaching the accessory. The average life cycle is 1000 clicks.
• Inted 220V for 2 receivers – wireless light switch for wall mounting. Management is made by means of 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. Management is carried out using a mobile phone on the Android operating system. To work, you need to install the BAS application. Model SH-74 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. 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 various types of light source. A big plus of the model is the presence of a delay equal to 10 to 60 seconds.
• The Smartbuy 3-channel 220V wireless switch is designed to connect light sources to three channels with a power limit of up to 280 W. The rated supply voltage is 220 V. The control is carried out from the remote control, which has a range of 30 meters.
• Z-Wave CH-408 is a wall-mounted radio switch that allows you to program various lighting control scenarios. If necessary, up to eight switches can be connected to it. Of 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, when they are discharged, a corresponding signal is given. The firmware is updated 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 is connected 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, to each of which you can connect your own group of lighting fixtures. Management in this case will be carried out separately, using the remote control. The maximum power reserve is up to 1 kW, which allows you to connect lamps of various types (including incandescent ones). The operating voltage is 220 V.

How to connect a DIY wireless remote switch

Consider the procedure for connecting a wireless switch using the Zamel RZB-04 as an example.

The following items are included with the model:

• 2-channel radio receiver of small dimensions (type ROP-02);
• 2-channel 4-mode radio switch (type RNK-04);
• Fastening for installation of the product (dowels with self-tapping screws, as well as foamed double-sided tape).

The receiver can operate in five different modes:

• Inclusion. When the key is turned on, one or more lamps are ignited. You can set the inclusion to any of the positions of the keys.
• Shutdown. The principle is similar to that discussed above. The difference is that when you press the key, the light turns off.
• Monostable. In this mode, the light will be on only while the button is pressed. When released, the lamp turns off.
• Bistable. In this case, each press leads to a change in state – switching on and off occurs cyclically.
• Temporary. Here, after pressing the key, the light will burn for a certain time. This option is useful when installing a wireless switch in an entryway, bedroom, or long hallway. At the entrance, you can turn on the light, walk a certain distance (walk to the bed), after which the light will turn off.

To properly connect the receiver, carefully study the diagram. First, apply voltage (connect phase and zero). Only a phase wire is laid to the switch, without zero, therefore its installation is carried out at the place where the lamp (chandelier) is installed.

If there is a monolithic ceiling in which it is impossible to install the receiver, hide the product in the socket. In other cases, the controller is installed at the base of the chandelier, which is considered the most convenient option.

To obtain a phase that will go seamlessly and constantly supply voltage to the receiving device, you need to turn on the switch or connect the wires directly.

The second option is preferred. Before performing this work, it is recommended to turn off the electrical power supply using the machine and check the absence of voltage.

Next, dismantle the old switch, to which one phase and two neutral wires are connected, which go from the keys to the chandelier.

Now you need to make an unbreakable phase, for which the phase is connected to one of the wires heading to the chandelier. To ensure maximum reliability, use VAGO terminal blocks.

When performing work, a wiring diagram for the remote switch should be at hand.

It shows how to connect the device:

• To contact “L” it is necessary to bring a phase wire. At the same time, it is not necessary to pass it through the switch – the product works in a constant mode.
• Connect the neutral conductor, which is taken from the junction box, to the “N” terminal.
• A phase is connected to the “OUT1” contact, which goes to a group or one lamp. Here you need a 0th conductor, which can be taken from the junction box or receiver (terminal N).
• To “OUT2” connect the phase that goes to the second group or one lamp. As in the previous case, zero is taken from the junction box or from the N terminal block of the receiver.
• Connect an impulse switch to “INT1”. The peculiarity is that when pressed, it sends only a short-term signal. After operation, the operating mode of the 1st group of lamps changes. Thanks to this feature, the ROP-02 receiver can be controlled using a remote control or a stationary impulse switch.
• To “INT2” it is required to connect an impulse switch (one or a group). After clicking on it, the mode of operation of the 2nd group will change. The principle here is the same as described above.

Now you need to combine the remote light switch with the receiving device, connect them to each other and decide on the mode of operation. To do this, you first need to supply electricity.

Now select the appropriate switch mode. Most often, the standard option is suitable – when the switch is moved up, it turns on, and down, it turns off.

To program this mode, do the following:

The second button is reprogrammed in a similar way. The difference is that all manipulations will be performed with the second (unprogrammed) key.

Once the work is completed, proceed to mount the product on the wall. To do this, the kit includes adhesive tape with a double-sided sticky base, as well as dowels with self-tapping screws.

The easiest way is to use double-sided tape, because this does not require any tool. In addition, if necessary, you can change the position of the switch.

For ease of use, the double-sided adhesive tape is divided into four small squares, which are glued around the perimeter of the product, you must first remove the protective layer. It remains to put the switch in the chosen place according to the level.

The installation of the wireless remote switch is completed, and you can put a test lamp, and then check the system’s performance.

To do this, switch the key up – the light should light up, and down – go out. When the switch is activated, the indicator lights up.

Wireless remote switches until recently belonged to the category of new and inaccessible technologies. With the growth of production and competition, the price decreases, which makes the purchase affordable for everyone.

The main thing is to carefully approach the choice of product, understand the main parameters and give preference to models from trusted manufacturers.