Have you ever considered the benefits of a remote light switch? It is unlikely that most homeowners have thought about these devices… until a need arises, such as worsening health or increasing age, or even just plain convenience. Yet, remote light switches can be a handy gadget to have installed and is a definite conversation starter to just about everyone I show.
Practically speaking, remote light switches may be suggested for installation to wheel chair users or people with limited mobility. These light switches would increase the independence of a person who otherwise struggles to get around. They can simply be turned on and off from wherever you are.
One benefit for families with children is if your kids have trouble falling asleep and need a light on to feel comfortable, you can reduce your electricity usage by turning the lights off after they are asleep. A remote control light switch will allow you to do that without getting out of bed yourself, and without disturbing the children and risk waking them up.
The most obvious use as just mentioned, would be using a remote control light switch to turn the lights on or off from bed. Many people still read before they go to sleep. Once settled in and comfortable, having to get up to put out the light can be a real pain. Not to mention that the same situation may occur during the night when one wakes and wishes to know the time without getting out of bed. If you don’t have a clock that lights itself, getting up can disrupt your sleep further.
The wireless remote light switch may operate using an infra-red sensor in the same way as a television remote does or may use radio frequency technology instead. Depending upon the model that you buy and the type of antennae it has inbuilt you may have a range of fifty feet from your remote unit, allowing you to control your lights from anywhere in the house.
A 3 way remote light switch does not need major rewiring work to be done. The wall plate wires in, commonly in the place of a single pole switch. The remote can be carried to anywhere within the range of the remote or for instance be fixed to an armchair, or kept on a table-there is no need to fix it in place.
Many of these units come with more than one channel to choose from so that you can operate more than one remote light switch in a house at the same time without interfering with each other. Alternatively, using a single channel may allow you to operate all lights from one switch, but this will mean that all of your lights come on at the same time.
Remote control technology is always improving and really the only question is whether or not remote control lights would be of use to you. Personally, I have one in my own bedroom to remotely turn on and off a reading lamp that can’t be easily reached without getting up. Call me lazy, but just flicking off the light with a remote control is a great feeling.