How to Change Light Switch to Remote Control?

Posted by CaryRS on



A conventional light switch is wired directly into your home's electrical system and light fixtures, allowing you to control your lighting. A RF wireless remote light switch operates similarly but it uses an RF remote control to turn lights on and off.

What is a RF Wireless Remote Light Switch?
A wireless remote light switch is a type of switch that controls lighting fixtures without the need for hard wiring to the physical switch. It consists of a transmitter and a receiver that controls the lights on and off by communicating via wireless radio frequency (RF) signals with a receiver connected to the light fixture. This allows you to remotely control your lights, even from different rooms or locations in your home.

How Far Will a RF Wireless Remote Light Switch Work?
Different wireless remote light switches have working ranges up to 150 feet , 300 feet , 3000 feet , 15000 feet .

Types of RF Wireless Remote Light Switches
RF wireless remote light switches can be divided into dry contact relay switches, DC power output remote switches and AC power output remote control switches according to the output type.

1. Dry Contact Relay Switch
Dry contact reayl switch is a special type of remote control switch with normally open dry contact and normally closed dry contact, with two different output states: Normally Open (NO) and Normally Closed (NC).
Normally Open Dry Contact (NO): In this state, when no remote control signal is received, the switch is disconnected and current cannot pass. When a remote control signal is received, the switch will be turned on and current can pass.
Normally Closed Dry Contact (NC): In contrast to the normally open state, the switch in the normally closed state is turned on when no remote control signal is received, and current can pass. When a remote control signal is received, the switch will be disconnected and current cannot pass.

This type of switch is useful in many applications because they can switch between two states as needed. For example, you may want to control a light to remain on most of the time, but need to turn it off (normally closed) in a specific situation, or vice versa (normally open). It can control both DC and AC lamps.

2. DC Power Output Remote Switch
DC output remote switch remotely controls the opening and closing of a DC circuit through a wireless signal, thereby controlling the working state of the load in the circuit. When you press a button on the remote control, the remote control generates a specific wireless signal. This signal contains an ON or OFF signal. This wireless signal is transmitted and then received by the receiver (switch).The receiver will analyze the wireless signal and control the state of the switch according to the command in the signal. For example, if the command in the signal is "ON", the receiver will open the switch so that current can pass; if the command in the signal is "OFF", the receiver will close the switch so that current cannot pass.

3. AC Power Output Remote Switch
The working principle of an AC Power Output Remote Switch is similar to that of a DC remote switch, but it controls an AC power source. In an AC system, the current changes direction periodically. However, the opening and closing of the switch still control whether the current can flow to the load (for example, a light bulb or motor).

How to Wire a Remote Light Switch?
Here's a step-by-step guide on how to transform your traditional light switch into a remote control.

Step 1: Turn the Power Off
Safety first! Before starting, ensure that the power to the light switch is turned off. You can do this by switching off the circuit breaker linked to the room you're working in.

Step 2: Wire the Switch
Next, you'll need to wire the remote switch. First connect the live power wire (usually black or red) to the input terminal of the remote switch. Then connect the light to the output terminal of the remote switch. Different types of remote switches have different specific wiring methods.

Wireless Remote Switch Circuit Board DiagramHow to Wire a Remote Light Switch

 

Step 3: Install the Receiver
The receiver is the device that communicates with the remote control. It's typically installed in the ceiling or wall cavity, near the light fitting.

Step 4: Paire the Transmitter to the Receiver
Once the receiver is installed and powered on, you'll need need to pair the remote with the receiver. This usually requires pressing a series of buttons on the remote until the signal light on the receiver reacts accordingly, indicating that the remote has been paired with the receiver. Different remote switches pair with remote controls in different ways

Step 5: Test the Remote
Finally, turn the power back on and test the remote control to ensure it's working correctly. If the light can be switched on and off from the remote, you've successfully installed your remote light switch!

By making your home more convenient and energy-efficient with a remote control light switch, you're taking a step towards a smarter home!