Programmable light switch with remote control

The question of how to choose the best light switch/switch becomes more difficult every year, because the offer of even such simple electrical accessories is constantly expanding. Moreover, some of their capabilities a few years ago were completely unthinkable, which did not even occur to us to put into practice. In turn, other solutions were already considered gone forever, but in the meantime they returned and became relevant.

Number of switches

Many can remember a situation where a huge chandelier hangs in the center of the ceiling of a large hall. As a rule, several light bulbs are installed on it, consuming enormous power to illuminate the entire room. However, it does not perform its task effectively enough, since the light is distributed unevenly throughout the room, but is concentrated as much as possible under its source. This problem is solved by mounting several lamps located at an even distance from each other. Moreover, you can enable them separately.

This practice leads to the need to install several or even about a dozen circuit breakers, which is obviously impractical. However, it is possible to replace the single with a double, which has been widely used for many years. Triple switches were the latest to appear and allowed three light sources to be controlled from one box.

They allow you to control electric lighting quite comfortably. However, many people like it when control of this process is as simple as possible (and even better, when shutdown can be done remotely). Actually, manufacturers offer several solutions for this purpose in the form of smart light switches, which will be discussed below.

Switch on the remote control

A smart switch with remote control allows you to conveniently control the operation of individual lighting points. It is important to note that most remote control circuit breakers currently manufactured can also operate electrical outlets. Then most of the electrical network can be controlled from one device (up to several dozen points can be connected to the model). A remote control light switch is also a great energy saver. Technically, a remote light switch can operate via Wi-Fi or directly via a radio channel.

As many surveys show, lights often remain on only because turning them off would require interrupting the current activity. Thanks to remote-controlled light switches, this problem is easily solved.

The disadvantage of these models is the same as the advantage - they are controlled by a remote control. Which, in turn, tends to get lost, and the battery to power it runs out.

Contactless module selection options

Control can be done using a remote control, which for convenience is made in the form of a key fob.
Before purchasing a contactless limit switch, you must pay attention to the following characteristics:

• block type - the external one can be installed in place of the standard device, the internal one is mounted after removing the chandelier;
• layout - the kit includes a remote control, charging, and rarely a battery and holder;
• features of lighting lamps - the devices are compatible with LEDs, halogens and incandescent bulbs;
• operating frequency – ranges from 2.2 to 5 GHz, which determines the quality of signal reception and transmission;
• range of action – budget models operate at a distance of 10 m, luxury models – at a distance from 100 to 350 m;
• power – contactless equipment has a maximum load limit of 1000 W, but you need to select a power unit with a power 20% more than declared;
• number of clicks – the battery runs out after 10-20 touches, the sensor is designed for the number of touches up to 100 thousand;
• current rating – from 6 to 16 A;
• number of channels - modern devices receive signals from 1-8 sources.

Important characteristics are also the case material, the presence of a coding system, the permissible temperature range of use and the method of fastening.

Motion sensor switch

A light switch with a motion sensor is another way to save money, avoid unnecessary movements and equip your smart home. Due to the presence of a sensor, the light turns on automatically when two conditions are met: low light intensity in the room and motion detection.

It is worth noting that for people who keep animals at home, smart switches with non-reactive sensors are suitable. Thanks to special technology, a cat walking at night or an awake dog will not be able to activate the circuit breaker. This is already a modern solution that can be expanded with even more possibilities.

The disadvantage of these devices is hidden in the motion sensor. If it is of relatively poor quality, it may not work and the light will go out at the wrong time.

Delay switch

Such a smart light switch will only turn on if movement in the room lasts, for example, more than 5 seconds. This avoids short runs of light sources when it is not really necessary.

Many of these models provide the ability to adjust the delay time. Therefore, you can always configure the switch according to your requirements. This is important because the functionality of these types of solutions varies depending on the room and individual user expectations.

Switch with timer

These models operate differently than time-delay circuit breakers. In fact, they are a combination of a classic switch and a programmer (today, electronic). These smart home switches allow you to automatically turn on and off the light source at a specified time. This applies, for example, to illuminated building number signs or lamps in the general area of ​​the building.

This type of switch can also be used to switch between day and night lighting, such as those used in shops or service points. Many devices of this type also have a built-in classic surface-mounted light switch. So, in addition to automatic control, you can also start the lighting manually.

Of course, they are rarely used in residential areas. However, they are quite useful for office or industrial premises.

Wi-Fi Controlled Switches

A smart light switch controlled from your phone and supported via Wi-Fi is a continuation of the idea of ​​remote smart switches. At the moment, they are not yet often used, and in their case it is impossible to talk about energy savings due to the constant need to maintain the operation of the wireless module.

Such devices are controlled from a separate application and their main advantages over classic remote controls are that there is no need to keep an additional device on hand. So it’s enough to have your smartphone at hand, which in addition supports the ability to connect an almost unlimited number of light sources (the remote control has a limited number of physical buttons).

In addition, many modern models are equipped with touch buttons to turn the lights on and off. This is what makes them the most popular for smart homes.

Popular manufacturers

There are several modifications of contactless sockets and switches on the Russian market. It is advisable to consider products from popular brands.

Feron

Remote switch Feron TM75 23344
The following models are relevant in apartments and private houses:

• TM-75. Plastic switch with adjustable start delay for a 220 V network. Equipped with 20 channels. Included is a remote control.
• TM72. A remote control is used for control; devices are connected to 2 channels with a capacity of up to 1 kW for different light sources. Operation delay – 10-60 seconds.

Both devices have a coverage range of 30 m.

Inted

Several devices are produced:

• 220V. Single-key player with wall mounting (screws or double-sided tape) with a voltage of 20 V. Operating range - 50 m, amplified by a signal receiving unit. The case is plastic.
• 1-CH. Designed for lamps up to 900 W, controls light and alarm. It is made in the form of a key fob that transmits a signal over 100 m. It quickly fails in damp rooms.

The Inted 220V series also includes a model for two receivers with two channels.

BAS

A series of smart switches from BAS-IP
The inductive switch IP SH-74 has two independent channels. Controlled from a smartphone via a branded application. Compatible with incandescent bulbs up to 500 W and fluorescent lamps 200 W.

Smartbuy

Three-channel device with a power limit of 280 W and voltage of 220 V. Receives and transmits a signal from 30 m.

Z-Wave

8 devices are connected to the radio-controlled gadget. Power comes from two batteries. The maximum operating range is 75 m. The housing is moisture-resistant, with IP30 protection.

Nootechnics

Wireless switch NooLite
The Belarusian brand Nootekhnika nooLite has a line of products with programmable modes. They are activated using a multi-channel RGB controller. There is a dimmer to adjust the light.

The infrared model Sapphire-2503 is available with a dimmer, but is not suitable for energy-saving lamps. The lighting turns off some time after the user leaves the room. Load limit – from 40 to 400 W.

All devices are compact and easy to install.

Features of a smart switch

To understand how profitable it is to install a smart switch, you can consider the features of the model. It cannot be called top-end or budget, and it meets the requirements of the modern user:

• Equipped with a tempered glass touch panel;
• Allows you to turn the light on and off by touch, regardless of the section;
• Voice control via Google Assistant;
• Instead of a remote control, a smartphone app is used;
• A free Tuya Smart application is offered for Android and iOS mobile platforms;
• Has the shape of a standard box;
• Wireless network radius - 40 meters;
• Operating temperature 60 Celsius;
• Operates in 220 V networks, maximum current - 10 A;
• It is easy to install and maintain;
• Supported by Google Home and Amazon Alexa systems.

As for installation, regardless of the model - be it a switch with a remote control, controlled via Wi-Fi or equipped with a motion sensor - the principle remains the same. The device is connected to the electrical wires of the house and securely fixed in the installation location.

Digital Assistants: Compatibility

If you're already using Alexa, Siri, or Google Assistant, check and make sure the smart light switches you're considering are compatible with your favorite digital butler.

Once you've gotten used to barking commands like "Turn off all lights" as you walk out the door, or once your lighting has become fully assimilated into your morning routine, you'll fully appreciate the simple convenience of controlling your lighting using your cell phone or voice activation.

Where can I buy

You can purchase smart switches either in a specialized store or online in an online store. In the second case, the budget option for purchasing products on the Aliexpress website deserves special attention. For some products there is an option for shipment from a warehouse in the Russian Federation; they can be received as quickly as possible; to do this, when ordering, select “Delivery from the Russian Federation”:

Round socket boxes are the main advantage

When installed, the terminals are on top. Comfortable

Today the main character is switches for permanent installation.

After all, it used to be like this: buy an Aqara switch, open yours, try to install it, make sure that it is not installed. And the witchcraft begins.

Someone is trying to cut out the corners of a standard round socket box with a grinder or vibrating saw. Others straighten the edges of the mounting area using a hammer drill.

One way or another, all previous owners of the Aqara Wall Switch series stationary switches were forced to purchase new square “glasses” (devices for installation in the wall), most often on the official website.

The square socket boxes used in Southeast Asia are not found in a regular offline store.

Aqara H1 series switches are designed for installation in ordinary Russian mounting locations and can be installed in a couple of minutes.