Trading in your traditional light switches for remote lighting control switches may be easier than you think, but how exactly do they work? Some light switches work off radio frequencies and infrared technologies while others depend on Wi-Fi or Bluetooth.
There are several products to make turning your lights on and off a breeze, find out how these switches work and what would work best in your home!
Types of Remote Lighting Controls
IR Switches
This type of remote lighting control uses the same technology as your TV remote – infrared technology. If you are big on DIY projects, you can turn that TV remote into a wireless remote to control your lights.
When you purchase this light switch, it comes with a built-in IR receiver that is accompanied by a small remote. Just replace the old light switch with the new one, and you’re ready to go. The only negative to this switch is that any physical obstacle will stop the IR signal. Just like your TV remote, you will need a clear path from the switch to the remote for the lights to work.
IR light switches make the most sense if they are located in a convenient location, so you would be able to turn your lights on and off without ever leaving the couch.
RF Switches
These switches work with a transmitter via radio frequency. The transmitter is a small wireless remote powered by batteries. It would be best if you also wired a receiver to the junction box of your light switch. You can use this switch without changing your light bulbs.
The only downside is that you have to rely on radio frequency to operate your switch, and it only works within a 150-foot radius. Also, some brands use a switch that communicates with your bulb via a radio frequency so you can use the remote to control your lights or your light switch.
Bluetooth Switches
For Bluetooth switches, you need to install a light switch or a light bulb that has a built-in Bluetooth module. The Bluetooth feature will allow you to control your lights through your Smartphone.
You can turn any light into a smart light by installing a Bluetooth module. Controlling your lights with your Smartphone is convenient. You never have to worry about losing the remote, and the apps you use come with different features that will allow you to control the brightness and color of your lights – the app is like a dimmer switch in the palm of your hand.
Installing Bluetooth switches is easy since you don’t need to change your current wiring. You can also switch your traditional light bulbs for Bluetooth light bulbs.
Wi-Fi Switches
Wi-Fi switches are almost identical to Bluetooth switches except that your light bulb or switch is connected to a Wi-Fi network. If you have a home automation system, you could connect your smart light switches or smart bulbs to your system’s hub and control your lights with your phone or smart speaker.
You don’t have to have a home automation system to use Wi-Fi switches, some devices connect directly to your phone so you can control your lights through an app. This type of remote lighting control switch will help reduce your energy bills. One plus is your home automation hub can automatically monitor your lights even when no one is home to help reduce your energy usage.
Work with the Lighting Experts
The experts at Nevada Sales Agency know the best solutions for installing remote lighting controls. See what we do to see how we can help you with your next lighting project. Contact us if you have any questions or to get started on your next project.
