Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: TUESDAY, May 24, 1994                   TAG: 9405240052
SECTION: EXTRA                    PAGE: 1   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: David Butler
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Medium

WIRELESS WALL SWITCHES CAN CUT RE-WIRING COSTS

A: Several manufacturers have introduced wireless wall switches that can solve your problem without the hassle and expense of installing new wiring. Since they're mounted using double-sided tape or small screws, you can easily move a switch to another location. Although these inexpensive switches look like a standard light switch, they employ a built-in radio transmitter with a 50- to 100-foot range, which is more than adequate for most homes.

Several types of receiver units are available depending on your specific needs. The situation you described calls for a replacement wall switch receiver. It only takes about 10 minutes and a screwdriver to install. The receiver looks and works just like the original light switch except that it's designed to respond to on/off commands from the remote switch. This configuration is ideal for stairs, hallways or rooms with two or more doors.

Another type of receiver plugs into an AC outlet and can be used to switch a lamp or radio. If you have a ceiling fan or "pull-chain" light fixture that's not wired to a wall switch, you'll need an in-line or ceiling-mounted receiver. One in-line model is rated at 1000 watts, enough to handle a typical outdoor flood-light circuit. With this setup, you could install a bedside switch to light up your yard in case you're suddenly awakened by a noise outside.

If you want to add an extra switch to alight that already has two switch locations (e.g., in along hallway), you'll need to replace the existing switches with three-way power line carrier (PLC) switches. You can then add a special wireless wall switch designed to work with the PLC switches. It comes with a plug-in module that transfers the radio signal onto the power line. The plug-in module also has a switched outlet.

Wireless light switches are very flexible. PLC-based transmitters and receiver modules have a user-selectable code so you can control several modules from the same switch or vice versa. Other wireless products operate on a preset radio frequency (e.g., you choose from several possible frequencies). Most companies package their transmitters and receiver modules in matched pairs as well as separately so you can configure a system to satisfy any situation.

Hand\ held light controllers are also available. A small two-channel key chain transmitter can come in handy when you return home after dark. As you approach your house, you can turn on exterior and entrance lights from the car. One company makes a transmitter capable of controlling up to 16 lights or appliances. Someone who's bedridden could use one to operate a TV or radio, dim the lights and sound a chime in another room - all without special wiring.

If you'd like to receive a list of manufacturers of wireless light switches and remote controls, send $1.50 and a self-addressed stamped envelope to David Butler F-218, in care of the Roanoke Times & World-News, P.O. Box 2491, Roanoke, Va. 24010-2491. This list includes phone numbers and a summary of each company's products.

Q: What is the difference between loop and home run wiring?

A: These terms are used by telephone, security and other low-voltage wiring contractors. Telephone outlets in most homes are wired in a loop. The wire literally loops from one outlet to the next, ending up back at the telephone service entrance. This provides a fall-back in case a wire breaks somewhere in the loop. In contrast, cable television outlets are usually home run. This means that each outlet is connected directly to the cable service entrance. Security system window and door sensors can use either loop or home run wiring, depending on the central panel.