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

DATE: TUESDAY, June 6, 1995                   TAG: 9506070009
SECTION: EXTRA                    PAGE: 3   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: DAVID BUTLER
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Medium

ADD-ON LIGHT SWITCHES ELIMINATE WIRING HASSLES

Q: I've been looking for a way to convert several light switches in my home to three-way operation. For example, the hall leading to my bedroom only has a switch at one end. I would also like to be able to turn off the lights in my detached workshop from the kitchen. Is there any way short of rewiring my house to make these changes?

A: Yes. You can solve these and other lighting problems with simple add-on light switches. In fact, the hardest part will be to narrow down your choices! Nevertheless, you'll find that all add-on kits have two things in common: They're easy to install and even easier to use.

An add-on kit consists of two components: a remote switch (the transmitter) and a power switching adapter (the receiver). Remote switches come in several configurations. You can opt for a hand-held or keychain remote, a plug-in console, or a surface-mount light switch. The latter resembles a conventional light switch except it attaches to the wall with double-sided tape or small screws.

Likewise, power adapters are available to accommodate a variety of situations. Their purpose is to turn the desired load on or off whenever you activate the remote switch. Plug-in and screw-in adapters make it exceptionally easy to add a remote switch to a lamp, small appliance or overhead light.

In order to convert your hallway light to three-way operation, simply replace the existing switch with a wall switch receiver (a special type of power adapter), then attach a surface-mount switch at the desired location. Installation requires a screwdriver and about 10 minutes. The benefit of a three-way switch is this: Either switch can turn the light off or on, regardless of the status of the other.

If you have a "pull-chain" fixture that isn't wired to a wall switch, you can easily add a switch using what's known as an in-line power adapter. One model is designed to fit above the canopy of a ceiling fan. As with other power adapters, it can be operated from a wireless wall switch or hand-held remote.

Most add-on light switches communicate using radio frequency (RF) signals. Their operating ranges vary from a conservative 50 feet to more than 150 feet - enough to reach your detached workshop. Alternatively, several systems communicate over standard electrical wiring using power line carrier (PLC) technology. For maximum flexibility, one system combines RF with PLC.

Perhaps the most unusual add-on switch is not even wireless. Instead, the remote switch signals the power adapter by reflecting light through an optical fiber. The jacketed filament may be painted to match the wall and is small enough to snake inconspicuously around door, window and baseboard molding. As with RF models, a full complement of power switching adapters is available.

by CNB