Looking for a remoted-controlled light switch

[FTG-05]

I'm looking for two remote controlled light switches. The current switches are in my garage and control the LED lights over my garage door and garage side. When someone drives up my driveway at night, I'd like to be able to turn on these two switches from my front porch, about 45 feet away.

I'm not looking for wifi or phone app ****; under normal circumstances, I can't find my phone anyways. Just a small remote switch I could hit as I go to the front porch. Motion activated won't work, since I want the lights to go on while they're still 1/8-1/4 mile away from the house (I want them to know I know they're coming).

We don't get many night-time visitor's; it's disconcerting when it happens. Running from one end of the house ***** and takes away from prepping.

Whatcha got?

Thanks,

 

[thickhead]

Lutron Caseta Pico might work well for you.

 

[logical]

Do you have attic or other access to add 3 way switches remotely. Few other things will be as reliable.

Sent from my SM-T830 using Tapatalk

 

[mike93lx]

I had a remote control lutron dimmer for a long time that worked really well, but I only ever used it in my living room, so no idea on how well it will do at 45 feet.

 

[HenryAZ]

I installed the Lutron Maestro remote controlled switch about 10 years ago. It uses a simple RF remote with on/off function only. I currently have two remotes, but it supports more. The switch does require a neutral, which you may not find inside the box of the switch you are replacing. The Lutron web page covering these types of switches is a bit confusing. I don't recall if it came with one remote, or if that had to be ordered separately.

The Caseta Pico mentioned above also looks interesting, as it is more up-to-date and integrates with things like Homekit. But it has a dimmer function, not sure if it does simple on/off. Researching the switches on the Lutron site is daunting.

I love the remote on my bedside table. When done reading and ready to go to sleep, I don't have to get up to turn off the lights.

 

[FTG-05]

I installed the Lutron Maestro remote controlled switch about 10 years ago. It uses a simple RF remote with on/off function only. I currently have two remotes, but it supports more. The switch does require a neutral, which you may not find inside the box of the switch you are replacing. The Lutron web page covering these types of switches is a bit confusing. I don't recall if it came with one remote, or if that had to be ordered separately.

The Caseta Pico mentioned above also looks interesting, as it is more up-to-date and integrates with things like Homekit. But it has a dimmer function, not sure if it does simple on/off. Researching the switches on the Lutron site is daunting.

I love the remote on my bedside table. When done reading and ready to go to sleep, I don't have to get up to turn off the lights.

$124 plus $20 is a bit more than I hoped to pay, but it still may be worth it. I don't need nor want all the dimming/smart phone/alexa ****; just a remote controlled switch.

 

[CJ7VFR]

What about something like shown below? It is less than $11 bucks and comes with a remote. And it says it can reach up to 66 feet.

I have something similar, but it uses one of the buttons on a regular garage remote to turn it on and off. There are even versions that instead of being a light socket, it's a receptacle that you can also use one of the buttons on the garage remote to turn things plugged into it on and off.

Jim

 

[FTG-05]

What about something like shown below? It is less than $11 bucks and comes with a remote. And it says it can reach up to 66 feet.

I have something similar, but it uses one of the buttons on a regular garage remote to turn it on and off. There are even versions that instead of being a light socket, it's a receptacle that you can also use one of the buttons on the garage remote to turn things plugged into it on and off.

Jim

The current lights are standard outdoor-type LED lights. Neither one uses a light socket.

ETA: LED lights

 

[CJ7VFR]

The current lights are standard outdoor-type lights. Neither one uses a light socket.

What type/brand of fixtures are they? Other than the new LED light fixtures with built in/non replaceable bulbs, I don't think I have ever seen an outdoor light fixture that did not have sockets for screwing in the bulbs.

Can you post what you have so we can see what you are talking about?

Jim

 

[Denwood]

If you want simple, grab a few of these: https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B07XLF6QHV/?tag=atomicindus04-20

No wiring, just a motion sensor and the lights. It uses a 3 Volt (apparently replaceable) set of cells. We have about eight of these on the property and they definitely highlight anything moving as they only stay on for 20-30 seconds if motion has stopped. The older ones are 2-3 years old and have been reliable even in -35C conditions.

We have a fully automated house and shop, but I like these outside lights for simplicity and reliability given that they install anywhere with zero wire and charge themselves during the day.

 

[Copymutt]

Same here w/ driveway wall and post lights. Think I got this at either WM or HD.
About $20.00. I keep the remote in a closet in the mudroom. Says it’ll handle 1500 watts. Model KB-200BW, Kintron SDN.BHD. Ten yrs out of it so far.

 

[FTG-05]

What type/brand of fixtures are they? Other than the new LED light fixtures with built in/non replaceable bulbs, I don't think I have ever seen an outdoor light fixture that did not have sockets for screwing in the bulbs.

Can you post what you have so we can see what you are talking about?

Jim

I *think* this is the one over the garage: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B074MP3JF6/?tag=atomicindus08-20

I'm not really interested in replacing the lights, I just want a remotely controlled switch.

 

[Jsf721]

Leviton WiFi

 

[HenryAZ]

$124 plus $20 is a bit more than I hoped to pay, but it still may be worth it. I don't need nor want all the dimming/smart phone/alexa ****; just a remote controlled switch.

This remote control switch, from Lutron's Caseta line, looks like it might work for you. On/Off and comes with one remote. And it is a good bit cheaper than the Maestro linked above. I have not used this one, so best to research it some before buying.

 

[CJ7VFR]

I *think* this is the one over the garage: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B074MP3JF6/?tag=atomicindus08-20

I'm not really interested in replacing the lights, I just want a remotely controlled switch.

Ok, I got it. Those are similar to the ones people put on their deck posts and fences.

Jim

 

[FTG-05]

This remote control switch, from Lutron's Caseta line, looks like it might work for you. On/Off and comes with one remote. And it is a good bit cheaper than the Maestro linked above. I have not used this one, so best to research it some before buying.

Thanks, that should work!

 

[HenryAZ]

Disregard.

 

[Zippercat]

This replacement switch allows you to add wireless three way switches. Says has a 500 ft range, and you can add 1 or more remotes. Remote switches can be surface mounted or added in a single or multiple gang box.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0052ROEB2/?tag=atomicindus08-20

Edit:

I used this to add a 3 way switch to a hallway light. Put the new location switch in a 2 gang box. As one of the Amazon reviews notes, to fit in a multi-gang box you have to trim width of the remote switch with a utility knife-simple, 3 minute job. Works fine for me.

 

[Paycheck]

How about motion detectors instead?

 

[CJ7VFR]

Thanks, that should work!

The one he has shown requires a separate smart home hub in order to control it. You would have to buy the hub, which isn't cheap, and install that before you could use the switch and remote.

You said you did not want WIFI, so a hub is a similar type of wireless control, and they cost anywhere from $60 on up. You would have to buy this along with the switch to operate it.

Hubs are not bad things, and once installed they give you anther option to run things wirelessly versus using your WiFi.

Jim

 

[FTG-05]

How about motion detectors instead?

I want to be able turn the lights when they get to my gate, which is about an 1/8 mile or so away.