detached garage remote lighting: does this product exist?

[Dlint]

Hi all,

I've got a shop about 100 feet from the home that has exterior lighting for the back yard, currently switched from inside the shop. I would like to add a light switch in the house for these as well. I could run some wire underground to a 3-way in the house but the effort is just not worth it.

I'm aware that options like this wireless light switch exist, but I'm wondering if there is something similar that would be compatible with a traditional 3 way light switch. I'd prefer to only have the remote switch in the home and keep a hard-wired traditional switch in the shop (heavier duty, don't have to worry about changing switch battery, common aesthetic, still have means of operating light if battery or receiver has issues). I've searched but all I can come up with are kits where each switch must be the wireless kind.

If such a switch does not exist, my plan B is to use a non-3 way wireless kit like this to control a SPDT relay that would act as a corresponding 3-way switch to the traditional one for the shop. Attached is a picture of the circuit if it helps anybody in the future.

 

[Chuckster in NJ]

How about this?……. I like this because NO batteries or wIfi needed.

3-WAY WIRELESS LIGHT SWITCH KIT – Battery‑Free, Wireless Self‑Powered Remote Switch (1 Receiver + 2 Switches)

This 3-Way Wireless & Battery-Free Light Switch Kit is for remotely controlling 1 light source with 2 wireless switches. Perfect for a large room, stairwell, hallway, basement or garage. The receiver (controller) is pre-linked to the switches, and requires no batteries or WiFi connection.

runlesswire.com

 

[Dlint]

How about this?……. I like this because NO batteries or wIfi needed.

3-WAY WIRELESS LIGHT SWITCH KIT – Battery‑Free, Wireless Self‑Powered Remote Switch (1 Receiver + 2 Switches)

This 3-Way Wireless & Battery-Free Light Switch Kit is for remotely controlling 1 light source with 2 wireless switches. Perfect for a large room, stairwell, hallway, basement or garage. The receiver (controller) is pre-linked to the switches, and requires no batteries or WiFi connection.

runlesswire.com

I like the fact that it uses kinetic switches, but I still would have to use the wireless switch in the shop. And if that breaks I have to fork up another $200 instead of $5 at the local hardware store.

 

[Chuckster in NJ]

I like the fact that it uses kinetic switches, but I still would have to use the wireless switch in the shop. And if that breaks I have to fork up another $200 instead of $5 at the local hardware store.

Still less expensive than having a 100’ trench dug.

BTW! I would have no problem purchasing and installing these wireless switches…….. They have a 5 year warranty.

 

[kbuhagiar]

I like the fact that it uses kinetic switches, but I still would have to use the wireless switch in the shop. And if that breaks I have to fork up another $200 instead of $5 at the local hardware store.

If you're not hung up on the kinetic switch thingie, you can purchase a Leviton Anywhere switch and the companion remote switch for right around $60. I've got five of them, the oldest is around five years old, no problems or failures whatsoever.

My wife likes them because the remote 'companion' switches are identical Decora style.

Amazon.com

 

[dave*99]

If you're not hung up on the kinetic switch thingie, you can purchase a Leviton Anywhere switch and the companion remote switch for right around $60. I've got five of them, the oldest is around five years old, no problems or failures whatsoever.

My wife likes them because the remote 'companion' switches are identical Decora style.

Amazon.com

I have 3 of these sets running for 5 years so far. No problems. But I don’t have the OP’s 100’ separation

 

[imagineer]

I use this: https://www.x10.com/collections/switches to switch the exterior lights at our detached barn. The switch sends a signal through the electrical lines to a receiver, wired to the exterior light circuit in the panel out in the barn. Been using them for years.

 

[The Cobbler]

I use this: https://www.x10.com/collections/switches ....... Been using them for years.

X2
while an old technology, it is fairly reliable & robust... easy & inexpensive , on top of that there's no software to worry about going out of date
the only time I've had any problems is (sometimes) when you're on opposing legs it gets a bit weird, but it is solvable .
they aren't 100% compatible with LED or fluorescent, but there are work arounds for that too

 

[cybrdyke]

Long range switch
Check out the videos for a good explanation.
Good luck,
CD

 

[imagineer]

X2
while an old technology, it is fairly reliable & robust... easy & inexpensive , on top of that there's no software to worry about going out of date
the only time I've had any problems is (sometimes) when you're on opposing legs it gets a bit weird, but it is solvable .
they aren't 100% compatible with LED or fluorescent, but there are work arounds for that too

We have a 4x switch:
#1 activates the LED string lights under an arbor outside the back door.
#2 is LED string lights inside the greenhouse
#3 activates the incandescent exterior lights at the barn.
#4 is LED string lights in the covered chicken run
FWIW, #1, #2 & #4 are these lights (https://www.harborfreight.com/24-ft-led-outdoor-string-lights-black-56869.html).

On occasion, when we press #1, both #1 and #3 turn on. The only one that occasionally misbehaves is #3, and its only when turning #1 on.
When I have the time, I'll check to confirm what leg each of those circuits are fed from the main panel.

 

[Chuckster in NJ]

Plenty of options but……. OP is looking for 3 ways.

 

[ipgenie]

I just use a $20 smart wall switch in the shop. It works like any regular switch when you press it but can be controlled by a phone or smart speaker. It's simple to put another smart switch anywhere and tell the shop switch to turn on and off to match the state of the remote switch.

Mine require an internet connection, but I have one so no big deal.

It's nice to switch the lights off in the shop if someone forgets and leaves them on and I don't notice until I'm about to go to bed.

 

[njk4o5]

good options here saving this thread for future

 

[OzarkMan]

I wired my house with Lutron Caseta dimmers and switches. I put in 3 way control of lighting without any wiring. Google Lutron Caseta. I have an iPad on the hall wall that is used for the house automation, music and cameras. Lutron is on the iPad and phone. Love it. Simple and easy.