Remote control switch for Fluorescent Lighting

[kbuhagiar]

Hello folks,

In my garage I have several fluorescent light fixtures. Each fixture is plugged into a 110V outlet. The only way to switch the fixtures on and off is at the breaker panel.

I would like to control the fixtures using remote control lamp modules such as this:

http://www.lowes.com/pd_357408-6690...mmc=AFF_CJ-_-6147012-_-2470763-_-10935405#img

I only need on-off function, not dimming or other specialized control.
Would these work? Or do I need some sort of specialized module to handle fluorescent lighting?

Thanks in advance for your assistance.

 

[happy2rv]

Details are kind of sketchy on the web. They don't list maximum load or compatibility with LED or fluorescent lights. Some of these types of products have problems with LED and fluorescent lights.

It also looks like a lot of the reviews indicated quality and functional problems.

This one on Amazon indicates it is compatible with both LED and fluorescent lights as well as other types of loads and lists the maximum power ratings as well. It seems to get pretty good reviews.

 

[matt151617]

Why not just add a switch at the first outlet? Assuming you have some Romex lying around, it would cost ~$1.50 for a switch, plastic box, and plate.

 

[kbuhagiar]

Why not just add a switch at the first outlet? Assuming you have some Romex lying around, it would cost ~$1.50 for a switch, plastic box, and plate.

Fair question...

The electrical work is well within my capabilities, but the garage walls and ceiling are completely finished: insulated, drywalled and painted white, so I will not be cutting into the walls. In addition, each fixture has its own breaker at the panel (five different circuits), so that would require five different switches. I could reconfigure each outlet with a duplex device (toggle switch + outlet) but it wouldn't do me much good mounted in the ceiling 9 feet above me. I could install pull switches in each fixture but I can't stand having pull chains dangling all around (especially five of them).

So this is why I am interested in the remote control outlet solution.

 

[happy2rv]

^^^ I'm not sure your estimate takes everything into account. True, a 1 gang box is only about $1 for the box and a cheap switch is only about $0.69. But a switch located 10 (12,14 who knows) feet up on the ceiling isn't very useful either. The OP didn't indicate he was comfortable with electrical work either. So, add in wire to get the switch where you need it, an electrician to run it, a handyman to repair the dry wall the electrician cuts out if there isn't access above and it starts adding up.

I agree the most functional thing would be hardwired switch(es). Most of the RF remotes I've dealt with have had some issues and/or quirks.

 

[matt151617]

I never even considered the garage would be finished...

How about putting all of the lights on one breaker? Wire nuts are allowed in the breaker box, so pigtail one wire off the breaker to go to all the lights. Or put in a box next to the panel, run one wire from one breaker into the box onto a switch, and pigtail out to all the lights. Either of these options would require no drywall finishing, and are still way cheaper and easier than the remotes.

The pull chains isn't a bad idea either- maybe have them only a foot long, and put a d-ring or key ring at the end. Keep a crowbar or pole with a hook around to pull the chain, and that way they'll stay out of the way.

 

[bochnak]

I have a single one of these:

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00DQELHBS/?tag=atomicindus08-20

I use it to turn my heater on when in the comfort of my house

 

[stang2007]

I have this one . i had the same setup as you lots of fluorescent fixtures plugged in, no good way to switch them on and off.

my setup works well for me. the range on the remote is limited but i have the remote in the garage so range is not a issue for me.

 

[kbuhagiar]

I never even considered the garage would be finished...

How about putting all of the lights on one breaker? Wire nuts are allowed in the breaker box, so pigtail one wire off the breaker to go to all the lights. Or put in a box next to the panel, run one wire from one breaker into the box onto a switch, and pigtail out to all the lights. Either of these options would require no drywall finishing, and are still way cheaper and easier than the remotes.

The pull chains isn't a bad idea either- maybe have them only a foot long, and put a d-ring or key ring at the end. Keep a crowbar or pole with a hook around to pull the chain, and that way they'll stay out of the way.

Hello matt151617,

I appreciate the comments, thanks, it keeps me thinking...

Your suggestion has merit; unfortunately the fixture circuits also have 3 or 4 regular wall outlets each on them. So I would still be turning the wall outlets off, which would defeat my purpose of being able to keep all of the wall outlets hot in the garage all the time while having the capacity to switch individual light fixtures on and off.
I have no idea what the previous owner was thinking when the electrical was completed...the garage is finished very well, and it has a dedicated 100-amp service, and he used some killer 8-bulb T-8 fixtures, which provide INCREDIBLE illumination, but made no provision for individually controlling each fixture.
I went ahead and purchased two of these:

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B003ZTWYXY/?tag=atomicindus08-20

I put them in service and they work GREAT. I finally have control over my lights.