Wireless switch for porch light

[dfiler2]

I've done some searching but have not been able to find a solution. My better half wants to be able to turn on the porch light and have that light send a signal to turn on a couple of lights on the patio. There is no easy way to run wire to these patio lights so I would like to do it wirelessly.

Anyone ever do something like this or have any ideas?

 

[Meursault74]

Maybe you can rig up something with this.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00R7Q7PT4/?tag=atomicindus08-20

I've used this, and another similar device to turn on lights and a garage door opener connected to an outlet.

You'll probably have to splice in somewhere, and I'm sure that's not code........... but may work.


edit:

take a look at this one

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09NC2837Y/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[mrVanagon]

Philips Hue bulbs are an easy way to do remote control.

 

[dfiler2]

Thanks, I did think about something like this and I could mount the switch in the closet but she is hoping it can be done when the porch light is energized.

 

[dfiler2]

I will check out the Phillips bulbs and see if there is a way to do what I want, thanks!

 

[kbuhagiar]

I've done some searching but have not been able to find a solution. My better half wants to be able to turn on the porch light and have that light send a signal to turn on a couple of lights on the patio. There is no easy way to run wire to these patio lights so I would like to do it wirelessly.

Anyone ever do something like this or have any ideas?

If you have a cell phone, you could purchase Leviton (or other brand) wireless switches, install their app on your phone and control them from the phone. If you place all of the locations in one group in the app, you can switch them all on or off at the same time.

 

[BillK]

Where is the power source for the patio lights ? High voltage or low ?

 

[dfiler2]

Power source right now is 120v but that could be changed.

 

[Zeke]

If you have a cell phone, you could purchase Leviton (or other brand) wireless switches, install their app on your phone and control them from the phone. If you place all of the locations in one group in the app, you can switch them all on or off at the same time.

Would take me a minute.

 

[dfiler2]

It doesn't appear that what I am looking for exists, I will probably just use a wireless switch inside the closet.

Thanks to all.

 

[inphx]

As mentioned. if those have a normal wall plate power switch, replacing one or more switches with the leviton Casita lets you join them in the associated app ina "scene" or they can still work individually.

 

[dfiler2]

Got it, thanks, that may work just the way I want it to.

 

[dogdog]

all WIFI switch requires neutral at the switch. if you don't have it, then you might have to settle for the wifi Bulb instead.

Costco have cheapest wifi Feit switches especially when it is on sale.
WeMo is defunct and *****.

dunno too much about the other brand other than requires neutral at the switch.

So... check and make sure you have that.

 

[dfiler2]

The porch was added last year so there are neutrals at the switches.

 

[supratreo]

i just got done installing one of these for the lights on my deck. pretty happy with it.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0814R5PSX/?tag=atomicindus08-20

WIFI bulbs are another good idea unless you need a physical switch.

actually, i just reread your post. the wireless switch might be a good option. you might be able to get multiple receivers and install them on all the lights you want and program them to one switch. there a company that makes a setup using a Decora switch too.

 

[dfiler2]

Thanks, that is what I am going to look for, I can change the porch light and patio lights to smart bulbs then try to connect them all to a wireless switch.

 

[dave*99]

I have a number of products from the Leviton line. It will do everything you mentioned. My front porch lights are on the smart switch. I can use the wall switch, of the app on my phone and also program the lights. Right now they turn on at dusk and off at 1 AM.

You can group lights into a scene.

I used their wireless switch to get 3 way functionality on a back porch light that would have been difficult to hardwire as a 3 way.

Smart Home Solutions | Smart Switches, Smart Plugs and More | Decora Smart ®

Leviton's Decora Smart ® Smart switches, smart plugs, smart dimmers and more will help to make lighting your home more convenient.

www.leviton.com

 

[dogdog]

Thanks, that is what I am going to look for, I can change the porch light and patio lights to smart bulbs then try to connect them all to a wireless switch.

It's one or the other, you don't need wifi bulb for wifi switch .... unless you are trying to do some funky things with IFFFFT.

 

[dfiler2]

Okay, but I can't make the patio lights come on when I turn on the porch light without there being some sort of receiver out at the patio lights.

 

[dogdog]

if it is me... I would just change all the switches to be wifi controlled. and either group them in the app so they are in one spot to be turn on/off or set up rule base dependency ( you can look up IFTTT things or Siri or Google muffins / what ever that google thing is called.

So dependents how your house wiring goes. just keep in mind that

A switch controls one or more lights/devices..
A wifi bulb is individually controlled.

for my house I have hallway/backyard / driveway lights. The hallway have its own wifi switch the backyard/driveway on on the same switch and wifi controlled. They are both set as timers and on motion sensing, no dust to dawn LEDs. both switches are set a different on/off times. But I can set them to be on/off timed the same schedule. just as an example off cause. I almost never change their timing maybe winter and summer times since they are daylight differently.

 

[dfiler2]

So I planned on using a smart switch to control the porch light and have the patio lights come on at the same time, I need something at the patio lights to tell them to come on.

 

[nadogail]

I like Photo Cells.

 

[jmiller_2308]

If you can handle the technology then going with a smart home setup that uses google assistant or Alexa would solve your issue as well as give you lots of additional opportunities.

I use google assistant and have created a number of scenes to make life easier. In addition to just being able to turn on/off lighting you can also have things turn on/off based off set times of even time from sunset/sunrise. You can have things automatically turn off after a certain time, have things turn on/off based on various events, timed, etc.

There is a chance that technology will change and require changes but the recently adopted Matter interfaces makes me believe that there will be greater interoperability with more and more manufactures in the coming years.

 

[BillK]

Is there a switch for the patio lights now ? Where is it located ?

 

[dfiler2]

No switch for the patio lights currently, they just get plugged in when needed.

 

[BillK]

No switch for the patio lights currently, they just get plugged in when needed.

Then how about something like this ? You could mount the switch part on the wall with double faced tape next to the porch light switch.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07HRD1GXP/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[Skooterj]

Get a Google home speaker, some smart bulbs and everything is voice activated. Or a smart outlet for the patio lights.

 

[skeer]

Philips Hue bulbs are an easy way to do remote control.

And the cheaper, but still as good, Philips Wiz bulbs. Recently they introduced a presence feature. Two or more bulbs near each other detect variations in wireless signals and determine a person is present so they’ll turn on.

 

[dave*99]

No switch for the patio lights currently, they just get plugged in when needed.

Leviton makes a smart receptacle that can be grouped with a smart switch for the porch lights and both will turn off and on together.

 

[dfiler2]

Thanks, thats where i was headed until someone posted that i didnt need both. Pretty sure im on the right path, thanks again.

 

[2Fast]

I bought a 'smart' light that Costco was selling, it was made by Atomi. The light just gets wired up as you would a normal light, but it is controlled by WiFi. They include a 'bridge' that connects to your WiFi and the light. You can set up a schedule to turn the light on and off automatically, change colors, etc. It has really worked out well and throws a lot more light than our old front door light

Shop Smart Products - Let Your Devices Work For You | Atomi Smart

At Atomi Smart, We know everyone likes things a little different. Therefore, we have carefully curated the right smart products that you need

atomismart.com

 

[Metal-Marc]

Another vote for Philips Hue.

 

[dogdog]

Thanks, thats where i was headed until someone posted that i didnt need both. Pretty sure im on the right path, thanks again.

you know they have wifi plugs for indoor and wifi plugs for outdoor for those that doesn't have a light switch. as well, the key is to make sure you have wifi coverage, and from the same brand so you can use the same app, unless you know how to flash the firmware from a different company. and still you don't need both wifi bulb and wifi switch, "on the same circuit" I have the FEIT brand, from costco. all indoor plugs, outdoor plugs and N-way switches. other than the grand father Wemo.

 

[blue-5]

Lutron casetta switches will do what you want but i think you may need an extra switch. The wireless pico switch can be assigned to multiple devices and it can mount in a switch box. I have one i use to turn on my back yard lighting which all uses different switches.

 

[dfiler2]

you know they have wifi plugs for indoor and wifi plugs for outdoor for those that doesn't have a light switch. as well, the key is to make sure you have wifi coverage, and from the same brand so you can use the same app, unless you know how to flash the firmware from a different company. and still you don't need both wifi bulb and wifi switch, "on the same circuit" I have the FEIT brand, from costco. all indoor plugs, outdoor plugs and N-way switches. other than the grand father Wemo.

Thanks dogdog, I have several wifi plugs now that I have had setup for a few years. It might make sense to rob one of those and then see if I can get it to connect to one of those Lutron switches. From what I've read the Lutron Casetta can operate and be wired as a standard switch so as long as I can get the patio light plugs to connect to it I should have what I want.

 

[dogdog]

if they are different brand, then it will dependents.. you might be able to use IFTTT.. I have never used it. the FEIT app have grouping functions. Wemo have just basic timer scheduling, both are supposedly support IFTTT or alexia or siri or google...

in your situation, that is if both supports it. otherwise you will have to find something from Lutron to integrate... it is easier if you have all of the device from same brand.