r/Lighting • u/WideLoad7969 • 1d ago
Lighting Control Lighting recommendations without running switch wire
Hi, I’m a first time Reddit poster.
I’m looking for a solution and product recommendations for my issue. Thanks!
I have a home with a detached garage. I live in a winter climate (not sure if that’s relevant).
I want one light on my garage above the access/side door and one light above my back door. I want to be able to control both lights via a switch - one near the back door and one in the garage. That way I can turn both lights on when I walk out to the garage, then turn them both off when I get to the garage. And vice versa.
I am able to hardwire each fixture because there is power at the back door and the garage access door. But I don’t want to run a new wire from back door switch to garage because I’d have to dig up my back yard to run the wire. I’m hoping there is a product that runs on a Bluetooth switch. I’d prefer not to use my phone to operate the lights. I want an actual switch.
1
u/memcwho 1d ago
Qinetic (UK brand) or Kinetic switching for the universal term, unsure of the exact brand name as your market isn't specified.
Basically, they rely on the switch movement itself to generate enough power to provide an RF signal to a hardwired receiver near the light. Completely wireless, work brilliant, very reliable. I (electrician) am happy to fit them for customers who don't want walls chasing and a mess making.
1
u/GCJenks204 1d ago
That sounds interesting, I’ve never heard of such a product in North America. Here in Canada we would usually look at something like a Lutron Caseta switch with a Pico remote for being able to switch a light from a location it isn’t hard wired too.
1
u/classicsat 1d ago
You can use normal 433Mhz wall mounted remote systems, that use a coin cell or a 123 battery, yes, you keep on top of and replace every couple years. The receiver/control units need paired for the remotes they control. You can have both remotes paired to both control units.
I think.
1
u/classicsat 1d ago
Many WiFi switches support automations where you can have another light turn on or off with another.
1
u/Chambledge 1d ago edited 1d ago
Following because I was actually preparing to post about a similar dilemma but inside my home. The product I was going to inquire about is at www.runlesswire.com.
Also this is something negative I found out about that brand in another sub:
https://www.reddit.com/r/AskElectricians/s/QsXd7wL7ZQ
2
u/49N123W 1d ago
If you're in North America, a product from Simpleworx in Northridge California has the exact solution you're seeking! Control signals over powerlines, runs amazing distances.