Longer distance wireless light switch

[RobA]

Does anyone know of a longer-range wireless light switch? I would like to be able to turn on exterior barn lights about 400 feet from my house. Running a wire is not an option and a motion detector is not practical.

 

[Depmandog]

http://www.rfcontrolsystem.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=361&products_id=1189

I did a quick google search and found several products that should work for you. The one above shows a theoretical range of 500 meters. This site has several to choose from.

On another site, found one with a 5 mile range. Big bucks I am sure!

I have a remote that I use to start my dust collector in my shop, no clue of the range, but sure is handy!!. It's a 220/240 controller.

Hope this helps!!

 

[JohninCT]

If your barn is wired from the house then you should look into X10 controls. We use them for all of our barn electrical stuff and it works great, not expensive, and easy to install.

http://www.x10.com/automation/index.html#

 

[jejeosborne]

If your barn is wired from the house then you should look into X10 controls. We use them for all of our barn electrical stuff and it works great, not expensive, and easy to install.

http://www.x10.com/automation/index.html#

X2 on the x10
I have many items controlled by x10 and it can be addicting.

 

[meburdick]

If your barn is wired from the house then you should look into X10 controls. We use them for all of our barn electrical stuff and it works great, not expensive, and easy to install.

X10 - Home Automation - Software, Remotes, Modules, Motion-Sensors, Switches, and more...

If your barn is wired from your house, put a switch in the wiring inside the house.

 

[boggen]

x10 is garbage! cheap cheap stuff. do a google search for "home automation" to find some other brands, that normally is better built.

i have tired x10 .com and most of the stuff did not make it past 1 year. or shortly after 30 to 90 day warranty. it was not just one or another, it was all of it, remote control, sensors, seals, computer to wall jack, outlets, and lights.

 

[JDgreen227]

Back in 1989 I purchased a Stanley Lightmaker garage door opener and it had several optional accessories that could be added and the entire system was based on the X10 control. What I especially liked was the ability to turn on lights from my door opener remote, but I don't know about the actual range.

 

[radioman]

I have x10 stuff, and I dont like them. Only x10 I am using is the outdoor camera and even that is not great.
If his barn is wired properly then it has a subpanel so most likely the x10 will not work.
Just food for thought- trying to do a wireless switch over 100 ft means going over 100 bucks. just a simple long range wireless google search will confirm this.

 

[aczlan]

I have used X10 stuff and other than their "socket rockets" not liking being in enclosed fixtures with light bulbs, they have done well.
I used to work for a hotel that had enclosed wall sconces on both sides of the hall every 10 feet and we put in X10 motion detectors, socket rockets and receivers back in 2009 and while most of the socket rockets have been replaced every other year, they like them.

Aaron Z

 

[RobA]

There is a sub panel in the barn. I requested info from the website Depmandog put in his post.

 

[MossRoad]

I've been controlling my pool pump from my house running off of a sub panel in my garage for many years with an X10 20amp outlet. Remote lighting, too. You can get an X10 lightswitch and an X10 controller for under $30.00 and give it a try. If it works, great. If not, its a cheap experiment. If you then really like it, look into better quality stuff. But for quick and dirty, X10 works for very little investment.

 

[JohninCT]

If your barn is wired from your house, put a switch in the wiring inside the house.

Yeah I suppose you could switch the entire subpanel from the house. I wouldn't.

 

[JohninCT]

I've been controlling my pool pump from my house running off of a sub panel in my garage for many years with an X10 20amp outlet. Remote lighting, too. You can get an X10 lightswitch and an X10 controller for under $30.00 and give it a try. If it works, great. If not, its a cheap experiment. If you then really like it, look into better quality stuff. But for quick and dirty, X10 works for very little investment.

I agree. My barn has a subpanel and all the X10 outlets and switches work fine. There are probably higher end home automation systems out there, but if all you're talking about is turning on and off some barn lights, then what Moss says is right.

 

[jejeosborne]

My barn had 400 amp service and is located about 150 feet from my house. The house has a 200 amp feed from the barn (barn has meter). Sub panel doesn't affect the x-10 signal. My x10 components are over 10 years old and have not had a failed switch yet. I have about 15 items inter control and use these switches daily. Only issue with x10 is that some need a signal bridge to jump the signal to the opposite phase on larger homes. I had to put one in on our existing home. As mentioned, for $30 give it a try and if it doesn't fill your need, sell it on eBay for $25.

 

[rekees4300]

I agree. My barn has a subpanel and all the X10 outlets and switches work fine.

Ditto that. My shed (200 feet from house) has a separate meter than the house. So the X10 signal has to go from the house switch, thru the house subpanel, thru electric company's transformer, thru shed subpanel, then to the shed switch. Setup has worked flawlessly for 12 years.

 

[meburdick]

Yeah I suppose you could switch the entire subpanel from the house. I wouldn't.

Agreed... I was thinking it might be just a single circuit. Afterward, I had thought about the sub-panel possibility and realized it wouldn't work.

The garage door opener idea is a good one to explore if there's an opener there. Alternatively, what about something like this: Amazon.com: Outdoor Wireless Remote Control Power Outlet Switch: Home Improvement

Would that work? Range might be too short...

Alternatively - What about something like this? Remote Control Outlet from Insteon | The Home Depot - Model 2473SWH

 

[EarPlug]

Does anyone know of a longer-range wireless light switch? I would like to be able to turn on exterior barn lights about 400 feet from my house. Running a wire is not an option and a motion detector is not practical.

When you set it up make it a 3-way circuit. That way you can turn the lights on/off either at the house or barn.

An alternative to X10 is INSTEON SwitchLinc On/Off - INSTEON Remote Control Switch (Dual-Band), White - Smarthome

 

[MossRoad]

Ditto that. My shed (200 feet from house) has a separate meter than the house. So the X10 signal has to go from the house switch, thru the house subpanel, thru electric company's transformer, thru shed subpanel, then to the shed switch. Setup has worked flawlessly for 12 years.

Now that surprises me it works. Perhaps both buildings are on the same transformer. I doubt it would work if they weren't.

 

[MossRoad]

OK, here's the skinny.

Go to X10 and order the mini controller for 12.99 SKU MC10A-CAT-HM

Mini Controller
SKU#: MC10A-CAT-HM $12.99

Wall Switch Module
SKU#: WS467A $19.99

Total is 32.98

It will handle 500 watt incandescent lights.
If you have flourescent lights, you can't use that wall switch. You have to use an appliance module instead. Those are also 20.00. SKU#: AM466

 

[jejeosborne]

OK, here's the skinny.

Go to X10 and order the mini controller for 12.99 SKU MC10A-CAT-HM

Mini Controller
SKU#: MC10A-CAT-HM $12.99

Wall Switch Module
SKU#: WS467A $19.99

Total is 32.98

It will handle 500 watt incandescent lights.
If you have flourescent lights, you can't use that wall switch. You have to use an appliance module instead. Those are also 20.00. SKU#: AM466

I would suggest ws13a wall switch for fluorescent lighting without dimming capability. I also like to use the tm751a transceiver so wireless remotes like the ss13a can be used. I have bought many items on eBay as well.