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Wireless Light Switches Only

John R.

Following on from my post about wiring new lights in an old installation, I am wondering whether there is a requirement anywhere actually to have physical light switches.

These are going to be an absolute pain to sort out, not in terms of wiring connections, but in terms of wire routing, chasing walls etc.

Much less disruptive would be to install wireless switches, where physical installation is 'too hard'.  In particular, for circuits needing two-way switching, these could save a lot of effort.  I would still want a face plate on the wall, but avoiding the physical wiring would be great, plus also allowing remote control.

I was looking at this https://www.amazon.co.uk/DieseRC-Wireless-Self-generating-Frequency-controller/dp/B09M6V98WC?ref_=ast_sto_dp by way of example.

Even if it's okay under wiring regs to have no physical switches (I can't see that this is disallowed) I do wonder whether this would pass muster with 'Building Control' who will be inspecting given the amount of work being done.

  • 0

    I have used these: https://www.tlc-direct.co.uk/Main_Index/Quinetic/index.html for our garden lighting. 

    They work, certainly when line of sight, but if brick walls aluminium coated plaster board, would be worth buying a switch and a receiver and doing a site survey.

    Would Building Control notice? 

    Clive 

  • +1

    Even if it's okay under wiring regs to have no physical switches

    The regs demand several different types of switching for differing circumstances. Functional switching can be done by electronics so that's probably fine. Switching off for mechanical maintenance (which includes re-lamping) normally requires mechanical switching (pretty much meeting the demands of isolation these days) - but you don't necessarily have to provide that on a per-light/room basis - it all depends on the service conditions - if it's acceptable to switch off at the MCB or main switch - that could satisfy the requirement.

    Oddly, normal light switches don't necessarily meet the latest regs for switching off for mechanical maintenance....

       - Andy.

  • +1

    I have used Scolemore Click Smart  for light switching in a listed cottage, where the opportunity to hide cables was non existent.  It was a bit fiddley to set up and the switches needed batteries. However, the client and building control were very happy.

    If I did the job again I would use the Quinetic range AncientMariner mentioned. It works really well and if you buy the right receiver you can link it to your smart speaker but still have the option of using a "traditional" switch. I use it in my own house and the dimming function works surprising well considering there are no batteries in the switch.

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