When speaking of a ‘wireless switch’, some people mean a wireless light switch, while others are referring to a wireless network switch. We’re going to discuss both types on this site, starting first with the light switch.
Wireless Light Switch
A wireless light switch is a type of light switch that does not interrupt the power going to a light fixture, like a normal switch does. Instead, a wireless light switch commands the light fixture to turn itself off.
There are two basic ways in which a wireless light switch can communicate with a light fixture. The first is via radio transmission. In this case, a receiver is usually wired or attached to the light or device, and is programmed to react to commands given by wireless light switches in the building.
The second way in which a wireless light switch can communicate with a fixture is via existing power lines. Basically, this is accomplished by plugging the receiver into a particular outlet, and then plugging the device or fixture into the receiver. The receiver is then programmed to respond to commands given by the switches. Both of these ways can cut out on a lot of complicated wiring, though they can be challenging in their own right to set up.
One advantage to wireless light switches is in the fact that you can program more than one switch to operate a single receiver. In a normal three way wired switch, you are limited to two switches on any given device. However, with wireless switches, you can do more. Some vehicles nowadays even have transmitters built into them so that you could turn on your porch lights from the vehicle if you have the right receiver set up!
Wireless light switches are very helpful if you are remodeling a house because they can very often cut down significantly the amount of wiring you need to run. For example, instead of having to run wire up through a wall and over the ceiling, it is often much simpler to install a wireless light switch in the wall and attach a receiver to whatever you want it to control. You can actually attach receivers to every light, and have one switch control multiple lights if you want; it really just depends on how you want to set it up.
Wireless light switches can be bought at most building supply stores, and can also be bought at electronics stores. You can also order them online, such as here at WirelessSwitch.net. Make sure that you buy the right kind for what you want to do with it; if you need to, ask a professional to recommend you a type to use for your project.