Replies

1. 
   BillHartmann | Jan 26, 2003 02:17am | #1

   There are products that will work, but I am not sure of the combination.

   http://www.smarthome.com/

   You probably want to get their catalog rather than trying to sort though all of the combinations online.

   They have X-10 modules that you mount inside the box to control the light. But they work on signals from the power line.

   They also have battery operated switched that you can mount of the wall, but they use RF. So you would need to add a reciever to that to generate the X-10 signal.

   They might have another combination that is more direct.

   Edit - Here is a direct solution.

   http://www.smarthome.com/2533ls.html, but they indicate that it is nolonger available.

   But it looks like they might have them.

   http://shop.store.yahoo.com/do-it-yourself-products/ligswitwir.html

   And here

   http://www.eztone.com/remotes_switches.htm

   Do a google on "wireless light switch" and you might find other solutions.

   
   

   ---

   Edited 1/25/2003 6:28:50 PM ET by Bill Hartmann

1. 
   jdmover | Jan 27, 2003 07:02pm | #4

   Thanks that was exactly what I was looking for. The item has a receiver that screws into the light socket and a remote switch that mounts onthe wall. problem solved. It the thing works, that is. RC

1. 
   BillHartmann | Jan 27, 2003 08:20pm | #5

   If that does not work you might want to think about using some wiremold.

   That is surface mounted "conduit". It comes in plastic and metal and I am guessing it is about 1" wide and 1/2" thick.

2. 
   4Lorn1 | Jan 26, 2003 03:25am | #2

   In working on older houses we get this quite a bit. All sorts of remote solutions were tried. Most worked on the first day. Some failed within a few days, proved unreliable or suffered from cross talk and interference. A few customers seemed satisfied and so it is, I guess, a marginal success. Given a year or so most of these people call us back to give them a more permanent solution.

   Leviton, and a few other manufacturers, make a low voltage unit that is wired with glorified door bell wire that can be run under trim or small grooves in most materials. These are fairly reliable but it still is wired and so needs running but this is an option where there is no easy way to run normal wiring. Common with some post and beam jobs.

   In the end I have found that adding a switch is best done in the regular way. Hardwired in NM to cut-in boxes. In the end it is safe, reliable and effective. Relatively expensive up front it should, if properly done, last the life of the house. Talk to a contractor that does a lot of old work. They should have the tools and experience to do the job quickly and at the least possible cost.

3. 
   spinnm | Jan 26, 2003 03:43am | #3

   I assume that you're talking about your basic, center of the room, overhead light.  Here's an idea...bag it.  I find them pretty much useless.  Light bright enough to do anything by is too glaring.  Can you switch the nearest plug?

   ShelleyinNM

4. 
   RonRappel | Jan 27, 2003 09:22pm | #6

   One other thought I have on this is a motion control switch. I'm using one that mounts in place of the wall switch, but I believe you can buy one that you screw between the light bulb and the socket at the fixture. I use mine in a hallway at home and find it works great; you don't have to remember to turn off the light when you leave the hallway.

   Ron

1. 
   jdmover | Jan 31, 2003 04:59pm | #7

   Thanks Ron, thats a great idea for a hall light. If I can position it correctly to light at motion fromthe top as well as the bottom of the stair case I will be in business. RC

1. 
   ClaysWorld | Jan 31, 2003 06:11pm | #8

   We put a nice fan light combo unit in a bdrm with a wireless controll that worked well, looked good. It also had a light switch but in your case this application would work well. Just an Idea

   Clay