Batteryless, Wireless Light Switches Set to Change Switching as We Know It
New technology by Echoflex Solutions will make wiring light switches a thing of the past. Their new, innovative switches do not require wiring, batteries, or maintenance. They are ideal for log homes and renovations.
Squamish, Canada, January 19, 2007 --(PR.com)-- New technology is poised to make wiring light switches a thing of the past. Problems like three way switches, or wiring in log homes, around glass walls and partitions, concrete buildings, or wood beam construction are easily solved with new, innovative switches that do not require wiring, batteries, or maintenance.
The battery-free switches operate like normal light switches except they transmit wireless signals to control lights and fans. The switches are powered by energy harvesting technology where the act of clicking the switch creates the energy necessary to control devices. Wireless switches are an excellent alternative to the traditional wired switch as they are designed to last equally long but require no maintenance and no wiring.
One already popular application of these switches is in the growing Log Home industry. Wiring a log home often presents a challenge. Log home builders must drill channels within the logs to run cabling, and they must route cavities into logs for switch boxes. This delays the building process, it’s time consuming and costly, it restricts freedom to place switches where desired, and often results in an aesthetically unpleasing appearance. With the use of wireless switches for lights and fans, builders can save time and money, and leave flexibility for future renovations.
The advantages are similar for building designs that rely heavily on wood beams, Glass, concrete or masonry. Outdoor switching is also not a problem, as wireless switches can send signals up to 300 meters if the conditions are right. There is no need to run overhead or underground wires.
Switches simply screw in and snap together. No time-consuming drilling or running and fishing wires is required. A relay receiver is wired to a light or any electrical fixture and a wireless switch that controls the receiver is then mounted at any convenient location. Anyone who can connect 2 wires can install one of these switches. On average, Echoflex’ new wiring technique saves a third of the time spent wiring and approximately one quarter of the length of wire used. The switches mount directly to surfaces using screws or strong adhesives. This enhances flexibility, reduces electrical contractor installation time and costs, and facilitates convenient switch location. Contractors and building or home owners can easily move or add switches after the home is finished. The new system lets homeowners change their minds about switch placement, and makes any remodelling or renovation project more efficient.
The communication from switch to light is done wirelessly, which opens the possibility of full lighting automation. A switch can communicate with an unlimited number of lights or fans, allowing building owners to have one master switch that will turn every light in the house off or on.
Not being tied to wires and power sources, switches can also easily be carried in the pocket or car as remote switches. Based on this technology, the whole switching industry will soon be revolutionized and numerous energy and money saving solutions will be developed over the next few years.
One light or fan can be controlled by up to 30 Battery-Free Switches. This allows one light or group of lights to be controlled by multiple switches, giving building or home owners the ability to place switches wherever they are convenient. This also allows the benefit of creating lighted pathways. By programming a group of lights that creates a pathway from one destination to the next, log home owners can safely navigate through their home in the middle of the night. Traditional electrical challenges like 3 way or four way switches cease to become an inconvenience with these innovative switches.
How do batteyless, wireless switches work?
This revolutionary technology was developed by EnOcean, a German company. Their self-powered modules convert energy from light, push-buttons, vibration, or temperature gradients into useable electrical energy. The company’s advanced power management architecture enables the operation of sensors and radios off miniscule amounts of available energy. The Battery-Free Wireless Switches harvest small amounts of energy when the switch is pressed, then use that energy to rapidly transmit high-power radio frequency signals (up to 10 mW power output) to wirelessly control lighting.
In North America, the distributor is Echoflex Solutions. They have also developed decorator switches that match the style of North American light switches for distribution in the Canadian and US markets. Echoflex was founded in 2005 to develop and market “green” products that reduce power consumption through increased control. Its function is that of importer, manufacturer, and distributor of EnOcean enabled wireless technology, including sensors, switches, controllers and actuators.
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The battery-free switches operate like normal light switches except they transmit wireless signals to control lights and fans. The switches are powered by energy harvesting technology where the act of clicking the switch creates the energy necessary to control devices. Wireless switches are an excellent alternative to the traditional wired switch as they are designed to last equally long but require no maintenance and no wiring.
One already popular application of these switches is in the growing Log Home industry. Wiring a log home often presents a challenge. Log home builders must drill channels within the logs to run cabling, and they must route cavities into logs for switch boxes. This delays the building process, it’s time consuming and costly, it restricts freedom to place switches where desired, and often results in an aesthetically unpleasing appearance. With the use of wireless switches for lights and fans, builders can save time and money, and leave flexibility for future renovations.
The advantages are similar for building designs that rely heavily on wood beams, Glass, concrete or masonry. Outdoor switching is also not a problem, as wireless switches can send signals up to 300 meters if the conditions are right. There is no need to run overhead or underground wires.
Switches simply screw in and snap together. No time-consuming drilling or running and fishing wires is required. A relay receiver is wired to a light or any electrical fixture and a wireless switch that controls the receiver is then mounted at any convenient location. Anyone who can connect 2 wires can install one of these switches. On average, Echoflex’ new wiring technique saves a third of the time spent wiring and approximately one quarter of the length of wire used. The switches mount directly to surfaces using screws or strong adhesives. This enhances flexibility, reduces electrical contractor installation time and costs, and facilitates convenient switch location. Contractors and building or home owners can easily move or add switches after the home is finished. The new system lets homeowners change their minds about switch placement, and makes any remodelling or renovation project more efficient.
The communication from switch to light is done wirelessly, which opens the possibility of full lighting automation. A switch can communicate with an unlimited number of lights or fans, allowing building owners to have one master switch that will turn every light in the house off or on.
Not being tied to wires and power sources, switches can also easily be carried in the pocket or car as remote switches. Based on this technology, the whole switching industry will soon be revolutionized and numerous energy and money saving solutions will be developed over the next few years.
One light or fan can be controlled by up to 30 Battery-Free Switches. This allows one light or group of lights to be controlled by multiple switches, giving building or home owners the ability to place switches wherever they are convenient. This also allows the benefit of creating lighted pathways. By programming a group of lights that creates a pathway from one destination to the next, log home owners can safely navigate through their home in the middle of the night. Traditional electrical challenges like 3 way or four way switches cease to become an inconvenience with these innovative switches.
How do batteyless, wireless switches work?
This revolutionary technology was developed by EnOcean, a German company. Their self-powered modules convert energy from light, push-buttons, vibration, or temperature gradients into useable electrical energy. The company’s advanced power management architecture enables the operation of sensors and radios off miniscule amounts of available energy. The Battery-Free Wireless Switches harvest small amounts of energy when the switch is pressed, then use that energy to rapidly transmit high-power radio frequency signals (up to 10 mW power output) to wirelessly control lighting.
In North America, the distributor is Echoflex Solutions. They have also developed decorator switches that match the style of North American light switches for distribution in the Canadian and US markets. Echoflex was founded in 2005 to develop and market “green” products that reduce power consumption through increased control. Its function is that of importer, manufacturer, and distributor of EnOcean enabled wireless technology, including sensors, switches, controllers and actuators.
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Contact
Echoflex Solutions
Shawn Pederson
604-815-0092
www.echoflexsolutions.com
Shawn Pederson
604-815-0092
www.echoflexsolutions.com
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