Self-Powered Switch wirelessly controls building lights.March 28, 2007 -
Offering alternative to wired solutions when installing lighting control into existing buildings, Ad Hoc wireless lighting control systems consist of transmitters (switches) and receivers that are wired between light and power-source. One switch can be configured to control unlimited number of lights and generates its own electricity using EnOcean's energy-harvesting technology.
(Archive News Story - Products mentioned in this Archive News Story may or may not be available from the manufacturer.)
Original Press release
Ad Hoc Electronics
777 South State St.
Orem, UT, 84058
USA
Self-Powered Wireless Light Switch Transcends Remodelling Barriers
Orem, UT (USA) March 13, 2007 -- Remodeling professionals now have a wireless alternative to purely wired solutions when installing lighting control into an existing home. Ad Hoc Electronics, a provider of wireless data solutions and RF expertise, is providing home retro fitters a wireless and self-powered light switch that truncates the time needed for installation and completely bypasses the potential setbacks embedded in any wall.
The Ad Hoc wireless lighting control system requires one-third less time and one-third less wire than traditional wired systems. Troy Davis, a contractor in Salt Lake City, UT, stated "I usually do not know what is inside a wall until I cut into it. When installing the wireless switches, I completely avoid the cost, time and frustration of running wire to the switches. As a result, I am able to complete remodeling jobs in less time".
Home/business owners gain more latitude in light switch placement and their property becomes fitted for the benefits of advanced lighting control - such as lower power bills, added safety for the family and convenience. The switches are configurable and one single switch can be configured to control an unlimited number of lights.
The wireless light switch is able to generate its own electricity and transmit power using a proprietary technology called "energy-harvesting". The wireless light switch powers itself by converting mechanical energy (triggered by the pressing of the switch) into radio transmissions that control the lights. EnOcean is credited with developing the technology and Ad Hoc Electronics is credited with applying the technology to home remodeling.
Ad Hoc wireless lighting control systems consist of transmitters (the wireless, battery-free switches) and receivers. The receivers are wired between the light and the power-source. Once installed, the receivers listen for signals generated from the self-powered light switches and use the data to control the lights.
The unyielding properties of brick, glass, plaster, lath and concrete walls present many challenges to an electrician. Traditional retrofitting methods are costly and often leave scars on the property's appearance. For example, to run wire to a light switch mounted to a wall, the integrity of the wall is lost if the wire's path is uncovered using a chisel or comparable tool. In other cases, electricians spend long hours "fishing" wires through ceilings and walls in order to reach a switch. Electricians often find themselves laboring on patchwork and maneuvering through crawlspaces when they could be moving onto other jobs.
Ad Hoc's basic wireless switch kit (one switch and one receiver) retails for $149; however for the month of March, the kit can be purchased for $119. For more information regarding wireless and battery-free lighting control, refer to the following web page: http://www.adhocelectronics.com/remodel.
About Ad Hoc Electronics
Ad Hoc Electronics is a system integrator and distributor of wireless data products, providing companies with the products and expertise they need to add wireless capability to their own systems and devices. The company integrates and distributes industry-leading products to provide OEMs with turnkey wireless solutions for applications in sensor, controls and monitoring markets. For more information regarding Ad Hoc products and services, visit AdHocElectronics.com, write to info@AdHocElectronics.com or call (801) 225-2226.
About EnOcean
EnOcean's groundbreaking technology enables wireless sensors and switches to operate without batteries or external power sources. These 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. End products are employed in a diverse range of market segments: building automation, industrial manufacturing, security, and automotive. Headquartered in Oberhaching, near Munich, EnOcean GmbH was founded in 2001 as a spin-off from Siemens AG. For more information regarding EnOcean product, visit www.EnOcean.com.
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User comments about this story
that is cool to have a self powere light switch. more peoplwe should think about installing one of these by having an electrician do it
By brandon davis on Apr 25, 2010 22:15
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