What type of switch to use for outdoor lighting

[Lee B]

I am looking to install lights in my garden. The cable will be run from the garage from the main fuse box. I want to be able to switch the lights on and off without having to go into the garage. I was thinking of maybe Bluetooth via mobile or a remote.

Can you give me some advise on the best way to do this.

 

[SparkyChick]

Personally, I'd keep it simple and go with something like the Quinetic switches. Switch units with no battery send to a small receiver that will fit nicely inside a relatively small junction box such as a Wiska 308. I would also install a double pole isolator before it so when the outdoor lights start tripping the RCD you can fully isolate them until the problem is resolved.

 

[telectrix]

Personally, I'd keep it simple and go with something like the Quinetic switches. Switch units with no battery send to a small receiver that will fit nicely inside a relatively small junction box such as a Wiska 308. I would also install a double pole isolator before it so when the outdoor lights start tripping the RCD you can fully isolate them until the problem is resolved.

thinkOP wants the switch outdoors.don't think quinetic are suitably IP rated. however, a remote receiver and a handheld fob might be a solution. then he can switch on even before braving the elements and oening his triple glazed multi-thousand pound bifold patio doors.

 

[SparkyChick]

They do an exterior switch

Quinetic 1 Gang Weatherproof IP67 Wireless Switch - Grey - https://www.tlc-direct.co.uk/Products/QUWP1.html

 

[Lee B]

Thanks very much for your help. Seems a great way of doing it. Plus the switch can be mounted in my house.

 

[SparkyChick]

You can bind a single switch to any number of appropriate receivers, with each receiver being capable of listening to I think it's 10 switches.

They do fob style transmitters as well, so you could turn the lights on from the car for example. And I believe they do WiFi enabled versions which can be controlled via a mobile app as well as the switch modules.

 

[pirate]

I love the quinetic stuff...just avoid the dimming switch and controller as they are not 100% compatible with some loads yet, specifically some LED modular luminaires.
Fair play to the suppliers, when I told them of the problem they got on to the manufacturers and 'fessed up right away, offering to take back the kit and replace it with the standard stuff. So far, 100% success rate on that.