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Resolved Question

How to choose a remote control for LED lights?

Feb 20, 2014 8:20AM PST

I just read the great article about choosing LED lights. I want to replace the standard on/off wall switch with a remotely controlled one (dimmable not required) for my LED ceiling lights. If it is just for on/off does it need to be LED compatible?

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Have it in hand
Feb 20, 2014 6:01PM PST

You're better off reading or getting a "how to guide" that many home improvement centers offer. Actually see and read the advice because we're dealing with electricity here, you have to sure what you're getting into. Robert offers advice provide you remain with 110VAC, but some LED lightning has an added box to mount that allows DC(low voltage) use. In other words these certainly aren't interchangeable. Verify you current wiring status as in what you have, old house, 3-wire or other situations.

The switch itself will remain 110VAC unless part/use of a low-voltage setup or separate mounting control. The package you buy should explain what is required for operation. There are many LEDs that are direct replacements for 110VAC use. You then add the switch which should be 110VAC ready. While you stated you don't want "dim control" be sure because later addition or change will require swap out. You can go online and check Home Depot or Lowe's for the offering in the electrical section. I suggest that because you can later visit the store have a look at the product you found online and consider its use. Websites like Amazon and such may sell similar products but you can't hold it in your hand and inspect it. Under these circumstances it maybe worth checking at the store PLUS! books and pamphlets on the topic.

http://www.homedepot.com/b/Electrical-Light-Bulbs-LED-Light-Bulbs/N-5yc1vZbm79

http://www.homedepot.com/b/Electrical-Dimmers-Switches-Outlets-Switches/N-5yc1vZc33w

http://www.homedepot.com/c/project_how_to_project_guides_electrical

tada -----Willy Happy

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Answer
Just a guess but I'd not think so
Feb 20, 2014 8:48AM PST

Your standard on/off wall switch controls 110vac. The replacement will still control 110vac. The remote will interact with the electronics in that wall switch. If the LED bulbs plug into sockets that carry 110vac, all is fine and dandy. Just find a non-dimming wall switch/remote combo meant for any type of bulb.

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Answer
Single use, or home automation?
Feb 20, 2014 10:38AM PST

<span id="INSERTION_MARKER">Consider getting a remote control that can eventually be used as part of a home automation system. For example, I use Insteon. Most of these products work just as well alone, without being connected to a home automation system. That way, you can control not only one circuit, but gradually build towards a system that allows you to control multiple devices automatically.<span>

<span>You do not need to seek a non-dimming wall switch. In my experience, over half of the LED lamps on the market today are dimmable--just read the packaging. On the other hand, some older dimmer designs will not work. Insteon dimming switches and the slider Decora-style dimmers offered by Pass & Seymour work well; undoubtedly, many others do too. Currently, I have 18 LED ceiling dimmable flood lamps and two desktop lamps--mostly by Cree and EcoSmart. All of them work fine on dimmers. I did have to junk an older Lutron dimmer, though, which had an incompatible multiplexer that caused flashing.