Electrical – Moving a light switch without moving it

electricalhome-automationlight-fixturerental

I live in a rented house, and there is a lightswitch which is unconventionally not next to the door in one of the rooms. Is there a way to move the lightswitch so it's next to the door. I am currently thinking of something that plugs in between the bulb and light switch that can be turned on or off wirelessly from a switch that can be stuck to the wall. Does such a thing exists? Or would leaving the main light switch always on and having a [remote controlled] switch in the light fitting cause problems?

Best Answer

I did exactly that some years ago, replacing the light switch with an X10 remotely controllable switch, and hang the remote on the wall at the other end of the room. However, that approach will NOT work with LED bulbs, due to the way it powers itself, and may not work safely with fluorescents. (X10 is the low-budget brand which introduced carrier-current control signalling; there are better versions of the same system and alternative systems but they cost twice as much and require more planning in the house wiring.)

Remote-controllable devices do exist that screw in between the bulb and its socket. However, those obviously add significant bulk, and may not fit in the fixture (or may look pretty darned ugly).

A better solution may to be leave the room fixture alone and set up remote control of a floor- or counter- mounted lamp. That would provide sufficient light for you to navigate the room until you can get to the far end and turn on the overhead lights.