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outwestbound's avatar
outwestbound
Explorer
Sep 04, 2017

Do remote control DC switches work for exterior lights?

Hello. Thanks

Starting to boondock in BLM long term visitor areas (30-90 days). Looking to enhance security, and plan to add some exterior lights on the outside of my fifth wheel. Trying to understand if I can use remote switches to operate these lights from my bed, so I may avoid the brain damage of trying to bring hard wired switches to the bed.

Anyone have any luck with DC remote switches in an RV? Thanks

I googled "remote DC power switch" and got a few hits
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00FGYK50A/ref=asc_df_B00FGYK50A5154319/?tag=hyprod-20&creative=395033&creativeASIN=B00FGYK50A&linkCode=df0&hvadid=193994910693&hvpos=1o2&hvnetw=g&hvrand=8288360849111459974&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9032916&hvtargid=pla-312993067902

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01907ZJEK/ref=asc_df_B01907ZJEK5154275/?tag=hyprod-20&creative=395033&creativeASIN=B01907ZJEK&linkCode=df0&hvadid=198064502357&hvpos=1o11&hvnetw=g&hvrand=8288360849111459974&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9032916&hvtargid=pla-353444207452
  • westend's avatar
    westend
    Explorer
    Sep 04, 2017
    They should work fine. The first one handles 20 amps and your light circuits shouldn't exceed that if you choose LED lights.
  • outwestbound's avatar
    outwestbound
    Explorer
    Sep 04, 2017
    westend wrote:
    They should work fine. The first one handles 20 amps and your light circuits shouldn't exceed that if you choose LED lights.


    Thanks
    Looking at scare lights by Star Lite; their Smart Light 1000, which is rated at 2.52 watts or .21 amps Vdc.

    http://www.mcssl.com/store/jason.weaver/smart-light-1000

    I've had one of these light for a couple years and love them, but they are a little pricy at around $55 including LED bulb.
  • shastagary's avatar
    shastagary
    Explorer
    Sep 05, 2017
    i know some people don't like to buy on ebay butt that's where i get some great electronic things not even available most other places i will put some rf switch links here that ship from the u.s. i have purchased and used many of these switches and other things (over 700 purchases on ebay only 3 returns)read the description some of these allow programing of how the buttons on the remote controls the relays. 6 Channel switch another one 4 Channel switch another one 4 Channels there are many others some with one remote and separate receiver relay circuit boards etc. you may be able to find some of these on amazon also. or how about 12v motion detector switches 12v motion switch
  • MEXICOWANDERER's avatar
    MEXICOWANDERER
    Explorer
    Sep 05, 2017
    I've purchased perhaps a dozen (maybe more) wireless 12 volt controls and by virtue of the draw, no two were the same. China. Go figure.

    For standard wireless controls, your issue is going to the the physical size of the remote. All had a heatshrink tipped antenna wire (usually colored blue).

    Chop a pack of cigarettes in half and this will be roughly the size of a standard remote receiver and relay unit. The power will have to be switched so a standard porch light hole will have to be enlarged. Stuff the control into the hole after butt terminal connecting the + and the -

    With a round file, make a groove channel so the antenna wire can stick out. Glue the tip of the wire atop the porch light parallel to make it look neat. And seal up any potential water entry pathways.

    If you go this route, I endorse purchasing a couple extra transmitter batteries most of mine used A27 12 volt alkaline. And lastly whichever way you go please post images of the project.

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