How to Check Switches for Wireless Home Lighting

You installed wireless home lighting switches so that you could control when the lights were turned on or off, and from a convenient location. When these switches do not work properly, you want to know why and what to do.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Screwdriver
• Voltmeter
• Needlenose pliers
• Replacement parts (if necessary)

Checking the switches for your home lighting

1. Make sure that the light fixture(s) controlled by the wireless switch(es) function normally. Plug the cord directly attached to a fixture into a regular electrical outlet, and turn the light fixture on. If it works on “direct” power, you know the problem is with the wireless equipment.

2. Determine which monitor/receiver controls the switches that are not functioning properly.

3. Check to see if the monitor/receiver is getting power. Make sure it is plugged in or attached securely to the wall outlet or the house's main power source. Use a voltmeter to determine if the unit and the power source are both receiving power.

4. Clear (in other words, deprogram) the monitor/receiver completely, then reset it. Test the unit to see if this solved the problem.

5. If reprogramming the unit does not work, check to see that the prongs that plug into the outlet have not been bent or damaged. If they have been bent, there may be a small gap between them and the outlet, causing the power to be interrupted. GENTLY bend them back into place, using the needlenose pliers.

6. If the prongs are not bent, check for signs of scorching or burning around them. If such signs are present, there may be a problem within the monitor/receiver itself. If the inner parts of the monitor/receiver are “user-serviceable” (that is, if the homeowner can access the inside of the unit), make sure the unit is not connected in any way to electrical power, then use a screwdriver to GENTLY open and remove the unit cover.

7. Check for loose, frayed or burned wires or other parts. If the wires or other parts are loose, and you can see where they can be tightened, use the screwdriver to do so.

8. Any frayed or burned wires or parts probably cannot be repaired, unless you have a good working knowledge of electronics. If this is the case, and replacement parts are available, purchase what is needed and replace any damaged wires or parts.

Tips & Warnings

• Check the installation/operation manual that came with the wireless light switch installation unit. It may have “troubleshooting” tips that were not mentioned in this article. Further, it will list any parts that may be “user-serviceable” and provide part numbers or descriptions necessary for ordering and installing replacement parts.
• Make sure that the signal from the unit to the switch is not being interrupted, and is strong enough to operate the switch. Move the unit closer if needed, or to another location where it will function better.
• Make sure ALL POWER to the unit is disconnected before you attempt to repair or replace any parts on the unit itself. Severe electrical shock can occur, causing injury or death.
• Use the wireless light switch unit ONLY for the purpose for which it was intended.