Home Automation with Wireless RF Remote control using 2-way switch

Home automation is very popular nowadays. A lot of people is interested in automating their homes. There are few things to be noted before implementing in your existing switchboard, a few logical problems may arise like, The Switch can’t able to turn OFF the device until you Turn it OFF with Remote (in case of Parallel connections) or the remote will work only if the switch is ON. This is the drawback with single way switches. This can be solved using Two-way switches. Let’s see what is Two-way switches and how to implement the RF remote control.

Fig.1: A 4-Channel Wireless RF Relay with Remote

Safety Warning: We are going to use 240V Mains supply. You should be very careful and cautious when using mains supply. If you have even the small doubt about wiring it up, don’t hesitate to take help from a professional electrician.

Components required:

• Two-way switches – (Each 1 for each Bulb)
• 4-Channel or 2-Channel Wireless RF Relay with Remote
• 12v DC Adapter
• Connecting Wires
• Tester
• Light Bulb with Holder
• Wire Stripper

Two-way switch control:

You might have noticed that in Homes we use two switches in the staircase to control a light at both locations. This is with the help of two-way switches only.

A normal two-way circuit for a Light is given below. This is the circuit we use in staircase lights in our home.

Fig.2: A simple 2 Two-Way switches

• The Common terminal (COM) of Switch1 (S1) is connected to the Phase.
• Similarly, the Common terminal of Switch 2 (S2) is connected to one end of Light Bulb.
• The other end of Lightbulb is connected to Neutral Wire.
• Now T1 and T2 of two switches connected as per the Circuit diagram.

If you turn ON the Light in S1, you can turn it OFF the same using S2 Switch. Or you can Turn ON and OFF lights with any of these two switches.

Implementing RF Relay by replacing the Switch 2 (S2):

In place of Switch 2 (S2), we will be placing the Relay to remotely control the Light. The modified circuit for a 1 Channel RF Remote control is given below.

Fig.3: 1-Channel RF Remote control circuit diagram

• In the above circuit, the T1 of Switch1 (S1) is connected to Normally Closed (NC) terminal of Relay.
• Similarly, the T2 of Switch 1 (S1) is connected to Normally Open (NO) terminal of the Relay.
• Now the Common (COM) terminal of the relay is connected to one end of the Light Bulb.

Note: You need to provide separate power supply to the Wireless Relay board. It is mentioned in the module datasheet or on top of it. The RF Module which is shown in Fig.1 supports 12V DC Supply. So we need to connect a 12V DC adapter here and power it separately. DO NOT CONNECT AC SUPPLY ON THESE TERMINALS!

Make sure all the connections are correct and then test it. Once everything is perfect, mount it on your switchboard and surprise your friends.

Implementing 4-Channel Wireless RF remote control with Two-way switch:

The Wireless RF remote comes with 2 Channel and 4 Channel types. Depending on your application you can choose one. Most RF remotes work in different frequencies, so it should work with its pair remote only.

The relay connection for 4 Channel Wireless RF Remote is given below.

Fig.4: Circuit diagram for 4-Channel RF Remote controlled Relay

Note: You need to provide separate power supply to the Wireless Relay board. It is mentioned in the module datasheet or on top of it. The RF Module which is shown in Fig.1 supports 12V DC Supply. So we need to connect a 12V DC adapter here and power it separately. DO NOT CONNECT AC SUPPLY ON THESE TERMINALS!