I (probably like many) have the odd fluorescent light strip over a workbench or two or five. In my shop, I have five of the dual 4 foot T8 type around fluoros in the shop at various stations. They are the kind that are pre-wired with standard 120V plugs. When I closed up shop, I had to make my rounds to visit each station and turn the lights off. About this time last year I got an idea and bought one of those wireless remotes that switches relays on and off. Each relay is good for 1200 Watts (10 A), which is plenty for most light fixtures. One could also wire a smaller shop-vac and use the remote to start it when you are grinding/sanding. In the event the remote battery dies, you can switch the load at the relay they have manual On and Off buttons. The remote is supposed to work up to 60 feet. Mine sits by the door and the furthest light is about 30 feet away--seems to work fine. Since I've had this running (and through the winter) and the setup works perfectly. The battery that came with the remote is still kicking. I bought this from Amazon.ca for $35. So now when I leave the shop, I stand by the door, shout "LIGHTS OUT!" in my best Drill Sergeant voice; press 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, salute and be gone. Thought that you guys might like this. (beer icon) Dan
Oh great. I knew I shouldn't have read this thread. I'm a sucker for gadgets and an Amazon Prime member to boot. I can think of a few places it might be handy.
