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Wireless Controls

Wireless controls let you switch or dim a light or other load from a touch panel, an app or a hand-held remote. Most of this range is Ajax LightSwitch: SoloButton touch faceplates and a LightSwitch Dimmer set with its LightCore relay, working with an Ajax hub. Alongside them are Knightsbridge IP66 remote-controlled switch boxes, the Knightsbridge VFRKW Wi-Fi dimmer module and Hikvision AX PRO wireless relay modules for alarm-linked switching.

Choosing Wireless Controls

Start with what is being controlled, a light at an existing switch position or a separate load such as outdoor equipment, and whether it should join an alarm system or run on its own.

Ajax LightSwitch: faceplate and relay

An Ajax LightSwitch is built from two parts. The LightCore relay sits in the wall box and switches the load, and the SoloButton on the front is the touch control. Every SoloButton here is sold as the faceplate only, so each needs a matching LightCore relay behind it. Most SoloButton panels respond to a hand up to about 15 mm away, and every one has a soft backlight for finding it in the dark.

The LightSwitch Dimmer set pairs a touch slider with a LightCore (Dimmer) relay. It needs no neutral and dims incandescent, halogen and dimmable LED lamps rated from 8 to 150 VA; very low LED loads may need the AJ-BYPASS-DIMMER to stop flicker.

Remote-controlled switch boxes

The Knightsbridge OP663GBK and OP665GBK are IP66 and IK06 rated polycarbonate boxes for outdoor use, each supplied with its remote control, which works at around 10-20m depending on the surroundings. The OP663GBK is a 13A three-way switching unit, while the OP665GBK has one 5A, two 2.5A, one 2A and one 1A connection. The OPREMOTE is the replacement remote for both.

Wi-Fi and alarm-linked modules

The Knightsbridge VFRKW is a Wi-Fi dimmer module that needs no neutral, runs from the SmartKnight or Smartlife apps and supports 2-way or 3-way dimming with retractive switches. The Hikvision DS-PM1-O1L-WE and DS-PM1-O1H-WE are AX PRO relay modules on 868MHz two-way radio with AES-128 encryption.

ControlExampleOperated byDetail
SoloButton faceplate45117.144.BLTouch, Ajax app1-gang 2-way, needs LightCore relay
SoloButton (Dimmer)98610.257.GR1Touch slider, Ajax appRemembers last brightness
Remote switch boxOP663GBKHand-held remoteIP66, 13A, three-way
Wi-Fi dimmer moduleVFRKWApp and voiceNo neutral required
Wireless relay moduleDS-PM1-O1H-WEApp, keyfob, keypad13A, NO/NC

Brands we stock in Wireless Controls

Ajax, Hikvision and Knightsbridge.

Ajax makes most of the controls on this page, with Knightsbridge remote and Wi-Fi units and Hikvision AX PRO relay modules alongside.

Related categories

See the wider switches and controls range, wired light switches and dimmer switches, or wireless door chimes. Our Help & Support guides cover planning smart lighting.

Frequently asked questions

Does an Ajax SoloButton work on its own?

No, a SoloButton is the touch faceplate only and needs a LightCore relay behind it to switch or dim the load. The relay goes into the wall box, fitted by a qualified electrician, and the SoloButton snaps on the front. Match the pair: a SoloButton (Dimmer) such as the 98607.257.BL1 works with a LightCore (Dimmer) relay, and a 1-gang 2-way panel such as the 45998.144.GP with a LightCore relay.

Can I fit a wireless dimmer where there is no neutral wire?

Yes, the Ajax LightSwitch Dimmer set and the Knightsbridge VFRKW both need no neutral. The Ajax set is powered from the phase alone, fits a European (55) mounting box and handles 8 to 150 VA of incandescent, halogen or dimmable LED load. The VFRKW is a direct replacement dimmer module controlled from the SmartKnight or Smartlife apps, with timer schedules for switching and dimming.

How far does the remote reach on the Knightsbridge switch boxes?

The remote for the OP663GBK and OP665GBK works at about 10-20m, depending on the surroundings. The OP663GBK and OP665GBK boxes are IP66 and IK06 rated polycarbonate for outdoor use, and the batteries for the remote are not included. If the remote is lost or damaged, the OPREMOTE is the replacement made for these two models; it is rated IP20, so keep it indoors or in a dry pocket.

What colours do the Ajax SoloButton panels come in?

SoloButton panels here come in finishes such as white, black, graphite, grey, ivory, fog, oyster and olive (RAL 7044). The faceplate is the part you see, so a room can have its own colour while the LightCore relay behind it stays the same. Check that the gang count and the type, standard or Dimmer, match the relay the panel will sit on.

Can a wireless relay module switch a load from an alarm system?

Yes, the Hikvision AX PRO relay modules switch a load from the app, a keyfob or a keypad, and can follow custom scenarios set for different events. The DS-PM1-O1H-WE is the high-power version with a 13A NO/NC channel, and the DS-PM1-O1L-WE adds a tamper input that can be set as an alarm zone. The two modules show device and relay status on an LED and are small enough to hide.

Can I dim the lights by voice?

Yes, with the Knightsbridge VFRKW Wi-Fi dimmer module, which works with Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant and Siri Shortcuts. It also runs from the SmartKnight or Smartlife apps at home or away, where you can set timers, remove flicker and adjust the dimming curve. The Ajax SoloButton dimmers are controlled through the Ajax app and its automation scenarios instead.

Why buy from West Midlands Electrics

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Written by the West Midlands Electrics technical team

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