Essex-based electrical equipment maker MK Electric has announced wireless light switches based on self-generating technology from Germany's EnOcean.
"The Echo range harvests tiny amounts of ambient energy to wirelessly operate lighting at ranges of up to 30m within buildings," said MK.
Receivers are wired to the light fitting.
Within each switch is an EnOcean-made module (see bottom picture) which included a magnet-based electromechanical generator.
"The switch is simply aligned to the receiver by setting it into 'learn mode' and pressing the rocker," said MK. "The switch is now wirelessly dedicated to the fixture in question. One receiver can be programmed so it can be operated by up to 30 switches while, conversely, any number of receivers can be activated by a single switch."
Where signals may be obstructed, repeater units will be available.
Siemens spin-out EnOcean has proprietary radio technology operating in the License-free 868MHz frequency band with a 1 per cent duty cycle.
Messages, dubbed 'telegrams' last 1ms and include a 32bit address with data passed at 125kbit/s using amplitude shift keying.
EnOcean's receiver modules including mains control are 47x30x35mm and consume 1.3W maximum.
See also: Q5 interview - Graham Martin, EnOcean Alliance
MK is introducing a range of stick-on wireless light switches and corresponding receivers.
Within each switch is an EnOcean-made module