FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

 

  • Q:How do self-powered wireless light switches work?
  • A: ILLUMRA wireless light switches do not use batteries or wires. Instead, the motion of a switch press generates enough electricity to send a radio signal to any ILLUMRA receivers within range (about 50-150 feet). It can control lights or other electrical loads. In the case of lights, it is hardwired behind the light fixture.
  • Q:Who uses ILLUMRA products?
  • A:Many designers, builders and electrical contractors use our self-powered wireless light switches during construction or retrofitting. Using this kind of technology saves time – there is no need to fish wires, knock through walls, or add expensive wiring. Customers will find this product ideal for adding switches to stairways, basements, closets, detached garages and for removing pull chains.
  • Q:What are the advantages of ILLUMRA wireless products compared to traditional switches?
  • A:ILLUMRA wireless controls eliminate the need for traveler or switch leg wires, making installation easy, fast, and non-destructive. Additionally, wireless technology allows for the use of expansions such as motion-sensors to manage light systems automatically.
  • Q:How do ILLUMRA products help me save energy and money?
  • A:ILLUMRA self-powered wireless light switches use no external energy and produce no energy waste. Additionally, the ILLUMRA product line allows motion and occupancy sensors, wireless thermostats, or a single master switch to make reducing energy use simple and convenient.
  • Q:How long do ILLUMRA products last?
  • A:315MHz ILLUMRA products come with a 3-year warranty, 902MHz ILLUMRA products come with a 5-year warranty and are rated to operate for a lifespan of over 20 years.
  • Q:Can ILLUMRA wireless products be used to control devices other than lights?
  • A: Yes! ILLUMRA products can be used to control just about anything. Common examples include HVAC systems and motors.
  • Q:Where are ILLUMRA products made?
  • A: ILLUMRA products are made in the USA with components from various countries.
  • Q:Are ILLUMRA products FCC approved?
  • A: Yes. All ILLUMRA products are FCC approved.
  • Q:Are ILLUMRA Products UL approved?
  • A: ILLUMRA products are ETL approved. This means they meet or exceed the UL and CSA standards.
  • Q:Can I use fluorescent lighting?
  • A:Yes. ILLUMRA receivers work well with fluorescent lighting. Fluorescent lighting is a great way to reduce high wattage loads and energy costs. See receiver specifications for wattage ratings of different load types.

 

 

  • Q:How long do ILLUMRA products take to install?
  • A:Most ILLUMRA products install easily within minutes.
  • Q:Can ILLUMRA wireless controls co-exist with hardwired switches?
  • A:Yes, in some cases. ILLUMRA five wire single channel relay receivers (ExX-Rxx-xIBTP) are intended to be wired in the same circuit as a hard-wired 3-way switch. ILLUMRA Switch Leg Transmitters may also be connected to hardwired switches.
  • Q:Can I install a 3 or 4-Way switch with ILLUMRA products?
  • A:Yes! ILLUMRA wireless light switches are great for 3-way and 4-way switch applications. One ILLUMRA receiver connected to an electrical load can be programmed to respond to up to 30 wireless light switches that are within range. The ease with which new multi-way switches can be created is one of the great advantages of ILLUMRA products.
  • Q:Can I use ILLUMRA self-powered wireless light switches outdoors?
  • A:Yes. ILLUMRA wireless light switches can be used outdoors; such use may even achieve greater range than indoor use. When installing ILLUMRA wireless light switches outdoors, use a weather proof switch cover. Most electrical stores carry weather proof switch covers.
  • Q:What if I do not have access to the light fixture?
  • A:One way to install ILLUMRA controls without accessing the light fixture applies to retro-fit situations (NOTE: a neutral wire must be available for this option). First remove the hard-wired switch and install the ILLUMRA receiver in the hard-wired electrical switch box. An ILLUMRA wireless light switch can be installed over the switch box or a blank cover plate can be used to conceal the receiver. Other ILLUMRA wireless light switches can then be added in desired locations, creating single pole, 3-way, or 4-way light switches without running any new wires.
  • Q:How can I be sure the receiver is getting power?
  • A: In some cases, the receiver has a “Power” light which turns on only when the receiver is connected and powered. In other cases, you can test the receiver by pressing the LRN button. If the power to the electrical load the receiver is connected to toggles on and off, then the receiver is properly connected. You may also hear a faint clicking sound coming from the receiver during this test.
  • Q:Are ILLUMRA products easy to program?
  • A: Yes! Simply follow the installation guide shipped with the product. For most applications, programming is as simple as pressing a LEARN button on the receiver and then pressing a button on the desired light switch or other transmitter.
  • Q:Are all ILLUMRA receivers compatible with all ILLUMRA transmitters?
  • A: Yes. All ILLUMRA receivers can be taught to receive commands from any ILLUMRA transmitter. ILLUMRA accessories may be used in ILLUMRA control systems, but are not necessarily directly compatible with ILLUMRA transmitters or receivers. Some combinations of receivers and transmitters will not directly interact (for example, the Blind/Shade Controller receiver and the Occupancy Sensor).
  • Q:How many switches can a receiver respond to? How many receivers can a switch communicate with?
  • A: Most receivers can learn up to 30 switches. This means the receiver can memorize the unique ID of up to 30 switches and thus receive commands from them. A switch can send commands to an infinite number of receivers within range that have been programmed to respond to the switch (but never to a receiver that has not been programmed to respond to the switch).

 

 

  • Q:What kind of range do ILLUMRA products have?
  • A: ILLUMRA products typically achieve a range of about 50-150 feet. This distance can be extended an additional 50-150 feet by using a repeater, or up to 1 mile by using an ILLUMRA Industrial Wireless Relay.
  • Q:Can the wireless signals from ILLUMRA switches reach receivers through walls and other barriers?
  • A:Generally, receivers can sense signals through one or two walls, but range will be reduced by such obstacles. It is advisable to test the switch in a location before final installation.
  • Q:Can these devices be used around metal?
  • A:Yes. ILLUMRA wireless light switches and receivers can be used around metal; however, range may be significantly reduced. Metal tends to reflect and distort radio waves. To maximize range, use non-metallic cover plates and electrical boxes or mount outside metallic enclosures.
  • Q:Will interference activate my light? Will other switches accidentally activate my light?
  • A:No. Each ILLUMRA wireless light switch communicates by sending a unique RF packet to the receiver(s). Each packet contains coded information that is only related to that particular light switch. No two light switches will transmit the same packet. Receivers are programmed to respond to up to 30 specific switches of your choosing – and no others.
  • Q:Do ILLUMRA wireless products have a delay between when a switch is pressed and the light is turned ON/OFF?
  • A: There is no perceptible delay between the time a switch is pressed and the light turns ON/OFF.

 

 

  • Q:How does the affordability of ILLUMRA products compare to other options?
  • A:Because ILLUMRA products do not require copper wire, labor costs associated with running wire, labor costs involved in cutting and repairing wall, installing ILLUMRA products is often comparable in cost or even cheaper than installing a traditional wired system. ILLUMRA products especially excel in cutting the cost of systems which would have required a large fee for the labor involved in installation. By helping to reduce energy consumption, ILLUMRA products also help you to save money on utilities.
  • Q:Can I purchase ILLUMRA products locally?
  • A: Many electrical wholesale distributors in the USA carry ILLUMRA products. If the store carries Leviton products, they are eligible to carry ILLUMRA self-powered wireless controls. If there is not a distributor close enough to suit your needs, call (801)225-2226 to order.
  • Q:Can I become a distributor of ILLUMRA products?
  • A: Yes. Electrical Wholesale distributors in the USA should contact Leviton to inquire about distribution opportunities or to place orders. International and other distributors should complete the Distribution Inquiry Form online. Please see online instructions found.

 

 

  • Q:How well do ILLUMRA products blend with their surroundings once installed?
  • A:ILLUMRA receivers stow nicely in most junction boxes and are not visible at all after installation. ILLUMRA decorator switches are sleek, fashionable, and come in a variety of colors and styles (including one that looks just like a traditional decorator switch). With ILLUMRA, you get both form and function.
  • Q:Can I use ILLUMRA wireless light switches in a multi-gang configuration?
  • A:Yes. ILLUMRA decorator style switches can be used in a gang configuration with or without the included back plates. The following options are available:With a back plate - ILLUMRA wireless light switches can be surface mounted, requiring no switch box, in a gang configuration by using a back plate. In this method of installation, the light switches stand out about 3/8th of an inch (about 1cm) from the wall. Backplates are available in 1, 2, and 3 gang options; additionally dual rocker switches can be used in place of single rocker switches to provide a maximum number of switches in a minimum amount of space. For example, a 3-gang backplate could be fitted with 3 dual rocker switches to create 6 functional light switches.Without a back plate - ILLUMRA self-powered wireless light switches fit traditional switch boxes and can be installed in a gang configuration in existing switch locations. Another method of installing the light switches in a gang configuration without using a backplate involves using a mud ring. A hole will need to be cut in the wall where the mud ring will be mounted. Using ILLUMRA wireless light switches without a backplate matches the appearance, including depth, of a hard-wired decorator switch installation. ILLUMRA dual rocker switches may be used without a backplate in a multi-gang installation.
  • Q:Can I use a configuration greater than 3-gang?
  • A:Yes; however, backplates are not available in styles greater than 3-gang. Therefore a switch box or mud ring must be used to implement a multi-gang switch greater than 3-gang. As a cover plate, use a standard Decorator switch cover plate with the appropriate number of slots. Another method of installing multiple switches at one location is to use ILLUMRA dual rocker wireless light switches. ILLUMRA dual rocker light switches allow 2 light switches to exist in a 1-gang width. This allows a maximum number of switches to exist in a minimum amount of space. For example, a 3-gang backplate could be fitted with 3 dual rocker switches to create 6 functional wireless light switches.
  • Q:Are ILLUMRA switches available in a “toggle style” switch?
  • A:Not at this time.
  • Q:How large are ILLUMRA receivers?
  • A: Size varies from model to model, but all single-channel receivers are roughly 2.1” x 1.8” x 1.1”. Many multi-channel low voltage receivers measure roughly 2.9” x 1.3” x 0.7”.

 

Ballast:
A ballast is a device intended to limit the amount of current in an electrical circuit. Ballasts are often used with fluorescent lamps with fluorescent tube light bulbs fitting into the ballast.
Load:
An electrical load is the end device which is receiving electrical power. In the case of lighting systems, it is the lights themselves.
Receiver:
Transmitters (such as switches) send wireless signals to receivers.
Transceiver:
Transceivers perform the functions of both transmitters and receivers (Receiver and Transmitter).
Transmitter:
Transmitters (such as switches) send wireless signals to receivers.