Touch switches... are these any good?

Deansplit · 13 Dec 2010

http://www.retrotouch.co.uk/rts2020.html

Has anyone had any experience in using/installing these and if so, are they good or unreliable? They're the same technology as the iPod Touch, but don't want to invest to have to replace in a few years time cos the warranty's ran out and they don't work!

Thanks

bernardgreen · 14 Dec 2010

Immediate thought after looking at the data sheet is.

I would not use them.

It is odd that they have a relay controlling the lamp ( life time 100,000 operations ) yet no neutral connection. So when the lamp is on and the live and switched live are linked by the relay how does the unit get power to hold the relay energised ? There is a compromise in there somewhere and I don't like compromises.

davelx · 14 Dec 2010

bernardgreen said:
Immediate thought after looking at the data sheet is.

I would not use them.

It is odd that they have a relay controlling the lamp ( life time 100,000 operations ) yet no neutral connection. So when the lamp is on and the live and switched live are linked by the relay how does the unit get power to hold the relay energised ? There is a compromise in there somewhere and I don't like compromises.

Possibly a bistable relay - think solenoid operated toggle switch. I've seen them in some X10 modules I've dissected after they went "POP"

bernardgreen · 14 Dec 2010

davelx said:
Possibly a bistable relay - think solenoid operated toggle switch. I've seen them in some X10 modules I've dissected after they went "POP"

Or a remance relay which holds on a weak magnet once operated by a pulse and releases when a pulse of opposite polarity opposes and cancels the magnet's power.

Still too much to go wrong compared to a simple rocker switch.

Deansplit · 19 Dec 2010

...and I would need the dimmer version too! Even more going on?! Shame, lovely looking and love the fact you can control with remote for mood settings.

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Touch switches... are these any good?

Deansplit

bernardgreen

davelx

bernardgreen

Deansplit

DIYnot Local

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