Handy Switch is the neatest little doo dad I’ve ever seen. It’s kind of like the Clapper that you see on the TV infomercials. In a way, it’s better because you don’t have to wake the whole house just to turn off your lamp at night! It’s basically a portable wireless light switch. Watch this video review of it being put to the test! New Update -There's a recall on the Handy Switch due to it being a fire hazard - Read more here
How Does Handy Switch Work?
- Now you can have control where you want your light switch without having to rewire your house. Nice!!
- It has a radio receiver that you plug into an outlet. Then you plug in your electrical products into this receiver.
- It also comes with a radio transmitter switch that looks and functions much like a wall light switch.
- You can either mount the light switch with adhesive tape or two small screws. These items both come with the unit.
Pros
Installs very easily and quickly without tools, wiring or mess.- The transmitter works up to 100 feet in the “Does it Work Test". The manufacturer claims only 60 feet.
- The radio receiver is a both a night light and power indicator.
- The light switch sticks anywhere you like by just peeling the tape on the back and pressing it onto a surface.
- You can remove the switch and move it around.
- Controls any electrical device through walls.
- You can control inside lights from your car.
- A 12V battery is already included. Just activate it by removing a small paper tab that separates one of its contacts.
Cons
- A few reports of the customer service from the main Handy Switch website not being that great.
- Some [tags]handy switch[/tags] users wanted to return their faulty product but due to the shipping and handling costs to return it it wasn’t worth it.
- If you don’t want the night light there is no way to turn it off even when the handy switch is turned off.
- If you have a three way light it only turns the light on or off. It won’t go through the three settings.
- There are a few reports of some people getting faulty units. They either bought the Handy Switch at the store or on the main Handy Switch site. The unit will either not work at all or work for a week or two and then failed.
Handy Hints
- The instructions mention to use it only for indoor use.
- If your battery is low than the transmission distance can be affected.
- Don’t use the product for an electrical load over 300 watts. So if you have an extension cord with many things plugged into it, make sure all the electrical items don’t exceed the 300 watts.
- You can find it in the following stores - Walgreens, Bed Bath & Beyond and Linens and Things.
Great Ideas to Use Handy Switch
- Great for when you come home late at night and want to switch your hall or living room lights on before you get inside.
- It’s very handy for someone who has a difficulty getting in and out of bed to turn off a light.
- If you have an older house with limited light switches simply plug one extension cord in the receiver part and use the handy switch to turn all your room lights off and on at the same time.
Final Verdict
Handy Switch has been getting rave reviews from the majority of users. Although there are some faulty products out there. I’m wondering if some people forgot to take that little piece of paper out from the contact in the battery compartment. Anyway, I think this is great little product for the price and ease of use and it’s very versatile. It's nice to see these TV products actually functioning as they claim, unlike the Listen Up device!
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{ 10 comments… read them below or add one }
broke after 6 months of use
do you guys know the circuit diagram for the switch and the reciever
Bryce, Can you call the toll free number on the Handy Switch recall site? I’m not sure about this and wouldn’t want to give you the wrong info. =)
does anybody know what battery this uses??? i got the switch and plug adaptor at a tag sale, but not a battery :/
I purchased the original handy switch. 3 of them .Returned it for the ones with the remote. Now only one works. Does the dail on the back fix the problem? how do I fixit?
Kathy did you try calling that Handy Switch toll free number? Here are further details….
anyone know the correct size of the battery i bought 2 at walmart very small ones but just not small enough it fit but the back dont close the battery i bought was a little wider i guess or either i put in wrong any help i cant read the battery size
Inez…As far as I know it’s supposed to use a 12 volt battery.
it does not take a 12volt battery i need to know the size too
Melissa, Oh I thought it was a 12 volt battery! Sorry about that…
Call this toll free number to get the information you need. I’ll call as well and put the info up in this blog post.