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1. How to Automate Home Exterior Lighting Using the Z-
Wave Plug-in Switch Controller and Z-Wave Plug-in
Dimmer Controller
A Z-Wave Solutions Guide on the Latest Home Automation
Solutions
Pulling up to your house in the middle of a black moonless night
and unlocking the door in the dark is one of the scariest situations
one can encounter. As you enter the house and fumble for the
light switch, you can’t help but hope that everything is all right. If
you’re an enthusiast of home automation, you should consider
using it to automate your porch and entry lights. Here’s how to
use the Z-Wave Plug-in Switch Controller:
Fortunately, there are a lot of practical Home Entry Lighting
Options to choose from…
Use a key fob
Carry a remote control in your car
Use an exterior motion detector
Key Fobs
But with the Z-Wave Plug-in Switch Controller, you can enjoy all
these features with just a single central device.
A key fob is a pocket sized device, about the size of your palm,
which can be attached to your key chain. In general, key fobs
have several buttons that allow you to remotely turn on or off
lights, disarm security systems, and even lock doors.

2. Most key fobs only work with specific systems and require you to
have their corresponding system installed. Systems that make
use of Z-Wave technology can be easily installed and modified.
Key fobs that work with generic home automation technologies
are common. However, keep in mind when using one of these
devices outdoors, the exterior walls may act as an obstruction to
indoor access ports. If you have difficulties using your key fob
outside, you may have to install an outdoor device, such as the Z-
Wave Plug-in Switch Controller or access port.
In-Car Remotes
Since specific key fobs for your home automation system may not
come around quite often, remote control units are readily
available in the market. Keeping remote control units in the car or
purse is still a reasonable option even though it’s bulkier than a
key fob. Because the Z-Wave Plug-in Switch Controller has
complete control of your lighting system, you can control indoor
and outdoor lights, turning them on or off from your car. It’s never
too late to automate your home.
Just as with key fobs, the exterior walls of your home may act as
a signal obstruction to inside devices. If you have difficulties using
your remote control unit outside, you may have to install an
outdoor device, such as the Z-Wave Plug-in Switch Controller or
access port to support a wireless connection.

3. Exterior Motion Detectors
Exterior motion detectors are always an option. Since most home
automation technologies, such as Z-Wave, have them, you can
always go for exterior motion detectors when all else fails.
Sensors that can be disabled during the day are widely available.
Some even have an automatic shutoff timer, which will turn off
when no motion is detected for a certain period of time. However,
note that any movement can trip a motion detector. But of course,
that may be exactly what you need.