Aldi alert Remote Control Mains Switching unit

[malb]

Often see people looking for something non pricey that can remotely switch a vacuum or dusty when a tool is activated.
At the moment Aldi have a Home Automation set on sale for $35. Set comprises 4 x RC power point mounted switching modules and a 4 channel remote control, plus instructions. Switch modules are channel selectable so multiple units can be set to one button on the remote. They are rated at 10A each, and use relay switching so should be good for 1.5 HP motors after allowing for start currents etc.
Therefore possible to operate a tool (saw, medium router etc) via one switch unit from one circuit, and a similar sized vac/dusty from another circuit and switch unit, from a single button on the remote.

Not a high tech solution, and won't be available forever, but it is better than nothing.

No associations etc.

[Tiger]

Good one Malb. Often thought about a remote control unit and $35 is not too bad. Have you or anyone else bought one and if so are you happy with it?

[malb]

Hi Tiger.

Got a set last Saturday when doing the weekly shop. Dead simple to associate the individual switching units to remote buttons on the fob, in any arrangement. i.e, all switch units associated to one button, each associated to their own button or anything in between.

Can definitely hear a relay activate/deactivate to do the switching. Being conservative about motor ratings as you can't get inside to identify the relay and its ratings but the units are rated for 10 A, so I am anticipating that 1.5HP motors starting off load won't tax the relay contacts too severely. Never the less, the unit does have a 1 Yr warranty if needed. Obviously haven't done enough work so far to test longevity in workshop use, but being Aldi, from Thursday they would be on runout as they are a weekly special.
Mal

[rileyp]

Use one of these to operate a contactor and you can switch on whatever you want!....
I wouldn't attempt motor starting with one of these unless the motor is less than 1 amp.
A good quality 10 amp relay is a lot bigger than one of those little things...
cheers rileyp