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Remote Control your Halogen Worklights

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  • Remote Control your Halogen Worklights

    Like many of you, I have a set of twin-head halogen worklights that I use to inspect my polishing.



    I have a lower priced unit and have to press a switch for each light to toggle it on or off. I guess I could leave it on at all times, but the heat from the lamps gets uncomfortable if I'm standing directly in front of it, and it eats a lot of electricity if left on continuously.

    So I find myself switching the lights on and off several times during the course of a paint correction to check my work. It gets a little tiresome, and I sometimes singe my fingers from time to time when I touch a hot surface of the lamp.

    After this past Xmas, I bought this Westinghouse remote controlled switch from a clearance aisle at Target. I think I picked it up for less than $5.




    I initially bought it for my tool shed, but then I thought it might prove handy for my worklights on polishing jobs. I tried this for the first time last weekend, and it really proved it's worth. I can't tell you how much time I saved by not having to step over to my worklights and manually switch on the worklights, but it was substantial. I just kept the remote in my pocket.

    The model I bought (and pictured above) is the Westinghouse Three Plug Remote Control Power Switch Model #28074. I plug a three prong plug outlet at the end of my extension cord and then plug the remote switch on it's own outlet (since you can't plug your polisher on the remote switch). This particular model is seasonal, so you might not be able to find one until Xmas. But your local hardware store may be able to order one for you.

  • #2
    Re: Remote Control your Halogen Worklights

    Very cool idea - thanks for sharing!

    Comment


    • #3
      Re: Remote Control your Halogen Worklights

      Makes a lot of sense. Great tip. Thanks for sharing.
      quality creates its own demand

      Comment


      • #4
        Re: Remote Control your Halogen Worklights

        I prefer the Clapper, but whatever suits your fancy

        Seriously though, great idea as long as it can handle the current. It looks like it is heavy gauge wiring, so it should be just fine.

        Comment


        • #5
          Re: Remote Control your Halogen Worklights

          Originally posted by Bandit Bill View Post
          I prefer the Clapper, but whatever suits your fancy ...



          Colin
          A common mistake that people make when trying to design something completely foolproof is to underestimate the ingenuity of complete fools.

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          • #6
            Re: Remote Control your Halogen Worklights

            Originally posted by Bandit Bill View Post
            I prefer the Clapper, but whatever suits your fancy
            That might prove problematic for our more accomplished MOL detailers since they tend to draw raucous applause from clients and bystanders as they work their magic!

            Originally posted by Bandit Bill View Post
            Seriously though, great idea as long as it can handle the current. It looks like it is heavy gauge wiring, so it should be just fine.
            Yep. It was designed for outdoor holiday lighting. I'm not sure what the exact gauge is, but it's probably 14-16 judging from the cable.

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            • #7
              Re: Remote Control your Halogen Worklights

              I think its a great idea, i only have one question about it.

              I read that just totally cutting the electricity from the source (like you would do with the remote) can shorten the life spand of your light bulbs....and that you should first turn it off using the switches before you unplug it....

              sooo since this post is a few months old now...i was wondering, have you blown any bulbs since you've been using it?
              Wills Amstutz
              Windows And Wheels Auto Detailing LLC
              www.WindowsAndWheels.com

              'Like' Us On Facebook

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              • #8
                Re: Remote Control your Halogen Worklights

                These come in so handy for all kind of electrical jobs. I use mine while polishing headlights and even to control my Christmas lights at home. No more going out in the cold to plug un lights.

                Comment


                • #9
                  Re: Remote Control your Halogen Worklights

                  Originally posted by Wills.WindowsAndWheels View Post
                  I think its a great idea, i only have one question about it.

                  I read that just totally cutting the electricity from the source (like you would do with the remote) can shorten the life spand of your light bulbs....and that you should first turn it off using the switches before you unplug it....

                  sooo since this post is a few months old now...i was wondering, have you blown any bulbs since you've been using it?
                  If the lights had fans, I think that might be a concern for shortening the cool down cycle. If there are no fans, not sure it would matter as off would be off and no cool down cycle possible.

                  Your suggestion would be very valid for lights or equipment with fans, such as LCD audio visual projectors. They have fans, pulling the plug is not recommended until the fans have cooled the lamps and the fans have stopped running. Then killing the power does no harm.

                  If the shop lights have fans then killing the power, rather than using the built-in switches, is a problem.

                  Then again pulling the plug under load is not a good thing either, but these remote control widgets are just switches. Not like pulling the plug.

                  At any rate, be careful in a garage and gasoline! And water, natural gas, propane, alcohol....

                  whew, end of safety speech...

                  "fishing for swirls in a sea of black"
                  ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
                  David

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