Touch switches are modern and functional devices that integrate perfectly with domestic home automation systems, that is to say the intelligent management of home equipment and systems.
The evolution of technology has led to many innovations in the industry and one of these is the touch screen, the same touch screen we learned about thanks to mobile phones and other electronic devices.
However, not everyone knows that the touch system has been used for many other purposes, and among these, there is also the management of domestic lights, through touch-sensitive switches.
Touch switches
Touch switches are not widespread as much as conventional switches, which have been used for our home lighting systems for nearly a century. The differences between the two systems are substantial and are mainly related to the mechanical operation method of conventional switches, which are operated by a mechanical activation.
In fact, the presence of a button represents the major difference between the two systems: in conventional switches, the circuit is closed or opened thanks to the lever that is raised or lowered, while touch switches exploit the natural conductivity of the human body, through the touch with the skin.
If these are the differences between the two systems, there are obviously positive and negative aspects of this new technology. As it is always the case, a perfect product doesn’t exist. A product can still be improved and dysfunctions can be eliminated thanks to developers’ work and studies.
Touch switches are relatively new on the market, even if the first simplest prototypes have been around for several decades.
Even though touch switches have been presented on the market with simple rudimental prototypes, they are still undergoing new changes, that will allow the mechanism to work perfectly.
POSITIVE ASPECTS
The first positive aspect of choosing touch switches for domestic lighting, is that they are definitely better, aesthetically speaking.
For many people, this may not be an issue, but when installing a new electrical system in a house, it is obvious that we tend to use accessories and devices that are aesthetically attractive.
Touch switches are usually made of smooth glass plates, almost minimal in their simplicity, giving an elegant and classic touch to any home.
Regarding technical features, the main advantage of a touch switch system, is that it can be connected with a home automation control system. In fact, touch switches have been designed to also be controlled remotely, facilitating the management of the lighting system, as well as reducing the electricity current leakage.
These switches can be in fact controlled by a small electronic card.
Another positive aspect of touch switches regards tax return. In fact, those who decide to install an energy efficient system, will be granted a tax refund. Touch switches are part of those home automation devices that will allow you to get 65% back of the total invested amount. This represents a considerable advantage, that facilitates and encourages the purchase of these modern control systems.
NEGATIVE ASPECTS
A part from the above mentioned positive aspects, touch switches also have some negative aspects.
One of the most obvious problem is the intervention in case of failure. A traditional switch, when not working properly, can also be repaired without any specific e-skills, because it has a basic and intuitive operating system, that allows anyone with a minimal knowledge, to intervene.
For touch switches is not that simple. First of all, you must start with a diagnostic research to understand at which point of the system, the problem that is affecting the use of the device, has incurred.
Another negative aspect of these systems is their higher cost compared to conventional switches. Technology means money, and you have to pay for it and touch switches do not represent the exception.
If a touch switch needs to be replaced, the spare part would be much more expensive and less intuitive to be installed than a traditional one.
The price difference between these two types is still very important and this represents one of those aspects that limits the popularity of touch switches. Moreover, if in the house there isn’t a home automation system installed, that allows you to fully exploit the features of this highly technical device, it would be hard to justify such a big difference in price.
By their nature, touch switches are more delicate and require more care to use.
Manufacturers, in fact, recommend to handle these switches only with perfectly clean and dry hands, so as to ensure their perfect functionality even in the long term.
Furthermore, a touch system works via conductive technology, that doesn’t work if the switch isn’t touched directly by human hands.
Just imagine a housewife who, during house cleaning, often wears gloves: touch switches won’t recognize the command and won’t be activated if there isn’t a direct contact with the skin.
This involves a considerable inconvenience and is not very practical.
Touch switches are of course valid devices for home lighting management, they represent an alternative and stylish way to save on electricity bills, using an innovative system, that in the future will only continue to evolve and improve, for a better manageability.