I like to create an Arduino-based light switch that will turn on / off several lights in my room. Currently I have a standard North-American light switch with just an on/off position. I like to control the lights using both the standard light switch and the Arduino. I've done research and this can be done using a solid-state relay to controls the light. check out [login to view URL]
Please design something safe that will not cause short-circuits, fires, or any sort of electrical problem.
I like to receive the commands to turn on and off the light via a wireless Internet connection. I found the WiShield (see [login to view URL];flypage=flypage.tpl&product_id=17&category_id=6&vmcchk=1) . This will allow the Arduino to connect to the Internet wirelessly. A simple web server should be running on the Arduino awaiting the commands to turn on/off the lights. I like to specify the URL as [login to view URL];light=A . In effect this will be a Web Service that sits and awaits the on/off commands. There's a Web Server library for the Arduino located at [login to view URL]
Summary:
Internet HTTP Request=> Arduino Web Server => 120V Light Switch
There are several ways to accomplish this, one been the proposed relay solid-state switch, but feel free to make suggestions. I also heard we can use X10 hardware to accomplish this using the X10 (see [login to view URL] or [login to view URL])
I need to get this done ASAP and with minimal cost. I will buy all materials required. One important thing is to make this cosmetically-pleasing. I don't like to see hanging wires. Please provide a stylish cover and make it look very neat. The Arduino should be tightly packed inside the cover along with the WiShield. Make this design expandable so that I can control several light switches at the same time. The relays can be inside a separate smaller box that can be placed inside the actual light switch. All the light switches are next to each other currently.