cjdelphi:
depends on how much you want to use it (switching on/off)if it's a lot of switching on and off. avoid relays... a solid state relay would be a good alternative for a lot of switching...
out of curiosity, what is you're doing?
I am converting my bedroom electrical switch board to digital. That is , instead of the piano switch I will be using tactile push buttons to switch LIGHTS, FAN and etc. Later in few days I will add a IR sensor and a remote to control them with an IR remote..