Controlling lights

Projects General Guidance
1

Hi
I need a little advice on controlling lights at home using the Arduino. I researched this topic a year ago but found nothing fitting, but now I see multiple new solutions that aren't so expensive:

  1. Wireless light bulbs
    These look really promising, but I am in Europe so it wouldnt work... Is there snything similar for 220v? http://www.amazon.com/Cree-Connected-White-Dimmable-Single/dp/B00TN589ZG or http://www.amazon.com/GE-Wireless-Connected-60-Watt-Equivalent/dp/B00NOL16K0

  2. Wireless remote bulb screw
    e.g. Five Star Inc E27 Screw Wireless Remote Control Light Lamp Bulb Holder Cap Socket Switch for sale online | eBay
    I guess its possible to control this or similar products with the radio module on Arduino, though I am not sure how easy is it to replicate the remote control using arduino? And it is 220v so works for me...

  3. Wireless relays
    such as this http://www.ebay.com/itm/AC-220v-10A-relay-1CH-wireless-RF-Remote-Control-Switch-Transmitter-Receiver-/221341587647
    This is what I found last year, difficult to install compared to the new solutions...

Any tips which of these would work best and easiest control from the Arduino?
Are there any battery-powered radio switches that would last at least a year, to control the bulbs/screws (directly or via Arduino)?
Or any resources/experience/tips I could use would be helpful. Thanks!

2

There are several standard [u]home automation protocols[/u]. I've had an [u]X-10[/u] based system for many years. I have about 10 controlled dimmers/switches/outlets, a programmable master timer-controller, a couple of wired manual remote controllers, and a motion sensor.

I didn't build any of it, it's all off-the-shelf. You can build a controller yourself but, but there are lots of advantages to buying pre-made AC switches/dimmers because there are many engineering and construction "challenges" that they've solved for you.

3

Thanks for the reply. I looked on the X-10 site but its all for American 120V.
Anyway I dont want a professional solution, I want to play with the light bulbs from Arduino so was just thinking which of these solutions would work with Arduino. I guess I will just order one of the light bulb screws and maybe a random led 220v bulb from ebay and see what i can do with it...