I want to remote control my AC

[Astroboy]

It would be very nice to be able to turn on and off the cool but loud AC without getting up from my couch or my bed.

I want to somehow install a simple power-cutoff switch on the 110v feed wire that is supplying the AC.

Has anyone attempted something similar?

FYI, mine is self-contained unit. It's not wired to any thermostat or fancy climate control system in the trailer. It only has two manual knobs. One to select among "off", "fan", "AC Lo", "AC Med", "AC Hi", and "Heat." The other to dial the temperature at which for the compressor to come on or off. With my unit, the fan is always on when the unit is in use, and it is so loud.

[Astroboy]

BTW, it is Dometic DuoTherm Penguine, 13500 btu

[overlander63]

Many Airstreams have a simple light switch wired into the line for the a/c. I also have seen remote controls for lighting circuits, and i don't know why you can't combine the two, as long as both parts are rated for the load of the a/c.

[SilverRanger]

I've used X10 wireless switches around the home, and in the Airstreams, for several years with good luck. I use their lamp modules primarily for switching and dimming lights. They do make an appliance module that has a 15 amp rating (1/3 HP motor, incandescent lamp-500 watts, Television-400 watts). I'm not sure if they have a higher rated module in 120 v.

They also have some nifty wireless motion detectors that can be integrated with the light switches.

Here's a link if you're interested:
X10 Appliance Module for Wireless, Remote Appliance Control - Only $13.99


Best of luck.

[Astroboy]

QUESTION: Do you think it's alright to shut down the compressor (when in use and pumping) by abruptly cutting off the 110v electrical power?

Do you think AC's control panel is designed to gradually slow down the compressor? I'm wondering, because I can hear that the compressor gradually coming to the halt when I switch off. I don't know whether it is because of the residual momentum of the cylinder or the control panel stepping it down with delay.

@ SilverRanger: Thanks for the info on X10.

I'll look into this and will also check out the catalogue at Radioshack to research how I would want to wire "remote" master switch. (radio transmitter FOB, or infrared?)