Modular capacitive touch switch system

A modular capacitive touch sensor system comprising:

• (a) a housing holding:
• (i) a capacitive sensing circuit measuring change in electrical capacitance in an attached electrode to create a touch event;
• (ii) a network communication circuit communicating with the capacitive sensing circuit using serial communication to communicate the touch event with remote devices according to device addresses;
• (iii) a first releasable electrical connector portion communicating with the capacitive sensing circuit;
• and
• (iv) a second releasable electrical connector portion communicating with the network communication circuit adapted to releasably connect to network conductors;
• wherein the housing further provides a front face supporting a first releasable mechanical interconnection portion;
• and
• (b) an electrode support providing a second releasable mechanical interconnection portion connecting releasably with the first releasable mechanical interconnection portion at an interface, the electrode support holding:
• (i) an electrically conductive electrode on a front face of electrode support to permit sensing of capacitance through a touch surface removed from the housing;
• and
• (ii) a third releasable electrical connector portion communicating with the electrode and engaging and releasably connectable to the first releasable electrical connection when the electrode support is attached to the housing so that the capacitive sensing circuit may detect changes in electrical capacitance in an attached electrode to create the touch event.