The Clapper

The Clapper

The Clapper is a sound activated electrical switch, sold by San Francisco, California based Joseph Enterprises, Inc and marketed with the slogan "Clap On!" and as a separate phrase "Clap Off!". The Clapper works with any American standard electrical outlet.

Two upgrades have been made.

• The Smart Clapper allows control of two devices, based on if a person claps two or three times.
• A design revision known as the Clapper Plus includes a remote control function in addition to sound-based activation.

The Clapper can sometimes be triggered by coughing, a dog's bark or clapping that emanates from televisions and stereo speakers set at high volume, making it somewhat inconvenient for households with dogs and loud appliances.

There is also an away setting on the clapper that turns on whatever is plugged into it at any detection of noise. It can also be used to turn lights on whenever a room is occupied without having to clap.

The Clapper, was issued US Patent #5493618 on July 9, 1985 and first sold to the public on September 1, 1986.

The melody of the catchy jingle used in the commercials ("Clap on, clap off...") had been used earlier back in the mid 1980s for Sine-Off cold medicine, in a commercial featuring women at an army base.