Abstract: Adding automation to an existing fully functional (manual) system has always been a challenge for engineers. The most common problems may include installation of distribution boards, selection of different hardware for different load ratings, etc. Often, a potential user avoids going for such systems as installations want major modification, are quite expensive & cumbersome. There’s nothing simpler than connecting an automation system simply by bypassing the existing system and also using the same system irrespective of the voltage rating. To add basic level of automation i.e. detection of any switching of a device, we have come up with a device called ‘Universal Detector’ with added communication feature. This concept is presented by the use of an external GSM modem which acts as a communication interface between the user and the device. Universal Detector is a retrofit-able device with the key feature being its low cost and wide voltage range literally making it “Universal”.