A network device for controlling an electric light or other remote electrical device. In addition to features found in standard light switches, such as cover plates, housings, switching elements, and internal wiring, the network device may include a cover plate with embedded cover circuitry for performing advanced functions unavailable to standard light switches. Functions performed by the cover circuitry include advanced electrical communication, data processing, user interfacing, sensing, displaying, rule creation, and the like. The cover circuitry may receive electric power via a set of contact elements located on the wall-facing side of the cover plate that electrically couple with a similar set of contact elements located on the room-facing side of the housing. The coupling of contact elements may form a set of buses that enable data communication between the cover circuitry and circuitry within the housing.
