A self-powered switching system using electromechanical generators generates power for activation of a latching relay, switch, solenoid or latch pin. The electromechanical generators comprise electroactive elements that may be mechanically actuated to generate electrical power. The associated signal generation circuitry may be coupled to a transmitter for sending RF signals to a receiver which actuates the latching relay. The use of mechanically activated membrane switches on the deflector or on a keypad allows multiple code sequences to be generated for activating electrical appliances or an electromechanical locking system.