WIth regards to back EMF, I'm struggling to understand why this would not be an issue when the lighting sequence is "Self contained" within the board but becomes such when the signal is transferred over serial.
I don't have a schematic unfortunately.I am self taught and have limited knowledge. The circuit is very simple however, just arduino output to transistor to relay coil which is then accompanied by the mains voltage across the appropriate pins.
I put an LED across the two coil pins in order to try and stifle any EMF kickback. I am not sure if it was placed correctly but since doing so there has not been any problems with the circuit other than when using the serial...
Again, thank you for your help and for any more which I may receive.
Danny.