Remote control electric socket for my outside Xmas lights

[Deleted User]

As all the plugs for my outside Christmas lights are in the loft I usually just put them on a timer - but I'd prefer them not to come on at all when I am out. (I'm just a bit finicky about leaving stuff on when I'm not home).

I have seen, in Homebase today - a packet of three! - remote control sockets - where the remote works thru walls etc... to switch things on/off - but I only want one!

I have also today checked Focus (packs of two) B&Q none at all, Argos who had none and nor did Robert Dyas.

Where can I buy just ONE of these and not expect to pay upwards of £20

grumpyoldgit_2

Aldi had them on special offer last week - 2 or 3 in a pack - can't remember price but can remember thinking - they're cheap

grumbler

I am not sure, but I think Aldi's set was infrared - not good for loft.

Have a look at this from Maplin:

£15 (+p&p?)
• Converts hard-wired electrical products in to remote control
• Up to 25m range
• Even works through walls or floors!
• 5A switching capacity
• Supplied with remote control

I think it can be used to 'hard-wire' usual socket.

Or this set of 4 for £25:

[Deleted User]

Well I found them in Argos today and again looked in Focus.

Don't bother with the Focus ones if you want the remote signal to operate through walls/ceilings.

I finally decided the Argos ones were possibly the ones for me - they were however £19.99 - for that you get 3 sockets and one remote control unit. It does work through walls and ceilings up to 25m distance. The whole set comes with 64 different codes (just in case someone nearby has one as well).

I've tried it out at home and it works fine.

I decided to buy from Argos as I could use my Nectar points to pay for it!

shopndrop

If you have a local Aldi and they still have them, they were £15 for 4. I bought a set and use one to switch a light on when I pull up on the drive and we have another one which switches the lights on in the garden. The remote works from inside the house and the switch for outside lights is in shed. Works through house and shed walls.