Time switch for outside lights

TanDiy

Just wondered if anybody has added a time switch to their outside lights. I am looking for a time switch that will work with energy saving light bulbs and would be really interested to know what you are using.
I currently have two lanterns that turn on and off via a light switch in the house, but I want them to come on automatically at a preset time without using a PIR or photocell. The cable to the light switch runs through the garage wall and I was thinking that I could put the timer in the garage. Thank you.

forgotmyname

Replace the switch with a socket and plug with a timer?

Cost under £10

TanDiy

forgotmyname wrote: »

Replace the switch with a socket and plug with a timer?

Cost under £10

Yes this would be an option if this type of timer would work with the energy saving light bulbs. However, the lights are currently connected to a dedicated 'outside lights' fuse on the distribution panel which I quite like. I guess I could remove this and just plug the lights in as you suggest if this is allowed (regulations and all that!)

chrisw

Not sure why you don't want a photocell. I have one of these for less than £7 which switches 3 lights with led bulbs totalling 10 watts:-

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/IP65-Photocell-light-Switch-or-Daylight-Dusk-till-Dawn-Sensor-Lightswitch-10a-/230846171633?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_3&hash=item35bf8109f1

fordfocus-chav-car

This should do the job
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Electronic-Wall-Switch-Timer-Day/dp/B0018S13PO

Captain_Flack.

fordfocus-chav-car wrote: »

This should do the job
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Electronic-Wall-Switch-Timer-Day/dp/B0018S13PO

Really?

I bought this product to replace a previous version of the same switch based on the claim that this switch can be used to control the newer "Enegy Saving Lightbulbs". I have to say that the performance of this new switch is not really any better than the old switch when used with the new bulbs.
The problem manifests itself after the light bulb is switched off after it has warmed up, the current passing through the switch is enough to energise the bulb and cause some very interesting light flashing / strobe effects.
As with the old switch all is well as long as at least one of the controlled lights is of the old filement type bulb.

That's the first review.

Biggles

chrisw wrote: »

Not sure why you don't want a photocell. I have one of these for less than £7 which switches 3 lights with led bulbs totalling 10 watts:-

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/IP65-Photocell-light-Switch-or-Daylight-Dusk-till-Dawn-Sensor-Lightswitch-10a-/230846171633?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_3&hash=item35bf8109f1

Yes, I have two of those (one at the back and one at the front), controlling three lights.

They work with CFLs and LEDs, 365 days a year with no maintenance and no resetting of timers etc.

Gloomendoom

I have been using one of these to control a couple of CFL outside lamps for 2-3 years now...

IP44 Dusk to Dawn Switch Timer Sensor

TanDiy

chrisw wrote: »

Not sure why you don't want a photocell. I have one of these for less than £7 which switches 3 lights with led bulbs totalling 10 watts:-

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/IP65-Photocell-light-Switch-or-Daylight-Dusk-till-Dawn-Sensor-Lightswitch-10a-/230846171633?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_3&hash=item35bf8109f1

Thanks for the info. I sort of dismissed the photocell because I want the lights to come on as soon as it starts to get dark and I was not sure if the photocell would do this or whether it would have to get dark before it switched. I thought a timer would give me better control but maybe I will consider the photocell instead. Thanks again for the advice.

alanobrien

Captain_Flack. wrote: »

Really?

I bought this product to replace a previous version of the same switch based on the claim that this switch can be used to control the newer "Enegy Saving Lightbulbs". I have to say that the performance of this new switch is not really any better than the old switch when used with the new bulbs.
The problem manifests itself after the light bulb is switched off after it has warmed up, the current passing through the switch is enough to energise the bulb and cause some very interesting light flashing / strobe effects.
As with the old switch all is well as long as at least one of the controlled lights is of the old filement type bulb.

That's the first review.

I had a similar experience with this switch, didnt work with LEd's or energy saving compact flourescents. I didnt want a disco in the living room so it went back.

Biggles

alanobrien wrote: »

I had a similar experience with this switch, didnt work with LEd's or energy saving compact flourescents. I didnt want a disco in the living room so it went back.

They have trouble with anything under 20 watts. To overcome this, the manufacturers sell a cheap little resistor thing that is wired into the light fitting, then they work fine.