Time switch for outside lights

chrisw

fordfocus-chav-car wrote: »

Standard 1.5 twin & earth would be fine to use outside.
Do not understand the last post... The photocell is just a switch with the live neutral feed in, then the load out to your lights.

The way I've done it is to only use a single 3 core cable up to the photocell by using the green earth wire as a live return. With twin and earth I would have needed a cable to it and then a return cable from it back to the lights.

waynehayes

The right way to do it is to use 4 core cable, you shouldn't really use the earth for anything but earth. With the 4 cores you get permanent live, switched live, neutral and earth.

chrisw

waynehayes wrote: »

The right way to do it is to use 4 core cable, you shouldn't really use the earth for anything but earth. With the 4 cores you get permanent live, switched live, neutral and earth.

You are right. I never thought of that - I was more concerned about getting a cable that stood up to outdoor exposure. Still, it works and I've labelled it so hopefully it won't cause any problems in the future.
cheers.

TanDiy

I originally started this thread to find out about wiring and would like to thank everybody for the info - really useful.

As a side, I just wondered what bulbs people are using in their outside lamps. I have purchased two half lanterns that state max 60w but assume a low energy version would be best. Thanks

Captain_Flack.

TanDiy wrote: »

I originally started this thread to find out about wiring and would like to thank everybody for the info - really useful.

As a side, I just wondered what bulbs people are using in their outside lamps. I have purchased two half lanterns that state max 60w but assume a low energy version would be best. Thanks

Depends if you want instant light or not. As your using a timer or photocell having them come on a week before you need them you'll be ok with low energy.

malc_b

Yorkie1 wrote: »

That's really interesting, didn't know about these.

Do you think the sensor would work if the bulb is inside a clear plastic cover?

(Edit: a cover like this one).

It should do. They are designed to fit into fittings. The only issue I would think would be the sensor picking up reflected light and think it was day and turning off (i.e. it would cycle on/off all night). If that was a problem then perhaps a bit of hose from sensor to cover would be the solution to shield the sensor's look at the sky. I wouldn't have though a clear cover would reflect enough back though.

chrisw

I use 3w or 4w LEDs. I found any brighter than this are too bright and dazzle the neighbours.