Programmable timer to replace light switch

nirajn123

I am looking to replace a switch with a programmable timer type switch so I can permanently solve the issue of lighting automation when I go away on holiday. I have got few plug-in timers but they are really pointless as far as ceiling lighting is concerned (which is what is used in most homes when people are around) and table/stand-up lamps aren't enough to fool the burglars (so I think anyway).

There seem to be very few options available - mainly meant for heaters - has anyone used these for main light switch? The only I am looking at currently is one that ToolStation has but they don't seem to be practical for a normal on/off use.

Any suggestions for a more practical and better looking option?

retiredin2011

Get a Hive smart LED bulb and Hive Hub and control your lights from a computer or smart phone.

https://www.hivehome.com/products/hive-active-light

TheCyclingProgrammer

retiredin2011 wrote: »

Get a Hive smart LED bulb and Hive Hub and control your lights from a computer or smart phone.

https://www.hivehome.com/products/hive-active-light

I don't think smart bulbs like these, or Hue etc., are really a good solution for primary lighting that is typically controlled from a wall switch (so ceiling lights mainly) as they require a permanent live supply and therefore require the wall switch to be left on or bypassed entirely.

It's great being able to control lights with your phone and do other clever things with them but most people would find it annoying not also being able to switch them with a wall switch, so you would require some kind of wall mounted remote switch that communicates directly with the bulb to solve this issue (I think Hue do these, not sure abo Hive though). I think smart bulbs are far more suited to table lamps, mood lighting and other secondary lighting.

What you really want is a remote controllable *switch* and whilst there are a number of solutions for this the only one that comes close to being a simple retrofit are LightwaveRF switches. I use them quite extensively throughout my house and also a number of remote switches too.

This isn't a cheap solution either though. In order to control them from your phone or some other home automation software (to do things like timers) you either need the official wifi hub or if you're more inclined to tinkering like me, a 433mhz USB tranceiver like the RFXCOM and something to plug it into, like a small home server (a RaspberryPi) running some home control software.

The main benefit of course is that you can use the wall switches like any other, you can trigger them with other remote devices like PIR sensors, contact switches and remote wall switches and handheld remotes and if you have the hub you can control them over wifi.

The cheapest solution I can think of to OPs problem is a couple of traditional timer plugs and some floor lamps.

Biggles

I've used TimeGuard ZV700 7-day programmable light switches for many years now, though it looks as though they are now replaced by the ZV700B (http://www.timeguard.com/products/light/automatic-light-switches/digital-light-switch-with-optional-dusk-start).

I run them to come on at dusk and go off at a programmed time, but they have various options. I have three of them now, they fit in a standard light switch wall box to standard wiring.

TheCyclingProgrammer

Biggles wrote: »

I've used TimeGuard ZV700 7-day programmable light switches for many years now, though it looks as though they are now replaced by the ZV700B (http://www.timeguard.com/products/light/automatic-light-switches/digital-light-switch-with-optional-dusk-start).

I run them to come on at dusk and go off at a programmed time, but they have various options. I have three of them now, they fit in a standard light switch wall box to standard wiring.

Never come across these before, looks like a good solution for OP. Bit ugly though.

Cornucopia

nirajn123 wrote: »

I am looking to replace a switch with a programmable timer type switch so I can permanently solve the issue of lighting automation when I go away on holiday. I have got few plug-in timers but they are really pointless as far as ceiling lighting is concerned (which is what is used in most homes when people are around) and table/stand-up lamps aren't enough to fool the burglars (so I think anyway).

There seem to be very few options available - mainly meant for heaters - has anyone used these for main light switch? The only I am looking at currently is one that ToolStation has but they don't seem to be practical for a normal on/off use.

Any suggestions for a more practical and better looking option?

There don't seem to be any cheap and easy solutions to this. I have installed a timer for a wall-mounted heater in the past, and I got that from B&Q.

Something like this: http://www.diy.com/departments/bq-7-day-digital-immersion-heater-timer/800775_BQ.prd

You'd need to check how it needs to be wired. I would expect it may need a Live and Neutral connection, which would be a problem to place instead of or next to a normal light switch.

Personally, I've never been convinced it is worth the cost and hassle vs. an uplighter + plug-in timer.

I have recently made my own time-switch to enable more intelligent programming + automatic BST/GMT adjustment. That works quite nicely and only cost a few £s to make, based on an Arduino microcontroller.

nirajn123

Thank you all. I don't think the hive/hue one that are suitable in my case as the rooms have already some fixtures I wouldn't like to change.

TimeGuard is similar to the ToolStation one - ToolStation one is much cheaper, and the point of practicality applies, but perhaps I should keep them running on a schedule and forget about on/off.

Katgrit

http://www.bhl.co.uk/greenbrook-t40s-c-electronic-wall-switch-security-timer-7-day.html

I've used these in previous houses and they're fab. The cover flips down into a plan white front and you just press the whole front to use it as a manual over-ride. So I had them coming on in a morning to wake me up, then use it manually the rest of the time. You can also turn off the timer facility altogether. Mine were lost in the house move and I've priced up and this site was the cheapest I could find.

Hope that helps.

Katgrit

TheCyclingProgrammer wrote: »

Never come across these before, looks like a good solution for OP. Bit ugly though.

This is very similar to what I've used. The front flap covers all the settings and display inside, so its just a gloss plain looking white box.

Biggles

TheCyclingProgrammer wrote: »

Never come across these before, looks like a good solution for OP. Bit ugly though.

The front cover comes down over the buttons when in normal use, though they don't seem to show a photo of that, it looks neater than my old ZV700s.

The Toolstation/Greenbrook one is cheaper but doesn't mention coming on at dusk, it looks as though it's timed only. And it can't do LED bulbs, which would be a big drawback for me. With the adaptor mentioned on their site, the Timeguard one will operate LEDs, CFLs and ordinary bulbs.

Cisco001

How about this?
http://lightswitchtimer.co.uk/products/light-switch-timer/?gclid=CLW9t7mustACFVQ_GwodVd0D_Q