Individual Timed Lighting

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caveman38
caveman38 Posts: 1,297 Forumite
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in Techie Stuff
For years I have used
https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0018S13PO/ref=psdc_1938312031_t5_B009MYO484
to control two light switches in my house for holidays etc. Although they have worked fine, they have a habit of blowing either the internal fuse or at worst the circuit board. They are cheap but a nuisance to keep replacing and at worst the lighting stays on when blown.
I would like a simple alternative and have only found a mechanical one that works in a similar way
https://www.screwfix.com/p/wireless-digital-light-switch-timer/8835h
Has anyone gone any simple suggestions of anything else, bearing in mind I have no neutral and only the switched live - and earth of course.

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  • arciere
    arciere Posts: 1,354 Forumite
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    Simplest thing would be to control the lights, rather than the switch, but that will cost you more, depending on how many light bulbs you have.
  • EssexExile
    EssexExile Posts: 6,139 Forumite
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    I just plug a couple of table lamps into timer sockets.
    https://www.screwfix.com/p/plug-in-compact-timer/44241#_=p
    Tall, dark & handsome. Well two out of three ain't bad.
  • that
    that Posts: 1,532 Forumite
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    You mean you have no earth, but only live an Neutral :)

    Personally I'd be looking why the electrics is so bad, and possibly has spikes?

    It takes a arcing contacts, or motor to do this like fridge or washing machine, or a bad supply. since I blows randomly would lean towards fridge, or you could be near a company that has got industrial electrical equipment

    if you want something that lasts and dont want to faf, a mechanical timer
  • caveman38
    caveman38 Posts: 1,297 Forumite
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    that wrote: »
    You mean you have no earth, but only live an Neutral :)

    Personally I'd be looking why the electrics is so bad, and possibly has spikes?

    It takes a arcing contacts, or motor to do this like fridge or washing machine, or a bad supply. since I blows randomly tripld lean towards fridge, or you could be near a company that has got industrial electrical equipment

    if you want something that lasts and dont want to faf, a mechanical timer


    No I meant live, switched live and earth at each light switch. Some modern switches require a neutral. The Greenbrook timers blow sometimes like circuit breakers trip when for instance an incandescent bulb blows.
    I still use those old fashioned bulbs (whilst I have got the
    bulbs) as Iuse 3 x 100W for a large area.
  • coffeehound
    coffeehound Posts: 5,674 Forumite
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    The amazon ones are probably dying due to using a solid state relay, as they often fail 'on' and are susceptible to overheating and transients. You could reduce heating effects by swapping your high-current bulbs for something less juicy which hopefully wouldn't 'blow' either.
    caveman38 wrote: »
    I would like a simple alternative and have only found a mechanical one that works in a similar way
    https://www.screwfix.com/p/wireless-digital-light-switch-timer/8835h

    Those look a clever solution - if they work.
  • that
    that Posts: 1,532 Forumite
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    caveman38 wrote: »
    No I meant live, switched live and earth at each light switch. Some modern switches require a neutral. The Greenbrook timers blow sometimes like circuit breakers trip when for instance an incandescent bulb blows.
    I still use those old fashioned bulbs (whilst I have got the
    bulbs) as Iuse 3 x 100W for a large area.
    With you now swlitched live.

    You need some led ones, or flourescent. either one will pay for itself in electricity savings, compared to the cost of your free filament bulb
  • Takmon
    Takmon Posts: 1,738 Forumite
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    Personally i would go for something like this in your position; a wi-fi controlled switch.

    https://www.wifi-smart-home.co.uk/one-gang-tempered-glass-wi-fi-light-switch.html

    You can set a timer for it to come on and off using a phone app but also opens up the possibility of controlling them remotely or with an Alexa, Google Home device etc.
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