Automatic control of exterior lighting

[Weedwaka]

Hey guys,

We have 2 circuits of exterior lighting that we would like to automate so that they come on when it gets dark and turn off as soon as its light. What is the best way to do this ? Timer ? Tired of them getting left on all day or forgetting to turn them on at night.

The circuits are a 3-4-3 front and a single switch for the rear.

 

[dipper]

I use an intermatic digital timer, runs 3 exterior lights on one circuit. You can set the on/off time and will automatically adjust for daylight savings time. Works way better than the dusk/dawn sensors i started with originally.

I got the timer at depot, was around 20 bux. you might need 2, one for each circuit.

 

[bochnak]

I bought a porch light with the "dusk till dawn" feature.

You can also purchase a photoelectric sensor and wire it up to existing lighting. They are $5-10 at any big box store.

 

[csp]

Photo sensor and you never had to adjust the time on a timer.

 

[Stuart in MN]

Install a photocell on the north wall of the building and interconnect it with all exterior lights so they turn on and off at the same time. Here's one example (A Tork #2101 photocell), but there are a number of similar products: http://www.weisd.com/store2/TOR2101.php

 

[battmain]

If you don't have a large distance, and the sun doesn't affect where you place sensors, the cheap x10 sensors works great until the battery runs out. (Or until you have some @sshole walk off with the sensor. )

The 'reliable' distance is about 8-10 feet for me on the sensors, but like I said, it works fine. The old phone chargers I have are being put to use for these things too as I the batteries go bad and if I have a charger laying around that wont fry the internals of the sensor. (output < 1amp)

I could also spend more money to get better antennas, but again, I don't need to at this point.

 

[GarageEnvy]

+1 for the intermatic digital switch. Easy install and a ton of features. I have mine set on a modified dusk to dawn. You set the day of the year and it automatically knows dusk and dawn and allows you to modify it. It also adjusts for daylight savings time and has other modes (like random for vacation). Still works like a regular switch and even has a battery back-up. I was told to be sure the model I got worked with CFL bulbs (if that's what you're using).

 

[Weedwaka]

Thanks for the help

Do you happen to have a link to a unit that works with cfl bulbs ?

 

[wesman]

i put a couple of these for my front porch and over the garage entry lights that were on different circuits. set it forget it! They are great and if you can replace a light switch or wall socket you can install these. you can also work them manually.

http://www.1000bulbs.com/product/3283/ELEC-ST01AC.html


wes

 

[Cobra5L]

Check out http://www.aubetech.com/accueil.php

Rona carries them and I think Home Depot too.

 

[jayoldschool]

Default Re: Automatic control of exterior lighting
I use an intermatic digital timer, runs 3 exterior lights on one circuit. You can set the on/off time and will automatically adjust for daylight savings time. Works way better than the dusk/dawn sensors i started with originally.

I got the timer at depot, was around 20 bux. you might need 2, one for each circuit.

I use the same one. It also automatically adjusts for the change in daylight as the days get shorter/longer. Very happy with it. It controls two front door lights, four pots in the soffits, and four garage door carriage lights.

 

[Weedwaka]

I brain farted. The full size 3 ways and single pole timers wont fit. Both three ways and the single pole switch in the rear circuit are dual toggles (3/3 1/3 on single box ) type switches. I guess my only option is to find a 4 way timed switch for the front circuit or maybe some type of relay that hard wires.

 

[Weedwaka]

Check out http://www.aubetech.com/accueil.php

Rona carries them and I think Home Depot too.

Hey sweet **** !! NO SOUP FOR YOU !!!

 

[Cobra5L]

Hey sweet **** !! NO SOUP FOR YOU !!!

Still waiting for the House Warming Party!!!

 

[Gary S]

Thanks for the help

Do you happen to have a link to a unit that works with cfl bulbs ?

Any photocell should work with CFLs. I'm using one from Menards and it works every night.

 

[GarageEnvy]

http://www.intermatic.com/products/timers/in-wall timers/digital auto-off timers.aspx

It might be the digital or the electronic one. Believe it or not I haven't memorized all the model numbers of my light switches.