Programmable light switch?

[Ray-CA]

For various reasons 'dusk to dawn' sensors etc will not work for the outside lights on the house or garage. Does anyone know if there are light switches with a timer function that I can, for example, have the light come on at 6pm and go off at 11pm each day?

I've seen some that have a timer function but you have to set it each day for a certain number of hours. We would like one that I can "set and forget."

Thanks,

Ray

 

[RECox286]

Yes, they are available at most better hardware stores, and are also

sold at places like HD and Lowes.

Any electrical supply store will have them too. (Worth around $20 clams.)

They will only work with a single gang work box, and definitely will not

work with a ganged location.

Uncle Bob

 

[pattenp]

These switches require a neutral for power at the switch.

http://www.smarthome.com/300657/Hon...ble-Switch-for-Lights-and-Motors-White/p.aspx

 

[Midnight_America]

This one seems to be very popular:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004AP92N2/ref=ox_sc_sfl_title_9?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER

 

[Greatbear]

This one seems to be very popular:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004AP92N2/ref=ox_sc_sfl_title_9?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER

I have a few similar timer switches controlling outdoor lights. Like the one linked, these have an astrological or solar timetable feature that calculates the sunrise and sunset times for the area they're installed, once the time and date are set and the zone programmed, these will automatically turn the light on at sunset and off at sunrise, light enough to see without artificial light outside but not on too soon or off to late that you are wasting electricity. No more lights coming on when it gets cloudy and rainy, or lights staying on or going on when there is lots of direct sun. Really useful in wooded areas that tend to fool photo sensors. They can also be programmed conventionally for specific on and off times, with separate daily programs, etc.

This one I am using where there is no neutral in the box. It has a lithium cell for power, it doesn't use line power for operation. It uses a latching solenoid that trips a switch, so it can operate any type of load, and can be used with a three-way switch if desired. Works with motors, incandescent, metal halide, fluorescent, resistive loads. Anything you can control with a 15 amp switch. It makes a loud click when turning on or off, that might be an issue for some.

 

[scott917]

I just installed the one that Home Depot carries in their store. I say it that way because Home Depot in the Houston area only carries one make in store. Lowes in the Houston area carries none. They are available on their websites, but not for in-store pick-up.

The one I installed was great, it works fine and I am happy with it.

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Defiant-20-Amp-7-Day-7-Event-In-Wall-Digital-Timer-49814/203678179#.UonLOOLLKhw

S

 

[2Big2Ride]

I have a few similar timer switches controlling outdoor lights. Like the one linked, these have an astrological or solar timetable feature that calculates the sunrise and sunset times for the area they're installed, once the time and date are set and the zone programmed, these will automatically turn the light on at sunset and off at sunrise, light enough to see without artificial light outside but not on too soon or off to late that you are wasting electricity. No more lights coming on when it gets cloudy and rainy, or lights staying on or going on when there is lots of direct sun. Really useful in wooded areas that tend to fool photo sensors. They can also be programmed conventionally for specific on and off times, with separate daily programs, etc.

This one I am using where there is no neutral in the box. It has a lithium cell for power, it doesn't use line power for operation. It uses a latching solenoid that trips a switch, so it can operate any type of load, and can be used with a three-way switch if desired. Works with motors, incandescent, metal halide, fluorescent, resistive loads. Anything you can control with a 15 amp switch. It makes a loud click when turning on or off, that might be an issue for some.

We have a couple of these astrological switches controlling outdoor lights and they work great. One switch set for dusk to dawn, the other on at dusk and off at 23:00, back on at 5:00 and off at dawn. Make sure the switch will handle the loads you want switched, such as fluorescent lights, as many stocked in the big box stores will not. Battery in the first switch went about 7 years before it needed to be replaced.

 

[Blk88GT]

I'm using these: http://www.belkin.com/us/F7C030-Belkin/p/P-F7C030/

Program them with your iPhone/iPad or Android device. Works like a charm.