Light Switch for Timer?

1922

Hi all

I have some outside lights (up driveway etc). They are on a standard switch inside to switch on/off

would it be very difficult to replace this switch with a timer? Just a basic analogue heating clock style one?

Thanks in advance

brightspark

How about this (digital not analog)

http://lightswitchtimer.co.uk

gctest50

easy way

http://www.maplin.ie/p/light-switch-timer-fits-over-standard-sockets-no-wiring-required-a07qy

.

1922

interesting solution lads, thanks

however, I can't fit that because of where my switch is situated. Was also looking for something wired as opposed to batteries?

brightspark

A lot of wired ones will require either a neutral (which is rarely already present at a switch) or else a certain load.

How many lights are you switching? What wattage?

1922

brightspark wrote: »

A lot of wired ones will require either a neutral (which is rarely already present at a switch) or else a certain load.

How many lights are you switching? What wattage?

it is wired to 5 LEDS, all of which are outside. The wattage I do not know

looking inside the switch, blue and brown wires run into it..one of each

brightspark

1922 wrote: »

it is wired to 5 LEDS, all of which are outside. The wattage I do not know

looking inside the switch, blue and brown wires run into it..one of each

With just two wires going to the switch I don't think you have a neutral.

That means you can't use the heating controller you mentioned in the original post.

The direct switch replacements I've seen online have a minimum wattage of about 40W. Meaning that your LEDs won't switch properly.

Luckysasha

You could in theory mount a din rail timer at the fuse board and leave the existing light switch in the on position. You would need to reroute the phase going to the switch through the timer though

brightspark

Luckysasha wrote: »

You could in theory mount a din rail timer at the fuse board and leave the existing light switch in the on position. You would need to reroute the phase going to the switch through the timer though

Only if he is a registered electrical contractor. Also the "phase" going to the switch is likely to be feeding other lights.

Calahonda52

1922 wrote: »

it is wired to 5 LEDS, all of which are outside. The wattage I do not know

looking inside the switch, blue and brown wires run into it..one of each

if wires are in a conduit and its a bungalow, then u may be able to fish a proper neutral up the conduit to a proper neutral in the attic
keep safe;)

brightspark

Calahonda52 wrote: »

if wires are in a conduit and its a bungalow, then u may be able to fish a proper neutral up the conduit to a proper neutral in the attic
keep safe;)

That's not a DIY job, but if it is a bungalow it should be an easy job for a contractor.

1922

brightspark wrote: »

That's not a DIY job, but if it is a bungalow it should be an easy job for a contractor.

defo not a DIY job, as most of what you are saying is going straight over my head!

I'll give the lad that fitted them a shout in the next year. The switch is right next to the house's main circuit breaker board

And it's not a bungalow!!

brightspark

1922 wrote: »

defo not a DIY job, as most of what you are saying is going straight over my head!

I'll give the lad that fitted them a shout in the next year. The switch is right next to the house's main circuit breaker board

And it's not a bungalow!!

If the switch is that close to the board it should be easy enough for him to do it.

1922

brightspark wrote: »

If the switch is that close to the board it should be easy enough for him to do it.

I kinda thought as much myself. many thanks for all the advice!