Photocell with override setup

[phatboy]

Hi all,

We are going to soon be fitting outside lights to the front and side of the house.

It would seem sensible to connect them via a photocell so we don't come home in the dark, in line with a time-switch so they go off at 11pm.

I would also like to be able to override in case of the photocell / timer failing, or some other reason.

I am struggling to find and on/off/on switchplate (Found a few grid modules but its expensive).

Can anyone suggest one?

Also, would a photocell need a neutral connection? I am thinking it would, but have never had cause to fit a separate one before.

Thanks!
Tim

 

[AndyPRK]

Ever considered PIR sensors

 

[phatboy]

Ever considered PIR sensors

Yes, but didn't like the idea. A cat walking past and the place lights up (There will be 4 lights at the front). When I am out on the lash I would like to see the house from a distance!

All new lights are LED, so a total power usage of 32w...

 

[Taylortwocities]

There are circuit drawings on the switchery for this application in this recent thread
//www.diynot.com/diy/threads/internal-light-switch-with-3-settings.450600/#post-3551996

One uses a regular 2-gang switch, and one with a 3-position grid switch.

Both will give you the OFF/PHOTOCELL/OVERRIDE functions that you are looking for.

And yes, most photocells need a neutral.


PS Rather than use a photocell plus a timer, you could install one of these photocells that can be set to turn off after a period of time rather than run from dusk to dawn.
https://www.tlc-direct.co.uk/Products/STNM3000B.html

 

[phatboy]

There are circuit drawings on the switchery for this application in this recent thread
//www.diynot.com/diy/threads/internal-light-switch-with-3-settings.450600/#post-3551996

One uses a regular 2-gang switch, and one with a 3-position grid switch.

Both will give you the OFF/PHOTOCELL/OVERRIDE functions that you are looking for.

And yes, most photocells need a neutral.


PS Rather than use a photocell plus a timer, you could install one of these photocells that can be set to turn off after a period of time rather than run from dusk to dawn.
https://www.tlc-direct.co.uk/Products/STNM3000B.html

Excellent thanks. The other thing putting me off the grid option was I would prefer DP isolation, in case of water getting into an outdoor fitting, as they will likely share an internal lighting circuit RCBO. I couldn't find a DP version.

Actually I wonder if I can even get a 2-gang DP switch without going grid?!

I did look at a photocell with a power-off after x hours option, but I think I would want the lights out at 11pm, regardless of the time it got dark.....

 

[oldbutnotdead]

Why not just use a DP FCU (before the control switchgear) to give you appropriate isolation and some discrimination?

 

[crystal ball]

A bit pricey but this has an astronomical clock and can be adapted to all sorts of on off combinations

http://uk.rs-online.com/web/p/logic-modules/8251666/