Garden Lights timer + sensor

[checkmate]

Hi all

I have spot lights in my flower beds in my garden. Currently they are wired up to a switch in the garage.

Can i install a timer in the garden or in the garage and either keep the switch and add timer in between the circuit or remove switch and replace with timer so its on for few hours after sun set or whole night?

Secondly, i have installed some floodlight too in garden but they are without sensor. Can a external sensor be added?

 

[omega015]

Yes external sensors can be added to your floodlights. Look for photocells. e.g. http://www.screwfix.com/p/standalone-photocell/11330

As for your spot lights in the flower bed. If you have an existing light switch for this then this might be a suitable replacement for adding a timer and replacing the switch: http://www.toolstation.com/shop/p16578

 

[checkmate]

thanks for the advice

would the timer be ok if the bulbs on the flower bed is LED as i read on one of reviews it doesnt work for LED lamps?

 

[omega015]

Do you know the wattage of the led spots and how many you have?

 

[checkmate]

they are 5 watts and i have 5

 

[omega015]

The one I linked probably wouldn't be suitable due to requiring 40w minimum. This one however might be suitable as it seems to indicate you can use low wattage bulbs with it: http://cpc.farnell.com/timeguard/zv700b/7-day-digital-security-lightswitch/dp/SR05370?CMP=CPC-PLA I'd give them a quick call just to double check and tell them you will have 5 x 5w load. I would of thought they'd accept a return if it wasn't suitable.

EDIT: Ask them if it will be suitable for LED or if they have one for LED. That product doesn't mention LED on the specs but looking at the back of the switch it seems to suggest no LED.

If you cant find a suitable digital programmer one then Maplin have one that simply fits over an existing switch and operates it for you.
http://www.maplin.co.uk/p/light-switch-timer-fits-over-standard-sockets-no-wiring-required-a07

 

[Taylortwocities]

Try one of these Steinel Photocells
https://www.tlc-direct.co.uk/Products/STNM3000B.html

They have a special Night Economy mode so that the unit can be set to turn off after a period of time rather than run from dusk to dawn.

So you can set it so the light always goes off at 1am, even if sunset is at 5pm or 9pm.

Much easier than messing around with timers.

 

[Iggifer]

Try one of these Steinel Photocells
https://www.tlc-direct.co.uk/Products/STNM3000B.html

They have a special Night Economy mode so that the unit can be set to turn off after a period of time rather than run from dusk to dawn.

So you can set it so the light always goes off at 1am, even if sunset is at 5pm or 9pm.

Much easier than messing around with timers.

Just been reading the spec sheet. How well does this work? We've got a property developer that we work for that always wants lights on a timer and a photocell, and it's usually a PITA, and often involves a contactor.

If that Steinel one works as advertised that could come in super handy

 

[bernardgreen]

How well does this work?

Never had a problem with any of the Steinel products.

 

[Taylortwocities]

I have installed several of these and never had a problem.