Thank you both for your help. For the sake of completeness I thought I'd mention this as a possible addition to a standard on/off switch.
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- Thread starter JBR
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Those are good devices for ensuring security, whilst your home is unoccupied, but not really helpful for outdoor lighting, in as much as....
The time of sunset (dusk) and sunrise vary throughout the year, it's pointless and a giveaway, having outside lights come on during daylight. Using plug in Smart Switches, my drive light comes on dusk through to 11pm, a living room light comes on at dusk, and bedroom light comes on at a random time, and goes off 30 minutes later. At Christmas, those lights are similarly timed. Electric blanket can be turned and off remotely in winter. Each SS, costs 5 to £8, can be set to operate under automatic control, dependent on various factors, or remotely controlled from anywhere in the world, that has Internet access.
Yes, whatever timer I'd use I had already considered the variation of daylight hours.
If I do use a timer, I had planned to set it to turn on over the longest night times in mid winter on the basis that the lights would turn themselves off during the summer months whenever the daylight arrives, as each lamp has a light sensor.
Consequently, I'd never need to change the timer settings over the whole year.
I'm not really bothered about changing to BST, as the longest night will happen at the same (GMT) time of the year regardless.
That';s essentially what I do. I have a time switch which switches on about 2 pm (GMT) and off at about 10:30 pm (GMT) followed by a photocell (which controls all of the lights. The lights therefore come on at dusk (whenever that is), controlled by the photocell, and then go off at 10:30 pm (GMT)
Better than that. With the system I describe, by NOT changing the timer when 'the clocks change', in summer the lights still come on at dusk but stay on until about 11:30 pm ('clock time, BST) - which makes sense given that they come on much later in summer.
Kind Regards, John
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For a lighting system that follows daylight hours I suggest you look at a WiFi controlled switch (or smart socket) of some sort. There are lots available.
I have a number linked to Alexa*. In the Alexa app I set lights to come on at sunset snd off at a set time. That solves the need to change timers.
Of course you can also switch on and off by simply telling Alexa to do it.
*many other apps like SmartLife have similar facilities.
I have a number linked to Alexa*. In the Alexa app I set lights to come on at sunset snd off at a set time. That solves the need to change timers.
Of course you can also switch on and off by simply telling Alexa to do it.
*many other apps like SmartLife have similar facilities.
Until I began using Smart Plugs, for the drive light, I used an old mechanical Sagamo solar time clock, set to come on at dusk, of at 11pm. I would need to remember to check it was set correctly, if ever the power was lost. No such problem with the Smart Plugs, and I suspect, overall a power saving.
As JohnW2 and Harry said, that is my philosophy with the one difference that I like to leave the lights on overnight for purposes of security. They are low-powered LEDs so won't cost the earth. Although our police are pretty useless these days, hopefully if someone sees a criminal trying to break in at night, they might at least inform the police or, better still, shout at them!
Yes, Taylortwocities, I have looked into that and it sounds a good idea. However, there remains the problem of (probably) any timer whether timed or internet controlled may not be able to control LED lamps properly.
Yes, Taylortwocities, I have looked into that and it sounds a good idea. However, there remains the problem of (probably) any timer whether timed or internet controlled may not be able to control LED lamps properly.
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Given how you intend to use the external lights, I would be inclined to keep it simple. An FCU as your on/off switch for the circuit, with a photocell automatically switching your lights on at dusk and off at dawn.
You wouldn't ever really have to switch the circuit off.
Something like this, if you are happy to have it mounted somewhere externally:
https://www.tlc-direct.co.uk/Products/TLPEC1000.html
You wouldn't ever really have to switch the circuit off.
Something like this, if you are happy to have it mounted somewhere externally:
https://www.tlc-direct.co.uk/Products/TLPEC1000.html
That's an "advantage" in what way?
What could possibly go wrong.
My neighbour has a PIR operated light by his front door, which also has a photocell override. Presumably the idea is that it doesn't come on if the PIR is triggered in the day.
It was designed by an idiot. After dark, when triggered, it comes on. Photocell says no - it's daylight, so off it goes. Photocell says yes, it's dark, so on it comes. Photocell says no - it's daylight, so off it goes. Repeat.
It was designed by an idiot. After dark, when triggered, it comes on. Photocell says no - it's daylight, so off it goes. Photocell says yes, it's dark, so on it comes. Photocell says no - it's daylight, so off it goes. Repeat.
We can remotely simulate activity at home, even turn the TV on and change the channel.
We decide to go to, we ask Alexa to switch the blanket on for 30 minutes - we then get into a nice warm bed. We can do that whilst in the house, on the way home, or from where ever we happen to be. The other way would be to go up and turn it on manually, then remember to turn it off.
Which I presume is why the police recommend lights, especially lights going on and off, as a burglar deterrent.
I do think you are making it up, as you go..
Indoor or outdoor lighting acts as a deterrent.
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