light switch auto-off after set time

[old duffer]

Is there a simple light switch (retrofit to existing switches) that allows the circuit to be cut after a set time so as to switch the light off?
The scenario is to remove the need to have to go up several flights of stairs when the kids leave the landing lights on at the top of the house

 

[ETAF]

there are various types, i have used these before

BUT what switches are being replaced - Single gang, is it 2 way ?

Elkay 400A Pneumatic Time Delay Switch - Screwfix

Order online at Screwfix.com. Adjustable pneumatic time delay switch saves energy by ensuring lighting is not left on. Replaces existing single gang wall switch. No neutral required and adjustable from 5 seconds to 5 minutes for LED, fluorescent and incandescent lighting. FREE next day delivery...

www.screwfix.com

Or i guess you could get a smart switch , but you may not have a neutral available - so choice maybe limited

 

[old duffer]

there are various types, i have used these before

BUT what switches are being replaced - Single gang, is it 2 way ?

Elkay 400A Pneumatic Time Delay Switch - Screwfix

Order online at Screwfix.com. Adjustable pneumatic time delay switch saves energy by ensuring lighting is not left on. Replaces existing single gang wall switch. No neutral required and adjustable from 5 seconds to 5 minutes for LED, fluorescent and incandescent lighting. FREE next day delivery...

www.screwfix.com

Or i guess you could get a smart switch , but you may not have a neutral available - so choice maybe limited

have used these in various locations. This is what is needed.Thanks

 

[ericmark]

Smart bulb, most smart bulbs default on, so if switched off with an app, switching off at switch and back on means it switches on.

The bulbs I use can have an off time set, or can use app, so makes it simple just swap bulb for smart bulb.

 

[Robin0577]

There are more attractive and less bulky electronic delay switches available which do the same job as the Elkay BUT many of them require a neutral to be available at the switch position, which is often not the case with standard domestic lighting circuits. The Elkay ones do have the advantage of robust simplicity, even if they are rather bulky and unattractive.

 

[JohnD]

Is there a simple light switch (retrofit to existing switches) that allows the circuit to be cut after a set time so as to switch the light off?
The scenario is to remove the need to have to go up several flights of stairs when the kids leave the landing lights on at the top of the house

It sounds like you do not have the usual staircase switches.

Fit LED lamps. The power used is so slight that it would be an extravagance to buy new switches in the hope of saving a fraction.

How many hours of light would you have to eliminate to save £21.59 worth of electricity?

 

[Harry Bloomfield]

Is there a simple light switch (retrofit to existing switches) that allows the circuit to be cut after a set time so as to switch the light off?
The scenario is to remove the need to have to go up several flights of stairs when the kids leave the landing lights on at the top of the house

There is a fairly cheap pneumatic push button. Push the large button in, light goes on, then after a time button pops back out. Time set by a grub screw.

Another way is an 'occupancy switch' which uses a PIR. Fitted in place of a switch, if some one walks by the switch in the dark the light goes on, then turns off after a preset period.

 

[JohnW2]

There are more attractive and less bulky electronic delay switches available which do the same job as the Elkay BUT many of them require a neutral to be available at the switch position, which is often not the case with standard domestic lighting circuits. The Elkay ones do have the advantage of robust simplicity, even if they are rather bulky and unattractive.

Even Elkay do (or, at least did, and I doubt that has changed) offer an identical-looking one which, if I recall correctly, does not need a neutral (which, in itself, can be a problem with LEDs).

However, if the OP is concerned about the amount of energy used when lights (one hopes LEDs) are unnecessarily left on (one presumes only occasionally), than the energy consumed, 24/7, by any electronic switch may well also be an issue for him.

Kind Regards, John

 

[JohnW2]

There is a fairly cheap pneumatic push button. Push the large button in, light goes on, then after a time button pops back out. Time set by a grub screw.

Indeed - as per the first reply to the OP (post #2).

Kind Regards, John

 

[old duffer]

It sounds like you do not have the usual staircase switches.

Fit LED lamps. The power used is so slight that it would be an extravagance to buy new switches in the hope of saving a fraction.

How many hours of light would you have to eliminate to save £21.59 worth of electricity?

6 landings, a stair well that is 16m from top to bottom. Kids on top level leave the light on it permeates down onto other levels and is annoying if you happen to have gone to bed and the light is coming through around the door. Its not about money.