Remote control over ecb/lights outdoor on a timer

[scottj1]

I have a manhole with underground power box with circuit breaker for powering my 12 pond lights, they are wired to a timer which works ok. If I put the circuit breaker on it powers the pond lights to go on/off as per the timer setup.

What I would really like is the ability to also remotely switch the lights on/off from 100m away with a remote control, clear line of sight, I presume a receiver would need to be above ground to receive signal which is fine as one of the lights (1.2m high) is right beside the manhole cover.

Do you know of any products on the market to suit my requirements that I could look at, like changing the mechanic timer for one that was a timer & had remote control as well? The power is 3 phase. Really want to find out if there is something suitable before asking local electrician to source & fit.

In the picture below the far left ECB is the one for the pond lights, the middle and right one's are for other things.

Untitled

• scottj1
• 15 Sep 2014
• 1

Untitled

• scottj1
• 15 Sep 2014
• 1

 

[JohnW2]

I have a manhole with underground power box with circuit breaker for powering my 12 pond lights ... The power is 3 phase.

I'm a little intrigued to see a 3-phase supply to 12 pond lights. Is there is a reason? How big are these lights?

Kind Regards, John

 

[scottj1]

It's a commercial land with a 3 phase power supply to the main unit, then an underground cable to that box which powers pond lights, fisherman's hut & a borehole.

 

[JohnW2]

It's a commercial land with a 3 phase power supply to the main unit, then an underground cable to that box which powers pond lights, fisherman's hut & a borehole.

Fair enough. In fact, have looked properly at the picture, do I take iut that just one phase (red) is used for the pond lights? This is probably relevant to your actual question, since, if what I have said is correct, then your remote control system would presumably only have to control one phase.

Kind Regards, John

 

[scottj1]

I am not sure John, I don't really understand 3 phrase or electrics that much, just thought I'd mention the main power is 3 phase in case it was important.

 

[JohnW2]

I am not sure John, I don't really understand 3 phrase or electrics that much, just thought I'd mention the main power is 3 phase in case it was important.

OK - fair enough. I think what I said is probably right, but I'm sure others will chip in if they disagree. Which of the breakers do you use to turn the pond lights on/off?

Returning to your question, I rather doubt that you would be able to find a timer which also had a remote control facility, so it might be a little more complicated than you would hope. However, I'm sure that kit for remote control over a 100m line-of-sight path, per se, is fairly readily findable, but I'm no authority on such things, so have to leave you to others for suggestions. A competent electrician should have no trouble in 'bringing together' the remote control and timer systems.

Kind Regards, John

 

[scottj1]

The furthest left breaker is for lights, so one closest to the timer.

 

[JohnW2]

The furthest left breaker is for lights, so one closest to the timer.

That's what I thought. Since it's just single (red) phase, all I say above applies. I hope someone comes along soon to give you some suggestions about suitable remote control kit (although I imagine that your electrician may well have ideas of his/her own).

Kind Regards, John