Timer for Xmas lights

[chilluk]

I have an outdoor waterproof socket that was professionally installed and currently use an extension lead from that into one of those waterproof boxes where I can plug in and keep the transformers etc dry.

At the plug end of the extension lead I have a plug with built in switch so I can turn the lights on and off and keep the plug end dry in the waterproof socket but ideally I'd like to setup a timer as it's no fun going out late at night to turn them off !

Is there something I can get that I can wire into the extension lead that would go near the 4 gang end. Some sort of an Inline timer? It can go inside the waterproof box so would be covered up.

Obviously if this is a bad idea because of load or heat build up let me know as I'm fairly keen on the wife and kids and don't really want to burn us all to a crisp. Please keep the Xmas light prejudices under wraps though and keep it factual!!

Many thanks.

 

[Taylortwocities]

A plug in timer is your best bet.

Or change your outside socket for one of these:

http://www.tlc-direct.co.uk/Products/MK56485.html

 

[chilluk]

Plug in timer won't fit in the waterproof socket. I'd need 4 to go in the other end of the extension lead and that's is they'd fit side by side.

It seems a bit excessive to change the socket. Would something like an immersion timer work?

 

[chilluk]

How about something like this :

http://www.maplin.co.uk/Module.aspx?ModuleNo=221973

 

[SgtTrojan]

Please keep the Xmas light prejudices under wraps though and keep it factual!!

Many thanks.

DOH!!.. I was going to ask for this thread to be locked till twelve days before but you put your clause in at the end

 

[chilluk]

HOHO I have searched for Christmas lights posts already and know they are an acquired taste round here!

 

[plugwash]

An immersion timer should work fine as long as it's installed in a location that protects it from the elements.

 

[bernardgreen]

An immersion timer should work fine as long as it's installed in a location that protects it from the elements.

Just check it's rating for inductive loads is adequate for the lighting load being switched. Immersion heaters are resistive loads, transformers are inductive and the inrush current in inductive loads means contacts have to be de-rated for inductive loads.

 

[ban-all-sheds]

How about something like this :

http://www.maplin.co.uk/Module.aspx?ModuleNo=221973[/QUOTE]

This is cheaper:



I've seem people complain about the reliability of IQ-Group products but I've had one of those permanently outside for years and it's still going fine.

It could be fixed to the waterproof box.

 

[ban-all-sheds]

HOHO I have searched for Christmas lights posts already and know they are an acquired taste round here!

Go West, young man...

http://vimeo.com/7705545

http://vimeo.com/7705675

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=szLmAPW39uE

http://www.friscochristmas.com/

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g0IwpRzWL_4&feature=related

http://knowyourmeme.com/memes/christmas-lights-gone-wild

And, of course, the guy who was the first to become famous for this sort of stuff:

http://video.google.co.uk/videoplay?docid=-7247304136151735536# (better quality vid than the one on YouTube and almost everywhere else) Some closeups in this interview: http://www.bing.com/videos/watch/video/lighting-up-the-neighborhood/6iwo1p0

 

[Steve]

LOOK in the £1 bins at B&Q. They have 24h plug in timers with 48 notches on them - half-hourly switching. Seem alright. I have one controlling my aquarium lighting. You could use 4 of these in your box.

 

[JAmmmmm]

Just get one timer and a 1 socket extension lead, plug the single extension in the outdoor socket then plug the timer in that, then the 4 socket one into the timer. Make sure you put the timer in the box as well, if its a weather-box it should fit fine

 

[chilluk]

Would I have to put the local fire station on alert first?!

 

[JAmmmmm]

Would I have to put the local fire station on alert first?!

Why would you want to do that?

 

[Taylortwocities]

Would I have to put the local fire station on alert first?!

Why would you want to do that?

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/1366177/Christmas-lights-fire-kills-children.html
http://www.eveshamjournal.co.uk/new..._to_coincide_with_Christmas_lights_switch_on/