Automatic Light Switches

[smurfchops]

Does anyone have one or two of those automatic light switches, that switch on when you are on holiday? Are they only for side lamps, and where would you recommend I buy some ?? Thanks all

[buildersmate]

They are widely available at all DIY sheds and probably places like Argos too.
There are 2 types - mechanical ones that rotate a dial once every 24 hours that you push pegs into to set the pattern of on/off events. These are about �4.
Electronic ones that have a LCD display and you programme - like most CH programmers these days. These are from �10, have more flexibility but can be fiddly for some people to programme. Can you programme the likes of a video recorder OK? You pays your money, you takes your choice.

[CSG2306]

Hi Smurfchops,

As above, Argos has a good selection. You can also get them with a thermometer incorporated, I use one in the loft so that a small fan heater switches on when the temperature drops below five degrees centigrade, keeping the pipes from freezing.

Regards

[MORELLO]

2 for �10 at B&Q. Idiot proof, works on anything with a plug, including audio devices to give further impression of somebody home.

[barnet boy]

I bought a replacement light switch with a built in electronic programmer from B&Q for �16. It replaces the light switch on your wall and you can program when the light comes on and off and can have different programs for different days. It also works like a normal light switch. Very simple to use.

I also have a Smiths Timeguard lightswitch which again replaces the lightswitch on the wall. It works exactly the same as a conventional switch except it has a built in light sensor which will switch on when it gets dark. There is a dial to decide how long the light stays on for. Even simpler than the B&Q switch. Available from all good electrical shops.
Both types need to be wired into the lighting circuit as they replace your current lightswitch and you cannot use fluorescent lighting or those energy saving light bulbs.

[smurfchops]

Thanks everyone. Do you put your light plug into the timer, set it, and then into the wall socket? I am thinking of using them on side lamps in the lounge and maybe up in the bedroom.

[Toureman]

Yes you do SMURF, I also time a table lamp in the lounge to come on from 2 till 3 during the night as an extra precaution.

[YvonneM]

I use a timer on a table lamp and when I am away abnd I put some washing on the line like some old towels etc

[WendyS]

We use a number of these timers, both digital and the ones with little pegs in them to click ON & OFF, and have found the old fashioned models with pegs more reliable than the digital ones.
It's also worth remembering that the low energy light bulbs work perfectly well with these timers in table lamps so there's no point in paying more electricity than you need to when these lights are coming on automatically. As an aside, an valuable extra security precaution is to use Swish Autoglide curtains which will open and close your curtains automatically on a timer if you have a straight run (not a curved bay).

[smurfchops]

This is getting more fascinating by the minute!! Thanks everyone :)