[Bedsit Bob]

I'm looking for a light switch that can replace an existing switch, and has a timer mechanism built into it, so that it will switch my living room light on (don't panic, it's got an energy saving bulb fitted) in the morning, knock it off when daylight occurs, and do the same in the evening.

Does anyone know of such a device?

[TheMask]

Have a look here

http://www.shopwiki.co.uk/TIMER+SWITCH

[Bedsit Bob]

Thanks for that, but I'm looking for something that will fit in a standard patrice box, in place of a standard light switch, and turn my room light on and off by timer.

[seacam]

Originally Posted by Bedsit Bob

Thanks for that, but I'm looking for something that will fit in a standard patrice box, in place of a standard light switch, and turn my room light on and off by timer.

Hi Bedsit,

I need to clarify, do you require a light switch with a timer to turn your light on and off at times you choose or do you require a light switch that senses when it is day or night and will turn the light on and off?

[aRoundTuIt]

How about this one ?

http://www.qvsdirect.com/Timeguard-T...-pr-17980.html

[seacam]

Or this one and you can have the best of both, a timer and/or day night switch.

http://www.ryness.co.uk/ProductDetai...roductID=11446

If you can't be bothered with the wiring, or the above link is over kill, there is an adapter you can screw directly in to a lamp holder, then screw your lamp in to that that'll turn your light on and off during day and night, note they are not that effective IMO.

Or this, a timer switch on it own.

http://www.ryness.co.uk/ProductDetai...ProductID=2917

May I suggest unless you really want a switch with a photocell, a timer switch is your best option and will give you greater control.

You may discover or have already that when removing the existing light switch the pattress box behind is not deep enough for the new fitting, if so post back one of us here will tell you how to resolve this if you not sure.

[Bedsit Bob]

Originally Posted by seacam

do you require a light switch with a timer to turn your light on and off at times you choose or do you require a light switch that senses when it is day or night and will turn the light on and off?

The first.

I'm looking for a timer switch that will replace the existing light switch.

[Bedsit Bob]

Originally Posted by seacam

Or this, a timer switch on it own.

http://www.ryness.co.uk/ProductDetai...ProductID=2917

That's almost exactly what I'm looking for, except for:-

"GLS lamps only"

Ordinary light bulbs are getting harder to comer by.

[Cornucopia]

B&Q have a range called "Home Easy" that includes modules to go into light fittings (both plug-in and wire-in) or wall-boxes, and then work with a remote control/timer unit.

Neat solution, bit expensive.

Or this, from Maplin...

http://www.maplin.co.uk/Module.aspx?moduleno=37966

One thing to beware of is that the cabling inside a wallswitch probably won't support relay switching (rather than solid-state) - there isn't both Live & Neutral. This could be an issue for your low-energy lighting idea.

In the past, I've found the cheapest solution to be a NOT uplighter - £5 from Ikea + basic wall socket timer (£3?)

[seacam]

Originally Posted by Bedsit Bob

That's almost exactly what I'm looking for, except for:-

"GLS lamps only"

Ordinary light bulbs are getting harder to comer by.

Hello Bob,

Sometimes I have to make assumptions on the information given.

I had read you use low energy lamps.

There are several timer light switches on the market.

The one as in Cornucopia link as sold by Maplins and re--branded by Time Guard for other outlets are an ideal solution but will only work with energy saving lamps of 20w up wards, they are however a little more versatile but not as neat a design IMO.

To that end the type I recommended, Green Brook, ---while not quite as versatile, can be used at the lower end/wattage of energy lamps and up wards and I presumed possibly a better solution in this instance.

There fore the switches I recommended, Green Brook branding, are perfectly OK to use with most energy savers 11w and above, I should have made this clear.

I also assumed the circuit you wish to use the switch on is one way, I think you would have said otherwise.

If not, it is still ok to use this timer switch so long as there is not a fluorescent or dimmer in the circuit and the low energy lamp/s are above 11w


Edit

http://www.greenbrook.co.uk/products.php?cat=31&nav=4

http://www.timeguard.com/products/li...y-light-switch

[Galaxy266]

I use one of these on my porch light and they're absolutely brilliant ! (Sorry, no pun intended!)

http://www.qvsdirect.com/Ranger-3-Pr...-pr-19999.html

Will switch any type of light as switching is by means of a latching relay. Runs on a single AAA battery which fits in the front of the unit, lasts for years.

Connection is dead easy. It just wires in parallel with the light switch.

[Cornucopia]

Originally Posted by Galaxy266

I use one of these on my porch light and they're absolutely brilliant ! (Sorry, no pun intended!)

http://www.qvsdirect.com/Ranger-3-Pr...-pr-19999.html

Will switch any type of light as switching is by means of a latching relay. Runs on a single AAA battery which fits in the front of the unit, lasts for years.

Connection is dead easy. It just wires in parallel with the light switch.

Yes, I had one of those as a timer for a wall-heater - and can confirm it would work in the OP's application.

The frame bit sits underneath the front plate of a single socket outlet or switch. It can be swapped either way round, but (certainly on my version) it could not be dispensed with altogether (because the timer itself is not suitable for fitting to a wall-box (it sits flush to the wall).

[Bedsit Bob]

I got myself a Timeguard ZV700 from my local electrical supplier, for £38.

I'm very happy with it, but, I've just discovered B&Q do a similar unit for less than half the price.