Looking for a fused spur/light switch with a programmable timer

[bigegg]

I have security/courtesy lights around the outside of the house/garden - most are LEDs so 10a resistive, max

I want to fit a timer/switch so they switch on at dusk, switch off at 11pm ish, turn back on at 6am then off at daybreak.

The light sensor is easy - I bought a separate sensor, and wired it in series with the lights.

But the timer is an issue.
I want a "boost" (or "countdown timer") function that is a nice BIG switch that I can press to turn the lights on for 10-30 minutes if necessary.

I've found a switch that does what I want - the greenbrook 205, but the "nice big switch" is an isolator, which disconnects the entire circuit until switched back on.
If I fit that, my mum is going to turn them all off on her way to bed - leaving everything in darkness from 6pm!

It does have a "on until programme says 'off' " setting which is OK - but it's a tiny little button that mum will forget how to use.


So yeah. Specs:
Easily accessible countdown timer function, so can be switch "on" at will (after dark) for 10-30minutes, but can't be switched "off".
Switch 10a resistive load.
Programmable timer with minimum of two on/off cycles per day. Each day can be same.
Isolator would be nice. But must be difficult to access. I can fit a separate isolator/FCU if neccessary.

I have alexa/hive/google setup around the house, so I could programme it with that - a recommendation of a suitable switch unit for that would be appreciated (although I'd prefer a "non integrated" system)

<edit>
Or would I be better fitting a programmable timer, and a separate "countdown timer"/Boost switch in parallel?


Thanks

 

[jimbo84]

Used to fit some Timeguard ones years ago, give it a google, timer and then an overide switch on too.

 

[bigegg]

Used to fit some Timeguard ones years ago, give it a google, timer and then an overide switch on too.

All the suitable timeguard ones have a big isolator switch

 

[jimbo84]

You might be better with two switches, one timer one and then one of those old school pneumatic push button switches but think they may only go up to ten mins, wire them two way.

 

[gaz1]

fit a plug on end and fit normal timers to them

https://www.aldi.co.uk/segment-timers-3-pack/p/021141317291900

 

[Spark plug]

The best way would probably be to have a little control box hidden away somewhere, in it you put your timer to control the two time periods, a couple of relays and a timer.

The theory being when you press your override button a relay disconnects the output from your 7 day timer, connects the output from the 30min timer and starts the timer. When finished the timer resets and normal service resumes.

 

[Fraserb]

We have a setup in a few sheds thats ran by a central heating controller. They switch the lights on with the timers and if you want them on outwith the timers just press the advance or boost button, our boost button puts them on for an hour at a time, I think you can get ones with other times.

 

[Robotstar5]

Put one of these in parallel with the timer?, nice big button and doesn't even need a neutral.

 

[bigegg]

You might be better with two switches, one timer one and then one of those old school pneumatic push button switches but think they may only go up to ten mins, wire them two way.

this is going to be my plan.
i found a 20 minute pneumatic switch, and theres plenty of either digital or mechanical timers.


thanks everyone.

 

[Gareth J]

The I've fitted a couple timeguard ones to towel rails. Think they behave the same as the greenbrook ones.

Sounds like you're aware of their functionality so you could, maybe get creative and "bigify" and separate out the appropriate buttons so your mum isn't befuddled.

But... they get poor reviews for longevity. I had one die within weeks.

I like your last suggestion running the boost in parallel. (Presuming this is electrically legit??) Should be a bit more robust and, if you use an analogue timer, more obvious for you mum.

 

[bigegg]

Put one of these in parallel with the timer?, nice big button and doesn't even need a neutral.

thats the one - although my local electrical place has them at 18+vat.

 

[bigegg]

The I've fitted a couple timeguard ones to towel rails. Think they behave the same as the greenbrook ones.

Sounds like you're aware of their functionality so you could, maybe get creative and "bigify" and separate out the appropriate buttons so your mum isn't befuddled.

But... they get poor reviews for longevity. I had one die within weeks.

I like your last suggestion running the boost in parallel. (Presuming this is electrically legit??) Should be a bit more robust and, if you use an analogue timer, more obvious for you mum.

i spent a fair while looking at the greenbrook timers.
the reliability problem seems to be caused specifically by towel rails.
i wonder if they switch on by thermostat whilst the heating coil is still hot, and the surge is too high for timer?
there doesnt seem to be any occurence of failure when used for lights?

 

[bigegg]

fit a plug on end and fit normal timers to them

https://www.aldi.co.uk/segment-timers-3-pack/p/021141317291900

and mum will switch them off at the plug.
which will mean they have to be reset to correct time every day.
and they don't have a "boost" countdown timer function.

 

[bigegg]

The best way would probably be to have a little control box hidden away somewhere, in it you put your timer to control the two time periods, a couple of relays and a timer.

The theory being when you press your override button a relay disconnects the output from your 7 day timer, connects the output from the 30min timer and starts the timer. When finished the timer resets and normal service resumes.

would the outputs need to be disconnected?
the "boost" function would only need to be used when the 7-day timer is "off" anyway.
if the boost was used when the timer was "on" it wouldn't actually be switching anything (as both sides of switch would be at 240v)

 

[Spark plug]

Liu

would the outputs need to be disconnected?
the "boost" function would only need to be used when the 7-day timer is "off" anyway.
if the boost was used when the timer was "on" it wouldn't actually be switching anything (as both sides of switch would be at 240v)

It would probably be ok, it’s just the panel wireman in me, that is the accepted method to wire say a lamp test circuit

 

[Domdom]

Smart plugs and Alexa? That’s what I have. Timers set in the Alexa app and I can just ask Alexa to turn them on if I need an ad hoc period of lights one.

 

[gaz1]

theres only one way then

a fused timer with with daylight sensor with a push timer switch or normal switch the switch is the overide to turn on

https://www.screwfix.com/p/greenbro...Vw7HtCh1JDQ_0EAQYDiABEgIpqPD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

https://www.screwfix.com/p/ced-stan...VSbTtCh3Zpwr9EAQYASABEgKRkvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

https://www.google.com/search?ei=dA.....0....1..gws-wiz.......0i71j0i13.RdCtEarxsnI



c1 becomes your timer wired through your day/night sensor then to lamp
you need a live before the timer to run into the switch/vacumm switch that overides the timer that is wired directly to your lamp

 

[bigegg]

theres only one way then

a fused timer with with daylight sensor with a push timer switch or normal switch the switch is the overide to turn on

https://www.screwfix.com/p/greenbro...Vw7HtCh1JDQ_0EAQYDiABEgIpqPD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

https://www.screwfix.com/p/ced-stan...VSbTtCh3Zpwr9EAQYASABEgKRkvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

https://www.google.com/search?ei=dA.....0....1..gws-wiz.......0i71j0i13.RdCtEarxsnI

View attachment 203437

c1 becomes your timer wired through your day/night sensor then to lamp
you need a live before the timer to run into the switch/vacumm switch that overides the timer that is wired directly to your lamp

my conclusion, too.
thAts the exact photocell i bought already.