Outdoor light timers are a great way to automate and control outdoor lighting. With an outdoor light timer, you can easily set lights to turn on and off at specific times, saving energy and providing security and ambiance to your home exterior. Setting up an outdoor light timer is relatively straightforward, but there are some key considerations in selecting, installing, programming and using an outdoor light timer for optimal convenience and efficiency.
Introduction to Outdoor Light Timers
Outdoor light timers, also known as outdoor lamp timers or exterior light timers, allow you to set lights to automatically turn on and off on a customized schedule. Many models offer dual on/off settings per day, allowing you to program different schedules for weekday, weekend and evening lighting.
Benefits of using an outdoor light timer include:
- Energy savings – By automating lights to turn on only when needed, you can reduce energy use and save on electricity costs. Outdoor light timers can cut lighting energy use by up to 40%.
- Security – Programmed exterior lighting deters intruders and illuminates walkways for safer outdoor access at night.
- Ambiance – Automated accent, landscape and exterior lighting can showcase your home’s exterior and garden areas.
- Convenience – Once programmed, outdoor light timers operate lighting automatically at set times. No more manual switching on and off.
Many styles of outdoor light timer are available to automate various exterior lighting fixtures, from spotlights to floods to decorative lighting. In this guide, we’ll take you through the key steps in how to set an outdoor light timer for your home.
Selecting an Outdoor Light Timer
Several types of outdoor light timer are available to suit different exterior lighting setups. Consider the following when choosing an outdoor timer:
- Electrical load – Check fixture wattages and ensure the timer can handle the total watts. Avoid overloading.
- Protection – Timers designed for exterior use have weatherproof casings to shield connections. Ensure IP44, IP55 or IP65 for wet locations.
- Programs – Dual on/off settings allow different schedules for early evening and late night. Some timers offer up to 8 on/offs per day.
- Power source – Choose a direct wire timer or a plug-in timer based on your lighting power source.
- Smart options – Advanced timers can integrate lighting automation with home automation systems and voice control.
We recommend a weatherproof, dual program timer for most exterior lighting. The Woods 50006WD dual outlet timer and BN-LINK 7 Day solar timer are good options that don’t require wiring into fixtures.
Installing an Outdoor Light Timer
Once you’ve selected an appropriate outdoor light timer for your exterior fixtures, installation involves either directly wiring it or plugging it in, depending on the timer type.
To wire an in-line timer:
- Shut off power at the circuit breaker for safety.
- Cut the fixture wire after the switch to install the timer between the switch and lights.
- Connect the timer wires to the fixture wires using provided wire nuts. Follow the wiring diagram.
- Mount the timer securely inside a weatherproof electrical box.
- Restore power and test operation.
For plug-in timers:
- Simply plug the timer into a covered exterior outlet.
- Plug lights into the outlets on the timer. Most have dual outputs for control of two sets of lights.
- No wiring required.
Ensure outdoor timers are under cover and keep connections dry. Avoid overloading. Now it’s time to program your new outdoor light timer.
Programming an Outdoor Light Timer
Outdoor light timers typically have dials, sliders or digital keys to set lighting schedules. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for your specific model. General programming steps include:
1. Set Current Time and Day
- Locate the time/day settings on the timer.
- Adjust until the arrow aligns with the correct time and day.
2. Program On/Off Times
- Find the ON and OFF settings for each program, labeled A and B on dual timers.
- Slide or turn dial tabs to desired on and off times for each program.
3. Adjust Time and Day as Needed
- Check timer settings regularly to adjust for daylight savings and leap years.
- Verify correct day and time especially after power outages.
4. Set Lighting Modes
- Select the desired program(s) – A only, B only or A+B together.
- Choose OFF mode to disable automated lighting.
Now your exterior lighting will turn on and off automatically according to your programmed schedule!
Outdoor Light Timer Usage Tips
Here are some tips for getting the most convenience and efficiency from your new outdoor light timer:
- Allow a 1 minute buffer between programs to avoid lights cycling on and off. For example, set Program A to turn off at 11:59pm and Program B to start at 12:01am.
- Use multiple on/off settings to accommodate changing seasons. You may want lighting earlier in winter evenings and later in summer mornings.
- Set staggered on times for multiple fixtures, preventing load spikes from everything turning on at once.
- Use the manual override to temporarily turn lighting on or bypass programmed schedules for testing or special events. Just remember to return to automated mode.
- Check settings twice a year when changing clocks for smooth automated lighting as days lengthen and shorten.
- Consider motion detectors in combination with timers for added security and energy savings.
Proper use of your outdoor light timer improves convenience, security and ambiance while reducing energy waste from lighting. Just follow the programming guidelines and enjoy your automated exterior lighting year-round!
Troubleshooting Outdoor Light Timer Issues
Outdoor light timers generally provide reliable, trouble-free operation. However, occasional issues may arise requiring some troubleshooting and maintenance. Here are some common outdoor timer problems and solutions.
Timer Doesn’t Turn Lights On/Off As Expected
- Check that timer is set to correct day and time, including AM/PM. Reset after power outages.
- Ensure timer mode is set to the desired program, A or B. Set to OFF to disable automation.
- Test lights in manual override mode to verify fixtures work normally.
- Clean any dirt or corrosion from timer contacts with fine sandpaper or contact cleaner spray.
Timer Turns Lights On and Off Repeatedly
- Allow a 1 minute buffer between program A off and program B on to prevent cycling.
- Timer may be defective. Test and replace if needed.
Lights Flicker When Timer Turns Them On/Off
- This usually indicates a excessive load. Check total wattage of connected fixtures and reduce to stay under timer capacity.
Timer Dials Are Stiff and Hard to Turn
- Timers exposed to moisture and temperature extremes can seize up over time. Lubricate with spray lubricant or replace unit.
Regularly checking your outdoor timer settings and connections will help avoid problems and keep your automated lighting running smoothly all year long.
FAQs About Setting Outdoor Light Timers
How do I determine the wattage load for an outdoor light timer?
- Add up the wattages of all bulbs in fixtures connected to the timer. LED and CFL bulbs use less watts than traditional incandescents. Check bulb labels for wattage.
What timer program settings should I use for evening lighting?
- A common program schedule is on at dusk (6 PM) and off at bedtime (11 PM) in summer months. Adjust as days shorten in fall and winter.
How many on/off settings do I need per day?
- Most homes only need two on/off times (dusk & bedtime), but you can add more for special effects like midday landscape lighting.
Can I use an outdoor light timer for holiday lighting?
- Yes, outdoor timers work well for temporary holiday lighting. Make sure to account for the additional load from holiday bulbs.
How do I override my outdoor timer for event lighting?
- Most models have a manual override switch to temporarily turn on lighting outside of programmed times. Just remember to switch back when done.
Why should I allow a 1 minute gap between programs?
- A short gap prevents lights turning on and off repeatedly as programs switch over. It also allows power loads to stabilize and prevent flickering.
Can I extend lighting times temporarily?
- Yes, use the manual override to keep lighting on past the scheduled shutoff time. Or adjust the off time dial for a semi-permanent extension.
How often should I check and adjust timer settings?
- Check outdoor timer settings at least twice per year when changing clocks for daylight savings time. Also re-check after extended power outages.
Final Thoughts on Setting Outdoor Light Timers
Installing and programming an outdoor light timer is a relatively simple project that can make your exterior lighting much more convenient, efficient and customized. As we’ve covered, the keys are choosing a properly rated timer for your lighting load, wiring or positioning it correctly, setting intuitive on/off programs for different dayparts, and periodically adjusting and maintaining the timer.
Outdoor light timers add flexibility, security and peace of mind to your exterior spaces. We hope these tips for how to set an outdoor light timer provide all the guidance needed to successfully automate your outdoor lighting in rain or shine! Let us know if you have any other questions.