Setting outdoor light timers allows you to easily control when your outdoor lighting turns on and off automatically. Using a timer saves you the hassle of having to manually turn lights on every evening and off every morning. It also provides added security by giving the appearance that someone is home even when you’re not. Outdoor light timers are relatively easy to install and program, making them a convenient home improvement project. This guide will walk you through the whole process of choosing, installing, and setting outdoor light timers.
Choosing the Right Outdoor Light Timer
The first step is selecting the right outdoor timer for your needs. Here are the main factors to consider:
Type of Power Source
Outdoor light timers come in two main varieties – plug-in and hardwired:
- Plug-in timers simply plug into a regular outdoor electrical outlet. They are very easy to set up but can only control lights that connect to that outlet.
- Hardwired timers connect directly to your home’s electrical wiring. This allows them to control multiple lights connected to different circuits. Hardwired timers require basic electrical skills to install.
For controlling just one or two lights, a plug-in timer is usually sufficient. If you want to control several outdoor lights spread across your home, go for a hardwired model.
Number of On/Off Cycles
Outdoor timers can be programmed to turn lights on and off up to two times per day. A single on/off cycle timer turns lights on at dusk and off at dawn. A two on/off cycle timer allows you to add a middle of the night off time as well. This prevents lights from staying on until dawn if you don’t need them to.
Power Handling
Match the timer’s power handling capabilities to the wattage of the lights it will control. Standard timers can handle 600-1800 watts. Heavy duty models are available for controlling higher wattage security flood lights.
Smart Timers
For added functionality, consider a smart outdoor light timer. These connect to your WiFi and can be controlled remotely via a smartphone app. Smart timers allow you to easily adjust schedules and lighting times as needed. They’re more expensive than standard timers but provide added convenience and flexibility.
Weather Resistance
Since they’re exposed to the outdoor elements, light timer housings should be weather and water resistant. Look for timers rated for wet locations.
Sunset/Sunrise Tracking
Many outdoor light timers have a light sensor that automatically tracks sunset and sunrise times in your location and adjusts the lighting schedule accordingly. This ensures your lights come on at dusk each day without needing to reset timers seasonally.
Installing Outdoor Light Timers
Once you’ve selected the right timer for your needs, it’s time to install it. Plug-in timers simply plug into the light’s outlet so no wiring is needed. To install hardwired timers:
Turn Off Power
Locate the circuit breaker for the lights you want to connect to the timer. Turn it off for safety before doing any wiring.
Connect Wires
Hardwired timers connect to the wiring between the breaker and lights. They often have push-in terminals that allow connecting wires by simply inserting stripped ends. Connect the hot, neutral, and ground wires from the home wiring to the matching terminals on the timer.
Mount the Timer
Most hardwired timers are designed for mounting in an electrical box. Attach the timer to the box using the provided screws. The box should be covered by a weatherproof plate or cover.
Connect Lights
Reconnect the lights to the timer using short lengths of wire. Connect the hot wire from each light to one of the timer’s output terminals. Connect all neutral wires to the neutral terminal.
Restore Power
With all wiring complete, turn the circuit breaker back on to restore power. The timer will now control the connected lights.
How to Program an Outdoor Light Timer
Once installed, setting the timer is easy. There are generally 3 steps:
1. Set Current Time
Use the buttons or dials to set the current time on the timer. Make sure AM/PM is correct.
2. Program On/Off Times
Enter your desired on and off times for each cycle. Many timers make this very simple by clearly indicating where you set dawn, dusk, and night hours.
3. Choose Operating Modes
Most timers have modes like “Auto” where the set on/off schedule operates daily. You can also choose “On” or “Off” modes to manually override the schedule.
Refer to your specific timer’s user manual for detailed programming instructions. Some key tips for setting schedules:
- Set the on time 30 minutes before sunset so the lights are already on at dusk.
- Allow 15-30 minutes between the on time and when it actually gets dark.
- Have lights turn off 30-60 minutes after sunrise so they’re off by full daylight.
- Use multiple on/off cycles if you don’t want lights on all night. Add an off period in the early morning hours.
Here are some sample settings to adapt to your needs and preferences:
Single Cycle
On: 5:30 PM
Off: 6:30 AM
Two Cycle
On: 5:30 PM
Off: 11:30 PM
On: 5:30 AM
Off: 6:30 AM
Timers often have handy pre-programmed settings like dusk-to-dawn or nighttime (e.g. 11PM to 5AM) that you can use also.
Adjust settings seasonally to account for sunset/sunrise time changes. Smart timers will do this automatically.
Troubleshooting Outdoor Light Timers
Here are some common issues and solutions for outdoor light timers:
Lights Don’t Turn On/Off As Expected
- Make sure timer is in “Auto” mode, not “On” or “Off”.
- Check that the correct current time is set on the timer.
- Verify your scheduled on and off times.
- There may be a wiring issue if lights still don’t operate as programmed.
Timer Doesn’t Keep Time
- Replace the battery. Timers often use a small internal battery to maintain the clock when power is off.
- Try plugging the timer into an uninterrupted power supply to provide continuous clean power.
Lights Turn Off Too Early/Late
- Adjust the on/off times to turn on earlier and off later.
- Setbacks are usually needed to have the lights on for the full desired dark hours.
Timer Shows Power Outage Error
- This usually indicates the timer has lost power and reset. Reprogram it and consider adding a battery backup.
Display is Blank
- Verify the timer has power and the circuit breaker is on.
- Swap out the old timer for a new one if it’s defective.
Smart Timer Won’t Connect to WiFi
- Make sure the timer is within range of your wireless network.
- Try power cycling the modem and timer.
- The timer may need to be paired again through the app.
Refer to manufacturer troubleshooting tips for your particular outdoor light timer model. Beyond these do-it-yourself steps, you may need an electrician to diagnose and service a failed timer.
Alternative Outdoor Lighting Controls
Although timers are the most popular option, here are a couple other methods to control your outdoor lighting:
Photocells
Photocell sensors detect when it gets dark and automatically turn on the lights without needing to be programmed. They typically turn lights off at dawn. Photocells are very convenient but lack the custom scheduling flexibility of timers.
Motion Sensors
Motion sensing lights turn on when they detect movement in their vicinity. They provide the benefit of only turning on lights when needed instead of running dusk to dawn. Use motion sensors to supplement areas covered by automatic dusk-to-dawn timers.
Smart Home Systems
Outdoor lighting can be integrated into full home automation systems and controlled by voice assistants like Alexa. This provides app and voice control of your outdoor lights using your existing smart home infrastructure.
Outdoor Lighting Timer Tips
To wrap up, here are some helpful tips for getting the most out of outdoor light timers:
- Use dusk-to-dawn settings for general security and pathway lighting needs.
- Add motion sensors to highlight activity areas like driveways and entries.
- Group front and back lights on separate timers for more flexible scheduling.
- Make sure lights are bright enough by using the right wattage bulbs.
- Position lights carefully to illumination dark areas and reduce shadows.
- Set lights to turn off a few hours before dawn so they’re not on unnecessarily.
- Take daylight savings time into account when adjusting timer settings seasonally.
- Check timers periodically to make sure current time and schedules are still correct.
- Consider adding a battery backup so power outages don’t reset the timer.
Properly setting outdoor light timers ensures your lights operate exactly when you need them for both function and security. Following the tips in this guide makes the process straightforward. With the right timer and schedule settings dialed in, you can enjoy the peace of mind and convenience of automatic, hassle-free outdoor lighting year round.
Frequently Asked Questions About Setting Outdoor Light Timers
Can I use a standard indoor digital timer outside?
No, indoor timers are not built to withstand outdoor elements. Use a timer rated for outdoor and wet locations. These have weatherproof housings to protect components.
Where is the best place to install an outdoor light timer?
Mount the timer in a covered location protected from direct rain and sun, like under an eave. The timer wires can be run to exterior rated boxes to connect the lights.
Do smart outdoor timers need a hub?
Some smart timers directly connect to WiFi without a hub. Others may require a bridge or hub device that enables communication between the lights, timer, and your home network.
What happens if the power goes out on an outdoor timer?
Non-battery backed timers will reset back to 12:00 AM when power is restored. Any programmed on/off times will need to be re-entered. Timers with battery backup maintain the correct time and settings.
Can I use one timer to control separate lighting circuits?
Yes, as long as a hardwired timer is installed, it can be wired to control multiple lights on different circuits simultaneously.
Why do my timer-controlled lights turn off at different times?
This is likely due to using cheap fixtures with inadequate transformers that cause voltage drop. Higher quality light fixtures will turn on and off more consistently.
Is there a big difference between plug-in and hardwired timers?
The main differences are plug-in timers only control lights connected to one outlet, while hardwired timers can control multiple lights on separate circuits wired directly to the timer.
Can I use a light timer if I only have one exterior light fixture?
Absolutely. A plug-in timer works perfectly fine for controlling a solo outdoor light. No need for a hardwired timer in a single light scenario.
How do I account for seasonal sunset and sunrise changes?
Use timers with sunset/sunrise tracking to automatically adjust for seasonal light changes. Or manually adjust on and off times on standard timers a few times per year.
Final Thoughts on Outdoor Light Timers
Installing and programming an automatic outdoor light timer is a straightforward DIY project. Choose a timer design that fits your unique lighting control needs. Hardwired timers provide flexibility to control multiple lights on different circuits. Plug-in models are ideal if managing just one fixture. Program on/off times to coincide with dusk and dawn in your location. Consider adding motion sensors to further optimize lighting usage. Troubleshoot any issues and make seasonal adjustments as needed. Routinely check that timer settings are still correct. With the right light timer setup, you can enjoy the security and convenience of automatic outdoor illumination year-round.