Lighting, Light Fixtures, Ceiling and Exhaust Fans - Automatic On-Off Switch

I have two outside lights that are connected to a standard wall switch inside the house.

I would like to replace the standard switch to an automatic time-on...time-off switch.

Is there such a product?

Ideas, suggestions?

Thanks

Tony

Sure. Many such products. Almost all home centers will carry a selection.

Before you go check them out, investigate to see if there is a neutral in your switch box. This would be a white wire that is not connected to the switch. A white wire connected to the switch doesn't count.

Once you know this, then you'll know whether or not you can buy a switch that needs a neutral.

If you have a lot of power failures, be sure to buy a unit with a battery backup so you don't have to reprogram it all the time.

Compare units. Some are big and bulky on the back side, thus hard to wire and fit inside the box. And some units have ugly dials on the front (ie, get approval from spouse).

PS: Know what you are doing. Don't zap yourself or burn the house down.

Check for compatibility with your lights. For example, solid state switches may not work with fluoresecent or compact fluorescent bulbs. A timer containg a relay will work with everything.

Many thanks guys...

I will be checking out the information this weekend.

Tony

check out www.smarthome.com also.. X10 products, I've used them for a lot of years now and really enjoy the auto features..

To John Nelson and the others who responded to my initial thread:

Many thanks for your suggestions. I purchased an Intermatic EJ500 Wall Switch Timer. It fits perfectly into the Decora Style Wall Plates that we have in every room. The unit works fine. It was an easy job to remove the old switch and connect 3-wires. The most difficult part was trying to follow the Program & Operating Instructions. But all is well now.

Again, sincere thanks.

Tony