Digital Timer Switch (Min 10A switching)

[Lofty]

Hi All,
Got a job to fit a timer to some outside lights but the issue is that there is no neutral at the switch position. Have been asked to try and source a digital timer which is battery powered (the clock part that is) and which will switch approx 10A.

So has anyone out there come acrosss such a device. I'm currently twraling the net but so far all seem to be mains powered and need the neutral.

Cheers,
Lofty

 

[Marvo]

Wouldn't this be dangerous if the customer is replacing batteries every few months on a live timer?

 

[Lofty]

Hi Marvo,
See what your saying, the boss has asked me to look into it for him. Not been to this site myself yet so info on wiring is sketchy.

Cheers,

 

[Short Circuit]

Lofty, are they defineatley 10 amps?

If you can split the loads these are quite good from Time Guard and dont need the neutral - but wont take 10 amps! 7 Day Digital Security Light Switch | Timeguard 2010

CEF, RS and others stock these! Hope this helps

 

[Marvo]

I've never seen a timer like this and to be honest I hope I never do.

I'm assuming you want to put the lights on a timer so they switch on at night. The problem is the time it gets dark is constantly changing so if you use a timer it needs resetting at least three or four times a year.

A day/night sensor might be a better option but again all the types I've seen need a neutral. The only other suggestion is to replace the lamps (bulbs) with the type which have a built-in daylaght sensor like these for example.

 

[Lofty]

Hi Marvo,

There's 3 x GU10's plus one halogen security light, so it may be awkward to swap out the lamps.

Cheers,
Lofty.

 

[Lofty]

Hi Short Circuit,
Can you confirm that these do NOT require a neutral ? I've used some TimeGuard gear before and those do plus on the PDF file the specs say operating voltage is 220 - 240 VAC although in fairness that may be the switching parameters.

I have found this from Elkay.......

Customlight - Energystyle - Products - Elkay

which can replace a 'normal' switch and shows as only using L & SL but no spec on the loading factors.

Cheers,
Lofty.

 

[Short Circuit]

Hi I havent actually fitted one but the spec says :
Overview

7 Day Digital Security Light Switch

• 6 ON/OFF switching programmes
  Suitable for filament, fluorescent, low energy and low voltage lighting
  3 position slide switch allows manual operation, auto operation with timed ON's and OFF's or auto and photocell operation giving dusk start and timed off with additional timed ON's and OFF's if required
  Replaces conventional single gang, ON/Off & 2 way light switch
  Concealed front panel
  In-built 1000hrs rechargeable battery retains programmes and clock times during power failure

So it looks like it doesnt need the neutral. The guy in CEF said at the time that they dont need the neutral either! I put that same Elkay one on a post last week as i was trying to source a similar thing but for LED lamps as it looks excellent, but didnt work for what i needed! The replies i got from someone on here was that its just a dimmer which clearly it isnt! The Elkay one may be better for your needs though! What size are the GU 10's and the Halogen? Seems a long way off 10 amps

 

[Lofty]

Hi,
Apologies for the later reply, just back from parents night at the school.

Agree about the 10A , the boss originally told me switch was to be capable of at least 10A , now found out the lamping arangement as decsibed above so will assume 50W each for teh GU10's and 500W for the flood. preety standard I think. Looking at the Elkay looks to be both a 'dimmer' and / or switch as I read it.

Was in our local branch of Senate's earlier and they seem to think that Timeguard switches needed the neutral but would call them to discuss if required.

CEF had nothing on the shelf and ddin't seem keen to help either.

Cheers,
Lofty.

 

[alarm man]

i got one from b&q as it was the only one i could find that replaced a 1 gang switch,7 day timer, 5 or so on/off slots per day,battery powered been in about 3 yrs now with no problems,im sure it was 10a rated,it switches 5 heavy duty external lights and hasnt been a problem

 

[Lofty]

Hi Alarm man,
I'll have to check that out, see if they still do it !.

Cheers,
Lofty