Suggestions for switching garden lights

Davy

I have to do some garden lights but have no handy place to switch from. I could use an outdoor switch but don't really want to as its front gardens lights.

Would using one of those remote controlled sockets work, or any other suggestions please?

Otherwise it will be chasing solid walls and wrecking the place.

Thanks

( only about 30 watts )

M cebee

i think you can control them over the mains wiring in a similar way
Cef had a product for that

2011

IMHO there is only one way to go with this. Have a look at the Stinel FE 8100 wireless receiver.

Switching capacity
- 1000 W max. (resistive load, e.g. fi lament bulb)
- 500 W max. (uncorrected, inductive, cos ϕ = 0.5, e.g. fl uorescent lamps)
All this and it is IP54.

What you are getting here is German quality with a 3 year warranty.

The receiver is operated by the RC 400. Here is the data sheet.

Quick & easy to install.

Davy

Seems like a good way to do it, didn't know steinel did them.

Cheers

Any idea on price? Would a switch be needed as a fail safe?

M cebee

normally you'd fit an off switch /key switch before the automatic control
ime
I think the rules don't actually require it?-mcb is adequate for isolation

Davy

M cebee wrote: »

normally you'd fit an off switch /key switch before the automatic control
ime
I think the rules don't actually require it?-mcb is adequate for isolation

It's coming off its own from the board just was thinking if the remote gives trouble etc and couldn't switch off, if the unit had a built in override or just add the switch before it.

M cebee

its not actually automatic as in pir-i should have said receiver
If you say theres a dedicated cable would a timer or switch do

2011

M cebee wrote: »

if you mean its a dedicated cable from board for your lights-then id put a switch/mcb there and label it

+1

If it is on its own circuit the MCB is effectively a dedicated isolation switch.

2011

Davy wrote: »

Any idea on price? Would a switch be needed as a fail safe?

It has been a while, but AFAIK the receiver is in the region of €80 and the fob about €70. Range is easily 100m line of sight.

M cebee

another possibility is timer and p'cell-if the lights are low wattage it might suit
either way check that circuit is on the rcd side of board or fit an rcbo

2011

M cebee wrote: »

another possibility is timer and p'cell-if the lights are low wattage it might suit
either way check that circuit is on the rcd side of board or fit an rcbo

I have done this before, but in my experience photocells always seem to fail after a year or two. Perhaps I have just been unlucky.

Another great option for low wattage is the Legrand atroclock. This wonderful device knows all of the sunset and sunrise times already and combines that with the functions of a normal time clock. This also has a manual on and off override.

M cebee

they can alright when switching lights direct

M cebee

that legrand device sounds cool might be another option here under fuseboard -with contactor if needed
How much is it?

2011

M cebee wrote: »

that legrand device sounds cool might be another option here under fuseboard -with contactor if needed
How much is it?

I think they are about €180. You can get a 2 channel version as well. They are din rail mountable.

I programmed one to switch garden lights on 1.5 hours after sunset and to switch off at 1am.

2011

M cebee wrote: »

they can alright when switching lights direct

Even with a contactor I have had nothing but trouble with them.

M cebee

nice idea that legrand
how accurate is the dusk/dawn timing compared to a photocell

2011

M cebee wrote: »

nice idea that legrand
how accurate is the dusk/dawn timing compared to a photocell

It is excellent. However it is not looking at how dark it is. You programme in your approximate coordinates (according to a map that comes with it) and from that it can accurately predict the sunset and sunrise times.

M cebee

would you read them off gps on your phone?

did a couple of posts dissapear or am i pressing the wrong button

2011

I guess, but very approximate is fine. Remember you can set the time duration after sunset to get it right.

Stoner

Davy,


you could also try switching them by X10 controllers. If your X10 controller had a web server you could ask some nice person to get you an app for you android or iphone, if you knew one.:D

You could use the calendar functions on the X10 set up too.

Fail safe would be the actual X10 switch itself, will operate just like a normal switch.

that legrand option does seem nice though

Deepwell

Z-wave is overtaking X10. I use it for controlling stuff around the house and find it works really well. You could use something thing like a fibaro module for actual switching and a hand held remote for manual operation. You could later add a gateway for smartphone access and linking up other lights with PIR detectors or software timers.