As a school teacher, I’d return home before my husband while my kids remained busy in their own world.
Obviously, they’d forget to turn on the front porch lights. And as a result, I’d have to walk towards my door in darkness. This carried on for quite a few years till I finally decided that it was time to automate my outdoor lights.
I invested in a timer, but I didn’t really know how to get it installed. The instruction manual helped to a certain extent; however, it was my neighbor Angie who came to my rescue. She explained all that there’s to know about setting up programmable timers.
Howdy! I’m Stacy Smith. And today, I will be teaching you how to put porch lights on timer. Furthermore, I’ve included other crucial and relevant details to help you with the installation process.
So, without further ado, let’s begin.
Let’s understand the importance of putting porch lights on a timer before heading to the installation process.
Now, you already must know, porch lights serve many purposes. For starters, a well lit up front porch can create an inviting atmosphere for guests. But for intruders and thieves, it makes them think twice about even coming near the area. And, of course, a lighted porch makes it safer for family and friends to walk without tripping.
The benefits are numerous, but based on my experience, remembering to turn them on and off every day can be a hassle. Forgetting to turn them on in the evening means you might have to walk in the dark while returning home from work. And not turning them off in the morning will lead to wastage of energy and money.
There’s a solution to both these problems, rather, scenarios. All you have to do is set a porch light timer to automatically turn on/off every day.
Before I take you through the process of putting porch lights on a timer, it’s important to discuss a few other aspects related to the topic. This will help you understand the installation process better.
First things first, you’ll have to know about the different types of wires your switch box might have. Once you identify the wiring of the circuit, you’ll be able to determine the type of timer needed. So, let’s get started.
The hot or AC power wire that goes into the existing switch comes in red, blue, or black, bundled together with other wires of the same type. I’ve noticed that at times it comes from a conduit or cable with ground and neutral wires. And if you measure its voltage using a voltmeter, the reading will be around 115V AC.
This is a single black wire that goes from the pole of the existing switch to power the light bulb. You’ll find that its voltage is around 115V AC when the switch is on and 0V when switched off.
The neutral wire comes from cables containing AC and ground wires. It’s usually white and is tied to other white wires.
Ground wires are usually green or bare copper and are tied to other wires of the same type. They come from cable containing neutral and AC wires.
Now, remember that before buying a programmable timer for your light, it’s crucial for you to identify the types of wires in your switch box. Knowing the colors of each type can help you to a certain extent, but that’s not something you can always depend on.
When I opened my switch box, it was like opening a box of tangled spaghetti. That didn’t end my dilemma though; most of the wires were covered in white paint to make things even worse. I ended up having to use a voltmeter to measure the voltage of each wire. It was only then that I could confirm I had all four wires.
You might have all the wires as well or only two types - that’s for you to ascertain. Once you’ve identified the wiring, you can move on to the next step, which involves finding a compatible timer to automatically turn your porch & patio lights on/off.
For that, you’ll need to know about the different types of timers available out there. This brings me to the next section of the guide.
To be honest, it wasn’t easy for me to find a timer for installation. But I was finally able to find a unit with packaging that said “neutral wire needed for installation” after going about my search for quite some time.
So, make sure you look at the description provided on the timer’s packaging to know the type of wiring required. On that note, it’s now time I introduced you to the four kinds of timers to make your selection process convenient.
Two-wire timers are ideal for those who are intimidated by electrical wiring like me. They don’t require wall power to run; instead, they require batteries. If you ask me, I found these timers easy to install, even with four wires available. All you have to do is remove the switch and connect the timer to the wires that used to be connected to the switch.
The best part of three or four-wire timers is that they are affordable and don’t require batteries that might have to be replaced in the future. Note that they need neutral wires for installation, which, in turn, allow them to run on wall power.
What’s more, these timers are more reliable than their two-wire counterparts and feature a simple construction. So, if you have a neutral wire available in your switch box, getting a three or four-wire timer for your porch lights won’t be a hassle at all.
Now, mechanical timers usually come with a dial and a few switches to indicate when the lights have to be turned on or off. They aren’t as sleek as digital timers, but I’d definitely recommend them for their intuitive design. You’ll be able to set the time with ease even after a blackout; simply turn the dial.
Earlier, I felt that digital timers are quite tedious to program. But the latest units are more technologically advanced, making them easier to program. They come with a digital display and buttons to help set the time when you’d want your porch or patio lights to turn on/off.
Let’s now discuss the primary features and benefits of using timers to automatically turn on/off outdoor porch lights. I’m sure that you wouldn’t want to wait any longer to automate your lights after going through the following points.
A timer switch comes with intuitive control to help you program it with ease. Meaning, you can set the timer as per your schedule. You’ll also have a random setting to turn your security or patio lights on and off at random time slots while you’re away on vacation.
The best part about programmable timers is that they can automate lights, pumps, fans, or any other electrical device that can be controlled by a regular light switch.
Once you set the timer, the lights will come on only when needed, and they’ll switch off at the pre-set time in the morning. You won’t have to bother about turning them off, preventing the unnecessary consumption of energy.
You can also override the settings with the touch of a button, and it will return to the program in the next cycle.
I’d suggest opting for in-wall timer switches as they come in standard sizes that fit inside regular switch boxes. Even their cover plates will accept standard square plates.
Timers come with a sufficient amount of battery backup thanks to the integrated NiCd rechargeable battery. As such, you need not worry about losing the settings during a power outage.
Smart lights are convenient options, but if you just want your outdoor lights to turn on and off at a certain time, automate them instead of replacing them. For that, you’ll need to invest in a suitable timer.
In this section, I’ll be listing a few crucial points that you should consider while buying a timer for your porch light.
1. It should come with a convenient manual override switch
2. There’s no need to invest in an expensive light timer. Just make sure it functions well so that you don’t have to manually operate it.
3. Ensure that it comes with a built-in battery backup so that the settings are not lost in case of a blackout.
4. You should be able to program or set daily timer settings for at least a week.
5. Opt for an energy-efficient timer that can adjust during daylight.
Now that you’re fully acquainted with the types of wires and timers available out there, it’s time I take you through the detailed installation process.
In this section, I’ll be addressing your primary concern, which forms the basis of my informative guide. And to provide a better understanding, I’ll be explaining each step, so you’ll be able to automate your front porch lights within no time. So, let’s get started!
Avoid touching wires unless and until you turn off the main power supply. For this, you’ll have to locate the circuit breaker that feeds the circuit or power line inside the main electric panel and switch it off.
In case you’re unable to identify the circuit breaker, switch on all your outdoor lights, and ask a friend to let you know when the lights go off while you switch off every breaker alternatively. Don’t stop till your porch lights go off, indicating that you’ve switched off the right circuit breaker.
Also, inform everyone at home that you’re installing a timer switch to ensure the safety of your family. No one, especially children, should go near the circuit box. This will prevent unwanted accidents and injuries.
Once you’ve made sure that the power supply is cut off, it’s okay to progress to the second step, i.e., opening the switch box. You’ll have to remove the faceplate of the switch using a screwdriver. After the switch is unscrewed, remove it from the wall box.
Now, if there’s only a single cable going into the electrical box, it will be safe to say that the hot wire is directly feeding into the light fixture’s power box. There may also be more than one wire in different colors.
So, make sure you identify the types of wires inside the box to purchase a compatible timer for your floodlights or hanging porch lights. I’ve already explained how to go about this earlier on.
Before disconnecting the old switch, compare the wiring with that of your new timer to ensure that they are compatible. That said, it’s important to note that the wires may not always be an exact match, making it confusing once everything is disconnected. That’s why I’d strongly recommend going through the instructions included with the timer for the different types of wiring systems.
Now that you’ve identified the wiring system of the switch box, you can move on to the next step, which involves disconnecting the wires from the old switch to remove them. Just remember to use a voltage tester to check the switch terminals for power.
This is where the electrical wires are connected to the switch. And you can consider the step as a safety precaution to prevent unwanted accidents and injuries due to electrocution.
Now, if the voltage tester detects no power, you can safely remove the wires by loosening the terminal screws connecting them to the switch. But in case it detects power, you’ll have to recheck whether or not the circuit breaker is switched off.
Use your wire stripper to cut the exposed wire, making a fresh strip of bare wire about 1/2 inches long.
I’ll now introduce you to one of the most crucial steps of the entire installation process. It’s time you connected the timer with the bare wire strips.
Note that three-wire timers will have to be connected with the three wires of your switch box. You can identify them based on their colors - white (neutral), black (load), and green (ground). Now, all you have to do is connect the black wire on the timer to the black load wire in the wall box using a wire nut.
Next, connect the white wire to the white neutral wire in the wall box. And finally, the green wire will have to be connected to the green or copper ground wire in the box.
Similarly, you’ll have to connect a four or two-wire timer to the electrical wires in the switch box. Do this carefully so that you don’t make a mistake while making the connections.
I always make it a point to secure my wiring using electrical tape. And I’d urge you to do the same. Wrap the tape around the points where the connections are made to prevent the bare strands from short-circuiting.
Now, arrange the wires, making sure that they fit inside the switch or electrical box. You can then insert the timer switch into the box so that the screw holes on it are aligned with the holes in the box.
Once that’s done, secure it in place using the two screws included with it. Attach the faceplate of the switch box back into place and secure it using the screw that you had removed earlier.
After closing the electrical box, you may turn the main power supply back on by turning on the circuit breaker that was switched off in the first step.
No, turning the power on doesn’t end the setup process. You’ll have to check for loose connections and test to see whether or not the timer is working properly using the manual control switch.
Note that a mechanical timer will produce a ticking sound when the light is switched on. If you notice this sound, then rest assured, the timer switch has been successfully installed.
Last but not least, you’ll have to program your outdoor lighting timer to automatically switch on the porch lights as per the scheduled time. For this, follow the instructions provided in the manual to set the switch on/off time. You can then proceed to assign settings to each day of the week.
That’s it; the lights will automatically turn on in the evening and turn off in the morning, saving you from the hassles of manual operation.
Till now, I’ve discussed putting regular, i.e., electrically-powered porch lights on timers. But what about solar power porch lights?
Well, luckily, most of these light fixtures come with photocell sensors that automatically turn them on at dusk and then turn them off at dawn. So, there’s no need for any manual operation, which, in turn, prevents the unnecessary consumption of battery or power.
All you have to do is install the solar panel included with the lights in a location that receives direct sunlight during the day. It will absorb the sun’s energy to charge the batteries throughout the day so that the lights illuminate the area for the entire evening and night.
However, it’s important that you set the time accordingly to customize the sunset-to-sunrise routine for your outdoor light timer. You’ll also get the option of choosing how you’d want the lights to turn on (fade or instant).
Even if there’s no automatic light sensor, you won’t have to bother about installing a timer switch for solar-powered lights. Most popular outdoor lighting brands like Philips have come up with their own apps (for example, the Philips Hue app). These apps help in providing the easiest and quickest way for you to create a smart porch light timer.
What’s more, you’ll be able to automatically adjust the sunrise and sunset times in your area with ease. In fact, I’ve been using smart timers for quite some time now, and I’m more than happy with their functionality and performance.
The best part is that you’ll be able to control more than one lighting fixture from your phone without worrying about slowing down the Wi-Fi connection. Plus, it can be used to modify the brightness levels of the light at different times throughout the day and night.
That brings me to the end of my informative guide on porch light timers. Now, after going through the steps mentioned above, I’m sure you won’t face any hassle while installing the timer.
However, it’s important to keep a few factors in mind so that the setup process is quick and smooth. For instance, don’t forget to identify the type of wires inside your switch box. This will help you select a timer that’s compatible with your existing wiring.
You may also choose a solar-powered lighting solution that comes with light sensors. It will automatically turn on/off without a timer.
On that note, I’ll now take your leave. But I’ll be back soon with useful guides on other relevant topics. Till then, feel free to reach out to me by leaving a comment down below.
I’m always available to address your queries and concerns.
Tags
Pressure cookers have become kitchen staples for many, promising speedy meals without compromising flavor. But have you ever wondered how hot does a pressure cooker get?Understanding the temperature inside this culinary marvel is more than just kitchen trivia. It’s a vital aspect of safe and efficient cooking.From unlocking the secrets of rapid cooking to ensuring
Read MorePressure cookers have evolved into indispensable allies in modern kitchens, capable of conjuring quick, mouthwatering meals with ease.Yet, amidst the kitchen whirlwind, there’s a familiar culinary stumbling block that can swiftly transform your gastronomic aspirations into a culinary catastrophe. Yes, we’re talking the menacing issue of pressure cooker burn marks on the bottom.Few things are
Read More