Home Repair forum - Landscape Lighting Controller Installation

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Landscape Lighting Controller Installation

sftong2000@hotmail.com

2005-11-09, 4:21 pm

Hello Helpers!

I would like to install an outdoor Motion Detect Floodlight (120V,
150W) with a Timer control such that the floodlight would function only
in the night according to the timer settings.

However, I do not know what is standard or typical way of installing
the timer, and the location of it.

Therefore, I come up with a plan of setting up a new circuit breaker,
wire from breaker to a small "box" hanging in my basement concrete
walls. This box will contain a GFCI outlet, a timer plug into the
outlet, and the timer output wires connect to Floodlight. I thought of
this set up because I could not find any budget timer controller that
allows me to wire into it and out directly. I think of using interior
timer controller (various kinds), and that's why I need to set up a box
with GFCI outlet, and plug the interior timer into the outlet. The
cheapest timer allowing direct wiring cost like $50+ in Lowes!

Now, though this seems logical, but looks a little odd to me. Got a few
questions:
1) How should I hang the "box" in the basement? I am thinking to use
some sort of electrical weather-proof box. Should I hang this box
against a piece of wood panel, then the wood panel against the concrete
wall ?

2) Is there a better or standard set up for timer control ?

Many Thanks in Advance!
Sean

2005-11-09, 4:21 pm

"Standard" would be to bite the bullet and get a direct wire timer,
installed in basement. I mount a board next to breaker box for these
type of things. Intermatic is the most common type (around here) of
these timers. See
http://www.bestbuyelectric.com/acat...tic_Timers.html
Shop around. you could get them for less than $50.

Matt

2005-11-09, 5:21 pm

http://www.intermatic.com/?action=subcat&sid=112

Rich Greenberg

2005-11-09, 6:21 pm

In article <1131564478.852519.279710@g44g2000cwa.googlegroups.com>,
<sftong2000@hotmail.com> wrote:
>Hello Helpers!
>
>I would like to install an outdoor Motion Detect Floodlight (120V,
>150W) with a Timer control such that the floodlight would function only
>in the night according to the timer settings.

All of the motion detector lights I have seen also have a photocell in
the same houseing so that they will only turn on the lights if it is
dark. No timer needed unless you want the lights to be active for only
part of the dark time.

--
Rich Greenberg Marietta, GA, USA richgr atsign panix.com + 1 770 321 6507
Eastern time. N6LRT I speak for myself & my dogs only. VM'er since CP-67
Canines:Val, Red & Shasta (RIP),Red, husky Owner:Chinook-L
Atlanta Siberian Husky Rescue. www.panix.com/~richgr/ Asst Owner:Sibernet-L

houseonhawthorne@yahoo.com

2005-11-11, 3:21 pm

I'm a little bit confused by your post, but it seems like something
like this might work for you:

http://www.acehardware.com/product/...rentPage=family

The day/night control is housed in the unit itself, using a photo
sensor. At $12, it seems pretty cheap to me, and has lots of options.
I have 4 of a higher end model ($34, greater motion detection range),
and they work fine. There is also one in between, at $22, that has a
range between the two.

Do you need to use a timer for the day/night control, or will light
detection work? A simple light detection solution is the kind that
screws into the socket, then the bulb screws into it, like this:

http://www.acehardware.com/product/...rentPage=family

Of course, at $12, you could buy a whole new unit. I know Lowe's/Depot
sells these things, too.

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