Timer For Lighting Circuit

[ollie_C]

Hi everyone,

I think this is a stupid question, but its not something ive comeup against before and thought id double check...

Ive been asked to install a timer on the lights of the house, so that the lights can be automatically turned on (and off) at certain times of the week.

My current plan is to use an Immersion timer and connect it directly out of the CU to the outgoing cables (2 cables so 2 timers).

Is this right? Is there any need to add an over-ride switch as well?? Can anyone reccomend a timer to use?

Any help would be much appreaciated.

 

[telectrix]

if you have 2 spare slots in the CU, fit din rail timers. so much neater and easier than wiring external timers.

 

[Welchyboy]

most timers have an over-ride option on them, if your taking the supply from a lighting MCB then thats fine

why would you need two timers though?

 

[Welchyboy]

if you have 2 spare slots in the CU, fit din rail timers. so much neater and easier than wiring external timers.

^^^^^^thats a better idea if availiable

 

[telectrix]

2 light circuits perhaps?

 

[ollie_C]

Yea they have two light circuits (up and downstairs) so i thought id put them on seperate timers, this is also for the economy and conveniance of the client (who needs ALL lights on at the same time!)

Unfortuantely no spare slots in CU at all.

 

[Welchyboy]

oh ok, i probably would of used a contactor

 

[loop3]

Light switch timers?

 

[ollie_C]

Whats the benifit of using a contactor?? :s

 

[telectrix]

OK still can use din rail timers. get an enclusure of the type that will house a D/P isolator. fit the timers in this. feed L and N to timers from the CU MCBs, then take the sw.L to the lights from the timers.

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contactors would allow you to use timers to switch loads larger than their rated current capacity.