Can I put my outside lights on a timer?

You can put outdoor lights on a timer a few different ways, depending on the type of light you use. For lights wired to a switch, a timer will need to be installed at the switch. With smart bulbs and lights, the setup is much simpler, typically using an app or with a smart home hub.

How do you install a timer switch for outside lights?





How to Install a Programmable Timer Switch

  1. Programmable timer used to control a porch light.
  2. Turn off power at circuit breaker.
  3. Unscrew existing switch.
  4. Attach wires to timer switch.
  5. Insert timer switch into box.
  6. Attach cover plate to timer switch.


Can you replace a light switch with a timer?

Timer light switches are designed to replace conventional light switches—you just remove the standard switch and install the timer switch in the same electrical box. In this article, we discuss timers generally used for indoor applications. For information on outdoor varieties, see Energy-Efficient Outdoor Lighting.

How do you wire a light switch to a timer?

Quote from the video:
Quote from Youtube video: Right part of the light switch that is labeled. Load. All right so now we can take the line wire which we put a piece of tape on to designate it and we're going to put it down here in the bottom.

How do you wire an outside switch?





Quote from the video:
Quote from Youtube video: Outside the material users are going to need are a single pole switch a weatherproof box and in use cover some wire nuts a couple of screws to mount the box.

Can you wire an outside light to a plug?

When you connect an outside light to a plug you don’t want wires running everywhere. Outdoor lights usually have underground wiring to keep the cables safe. This also hides them from view. Even when they come above ground, such as with the wiring for pendant lights, you can hide them pretty well.

How do you wire a one way outdoor switch?

Quote from the video:
Quote from Youtube video: So connect the neutral from the input power onto the connector block. And then the one for the double socket again on the same terminal. And one from the five-way switch on to the other block.

How do you wire a porch light switch?

Quote from the video:
Quote from Youtube video: Just so you know because you don't want to be touching this if you got light power. Okay so power coming in when the switch is tripped. The power would then go through this other black wire.

How can I power my outdoor lights without an outlet?



Christmas Lights – No Outlets Needed!

  1. Use Extension Cords.
  2. Give Solar Lights a Chance!
  3. Use Battery Operated Lights.
  4. Bluetooth Lights Are an Option.
  5. Don’t Forget Rechargeable Lights.
  6. Use USB Lights.
  7. Give Light Socket Adapters a Go.


Can interior and exterior lights be on the same circuit?

Yes, interior and exterior lights can be on the same circuit. The same circuit breaker that works for my family room also works for my porch. And yes, GFCI and non-GFCI can also be on the same circuit.

Does it matter which wire goes where on a light switch?



In the case of a single-pole switch, these wires are interchangeable—it doesn’t make any difference which wire is attached to which screw terminal. Inside the switch is a metal pathway that closes when the switch is in the ON position and opens to interrupt the flow of power when the switch is turned OFF.

What happens if you wire a light switch wrong?

But here’s the catch: If you connect the circuit wires to the wrong terminals on an outlet, the outlet will still work, but the polarity will be backward. When this happens, a lamp, for example, will have its bulb socket sleeve energized rather than the little tab inside the socket.

What does L stand for on a light switch?

Changing a plug socket



Connect the live core wire (or wires – there are usually two, and can be three) to the live terminal (L) of the new faceplate, the neutral to the neutral terminal (N) and the earth (yellow/green) wire to the earth terminal.