"Dusk Till Dawn" Temporary Wiring

miamicuse

Is there a way I can easily wire a dusk till dawn device into my normal wiring?

Here is the situation.

I am in the process of remodeling my house, and haven't moved in yet. However due to the time it takes, the house is unoccupied at night, and my neighbors told me high school kids are starting to hang out on my driveway at night. Cars parked on my driveway, loud music, etc and in the morning when I get there, I get cigarette butts, empty beer bottles, sometimes a whole bottle, sometimes thrown against the tree and shattered glass everywhere, and other trash.

I have recessed lights under the exterior soffit all the way around my house and several security lights. However all of them are switched. They are not motion sensor or dawn till dusk types.

I am wondering, while the house is still not occupied, I want to have the lights on at night. Is there some way I can wire in something at the switches on the inside to turn them into a dusk till dawn device or at least on timer (say 6pm-6am) without too much trouble? On the inside I don't have lights on where the switches are so I guess timer is more practical?

Dierte

Have the neighbor call the fuzz when they show up and have them arrested for tresspassing and vandalism.

Jim Port

There are timer switches that will repleace normal toggle switches. Some will even adjust for Daylight Savings and the changing sunset.

www.intermatic.com.

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Answers based on the National Electrical Code. Local amendments may apply. Check with your local building officials.

seansy59

You have in ground lawn sprinklers?

Wire the 24v transformer directly to that zone where they hangout, and plug it into this facing the front yard.

http://www.amazon.com/SensorPlug-Mot...+sensor+outlet

I did it for some holy rollers that solicit around out area, connected to a remote control to turn the sensor on/off...works great.....and makes my grass a little greener in the summer....

Just make sure you turn it off if you expect a visitor.

Or you can just get a timer for your outside lights
They also have motion sensor light sockets....
http://www.homedepot.com/h_d1/N-5yc1...1#.UODPCW9ZXoI

gregzoll

Let the local PD know, by making a nuisance call. Also video of the people hanging out in the drive helps, when you go to the school to show the kids standing on your property taking smoke breaks. Especially if you get the local television news involved.

All you really need is game cameras to do the recording when someone passes in front of them, or a security system ran on a dvr, that you can access while away from the place, to check in on it.

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mpoulton

The home improvement stores sell light timers that replace a standard wall switch. Some are actually astronomical clocks that will turn the lights on at dusk and off at dawn based on the time and your latitude. Reprogramming your lawn sprinklers to water at night would be helpful too.

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I am a lawyer, but not your lawyer. And who cares anyways? We're here to talk construction. This is DIY advice, not legal advice.

miamicuse

Something like this?

Woods Digital 7-Day Programmable Timer



PRODUCT DESCRIPTION

The In-Wall Digital 7-Day Programmable Timer is great for overhead lighting, ceiling fans, porch lighting, feeding or watering equipment. Programming can be set for multiple on/off events that automate everyday tasks and reduce utility costs, with up to 7 on/off settings per week and set weekdays different than weekends. As day turns to night, program the living room lights to come on while you’re still at the office, giving your home that lived in look. The override switch is easily accessible from the front of the timer so you can turn lights on or off at any time without affecting the set schedule. Installs conveniently in single or multi-gang electrical wall boxes and easily replace SPST toggle switches. Fits any single or multi-gang decorator switch plate. Features include a self-recharging battery back-up, in case of power failure. The In-Wall Digital 7-Day Programmable Timer can be set to turn on your porch lights at dark so you can safely walk to your front door and enter a well-lite, warm and inviting home. This timer is compatible with compact fluorescent lighting, LED bulbs and cUL listed for quality assurance. The Woods brand of timers and home controls bring simplicity to your life, by maximizing convenience, security and energy savings.


$19.97 Ea

miamicuse

OK timers that would fit inside my current electrical box the cheapest I can find is this one.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Woods-Ind-59...item460b755eef



A mechanical timer about $18 on ebay.

I really don't need to fancy 7 day programmable ones, but if anyone has any other options - just something that can goes on and off same time every day would suffice, less than $18 if possible.

fa_f3_20

You could temporarily put in an outside fixture with a light sensor. But what you have identified there is probably the easiest and least expensive option.

miamicuse

Thought about that.

But it's a lot of work because my eave is lined with tongue and groove wood ceiling, and the current recessed lights are already installed every 5' apart around the whole perimeter of the house.

I don't want to cut a new 4-5" hole in this wood ceiling for a temp junction box to mount a security light and then fish wire 80 feet back to the switch. So I am looking for a quick easy way.

techpappy

Play classical music from 4 to 10?...they will leave and not come back...works in the malls

just kidding..I know that would be impractical

Old Doc Nash

OK, today you need something that just lights up at night, but why use something that you have to install? A lamp or two in appropriate rooms connected by regular extension cords to timers like this two-pack for $17.99 at Target <http://www.target.com/p/timer-2pk-in-thin-ez-set-tmr/-/A-13746917?reco=Rec|pdp|13746917|TargetClickEV|item_ page.vertical_1&lnk=Rec|pdp|TargetClickEV|item_pag e.vertical_1>, each set at different a different time will make the house look occupied.

But why not take the long view. Is it possible that down the road, you'll want programmable timing of the outdoor lights (or other fixtures or devices)? If you know how to safely install one, why not spend a few bucks, go to Lowes or Home Depot and get and install a good dependable unit like shown you by a previous poster or the GE SunSmart Digital Timer I posted about an hour ago - but make certain the programming instructions are in the package.

These units cost about $30 and have numerous programming modes. I use four in different locations that self adjust dusk on and dawn off according to time zone and calendar date and occasionally go random. They are dependable.

So, the two-pack at Target is $18, two extension cords, say, $8, then add taxes and you're up around $30. If you're going to live in this house for any period of time, think about the more permanent and adaptable setup. If you'd have to pay for installation and programming, ignore me.