I was talking with a buddy this weekend who happens to be a detective in the NYPD. He and I were discussing how to enhance a home’s security using lighting. We talked the usual; sensor lights, interior lamps on timers etc.
In discussing the interior lamps with timers he mentioned to me that he has seen timers that are incorporated into wall switches. The purpose is to set outside porch lights and lamp posts on a timer, however the timer can be set to go on and off at different times each evening (within 15 minutes each evening). The purpose of this is that if your house is being “cased†by the prospective thief for several nights (to learn the home’s pattern) it will appear that someone is turning the light on manually. Eventually, thieves look for that light to see if it goes on the same minute every evening. If it does they discount it as being on a timer and they move down the checklist. Due to the unpredictability of this timer switch the thief cannot be certain if the light is on a timer or if someone is home.
Has anyone else seen this or something similar that can be hardwired to replace the existing pole switch? I checked both HD and Lowes yesterday and as usual the guys there never heard of such a thing. Do I have to go to a specialty warehouse? Internet?
Thanks for all your help.
PS: FH should do an article on home security, as it pertains to these “add-onsâ€. Timed switches if they exist, sensor lights, cameras etc. Pros / Cons, best way to install them, where they are most effective etc. Just a 10 cent idea.
Replies
Get some "X-10" parts. Replace the wall switch with an X-10 compatible switch. An X-10 controller sends signals to the switch over the house wiring. The controller just plugs into any outlet. You program the controller to turn the switch(s) on and off on a schedule. Controllers run anywhere from $25 for real simple up to whatever you want to spend. Fancy computer interfaced controllers let you control the whole deal from your keyboard. Can also dim lights, interface alarm components, wireless stuff and a ton of other stuff. Start at Radio Shack. They sell good entry-level stuff. Starts at maybe $40 for a switch and controller. Leviton makes better quality and more expensive stuff. Most electrical/lighting suppliers carry them.
You can try a electrical supply store.
I think that I have seen some in the the home horror stores, but not for sure.
There is an addon device that replaces the cover plate. I think that it takes a coule of batteries, but not sure. And way it has a motor that moves a sloted plate up and down to trip the toggle switch.
When I moved here to Carolina, it was a while before I was able to sell my old house in Ohio. So, when I moved, I looked for the very items you mention. I forget whether I got them at Home Depot, or at Lowe's -- but it was one of the two.
They worked just as you explain, and the manual override, as I recall, was simple and intuitive.
Grainger has them, or go to the Intermatic web site to see what's available and to find sources.
I've had the analog version from Intermatic on my house for about 14 years now; picked it up at the electrical supply store. A bit of a pain to set, but works well. I recently came across a digital version "clearanced out" at HD, but haven't gotten around to installing it yet.Asking questions in the electrical department at HD is usually entertaining, but not a particularly efficient way to find the solution to a problem.
Hope this helps. Rich.
Intermatic and Leviton make them. The setting is called "random mode" which turns the switch on and off within 15 minutes of the set time.
Thank you all for the help. As usual, I knew I could get the answer with you guys!!! Whenever I get that “deer in the headlights” look from the guy at the box I just walk out and come straight here.
Thanks again.
I try to stay away from the Intermatic electronic units.
I always have bad luck with them not working out of the box.
The mechanical units usually work.
Jeff