Re: simple home security device

Hhmmm! You can probably do the following:

1) Disconnect the wires coming from the ceiling and spliced to the wires coming from your lighting fixture;
2) Connect the wires coming out from your ceiling to the analog outlet-type timer you purchased;
3) Fasten the timer to your ceiling;
4) Connect a plug to the wires coming from your lighting fixture;
5) Plug it to the timer.

I also used to have a timer but I use it for my sprinkler system ---- to irrigate my pocket garden.

Re: simple home security device

That would effectively put the timer switch in series with the light switch for that particular fixture. Meaning, both switches would have to be on for the light to turn on.

The timer switch could also be put in series with the light switch at the light switch location instead of at the fixture location, which would affect all lights being controlled by the light switch.

Another option is to put the timer switch in parallel with the light switch at the light switch location. Either switch could then turn the lights on. (This is probably the preferred behavior.)

This should be done by an electrician or similar. If miswired, a short is possible. You have to identify which wire is which at the light switch box: neutral and hot from panel, neutral and controlled hot to fixtures. The timer switch also has to be checked as to whether it is a single- or double-pole switch. If single-pole, which of its contacts are the hot in and controlled hot out. Finally, you have to figure out how to make it all look good/safe maybe even code-compliant.

Been meaning to do this retrofit to a light switch, to add either timer or remote (radio-controlled) capability. This retrofit would be simpler if the devices had just leads or screw terminals instead of plugs and sockets, but then I guess they would no longer be consumer/idiotproof/DIY devices.

Re: simple home security device

These gentlemen know what they're talking about..

Allow my 2 cents worth of thought, knowing the many available devices but possibly using cheap electronics or motors within, it might be worth considering not to put the device near or below flammable materials in case it gets into trouble. Unless you're using actual UL approved device from a reputable brand name.

But then again you can try it in actual 24 hour use while still within the house to see how things work out.

Cheers. 😉

Re: simple home security device

Would you care to share what analog timer did you buy? Is that the one with pins?

I was also thinking of buying the digital version in CDRKing, I'm just not sure though if it would be fool proof enough no to get messed.

Having a flame-retardant plastic like the branded ones would be a minimum specification if I may add. Or if you're not sure, you may just attach a non-power hungry light fixture to be sure.

Re: simple home security device

I've had bad experiences with analog timers. I forgot the brand I used, I bought them from Homeworks for 3-4 hundred. I had 3, 2 were inaccurate. After 6 months they all were useless.

The digital CDR king one i had works very well. I don't think safety is an issue if you don't exceed the rated wattage/amperage. I use my cdrking timer with a water dispenser (i don't use the heater part, just the cooler) and it works fine.

Re: simple home security device

@legolas, guad, john-jo...
thanks for the ideas and safety advices, i'm hesitant to ask a regular electrician bec. he might not understand what i wanted to achieve... an i was not wrong to open the topic here bec. i got inputs right away.
i'll evaluate if i can do it myself, otherwise i will instruct a nearby electician to do it for me. =)

@jarod, zepol...
i bought mine at landmark makati (brand is LED-TEC ata... ).
- it functions w/ a rotary (for setting the current time) labeled from 1-24 (w/ 15mins marks in between hrs.).
- outside the rotary are dip-switches that if set-down, the outlet would power the appliance connected on it.

i'll post a picture and label its parts for you appreciation.

by the way, its only P199... i feel its durable, been using it as timer for our electric fan to shut-off and on w/ interval of 15mins starting 6am until i get-up at 7am. =))

there is also a digital type (P399) w/ the same brand and i thought its better than what CDR King is selling... until zepol had shared his experience w/ it.

thanks again to everyone who shared interest in replying on my query.. i'll update once i completed this project and share the result.

Re: simple home security device

The theoretical part is simple, really, but it's really hard, hot work crawling about in the kisame, tracing and splicing wire. I've done it before and it felt like working in a dark, cramped, sauna.

It's easier if you use a surface mount outlet. A flush-mounted outlet will require you to make a really nice, neat hole in the ceiling to accomodate the box, plus it will be huge.

Plan B, which might be nice, is to install the timer on the old light switch, bale you re-route the branch that passes through the light switch and make it go through the on/off timer via an outlet. That way you won't have an outlet and timer up in the ceiling where it attracts attention. It'll just be a plug in the wall. This might involve having to fish and route the other branch down wards, depending on how the wiring in your house is done. This will require more thought and work, but might be a superior solution.

Re: simple home security device

Another way is to put a floor lamp or living room lamp and if you want add a radio para it would seem like somebidy is home.

I ought sometime ago a remote motion sensor that when triggered diala a telephone or moile number. You might want to put that in too.

Re: simple home security device

Another way is to put a floor lamp or living room lamp and if you want add a radio para it would seem like somebidy is home.

I ought sometime ago a remote motion sensor that when triggered diala a telephone or moile number. You might want to put that in too.

Motion detected Floodlight sensor, connected to a relay switch that activates speed dial of a cheap cellfone.. I use this in the tool area of the garage.. I also installed ceiling type motion detector that activate lights and buzzers..

Re: simple home security device

Re: simple home security device

The theoretical part is simple, really, but it's really hard, hot work crawling about in the kisame, tracing and splicing wire. I've done it before and it felt like working in a dark, cramped, sauna.

Same experience for me. In our old house, I converted one room to a home theater and did not want to install ugly moldura for the speaker wires so I went into the ceiling. This house is a bungalow so I could actually stand up at that section. But really hot and dark.

I was careful to step only on the pamakuan but, perhaps, one of them was very weak, I came crashing down with the ceiling, lights, cable, and all. As I was falling, (felt like slow motion) was fortunate enough to Tarzan myself into a wall and hung there, below me was the live Aircon wire. If I fell all the way down, I'd have been toast, literally.

I now have a phobia for ceilings.