Timer Switches for Outside Lights

Timer switches for outside lights are a very practical solution when it comes to keeping your electricity bill from going through the roof! These gadgets will turn your outside lights on and off according to a preset program of your choice, which can help you save a significant amount of energy, and in turn, so serious cash.

This is particularly awesome news for those of us who are always forgetting to turn off the porch lights, whether because of their busy schedules, frequent traveling, or running late for work in the morning. So, here are our reviews of the best 7 timer switches for outside lights.

Best Timer Switches for Outside Lights

Honeywell RPLS730B1000/U Light Switch Timer

This light timer switch from Honeywell (an American company known for manufacturing automatic control products) is made out of plastic with a minimalistic design that’s simple to use. It’s highly praised for easy installation, complete with a display of the important stats including date, time, and load status.

The RPLS730B1000 can handle lights at a maximum wattage of 2400W, functioning with a line wire equivalent to 120 volts. 

It’s compatible with LED, halogen, tungsten, CFL, incandescent, and fluorescent lighting, which speaks for the unit’s versatility. You can program this light timer switch for up to seven days, repeated daily or weekly according to your needs.

Pros

• Easy to install 
• Versatile
• Straight forward operation 

Cons

• Dim screen
• A bit oversized

Intermatic FD15MAC In-Wall Timer

This in-wall timer from Intermatic requires no electricity to run, which makes it cost-efficient and energy-efficient. 

The money-saving aspect of the FD15MAC isn’t the only thing that got thousands of homeowners to love this unit, but the fact that its design doesn’t stand out too much also makes it decor-friendly.

The Intermatic FD15MAC In-Wall Timer utilizes a 15-minute or 60-minute spring-loaded shut-off system to automatically turn off your outside lights, recommended for use at a maximum of 1800W at 120 volts. It comes with an upfront terminal connection and an easy press-on knob design to ensure quick installation.

Pros

• Reliable mechanism
• Operates without electricity 

Cons

• Fits tightly in a single gang box 

SWE Inc 82000 AutoChron Wall Switch Timer

Built to save you money and hassle, the AutoChron Wall Switch Timer will transform your conventional toggle switch into a smarter switch using only a screwdriver.

Within a couple of minutes, you’ll be able to swiftly control your exterior or interior lights – no wiring or electrician needed. The unit doesn’t plug into any devices, so it’ll continue to work in case of a power outage.

The AutoChron features simple key-tap programming, allowing you to set it to turn off lights at the same time each day, at different times on different days, or at different times throughout the same day. This timer switch also has an LCD screen that displays a quartz clock and room temperature.

Pros

• Installation requires no wiring
• Doesn’t stop working in case of a power outage

Cons

• Programming can be a bit tricky

ECOPlugs Outdoor Light Timer Switch

Affordable and convenient, this light timer switch from ECOPlugs is a wall countdown timer outlet with durable, waterproof construction.

It comes with a dusk to dawn light sensor to turn the lights on and off according to the presence of sunlight. This means you don’t have to worry about programming it all the time, but this is still an available option.

Using the provided remote control, you can set the lights to turn off after 2, 4, 6, or 8 hours. The wireless control is rather impressive, functioning at a distance up to 120 feet away.

Pros

• Dusk to dawn sensor 
• Waterproof
• Impressive wireless range

Cons

• No specific times setting

Honeywell Home RPLS740B1008 Econoswitch

The Econoswitch is another reliable product from Honeywell that offers you the choice to manually control your outside lights or let the unit do it for you. You can easily program up to 7 on/off schedules per week and have them repeated daily or weekly.

The Econoswitch features a sleek design that doesn’t just look good, but it also includes a 3-button interface for simple programming. The screen is large with a backlit display for clear reading. 

The unit is compatible with LED, halogen, tungsten, CFL, incandescent, and fluorescent lighting, handling a maximum wattage of 1800W at 120 volts.

Pros

• Slim design with a backlit screen
• Flexible programming
• 1-year warranty

Cons

• Requires a neutral wire

ENERLITES HET01-C Digital Timer Switch

For those who appreciate bulk deals, ENERLITES offer their HET01-C digital timer switch in a pack of 2 or 4 units to provide great value for money. It features 18 different on/off timer settings, but you can also press it for manual control.

The HET01-C is equipped with a built-in Ni-MH battery that secures your pre-programmed settings in case of a power outage thanks to the RCL function that remembers your last setting. To avoid tampering, the buttons are hidden inside a pressable cover.

Installing the HET01-C is fairly easy once you acquire a neutral wire, fitting into any standard 1-gang wall box. The unit is UL/CUL listed with a 1-year warranty.

Pros

• 18 timer settings
• Includes built-in battery
• Smart design

Cons

• Not backlit

ECOPlugs Outdoor Mechanical Timer Outlet

Last but not least, this mechanical timer outlet is ideal for outdoor use since it’s made using durable, waterproof materials. It comes with 3 outlets that you can use to simultaneously control outside lights in addition to other devices.

This unit is a countdown timer that you can set to run the light for 2, 4, 6, or 8 hours. It features a dusk to dawn light sensor, which means you can let it operate according to daylight if you don’t feel like programming it.

Pros

• Durable and waterproof 
• Straightforward programming
• 3 outlets per unit

Cons

• Limited timer settings

Choosing the Best Timer Switches for Outside Lights

Here are a few tips to help you choose the best timer switch for outside lights:

• Look for a manual override switch so you can control the timer yourself whenever needed.
• Check for a built-in backup battery to make sure the timer continues to work with the same settings once the lights are back on.
• For maximum convenience, your timer should be programmable for at least a week in advance.
• If you don’t want to worry about programming, be sure to choose a timer switch with a daylight sensor.

Wrap Up

There you have it – a list of the 7 best timer switches for outside lights to help you save energy and keep out thieves while you’re away. 

If you’re in the market for a versatile, digital timer switch, then we recommend the Honeywell RPLS730B1000/U Light Switch Timer. Otherwise, if you’re looking for a straightforward mechanical unit, then the Intermatic FD15MAC In-Wall Timer should be right up your alley.