Outdoor timer setup in Exeter
Professional outdoor timer setup services in Exeter and surrounding areas. Local, reliable handyman - no job too small.
Price Guide
£60
Typical Duration
30-45 mins
Location
Exeter, Devon
Outdoor timer installed and programmed for automatic control of garden lights, Christmas displays, or outdoor features. Weatherproof setup that saves you remembering to turn things on and off every day.
Set It Once, Forget About It
Sick of remembering to turn your outdoor lights on every evening? Want your Christmas display to run itself without you standing at the socket in the dark?
💡 Pro tip: A decent outdoor timer costs £15-30 but saves you walking outside twice daily for months. Plus it runs things even when you're away, which is great for security.
Why Proper Installation Matters
Outdoor timers seem simple, but there's a right way and a wrong way:
| ✅ Done Right | ❌ Done Wrong |
|---|---|
| IP44+ rated weatherproof timer | Indoor timer outside (death wish) |
| Protected under eaves or sheltered | Exposed to direct rainfall |
| Programmed correctly for your needs | Random settings that make no sense |
| RCD protected circuit | Plugged into any old socket |
What You Get
⏰ The Full Service
| Stage | What Happens |
|---|---|
| Install | Timer fitted in sheltered spot near your outdoor socket |
| Program | Set to your schedule - dusk-to-bedtime, all-night, whatever |
| Test | We check it switches properly and holds settings |
| Show you | How to adjust it yourself if needed |
📦 You're Left With
- Fully programmed outdoor timer
- Written instructions for adjustments
- Automatic control of outdoor lighting
- One less thing to remember
Pricing Guide
| Setup Type | Estimated Time | You'll Pay |
|---|---|---|
| Single timer, simple programming | 30 mins | £60 |
| Timer + short cable run needed | 45 mins | £60 |
| Multiple timers or complex setup | 1 hr | £60 |
Based on £60 minimum (first hour). Timer hardware costs separately if I'm supplying.
Perfect For Your Garden If...
✅ Christmas lights - automate your whole display
✅ Security lighting - random patterns deter opportunists
✅ Pond pumps - run them on a schedule
✅ Garden features - water features, LED uplighters, whatever
Why Choose Us for Outdoor timer setup in Exeter?
Weatherproof installation that lasts
Programmed to your schedule
Safe outdoor electrical setup
Never forget to turn lights on or off
What to Expect
Step 1: Position & Check
I'll check your outdoor socket is RCD protected (safety first), position the timer somewhere sheltered, and make sure everything's compatible with what you're controlling.
Step 2: Install & Program
Timer gets fitted, I'll program it to your requirements - typical is dusk until 11pm or midnight for Christmas lights. Can do random on/off for security, or precise schedules for pond equipment.
Step 3: Test & Show You
We'll test it actually switches on and off as programmed. Then I'll show you the controls so you can adjust times yourself if needed - it's not complicated but worth knowing.
🔧 DIY Tips
Want to install an outdoor timer yourself? Here's how to do it safely:
🔧 What you'll need
- IP44 rated outdoor timer (minimum - IP66 is better)
- RCD socket adapter if your outdoor socket isn't RCD protected
- That's it - they just plug in
🌧️ Choosing the right timer
- Digital vs mechanical - Digital gives you more options, mechanical is simpler
- IP rating - IP44 minimum (splash proof), IP66 better (full weatherproof)
- Random setting - Good for security lighting, looks like you're home
- Override button - Essential for when you want manual control
⚡ Installation safely
- Check your outdoor socket is RCD protected (test button on socket)
- If not, use an RCD adapter plug (about £10)
- Position timer under eaves or in a sheltered corner
- Don't let it hang loose - support the weight if it's heavy
- Test it's holding the program after a power cut
📅 Programming tips
- Most have a 24hr cycle with multiple on/off periods
- For Christmas lights: On at 4pm (winter dusk), off at 11pm typically
- For security: Random mode or alternating patterns
- Set your watch/phone correctly first - they sync to real time
⚠️ Common DIY mistakes
- Using indoor timers outside (fire/shock hazard)
- Letting timer dangle and collect water in the plug
- Overloading - check your lights don't exceed timer's rating (usually 13A max)
- Not testing the program before you rely on it
💡 Pro trick: Set Christmas light timers to come on slightly before dusk (4pm in December in Devon). They're not bright enough to notice in daylight, but you don't come home to a dark house.
Rather leave it to a pro? No problem - that's what I'm here for. Give me a call.
Good to Know
🎄 Christmas setup? Book timer installation when I'm setting up your outdoor decorations anyway. Doing it all together saves you the callout charge.
Multiple timers needed? If you've got front and back garden lights, or want different zones on different schedules, we can set up several in one visit. Much more efficient.
Power cuts? Most digital timers remember their program through power cuts for 48-72 hours. After that you might need to reprogram. Mechanical ones just keep ticking - less sophisticated but more reliable that way.
Smart home alternative? If you've got smart outdoor sockets, I can help set those up instead. Controlled from your phone, can integrate with Alexa/Google Home. Bit more money but very convenient.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's an outdoor timer and why would I need one?
It's a weatherproof plug-in timer that goes between your outdoor socket and whatever you're powering - garden lights, Christmas decorations, pond pumps, whatever. Program it once and your lights come on and off automatically. Brilliant for Christmas displays or security lighting.
Can you set it up for my Christmas lights?
That's exactly what most people want it for. I'll install the timer, program it to come on at dusk and off at bedtime (or whatever you prefer), and show you how to change it if needed. Your Christmas lights then run themselves all December.
Do I need to buy the timer myself?
Either way works. If you've already got one, I'll install it. If not, I can advise on which type suits your needs and grab one from the trade supplier. Most people want the digital ones with random settings for security.
Will it survive being outside in Devon weather?
If it's rated IP44 or higher, yes. That's what I check and that's what I install. I also position it sensibly - under eaves or in a sheltered spot where it's not getting directly battered by rain. They're designed for outdoors but positioning still matters.
How long does installation take?
Usually 30-45 minutes. Bit longer if I need to run additional weatherproof cable or you want multiple timers set up. The actual installation is quick - most of the time goes into programming it properly and showing you how to use it.
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