Security timer setup in Exeter
Professional security 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
Going away and want lights to come on automatically? I'll set up timer plugs for lamps so it looks like you're home. Simple deterrent that actually works.
The Problem With Empty Houses
You go on holiday. The house is dark every night. Everyone can tell nobody's home.
Leaving a light on 24/7 is obvious and wastes electricity. But manually switching timers is confusing, and you're never sure if you've set them right.
💡 Pro tip: Random-looking light patterns that mimic real life are far more effective than one light permanently on.
How Timer Plugs Work
🔧 Simple But Effective
Mechanical Timers:
- Rotating dial with 24-hour clock
- Little pins you push in/out for on/off times
- No programming, just set and forget
- Works even after power cuts
Digital Timers:
- LCD screen with buttons
- Can do multiple on/off cycles per day
- Some have random modes (varies times slightly each day)
- Needs resetting after long power cuts
What I Set Up
📦 Typical Security Timer System
| Room | Light | Timing | Effect |
|---|---|---|---|
| Living room | Table lamp | 5:30pm-10:30pm | Normal evening activity |
| Hallway | Hall light | 6pm-11pm | Moving between rooms |
| Bedroom | Bedside lamp | 10pm-11:30pm | Going to bed routine |
Result: Looks like someone's home, watching TV, moving around, going to bed. Not just one light blazing all night.
What You Get
- Timers supplied (usually 2-3 for a typical house)
- Set to realistic times that match normal living patterns
- Tested to make sure they actually work
- Shown how to adjust times yourself
- Advice on which lights work best for security
Pricing Guide
| Service | Time | You'll Pay |
|---|---|---|
| Setup 2-3 timers | 30 mins | £60 |
| Larger property (4-5 timers) | 45 mins | £85 |
Based on £60 minimum (first hour) + £50/hr after. Basic timers included - fancy ones at extra cost.
Why Choose Us for Security timer setup in Exeter?
Lights turn on and off automatically
Looks like someone's home when you're away
Simple to adjust once you know how
Save electricity with timed lighting
What to Expect
Step 1: Plan The System
We work out which lights to put on timers - usually lamps in living areas and bedrooms. Lights people would normally use in the evening.
Step 2: Set Up Timers
I program the timers to realistic times, plug them in, connect your lamps. Set the clock to current time so they run correctly.
Step 3: Test & Teach
Run through a 24-hour cycle in fast-forward to check timing. Show you how to adjust times and override when you're home.
🔧 DIY Tips
Want to set up your own timer plugs?
🔧 Using mechanical timers
- Pull all the pins UP (this is "off")
- Turn the dial so the arrow points to current time
- Push DOWN the pins for times you want light ON
- Each pin = 15 or 30 minutes depending on timer
- Plug timer into wall, plug lamp into timer
- Switch the lamp itself to ON position
📐 Effective timing patterns
- Start: Just before it gets dark (5-6pm in winter)
- Main room: 3-4 hours in the evening
- Bedroom: Come on late evening, off by midnight
- Don't: Have all lights on/off at exactly same time
- Do: Stagger them like real bedtime routine
⚠️ Common mistakes
- Lamp switch left in OFF position (timer can't override that)
- All lights on same pattern (looks automated)
- Timers running all day (wastes power and obvious)
- Wrong time set on the clock (lights on in daytime, off at night)
💡 Pro trick: If you're going away for weeks, ask a neighbor to vary the timer settings once a week. Or get smart plugs instead that can randomize themselves.
Rather leave it to a pro? No problem - that's what I'm here for. Give me a call.
Good to Know
🎨 Going away regularly? Keep the timers installed year-round. Just unplug when you're home, plug back in before you go away. Two-second job.
Smart home alternative? If you've got Alexa or Google Home, smart plugs can do schedules that vary randomly, plus you can control them remotely. I can set that up instead if you prefer.
Want outdoor lights too? I can add weather-proof timers for outside lights or set up dusk-to-dawn sensors. Makes it look even more like someone's home.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do security timers actually deter burglars?
They make it look like someone's home when you're out. Lights coming on at realistic times (early evening, bedroom lights later, all off by midnight) looks like normal activity. Much better than leaving one light on 24/7 which screams 'we're on holiday'.
Are these the mechanical or digital timers?
I can set up either, but usually recommend simple mechanical ones with the rotating dial and pins. They're easier to understand and don't reset if power cuts out. Digital ones are fine if you want more sophisticated programming, but most people don't need that.
Can I still use the lights normally when I'm home?
Yes - you override the timer by switching the light on manually at the wall switch. Or just pull the timer out if you don't need it running. Plug it back in when you're going away.
Will you show me how to change the times?
Absolutely. I'll set it up initially, then show you how to adjust the pins (mechanical) or program (digital) so you can change times yourself. It's straightforward once you've seen it done.
How many timers do I need?
Usually 2-3 is plenty - living room lamp, hall light, and bedroom lamp. Enough to make it look occupied without every light in the house blazing. I'll advise what makes sense for your layout.
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