How to Use a Digital Programmable Outdoor Timer

A programmable timer can be used for more creative landscaping, gardening or home safety. Determining the timing of lights can alter the way you think of your outdoor green spaces. Set your favorite statue to be lit at night or keep the light shimmering off a fountain until bedtime. Outdoor programmable timers can also be useful for grow-lamps, particularly if you have sensitive plants used to a great deal of sunshine. Or give your house an occupied appearance when you are away on vacation. Digital timers are also perfect for holiday lighting, allowing lights to turn on when needed.

Instructions

1. Measure the length of a power cord in relation to your outdoor wall socket. Because an outdoor timer is typically mounted alongside a socket, you want to be sure your timer is in the appropriate place. Find a spot close enough to the wall socket that allows the cord to plug into the wall socket with some slack leading into the digital timer. But it needs to be mounted far enough away that it will not interfere with other devices.

2. Mount the digital timer bracket. This will likely involve two to four screws, which should come included with the timer. Use a level to make sure the top of the bracket is even after inserting one screw loosely.

3. Slide the programmable digital timer into the mounting, making sure it can be removed and reattached easily. The mounting is designed for adaptability. For example, if you had two programmed digital timers, one for normal use and one for vacation, then they could be easily swapped on the mounting.

4. Affix the rain-guard. Modern programmable timers have a digital face with several button inputs. To protect the system from rain, a clear, plastic guard must be placed over the interface. Snap on this plastic shield at each side.

5. Set the timer. Typically, you will find two left and right toggles that set a time, then a set button that locks it in place. Depending on the timer, you could have up to 20 on/off switches per day. Others allow for settings to be made during the entire week, keeping the lights on for certain days and off for others. Most new timers feature a random setting that keeps potential home invaders from realizing that lighting has been programmed in a specific pattern to deter them.

6. Plug lighting into the base of the digital programmable timer. On the underside of the timer will appear one or two input sockets. Plug your lights directly into the socket, then replace them in the proper location, using extension cords where needed.

Tips & Warnings

• Set Christmas lights on an automatic timer.