Light Timers & Switches (147 items found)

Light timers and controls turn your home’s indoor and outdoor lights on and off automatically. Find a large selection of top-rated light control devices on Ace, from old-school mechanical timers to newfangled Wi-Fi-enabled models and everything in between.

Do Light Switch Timers Save Electricity?

By automating all or parts of your home lighting, you help to ensure that you’re using electricity only when it’s necessary. So, for example, if you or other household members often forget to turn off lights, a timer does it for you, helping to reduce your monthly expenses and energy consumption.

Additional Benefits of Outdoor and Indoor Light Timers

While electricity savings are a big factor, making the switch to home light controls can provide many additional benefits, including:

• Improved outdoor security at night: Motion- or light-activated outdoor lights increase your sense of security by illuminating dark areas when movement is detected or when the sun goes down. You’ll never have to remember to turn the porch light on or off again.
• Improved home security while you’re away: Program indoor light timers to turn lights on and off while you’re on vacation to give the impression that someone’s home.
• Greater convenience: Enjoy greater convenience by setting your outdoor lights to turn on at dusk and off at dawn. Additionally, smart light timers give you instant control of your lights from your smart device, no matter where you are.

Six Types of Light Timers

You’ll find many different types of light timers with various features at Ace. The right type of timer for you depends on your needs and how you plan to use your timer.

Mechanical Timers

Also known as analog timers or countdown timers, mechanical timers feature a spring-loaded design that operates similarly to an egg timer. These devices are simple, easy to operate and commonly used for lights, ceiling fans, bathroom heat lamps and hot tubs.

Digital Timers

Digital light timers are programmable and feature an easy-to-read display. These versatile “set-it-and-forget-it” devices require some hands-on programming, but once that’s done your lighting will practically run itself. These timers include:

• 24-hour models: Program multiple on/off cycles in a 24-hour period, which will repeat each day.
• 7-day models: Program a different schedule for each day.
• Random setting features: Turn on and off lights at various times to give the appearance that someone is home.
• Smart digital timers: Connect to Wi-Fi, enabling you to control them remotely with your phone, tablet, or other device.

Photocell Timers

Sometimes referred to as photoelectric timers, these light-sensitive models use sensors to turn lights on and off automatically when the indoor or outdoor light levels fall below a certain threshold. Keep in mind that photocell timers may not work properly outdoors if they’re placed near streetlights or other ambient lighting.

Astronomic Timers

These digital timers know when the sun rises and sets each day, and they automatically turn lights on or off at sunrise or sunset.

Motion-Activated Timers

Motion-activated light timers turn lights on when a built-in sensor detects movement, then turn them off after a certain amount of time. They’re commonly used for outdoor security lighting, but they’re also great for bathrooms, garages, basements and other areas where lights often get turned on — and forgotten on.

Power Strips with Timers

Power strip outlet timers are equipped with a 24-hour timer and generally feature eight outlets — four controlled by the timer, and four controlled by the on/off switch on the strip. They make great indoor light timers.

Tips for Using Light Timers

Light switch and outlet timers are helpful for controlling individual lights or for creating a functional timed home lighting schedule. Follow these tips to get the most out of your light timers:

• Only use outdoor-rated timers outside, and plug them into a grounded outlet.
• Use heavy-duty outdoor light timers with pool pumps and electric water features.
• Use Christmas light timers with your Halloween lighting and decor, your patio string lights and other seasonal outdoor lights so they don’t stay on all night.
• Integrate your indoor and outdoor light timers with other smart homeproducts, including your smart security system and smart lighting setup to make life easier and save on your energy bill.

Ace Hardware has the top-rated lighting timers you need to gain more control over your lights, appliances and energy spend. Shop online or visit your local Ace to find the light switch timers you need for a more functional, energy-efficient home.