ask for suggstions for an EASY to use timer plug for lights/lamps?

[ohwhataluvverly]

I'm looking for an easy to use timer plug that will turn on a light in the evening for an elderly relative when she is out of the house.

I've tried a couple of brands and they are all a faff to programme with different options for different days of the week and then when its programmed it doesn't always do waht you expected.

I've seen retro one with dials like this which is easier

https://defendersecurityproducts.co.uk/shop/defender-timers/defender-24-hour-segment-timer/

but I don't want the extra weight because of the risk of it over time 'falling' out of the plug socket (same risks it seems to me as a cube adaptor - read this is you are interested )
https://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/cube-plugs-fire-siobham-mcsweeney-b1766263.html

I've googled but no joy. Can anyone recommend a light timer that is

1. compact (not top heavy with falling out risk)
2. easy to use and programme
3. does not involve apps etc.

Ideally I'd like one that just turns on when it gets dark but although I can find lights that do this, I can't find a timer/adapter that does it.

Any recommendations?

I know you said no apps but you could possibly control the plug for her if you got a smart plug. They can also be programmed to come on and off at sunset or sunrise which saves frequent resetting to match daylight hours. I use Kasa ones and don't need to be on my home WiFi to control them, just set up on my phone and control from anywhere.

thanks @LadyChilli but ideally I want one she can just be left with and use easily. I might look at those if I cant find something else though because the sunset option is what she wants

We use a Tapo plug - its the best thing really!

thanks but I think tapos are also app driven aren't they.
This is for someone without a smart phone

I agree with @LadyChilli
A smart plug is probably the best idea. You can have the app on your phone so if there's any issues you can sort it remotely.

I've got my lights set for sunset so it self adjusts.

@Redglitter - thanks but its not for me and I don't want to take responsibility for setting it all up on my phone. she doesnt have or use a smart phone.

I guess maybe there isn't anything simple then? I can't believe there isn't one with a simple light sensor...

We have both of these kind and find them easy to set up and stable in the wall:

segment timer:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Timeguard-TG24-Compact-Segment-Controller/dp/B004TRSDZO

timer where you push in pins to set on and off time:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Timeguard-TS800N-Compact-Plug-Controller/dp/B0036OXD0G?dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.3U14c2JOiP6KmjCgDwaV2EIYZleIPNIPBoy3k9A_vy1lAtNB45_v5GohO19XO9xJd-OOs_IrFmd1lgSsFqtOWP98Z_aNnilIbbN6oDtyGhdCiFWlE2g0X49ySqsy69QIybf_fxMmaI1-2ALp8r5Ju-1Cm5r49poEas3rJrmQMjU7awqTfL-q0Yybe5v2rgWjT654aCjczFiDKwozjwoSJZH4QbhXTjoEzX6viBIgBhSwmnC2G3wytkHr4aMxXyLVaAFRoQuiidEeA2Y_yy206mvtZCgiyE9jAVDtL5tfqM0.5hPMx7fqyeVy9bZetin81jnvMByGo6_DE2Tsb8qblTI&dib_tag=se&keywords=Timeguard&nsdOptOutParam=true&qid=1732738448&sr=8-9

The segment type gives you more on and offs (if that makes sense?) - I think the pin one only came with 4 pins, so you need a pin to mark the start of any time you want to be on and another to turn it off again, so only 2 timed periods in total.

There’s no real ‘responsibility’ involved, surely? It’s super easy to do. We’re an Alexa household and we have multiple alarms and light timers. I even have one for the Christmas tree lights, which is great over the festive season. I can be in one country and control the lights from another.

If there’s a power cut, your manual timer will need to be moved around to reflect any time gap. Much easier with a smart plug.

There’s no real ‘responsibility’ involved, surely?

Yes because I would become the person responsible for adjusting any timings, changing it if she wanted different times, turning it on and off if she didn't need it and so on.

It's just hassle I don't need. I don't need someone phoning or texting me saying I'm out tonight and coming back at 7pm could you sort out the timer from your app to turn on at 5pm when it gets dark please. That sort of thing. I'd be the one in control of another persons timers and lights and I don't want that for lots of reasons

@JellyTotsAreYum thanks for those - the one is no longer available but that looks a bit easier and not so top heavy. I'm still looking for a holy grail of a light sensitive one that will turn on when dark.

I got some small segment ones from wilko (damn you Liz truss), might be worth a look in your local range? With Christmas lights out there will be lots of options. They are fairly lightweight and shouldn’t come out.

i do love my tapo’s though!