Automating Home Appliances (hardware, saving, sound, Google)

[marykate1]

Hi,

We have outside light in our house which we always turn it on at night. We were thinking if somehow we can automate that process. You know those lights that turn them self on at night and turn off during the day. Does this require some special installment or what? We are using those energy saving bulbs. Can we use those bulbs with this idea.

Another thing is about our fish pond in the backyard. There is a pipe inside the pond which is used to circulate water. If the water level goes below that pipe then the pond will start making crazy sounds. Currently, we have to fill the water so that the pipe is under water. Is there anyway to automate this process so anytime the water is under pipe level it will automatically turn on the tap and fill it up till the water level is above the pipe inside the pond?

[swagger]

Originally Posted by marykate1

We have outside light in our house which we always turn it on at night. We were thinking if somehow we can automate that process. You know those lights that turn them self on at night and turn off during the day. Does this require some special installment or what? We are using those energy saving bulbs. Can we use those bulbs with this idea.

Your local Home Depot or Lowes should have plenty of options for you on this one. They're controlled by light or motion.

Originally Posted by marykate1

Another thing is about our fish pond in the backyard. There is a pipe inside the pond which is used to circulate water. If the water level goes below that pipe then the pond will start making crazy sounds. Currently, we have to fill the water so that the pipe is under water. Is there anyway to automate this process so anytime the water is under pipe level it will automatically turn on the tap and fill it up till the water level is above the pipe inside the pond?

Ask the guys at whatever store you get your pond supplies from. If it's just a regular pet store, they may not have any answers, but if you have a place that specializes in ponds, this should be an item that's pretty commonly requested.

A quick google search came up with this link:
SuburbanPonds.com - Automatic pond Filler

It was just the one at the top of the list - there will be many options out there.

[scarmig]

You can go to the hardware store and get a relatively cheap photo eye that screws into the socket. The bulb screws into it, and it will turn the light on at night and off in the morning.

Note: You can use a CFL bulb, but it will burn it up quickly. For lights that are turned on and off frequently, use a regular incandescent bulb.

I can't answer the second question, but I'm sure it's possible.

[marykate1]

Thanks both of you!

[bnepler]

Sounds like you need a float for the pond tube that will activate a micro-switch to open and close a flow switch. Check with a plumbling supply company.

or example, http://www.thomasprod.com/

[f_m]

Originally Posted by scarmig

You can go to the hardware store and get a relatively cheap photo eye that screws into the socket. The bulb screws into it, and it will turn the light on at night and off in the morning.

Note: You can use a CFL bulb, but it will burn it up quickly. For lights that are turned on and off frequently, use a regular incandescent bulb.

I can't answer the second question, but I'm sure it's possible.

I just saw an even larger selection of these "dusk to dawn" photosensors for light bulbs. I have one, but the major issue is getting it to fit in an enclosed light fixture. So even with a small bulb, it may not fit without changing something or drilling a hole for a separate placement.

Another cool thing is you can replace the wall switch with a programmable timer switch. I saw a GE one at Home Depot, here is one from Amazon.
Amazon.com: Aube by Honeywell TI033/U 7-Day Programmable Timer Switch, White: Home Improvement

[marykate1]

Hi f_m,

You are absolutely right! The big thing that plugs into the bulb did not fix into the fixture. But I did manage to fit it in some other fixtures. Anyway, that thing does not work at all. By default it should only be turned on at night and turn of during the day. I have my light switch on all the time but the light is also turned all all the time.

I have even tried the "Random" mode and the "Timer" mode but none of them worked. When I click the Timer is blinks the number of times I click the timer button which I think indicates the number of hours it will stay on but last night I press it four times which meant 4 hours but it was on all night and never went off.

I threw the cover away so I don't even know the name of the product. The product just says "Patent Pending". I think I am going to return it to Home Depot even though I don't have any receipt.

Thanks,

[marykate1]

I got the light dimer thing and it did not work at all. It is always turned on even if I use the Timer or the Random mode. Piece of junk!

[scarmig]

I found that the photosensing socket must be turned so that the photo eye is facing towards the sky. If it was facing the wall the light was always on.

If the fixture is under a porch or something it may not be getting enough light to the eye to know to turn the bulb off.

[marykate1]

Thanks scarmig!

I will try it out!