outside x-mas lights

[idbl_fanatic]

getting a jump on the holiday season, I want to order a module or whatever I will need to handle my outside lights to turn them off and on for me, what is there out there, that can do this? my plug is on the outside of the house, it has a cover over the plug, but I wouldn't bet that it is 100% weather proof.

Thanks

[steven r]

I'm fortunate that the outlet I use for my Halloween and Christmas displays is on the front porch sheltered from rain. I installed a switched outlet there but for me an appliance module would of been ok. If your outlet could be exposed to the weather while in use, then you'll need to take some extra precautions. I believe I saw some pictures here of some interesting covers for appliance modules. Maybe whomever posted them will post a link.

BTW... I just picked up a heavy duty 25ft extension cord at Costco that has an outlet every 8ft. I expect it will be useful for my display this year.

[Brian H]

X10 did make an Outdoor Lamp Module for B&D as an OEM product. Freewire Model: FWLROD. Looks like a 2' extension cord with a black box in the center. They called it a Lamp Module but it clunks like an Appliance Module and did not dim.

Programmed like a Soclet Rocket. Power On. Send X10 address and On code three times in 30 seconds. It remembered the code.

B&D dropped the line a time back but you may still see them around on some Automation Sites. I found most of the Freewire line in one of my local surplus store.

[Knightrider]

Just a heads-up, but you might want to try an advanced search on LED Christmas lights.  Don't know what type of lights you will be using, but there are considerations to be made.

[idbl_fanatic]

X10 did make an Outdoor Lamp Module for B&D as an OEM product. Freewire Model: FWLROD. Looks like a 2' extension cord with a black box in the center. They called it a Lamp Module but it clunks like an Appliance Module and did not dim.

Programmed like a Soclet Rocket. Power On. Send X10 address and On code three times in 30 seconds. It remembered the code.

B&D dropped the line a time back but you may still see them around on some Automation Sites. I found most of the Freewire line in one of my local surplus store.

PERFECT!!! smarthome.com has them. Thanks!! ALso, I have no LED x-mas lights, so this will work perfect!

[steven r]

X10 did make an Outdoor Lamp Module for B&D as an OEM product. Freewire Model: FWLROD. Looks like a 2' extension cord with a black box in the center. They called it a Lamp Module but it clunks like an Appliance Module and did not dim....

Thanks for reminding me of these. I'm a long time user of them.
While on one side they say it is for lamps, the other side says:

• Resistive Load.............15A
• Motor Load.................¹/₃HP
• Incandescent Lamp......500W

Maybe they have some reason for calling it a lamp receiver but it clearly looks like it is designed and responds more like an appliance module. I use 3 of them for that purpose.

[HA Dave]

While on one side they say it is for lamps, the other side says:

• Resistive Load.............15A
• Motor Load.................¹/₃HP
• Incandescent Lamp......500W

Yep! And they click (or thunk) just like an appliance module too!

[steven r]

Yep! And they click (or thunk) just like an appliance module too!

Except they are quieter than most appliance modules. I use one on a timer to switch on my pillow cooler in the summer during the night and hardly notice the "click".

[HA Dave]

....... I use one on a timer to switch on my pillow cooler in the summer

Pillow coolers, Toilet set warmers, automated music, lights, and MORE. Man is this Home Automation stuff the way to live... or what?