What sort of light with a timer should I use to simulate someone being at home? To deter burglars

Hi
Can you recommend a light that turns on automatically when we’re not at home? The idea is to set a schedule so it deters burglars. It could simulate a TV being on. The Wi-Fi will be switched off whilst we’re away.

All you need to do this is a standard, inexpensive timer. You simply set the times when you want the light to be on and when you want it to be off. Simple timers are accurate to within 15 minutes, whilst electronic ones are more precise and also feature a battery-backed clock. You can connect one or more appliances to the timer’s socket. And by using two or three timers in several rooms, the presence simulation will be even more refined. Of course, there’s nothing to stop you from using a timer to control the radio or your hi-fi system. Then, as well as the lighting, you’ll also be able to ‘hear’ that someone’s at home.

This is exactly what I mean: Link

You can also use an electronic rail-mounted timer, which is dual-channel and offers up to 16 time programmes.
You set up a circuit with two sockets and connect devices in different rooms via, for example, an extension lead.

Here is an example of both the solutions suggested above. In each case, the purchase cost will not exceed a few dozen zlotys, and the devices are simple and reliable:

@Mobali But there’s another device just like the one in the first photo, only it’s a two-channel model.

I’ve already got a way to control the socket – I’ve got one of those smart plugs. Do you know of any reasonably priced light bulbs that mimic the light from a TV?

patgaw wrote:

Can you recommend a light that would switch on automatically whilst you’re away from home?

Just plug the ‘smart LED TV simulator for the home’ into a socket and sleep soundly away from home:

ta_tar wrote:

But there’s another device just like the one in the first photo, only it’s a two-channel model.

I know it exists. But it’s difficult to post photos of everything that’s available

patgaw wrote:

I’ve already got a way to control the socket – I’ve got one of those smart plugs. Do you know of any reasonably priced light bulb that mimics the light from a TV?

Well then, just plug the TV into the smart socket and you won’t need to mimic anything.

I can just picture the TV switching on as soon as it’s connected to the mains.

collie2 wrote:

I can just picture the TV switching on as soon as it’s connected to the mains

Actually, it doesn’t have to. Many of these modern models support EPG or PVR. So you can set a reminder and have the TV switch on and off in time for a selected programme broadcast whilst you’re away from home. The TV will switch on and then switch off. You can programme multiple switch-on times in this way, even for several days. There are also functions for scheduling selected programmes on a recurring basis – daily, weekly, etc.

>>21943392

Actually, I’ve seen that, but everywhere it’s the same model, which has a twilight sensor. I can’t find one without that sensor. I’m worried it’ll go haywire.

patgaw wrote:

Wi-Fi will be switched off whilst you are away.

Wouldn’t it be better to also use CCTV, of course with live and archived viewing from anywhere, but this requires Wi-Fi for the cameras or cameras with a SIM card. Recordings on µSD cards in the cameras and additionally in the cloud. Simulating a presence at home is a rather ‘so-so’ security measure. If the house is observed beforehand, it’s easy to tell that the presence is fake.

>>21943477
Thank you, I’ve just checked – my TV has a switch-on and switch-off timer in the settings. However, I’d rather not use the TV for things like that and I still prefer some sort of light.

>>21943573
There’s CCTV outside the block; I think the camera even covers the area in front of my balcony, but thieves haven’t been bothered by cameras lately.

patgaw wrote:

I’d rather not use the TV for things like that and still prefer some sort of light.

Why not, when it’s a simple, effective and ready-made solution that you already have? You can, after all, use the additional light independently, which will only make the simulation more convincing.

patgaw wrote:

...but thieves haven’t been bothered by CCTV cameras lately.

If they’re not bothered by CCTV, then other measures will be of little use either. Installing CCTV is probably pointless too, isn’t it? In that case, I’d opt for good security on the windows and doors, removing any items from the house that might tempt a burglar, or using a security patrol service whilst you’re away. And if you’re only away occasionally, perhaps it’s worth asking someone to actually stay there and keep an eye on the flat?

patgaw wrote:

However, I’d rather not use the TV for things like that and still prefer some sort of little light.

I think that when it comes to something as important as protecting your own property, you can’t just settle for a little light – you have to go all out. One such comprehensive solution could be, for example, a simulation in the Sinum system. Just look at what it can do:

"The basis for the simulation in the Sinum system is the EH-01 control unit (or its slimmer version, the EH-01 Lite), which acts as the ‘brain’ of the entire installation and executes pre-programmed scenarios and schedules based on time or events. The user can programme the system so that, at dusk, the light in the living room comes on and the blinds lower automatically, exactly as they would when operated manually by the household members. The Sinum system enables the creation of advanced automation scenarios, where, for example, switching on the radio (via the SG-230 smart socket) is linked to a specific time of day. Importantly, the system operates locally, so the programmed security functions will still be carried out even in the event of a temporary loss of Wi-Fi connection.

To create an effective presence simulator within the Sinum system, the main devices used are those controlling lighting and window coverings, as these are most visible from outside the building.

* control unit: coordinates the operation of all modules and enables remote management of the building;
* light switches: allow lights in various rooms to be switched on automatically, suggesting that occupants are moving about;
* roller shutter controllers: these allow the roller shutters to be raised and lowered at different times, creating the impression of occupancy;
* multi-sensors: these can monitor environmental parameters and trigger scenarios based on the level of external light or detected movement."

And here’s something else to convince you 100 per cent to forget about any old little light:

“Why is it worth investing in a smart presence simulation?

Investing in an automatic presence simulator is, above all, about peace of mind and a real increase in the physical security of the property and its occupants whilst you’re away. Burglars usually scout out buildings before breaking in, and dynamically changing lighting and moving shutters are a clear signal to them that the house is not empty. Furthermore, thanks to Sinum’s automation, we enjoy greater convenience in our daily lives – the system can close the shutters automatically after dark, enhancing our privacy without us having to remember to do so. The system is fully scalable, allowing you to start from scratch and gradually add further security features."

If the flat is under surveillance – and this is usually the case – it takes just two days and an ordinary watch for the criminals to be certain that the lights are being switched on via a timer.
The most reliable solution is Wi-Fi switches controlled via the internet. Using your smartphone, you can throw a party in your flat from the other side of the world.