Plug Timers & Extension Leads

Plug Timers: Set Your Lights and Forget Them

A plug timer sits between your lights and the mains socket and switches them on and off automatically, so your display lights up at dusk and turns itself off later without you lifting a finger. As well as the convenience, a timer keeps running costs down by making sure your lights are only on when you want them, rather than burning power all night. Mechanical timers are simple to set using a dial of segments, while digital timers give you precise on and off times and often a countdown mode. Many of our battery-operated lights already include a built-in timer, but a plug timer gives you the same control over any mains-powered set.

Extension Leads: Reach Any Socket Safely

An extension lead carries power from your socket to wherever your display needs it, which is invaluable when the nearest outdoor socket is metres from the tree, fence or hedge you want to light. For anything outside, always choose a lead rated for outdoor use and pair it with a weatherproof connection box to keep plugs and joins dry. Keep any indoor extension lead indoors, avoid running leads across paths where they could be a trip hazard, and never overload a single socket. Used sensibly, an extension lead lets you plan your display around the look you want rather than the position of your sockets.

Timers, Leads and Connectable Displays

If you are building a larger display, timers and extension leads work hand in hand with a connectable system. Running a single lead to one power source and joining your lights from there keeps cabling tidy and safe, and a single timer can then control the whole display at once. To protect every outdoor plug and connection from the British weather, add a weatherproof connection box, and browse our full accessories range for the hooks, clips and storage that finish the job. For a deeper look at running costs, our guide on whether Christmas lights are expensive to run is a useful read.

Product FAQ Section

What does a plug timer do?

A plug timer plugs into a mains socket and automatically switches your lights on and off at set times each day. It saves you turning them on and off by hand and reduces running costs by making sure the lights are only on when you actually want them.

What is the difference between a mechanical and digital timer?

A mechanical timer is set with a rotating dial of time segments and is very simple to use. A digital timer lets you programme precise on and off times, often with multiple daily settings and a countdown mode, giving you more control over your display.

Can I use a plug timer with any lights?

A plug timer works with mains-powered lights that plug into a standard socket. Battery-operated and solar lights are not controlled by a plug timer, though many of them include their own built-in timer function instead.

Can I use an extension lead outdoors?

Only if it is rated for outdoor use. Choose a weatherproof outdoor extension lead and keep the plugs and connections dry, ideally inside a weatherproof connection box. Standard indoor extension leads should never be used outside.

How do I keep outdoor plugs and connections dry?

Use a weatherproof connection box, which houses plugs and joins and shields them from rain and damp. Position it off the ground where possible, and make sure any extension lead and timer used outdoors are also rated for outdoor use.

Do plug timers help reduce running costs?

Yes. By switching your lights off automatically for most of the day and night, a timer makes sure you are only using power during the hours you want the display lit. Combined with energy-efficient LED lights, this keeps costs low.

Can one timer control a whole display?

Yes, if your lights run from a single power source. With a connectable system, you can join multiple sets together and run them from one plug, so a single plug timer then switches the entire display on and off at once.

What is your delivery and returns policy?

We offer a range of UK delivery options, with free standard GB delivery on orders over £75. Unwanted items can be returned within 14 days, provided they are in their original, unused condition and packaging. Full details are on our delivery and returns page.