How to set a Christmas light timer

The short version: most digital timers set in three steps: set the clock, set the ON time, set the OFF time. If your lights came on at the wrong time, the clock is usually off after a power blink or the time change. Reset the clock first.

Backyard Boys customers: your timer is already set on install day. You only need this page if the power blinked or you want different hours. If anything looks wrong, text us at 210-595-9546 and we fix it within 24 hours.

Setting a digital timer

The timer we use most is a 24 hour digital model. Buttons differ by brand, but the steps are the same:

1. Set the current time. Hold the clock or time button and step to the right hour and minute. Check AM and PM.
2. Set the ON time. Pick a preset (many have dusk-style presets such as 5 PM to midnight) or set a custom on time, around 5:45 PM in late November.
3. Set the OFF time. 11 PM or midnight is typical. All night is fine with LEDs, but most neighbors like dark by midnight.
4. Check the light. Most timers show a small light or icon when a program is active.

The ON / OFF override

Want the lights on right now for guests? Press the ON override. It skips the program until you switch it back, so set it back to the program before bed or the lights stay on all night.

Lights on at the wrong time?

• After a power blink or a storm: the clock may have reset. Set the current time again; the manual says to re-program from step 1 if times drift.
• After the November time change: some timers do not change their own clock. Move it back one hour.
• Lights not coming on at all: check the outdoor outlet first; it may have tripped after rain (how to reset a GFCI).

Dusk-to-dawn photocell timers

Some setups use a light sensor instead of a clock: the lights come on when it gets dark and go off after a set number of hours. Keep the sensor pointing at the sky, not at a porch light, or it will think it is daytime.