Problem With Lamp Post In Garden That Won't Switch Off- Help?!

[sparky_wannabe]

hi there,
 
i have a lamp post in my garden that is wired up to a circuit breaker. the lamp post does not have an on/off switch (that i can see) but comes on at a certain time at night and off the next day around midday. I can't see if there is a timer for it either as the only timer in the house is off.
i was wondering if turning it off at the circuit breaker is the best thing to do? if so, is there any risk trying each breaker individually to see which powers the lamp? currently, the circuit breaker box is not labelled so im not sure which breaker is for what.
 
any suggestions?

 

[Andy™]

could be a mechanical timer in the post, which is out of sync with real time when you have turned the power off

 

[sparky_wannabe]

Thanks for the reply Andy.

I only moved in 2 weeks ago so have never turned the power off to this lamp specifically.

The actual post looks like one you'd see on the street. Do I need to open this to check and fix? Sorry if this sounds silly, but never had to operate one of these before

 

[Blue Duck]

There must be a way into the post but make sure you identify and isolate the supply first

 

[Sharpend]

This certain time, is it about the same times each day, I'd guess at a photocell, look for a small usually round lens in the post or the feed box/pillar. You'll know if you've covered it as the light will come on.

You mean a proper street light? Either you have a very large garden or the light doesn't belong to you and you should contact the council highways department? With these the photocell is mounted on the top of the light itself.

A picture would be helpful.

 

[Andy™]

if it goes off around mid-day, i doubt its a photocell

 

[Sharpend]

Doh missed that bit! Shaded?

 

[Evans Electric]

I'm going with Andy ,  time clock behind the access door in the post running out of sync ,  Its probably been switched off for a while then when powered up the time is wrong . 

As the Duck says,  best to switch off first ,  while its on , flick the breakers off one at a time till you find the right one .   There should be an isolator within the lampost.

Shut your PC down first.

You also need to identify what key is needed , many are triangular , some are triangular but tapered to discourage tampering , some are actual keys ( best of luck with that one )

 

[Doc Hudson]

 currently, the circuit breaker box is not labeled so im not sure which breaker is for what.
 
any suggestions?

I only moved in 2 weeks ago so have never turned the power off to this lamp specifically.

The first logical step would be to contact the previous owner to find out where this lamp is supplied from. My next step would be to get a formal inspection and test of the whole installation carried out, two reasons being; first that good practice and guidance in the wiring regulations recommends that domestic installations are checked every 10 years or at change of occupancy. Secondly an unlabeled electrical installation does not comply with wiring regulations as BS7671 requires suitable charts drawings labels etc to be fixed in appropriate places where identification of switches isolators etc are installed. Any person who fails to do the easiest of electrical tasks, (labeling fuses), could well have cut corners on the more complex, costly, or safety related aspects of electrical installation. So I would want to verify the integrity of all earthing, bonding, cable integrity, suitable protective devices selection of equipment appropriate for environment etc.

Doc H.

 

[sparky_wannabe]

thanks guys.

the 'lip' of the 'lantern' part says 'across road' which is quite mysterious to me. makes me think maybe it isn't mine maybe? I'll try to get a pic in the daytime tomorrow

thanks all and Evans Electric/Andy, I'll try your suggestions first (although the 'key' bit may be tricky from what I can see!) as this seems to be the most cost effective!

Failing that I will try what Doc H says but I'd imagine the bill will be pretty hefty. Having said that, I'd rather a proper electrical job than one that could blow up the house!

Thanks a million guys and I'll let you know how I get on

 

[Andy™]

thanks guys.

the 'lip' of the 'lantern' part says 'across road' which is quite mysterious to me. makes me think maybe it isn't mine maybe? I'll try to get a pic in the daytime tomorrow

thanks all and Evans Electric/Andy, I'll try your suggestions first (although the 'key' bit may be tricky from what I can see!) as this seems to be the most cost effective!

Failing that I will try what Doc H says but I'd imagine the bill will be pretty hefty. Having said that, I'd rather a proper electrical job than one that could blow up the house!

Thanks a million guys and I'll let you know how I get on

Around £100-150 for an average PIR. however, since your in london, it may be more

 

[BlueFlashAsh]

Around £100-150 for an average PIR. however, since your in london, it may be more

and in london with a lamppost in ur garden probably a lot more as i doubt your house is on the small side.

 

[kerching]

Are you SURE the inside timeclock is in the off position?

ther are some clocks where the arrow appears to point to the off position BUT it actually points to the little ' clock' symbol, meaning timed.

 A pic of the light and the clock would be handy

 

[Apache]

I've doctored your account so you can post pictures.

 

[sparky_wannabe]

Thanks Apache.

I will get some pics uploaded asap.

Kerching- I was not aware of there being a timer in the post. Deffo will check tomorrow!

 

[Andy™]

I've doctored your account so you can post pictures.

shouldnt that be 'vetted'?

 

[SLIPSHOD & SLAPDASH]

Turn your main switch(s) off and see if the lampost is still on. If it is then don't worry as your not paying the bill  ;

 

[kerching]

Thanks Apache.

I will get some pics uploaded asap.

Kerching- I was not aware of there being a timer in the post. Deffo will check tomorrow!

Sorry, i meant the timeclock in your property NOT one in the column.

I have seen them in columns BUT it is very rare