The Best Outdoor Remote Control Outlets
Garden lighting and decorative features can bring a new life to an old space. No matter if you're a regular lighting designer or just looking to add a touch of brightness for practical purposes, you'll need a safe power solution to protect appliances and resist the inevitable hardships of the seasons. These remote outlets will let you operate appliances from the warmth and comfort of indoors, and bring several nifty features for automatic timing so you can put your mind at ease.
What to Look For
During our search for the best outdoor remote control outlets, we had three guiding questions in mind: How durable is the weatherproofing on these devices? Do they provide enough power for high voltage lighting features? Can they be controlled from range and are there options for timed operation? Our top pick was the triple-outlet design from BN-LINK, bringing a range of timing options for multiple devices. This outlet has a seriously weather-resistant design. But if you’re looking for the very best in safety and weatherproofing, be sure to check out the set from Etekcity. Read on below to discover the rest of our top picks.
BN-LINK Outdoor Touch Sensor Timer
Triple your plug-ins
For a triple-power solution, this outdoor timer from BN-LINK has all the features you need to get garden devices up and running. Each outlet is grounded and the device is ETL listed, so you can count on safe power for your appliances. A smart photocell detects outdoor lighting conditions for the automatic dawn to dusk mode, ideal for lighting up your evenings right on cue. The remote timer has additional modes for 2- to 8-hour intervals, allowing you to program a power schedule to precisely suit your needs.
Pros:
- The remote has an excellent signal range. We found that we could activate the timer when out of sight, and it even worked from indoors through several walls.
- With a minimal interface on the controller, we could get this outlet up and running in no time without trudging through a manual.
- Each remote is bound to the individual unit it arrives with, so we had no interference issues when using several of these outlets together.
Cons:
- The three outlets deliver power simultaneously, so this might not be the best option if you’re looking for individual control over power output.
Dewenwils Outdoor Timer With Remote
The budget-friendly option
Next time you’re assembling outdoor lighting, you’ll save yourself some hassle with this dual-outlet timer. With a heavy-duty waterproof design, this outlet will endure the harshest atmospheric conditions when mounted vertically on an outside wall. The five timer options put the power in your hands at the press of a button, and this remote won’t leave you searching for an awkward angle with its generous 100-foot range.
Pros:
- The keychain attachment on this remote helped us to keep it safely stored away ready for use.
- We appreciate that the remote takes a simple 12-volt battery since that means we can avoid trips to the hardware store to buy uncommon smaller batteries when they needed changing.
- These outlets deliver a little more power than some other options at 125V and 15A, making this a great choice for power-hungry lighting centerpieces.
Cons:
- All of the remotes for these units operate on the same channel. If you’re planning to use more than one timer in your backyard, be mindful that each remote will control all of them at once.
Woods Outdoor Wireless Remote Control Timer
Manual control
Every now and then we want to keep things simple. This remote control outlet from Woods does away with an excess of buttons on the remote in favor of an intuitive timer dial on the outlet body. With options for photocell activation and 2- to 8-hour delay timers, you can sit back and relax as you watch your outdoor lighting come to life. Bright LED indicators on the face of the unit leave no room for doubt about power status.
Pros:
- The short power cord adapter means cable management is easy when installing this unit.
- We love how the contoured geometry makes this unit easy to attach to outdoor pipes and posts using for a cheap and simple fitting.
- External buttons paired with the dial timer mean you can still operate this outlet even if you misplace the remote.
Cons:
- The positioning of these outlets means it can be difficult to use all three at once if appliances have bulky plug sockets.
HBN Outdoor Wireless Remote Control Plug
All in one operations
Sometimes one socket is enough, and if you want this simple task done right then the HBN Remote Control Plug is the choice for you. This single grounded outlet comes with a protective cover for serious protection against the elements when not in use. With a power rating of 15A and 125V, this outlet can keep the most demanding electronics alive with ease. A minimal remote interface does away with timing options for a simple on and off function, making this a great choice for appliances requiring direct control.
Pros:
- This outlet was incredibly easy to set up. The remote arrived already paired and the intuitive controls meant we could put it to use immediately.
- An additional push-button on the outlet means you have multiple options for delivering power. That means no more trips back into the garage when we forget the remote.
- We appreciate the length of the 6-inch cord since it means this outlet can be seamlessly attached to an extension lead without leaving an annoying excess cord.
Cons:
- If you’re looking for a device with timing options, this outlet isn’t the choice for you.
Etekcity Wireless Outdoor Remote Control Outlet
Endure the elements
If you’re looking for an option fit for the harshest weather conditions, Etekcity has engineered this seriously rugged outlet with you in mind. A durable water-resistant exterior made from the toughest IPX44 and UV-proof materials makes this a protective casing you can count on. Each outlet has a secure cover that snaps in place to prevent any humidity from entering the outlets when not in use. Additional short-circuit and overload protection will keep your devices from receiving harmful charges in the event of electrical malfunction. All things said and done, this option is brimming with safety features to bring full peace of mind.
Pros:
- We were impressed by the 150-foot range of this remote, which surpasses most other options by more than half.
- If you’re mindful of waste electricity, these units are FCC- and ETL-certified for optimized efficiency.
- With two separate units included in this set, this could be a great option to avoid long cable runs in larger backyards.
Cons:
- These units are limited to 10A, so they might struggle to power the most demanding appliances.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I avoid overloading my remote control outlets?
Outdoor lighting can certainly eat through voltage, and it’s important to be mindful of the voltage requirements of each appliance you connect to your outlets to avoid failure. Each outlet will have a different maximum load specified by the manufacturer, and this will reflect the combined maximum for all outlets of a muli-outlet device. Be sure to do the math before you set up your lights to avoid electrical failure.
Where can I position my outlets for maximum protection from the elements?
Although most outdoor remote control outlets are built with weatherproofing in mind, correct placement can avoid excessive moisture permeating the unit. We recommend mounting your power outlets at least two feet above ground level with the sockets facing downwards. If possible, place your unit out of direct sunlight to avoid extreme changes in temperature throughout the day.
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