You're right to think about both on/off and dimming with your exterior lights. Standard time clocks are generally only for on/off control. What you're looking for requires a bit more sophisticated system. Here's a breakdown of options and things to consider

Why Standard Time Clocks Don't Dim:
Relay-Based

Standard time clocks use simple relays (on/off switches). They don't have the circuitry to control voltage or current for dimming.

Voltage Limitations

Wall packs often use higher voltages (120V, 277V, 480V) that are not compatible with standard low-voltage dimming protocols.

Solutions for Time-Based Dimming

Here are the common ways to achieve your goal of time-controlled dimming for your exterior lights:1.

Lighting Control Systems (Networked)



How they work

These are sophisticated systems with a central controller and individual dimming modules for each light or circuit. They communicate over a network (wired or wireless) using protocols like DALI, 0-10V, or proprietary systems.

Features

Precise scheduling: Set different dimming levels for different times of day. Motion sensor integration: The system can respond to motion sensor input to brighten the lights temporarily. Remote monitoring and control: Adjust settings from a computer or mobile device. Energy monitoring: Track energy usage and identify opportunities for savings. Zoning: Control different areas independently.

Examples

Lutron Athena Wattstopper (Legrand) Eaton Lighting Hubbell Control Solutions

Considerations

Higher upfront cost. Requires professional installation and programming. Greater flexibility and scalability for future needs. May have ongoing subscription costs for cloud-based features.2.

DALI (Digital Addressable Lighting Interface) Lighting



How it works

DALI is a digital communication protocol specifically designed for lighting control. Each fixture has a DALI driver/ballast that can be individually addressed and controlled.

Features

Precise dimming control of each fixture. Bi-directional communication (the controller can query the status of each light). Flexible zoning and grouping. DALI-2 adds advanced features like feedback on energy consumption and lamp failures.

Requires

DALI-compatible LED drivers in your wall packs. A DALI controller with time clock functions. DALI wiring and commissioning.

Considerations

Good for projects with a significant number of lights. Requires DALI-certified components. Professional installation is recommended.3.

0-10V Dimming with Programmable Controller



How it works

0-10V is an analog dimming method where a 0-10 volt DC signal controls the light output (0V = minimum brightness, 10V = maximum brightness).

Requires

0-10V dimmable LED drivers in your wall packs. A programmable controller with a time clock and 0-10V output. The controller sends a 0-10V signal to the drivers based on the time schedule and/or motion sensor input.

Considerations

More straightforward than DALI but less flexible. Suitable for smaller systems. Cost-effective.4.

Astronomical Time Clocks with 0-10V Dimming



How it works

A specialized astronomical time clock that calculates sunrise and sunset times based on your location, and also has the ability to output a 0-10V dimming signal.

Features

Automatically adjusts lighting schedules based on the changing seasons.

Considerations

Less common, but can be a good option for basic dimming schedules tied to sunrise/sunset. Requires compatible 0-10V dimmable LED drivers.5.

Motion Sensors with Dimming

Some advanced motion sensors have built-in dimming capabilities. The lights will dim to a low level when no motion is detected and brighten when motion is sensed. You may be able to adjust the dimming level and time delay.

Considerations

Good for areas where lighting is only needed when there is activity. Not ideal if you want a consistent level of ambient light throughout the night.

Important Considerations



Compatibility

Ensure that your LED wall packs are compatible with the chosen dimming method (0-10V, DALI, etc.). They must have dimmable LED drivers/ballasts.

Voltage

Make sure the controller and dimming modules are rated for the voltage of your wall packs (120V, 277V, 480V).

Wiring

The wiring requirements for dimming control are different from standard on/off wiring. Consult the product documentation.

Professional Installation

For all but the simplest systems, it's highly recommended to have a qualified electrician or lighting control specialist install and program the system. This ensures safety, proper functionality, and compliance with local codes.

Motion Sensor Placement

Carefully consider the placement of motion sensors to avoid false triggers from cars, animals, or other environmental factors.

Steps to Take


Assess Your Needs

How many lights do you need to control? How flexible do you need the scheduling to be? Do you need remote access?2.

Check Your Fixtures

Are your wall packs dimmable? What type of dimming do they support (0-10V, DALI, etc.)?3.

Research Products

Explore the lighting control systems and components from reputable manufacturers.4.

Get Quotes: Contact a qualified electrician or lighting control specialist for a site assessment and a quote for installation.In summary, while standard time clocks are simple on/off devices, dimming requires a more sophisticated lighting control system. Consider your budget, flexibility requirements, and the number of lights involved to choose the best solution for your needs. A professional consultation is highly recommended. Flag for review