How to use an outlet with an electronic or mechanical timer

Timer sockets are devices that are convenient to use for devices with a periodic on and off cycle. Suitable for pumps, heating devices, compressors, any household and lighting devices. They can perform a protective function by simulating the presence of a person in the house. According to the type of work, mechanical and electronic sockets are distinguished.

Principle of operation

Automating processes in the home is a useful feature. It saves energy and eliminates manual power management. For these purposes, sockets with a timer are used. Outwardly, they look like a standard outlet with buttons, displays or a lever.

Sockets with a timer are divided into 2 types - mechanical and electronic. The principle of operation is similar for them, switching occurs due to contact closure. In mechanical timers, control is due to a device that provides continuous rotational movement and closes / opens contacts. In electronic models, this function is performed by relay circuits controlled by the processor.

Using Timer Outlets

The switches are multifunctional, so they can be used in a variety of fields. Using a socket with a timer, you can:

• manage electrical appliances: household appliances, heating system, aquariums, watering plants;
• control the light - you can buy a socket with the generation of random on and off to provide additional security in the house;
• manage agricultural activities: automatic irrigation of greenhouses, feeding animals, lighting;
• automation in production.

If a multi-tariff meter is installed in the house, you can save money. To do this, you need to program the switch so that it can perform some functions at night.

Advantages and disadvantages

Timer sockets have several advantages. These include:

• the ability to automate processes;
• simplification of work and saving time;
• energy saving;
• can be connected to any industrial and domestic appliances;
• products protected against moisture, dust and precipitation can be used outdoors.

The main disadvantages depend on the type of outlet used:

• noisy and inaccurate operation of mechanical devices;
• lack of a built-in battery;
• high level of error.

The disadvantages include the dimensions of the devices - when connected to a double outlet, it is almost impossible to use the second socket.

Features of choice

The choice of model depends on a number of criteria. When buying, you need to consider the following:

• The method for setting the interval is mechanical or electronic. For minimal functions with the need for automation, an inexpensive mechanical model is suitable for several hours. For complex systems, an electronic timer is required.
• Automation time. In mechanical appliances, it is limited to 24 hours. For "smart home" systems, expensive electronic sockets are used, in which the maximum figure can reach one month.
• Accuracy. Mechanical devices can work with an error, and this must be taken into account. For simple actions - watering plants, turning on the pump - high accuracy is not required, so you can buy an inexpensive model.
• Load. There are timers for 10 A, 16 A, 40 A. It is selected depending on the total connected load.
• The number of programming lines.In expensive electronic outlets, you can control two or more devices.
• Degree of moisture and dust protection. This parameter should be considered for outdoor products and appliances operating in wet conditions - bathroom, kitchen.

The price of the device must also be taken into account. It depends on the manufacturer, functionality, country of manufacture.

Timer Types

Mechanical products are the simplest and cheapest devices. Consist of a drum with switch levers. They have a dial on which work periods are set.

The advantages of mechanical outlets include:

• low price;
• ease of use.

Disadvantages:

• exist only with daily adjustment, so they need to be re-configured every day;
• inaccuracy of work;
• dependence on an external power source and the risk of breakdown during an emergency power outage.

Electronic devices have a more complex circuit and assembly. They provide more opportunities for automation equipment. There are models in which you do not need to reinstall for a period of up to one month. Setting an electronic timer is more difficult than a mechanical one. First, you need to think through the sequence of actions and pre-calculate the intervals at which the switch will work.

Benefits:

• automation for up to a month;
• the ability to set and adjust the time in minutes;
• independence from power supply;
• long battery life - some models can work more than 100 hours;
• presence of the option to simulate presence;
• you can connect multiple devices (depending on the number of channels on the switch);
• advanced functionality.

Disadvantages:

• high price;
• difficulty setting
• does not work well when connecting an inductive load;
• independence from mains voltage can lead to the fact that in case of an emergency power outage, the timer executes its program, and the controlled device does not work.

In electronic smart timers there are 4 operating modes: off, on, automatic, "presence" mode.

Setting Outlet Timers

With mechanical control, tuning is done by the drum. There is a temporary marking on it, with the help of which the desired period is set. How to use a socket with a mechanical timer and set the time:

• set the actual time using a rotating wheel (you need to rotate clockwise);
• press the numeric keys, setting the appropriate power-on period;
• plug the appliance into a power outlet.

To configure the electronic timer, you first need to draw up a weekly schedule of the device, and then carefully set the calculated parameters. You can set the desired period using the buttons right, left, up, down, delete, activate, countdown, reset. You can see the custom time on the LED screen.

Rules for setting up an electronic outlet with a timer:

• pre-charge the battery;
• reset previous timer settings, if any;
• designation of the actual day of the week and time;
• setting the frequency of on and off using buttons;
• press “time” to display the current time;
• connecting a timer to the network;
• device connection.

It is important to ensure that these programs in the electronic outlet do not overlap each other.

Possible problems

Most often, problems arise precisely in the electronic timer. Less common are problems in mechanical products. The main types of problems:

• The program on the electronic socket-timer failed. The main reason is poor or complete incompatibility with a household appliance. This is especially true for inductive load devices. When the relay opens, voltage remains, which produces a spark and interferes with the timer board.The problem can be solved by replacing the electronic timer with a mechanical one for working with inductive load. You can also connect a device with a non-inductive load in parallel - for example, a lamp. The program is restored by a complete reset and reset of the socket timer.
• Connecting appliances with power above 3.5 kW to a mechanical outlet. The contacts may burn out, so it is important to calculate the connected load correctly.
• The lack of response to switching on and off may be due to the activation of the lock button. It must be set to inactive.

Each device has a manual in Russian. You should familiarize yourself with it before setting the settings and in case of errors and malfunctions.

An outlet with an electronic or mechanical timer is a device designed to automate processes in a home. With its help, you can set the operating mode of household appliances, automatically water plants at the right time, create the effect of presence to provide additional security. The principle of operation of both devices is the same, only the control method and settings differ.