Modern technologies are aimed at automating processes in the home. Different smart devices make life easier for ordinary users. Smart devices include timers and sockets. Thanks to them, you can set the schedule of various household appliances.
Description of outlets with a timer
A smart socket with an electronic timer is a device with which you can set the operating time of electrical appliances. With the help of automation, you can save energy and get rid of manual control.
Outwardly, the 220v timer looks like a classic outlet, but there is a timer on the case. It can have a mechanical lever or look like a digital panel with buttons. Electric timers are allocated in a separate group, which are installed on the wiring or group of devices. They are not outlets, but simply set the schedule for electrical appliances.
Main functions
The main task of the electronic socket timer is to turn devices on and off at a given time. But there are other functions that a smart device performs:
- saving electricity - the outlet turns off the appliances when there is nobody in the house;
- temperature control and the ability to remotely turn on heating;
- automatic turning on and off the light;
- watering system automation;
- the operation of compressors, filters and other devices for aquariums in a given mode;
- creating the effect of presence.
The functionality of the outlet depends on the availability of additional options. Various sensors can be built into the device, expanding its capabilities.
Application area
The programmable on / off timer 220v is a narrow focus device. It is suitable for the following tasks:
- Home appliance management. This category includes kettles, televisions, heating systems, pumps, aquarium lighting, and other home electrical equipment. With the right choice of work intervals, energy and, accordingly, the budget are saved.
- Lighting control. In addition to automatically turning the light on and off, a protective function is also performed. If you purchase a power outlet with a random inclusion, the light will periodically light up, as if there are residents in the house. This will frighten off potential robbers and unwanted guests from theft of property. Such devices are used in country houses and cottages.
- Agricultural management. For owners of large farms, automation is a must. With the help of a smart outlet with a timer, you can configure automatic feeding of animals, watering, ventilation, plant lighting.
A programmable socket is an integral part of a smart home. It allows you to control the operation of any electrical appliance.
Functional Features
Before choosing a suitable outlet timer, you should familiarize yourself with the characteristics of the outlet:
- Type of outlet - electronic or mechanical. Mechanical timer outlets are cheap and easy to use devices. The time for them is set using a special drum, on which you can set the interval for a maximum of 24 hours. They are also called per diem. Electronic sockets operate using relays. They help automate the process for more than a day. On expensive models, you can install the program for a whole month or manage several electrical appliances at once.Such devices are more difficult to configure, since you need to think in advance of the schedule of the equipment.
- Programming time. The minimum period is one day, the maximum can reach several months. Models for several months are expensive and are installed in an integrated smart home system.
- Accuracy. This criterion must be considered when buying a mechanical timer socket. For high accuracy, you need to give preference to well-known manufacturers like Theben and Brunnenstahl.
- Maximum load. The current standard for home outlets is 16A, but there are products on sale for 10A, 7A and other loads. This parameter must be calculated in advance, depending on the total power of the connected devices.
- Supply voltage.
- The number of programming lines. Electronic timers allow you to program more than 2 devices.
- Degree of moisture and dust protection. This characteristic must be taken into account if the smart outlet works on the street.
You need to decide in advance what task the device will perform.
Selection recommendations
The range of smart sockets is wide, so recommendations were made for choosing the best product:
- What the device will be used for - for the complex automation of several processes an electronic model is needed. Simple tasks for automating a water pump can be done with a mechanical timer.
- You need to buy the device only in a specialized store. Then the user will receive warranty service and advice on the selection and installation.
- The need to automatically turn on and off at a strictly set time. If such a need exists, an electronic model should be preferred.
- It is not recommended to choose unknown cheap power sockets. Such devices will not perform all their functions.
- The need for additional functionality. If the socket is bought for light sources, for added security it is better to take a model with a random number generator. To automate several electrical appliances, it is recommended to buy a socket timer with several programming lines.
An important criterion is the cost. It is necessary to determine in advance what budget the buyer is willing to spend on the purchase of a smart outlet.
How to use
The setting of the electric timer depends on its type. The mechanical timer for turning on and off electrical appliances is easy to configure - just scroll the drum and put it on the desired mark. Segments are divided into 15 and 30 minutes. At the end of the set period, the appliance will turn off.
The electronic device is more complicated to configure. The user must think through a schedule of devices in advance, especially if several devices are connected to the outlet. After that, you can set the time using the function buttons. Sockets with a timer have buttons Timer, On, Off, Auto, Week, Day, Clock, Minute, Hour. The setup algorithm for most timers is as follows:
- familiarize yourself with the enclosed instructions for the device;
- press the power button and select the timer setting key;
- indicate the setting period - day, week;
- using the keys of hours and minutes select the interval of the timer;
- complete the setting by pressing the timer button;
- activate the settings by pressing the Clock button.
You can view the settings on the LED display. To do this, hold down the "timer" button for 5 seconds.
Advantages and disadvantages
The main advantages of smart sockets include:
- saving electricity;
- process automation;
- creating a convenient work schedule for electrical appliances;
- the ability to control various devices;
- automatic and manual inclusion;
- security function.
Disadvantages:
- inaccuracy of the timer and noise during operation of mechanical products;
- complexity of repair;
- operation of the electronic timer even when there is a power outage.
Mechanical power sockets lack the last drawback. If a power outage occurs in the house, the devices will not work, like the outlet itself. The electronic device will continue to perform its functions, due to which the duty cycle may fail.
Rating of popular models
The leading places in the rankings are occupied by German devices from Theben. They have established themselves as reliable, durable and high-quality devices.
Theben Timer 26 is available in a conventional and waterproof housing with a degree of IP44. These are simple power sockets that signal the end of the cycle with a characteristic click. They are noiseless, made of durable and high quality material. The disadvantages include the lack of light indication. The price of a conventional device is 1800 rubles, with protection against dust and moisture - 3000 rubles.
The domestic model E.Next e.control.t11 has European quality, despite the low price of 400-500 rubles. It has minimal functionality. The maximum current is 16 A. Additional options are available with E.Next e.control.t14 with electronic control.
Budget devices include another domestic development of the Feron TM22 / 61925. It costs about 700 rubles. The specifications are not the most reliable, the seller’s warranty is only 14 days. Standard parameters - 16 A, electronic programmer for a week, LCD-display.
