Devices designed to turn the light on and off at a predetermined time are called a time relay or an on / off timer for electrical appliances. They are easy to install, easy to use and can significantly reduce the cost of electricity bills. You can purchase an electric or electromechanical timer to turn off electrical appliances in hardware stores and household appliances departments.
What is a timer to turn off the light and where is it used
The timer for light and electrical appliances is a monoblock of small sizes, which, as a rule, is mounted in extension cords or portable sockets, less often in an adapter. For the operation of the device meets the relay connected by input and output contacts. He closes and opens them, respectively, stopping and resuming the supply of electricity.
You can control the on and off timer using the control panel installed on the front of the device.
There are several types of automatic timers, and each of them has distinctive features, despite the fact that the principle of operation is the same for everyone. They differ in the following characteristics:
- The length of time and the maximum period that can be set in the time switch on the electricity.
- The highest error when triggered, accuracy.
- The presence of additional functionality, for example, protection against the effects of moist air flows and drops.
- The number of possible switches per day.
- Characteristic features of discreteness, according to which the timer switching time is set.
The light-off timer is often additionally equipped with a built-in rechargeable battery, which is charged from the mains. If there is no power, the device can last for 100 hours.
Key features, advantages and disadvantages of devices
Electrical, electromechanical and mechanical automatic relays are used to control indoor lighting, as well as for electrical appliances. Compared to a standard manual instrument switch, installing a circuit breaker has the following advantages:
- Significant energy savings. Maintaining the optimum temperature and lighting level in the room, for example, shortly before returning home, the heater or air conditioner may turn on to create comfortable conditions.
- The built-in program allows you to monitor the lighting in the garden and courtyard without leaving your home. Lights and electrical appliances will turn on and off at a strictly set time, even if there are no people nearby.
- Automatic shutdown of household appliances shortly after a person leaves home. The device is often installed in washing machines and electric stoves, since even the simplest mechanical timers are suitable for them.
Another advantage of the devices is their low cost. High-quality timers save household time and make your stay at home even more comfortable.
Varieties of Timers
There are several types of timers that differ in the installation method and the conditions required for the correct operation of the device, the switching period and the features of work. Each of them has its own advantages and disadvantages.
Mechanical and electronic
The mechanical timer is controlled by a wheel divided into sections, it displays time intervals and is located on the front side of the monoblock, additionally equipped with a lever and button. The shortest switching interval is a quarter of an hour. Install this variety as a rule, when the second-second accuracy does not play a role. This model is perfect for simple tasks.
The electronic timer is controlled automatically using the built-in microprocessor. The first time you turn on the device, you configure it manually. The set parameters are displayed on a small display and stored in memory when disconnected. The timer works from the mains, batteries or built-in battery.
On and Off Intervals
Based on the periods of operation and the response range, the devices are classified as follows:
- The daily switch automatically switches the relay at the same set time daily. They are used, as a rule, to illuminate household plots and summer cottages, parks and squares. Due to changes in daylight hours throughout the year, this type of device requires regular reconfiguration.
- Weekly are designed to switch relays on certain days of the week. They use, for example, if necessary, turn off all electrics in the office before the weekend or at the set time turn on the alarm.
- Astronomical in principle, they are similar to daily allowances. They are more convenient, since a person does not have to manually manually change the settings regularly, the device makes calculations automatically. However, there is a significant drawback: high cost in comparison with analogues.
A wide range of multifunctional timers is presented in household appliance stores, which allow you to combine each of these modes and use them individually. It is not recommended to purchase them without special need, since they cause difficulties in installation, configuration and subsequent use.
Choosing a good automatic timer is easy. First of all, it is necessary to decide for what purpose it is necessary, in what conditions it has to work. Next, you need to pay attention to the following selection criteria:
- Affordable cost.
- The ability to connect a timer to multiple forks at the same time.
- The accuracy of the settings, visibility and convenience, ease of use.
- Degree of protection against aggressive environmental factors.
- The number of programs to set.
After analyzing the functionality of the relay and the purpose of the acquisition, it will be easy to give preference to a particular model.
