Sockets with a timer: types, principle of operation, which one is better to choose and why

Setting up an electrical outlet with a timer

Sockets with an electronic timer are weekly and daily. Unlike mechanical connectors, they are not as easy to set up. Such devices include a system for setting not only the current time, but also the day of the week. Also, electronic sockets have a preset for one hundred and forty working cycles.

The configuration of such electrical network connectors from timers is carried out in the following way:

• plug the device into the network to recharge the battery;
• on the included socket, indicate the actual day of the week and time;
• set the period of switching on and off using the programming system;
• after setting, press the “Time” key so that the set current time is indicated on the display;
• connect the socket to the network and connect the device to it.

When installing, make sure that the specified programs do not overlap each other.

How to set up an outlet with a clear timer

Such an outlet has ten programs for turning the device on and off, a mode selection, a display with seconds and sixteen possible combinations of days of the week. Also, the device has a function of converting time to the summer period and the ability to select time modes - twelve hours or twenty-four hours. Before setting up such an outlet with an electronic timer, a twelve-hour recharge of the battery is carried out. To do this, you need to connect the connector to the network.

After that, the previously installed programs become more frequent by pressing the button with the designation “Master clear”. The button is activated using a sharp object - a pin, a pencil or the writing part of a pen. Only then can the programming of the electronic product be carried out.

Programming consists of the following steps:

1. Press and hold the "Clock" button until the current time and day of the week are set simultaneously. Minutes are set with the "Min" key, hours with "Hour", and days with the "Week" button.
2. Press the "Timer" button once and set the start time. At this time, “On1” will appear on the screen. Then you can set the timer to turn off the outlet. Date setting is carried out by the same keys - "Min", "Week" and "Hour".After setting, the “Timer” pointer is pressed again.
3. Using these steps, you can set up parallel tasks. You can view the entire list of actions with the "Timer" button, which should be held down for several seconds.
4. At the end of the settings, by pressing the "Clock" key, the timer is transferred to the working system. In the "Manual on" mode, the socket operates normally without programming. "Manual off" is the function to turn off the instrument. You can only set the timer in "Auto" mode.

Electronic sockets allow you to set not only the current time, but also the days of the week

Also, the socket with the clear timer has a floating shutdown. The function is started with the RANDOM key, and the same inscription appears on the display, which means the program is activated. In this position, all settings are made ten to thirty-two minutes ahead between eighteen and six o'clock. You can cancel the floating function by pressing the RANDOM button again. When configuring programs, such an installation is not set to work.

To transfer from twenty-four hour mode to twelve hour and vice versa, you need to press two symbols at the same time - “CLOCK” and “TIMER”.

Immediately designating the keys "ON / AUTO / OFF" and "CLOCK" you can change the clock to summer time. In this case, the designation "S" will appear on the screen. To reset the value back to the winter period, press the same keys again at the same time. It is forbidden to connect electrical appliances to the network at a load of more than sixteen amperes. It is not recommended to connect heaters to sockets with a timer, and especially not to leave them unattended.

Pros and cons of outlets with a timer

Advantages:

• The ability to automate the on-off of electrical appliances: simplifies work and saves time;
• To some extent saves energy if you use this system for lighting, heating or farm automation;
• Creation of a convenient on-off time schedule (only electronic control).

Flaws:

• Basically, mechanically controlled sockets have disadvantages. These are the inaccuracy of the timer, the noise in the form of ticking, the short time of the programmer (24 hours), the frequent failure of the timer itself (fragility).
• Electronic control also has some disadvantages, but it depends on the model. Often the timer works regardless of the total current (on a battery) and even with an unexpected power outage continues to work.

Kinds

There are two types of such devices: mechanical and electronic:

• The first are very simple in design and operation. A dial is located around the circumference of the plug connector. And the principle of operation is based on a kitchen timer. There are many photos of sockets with such a timer on the network, and the design can be very different.
• There are sockets with a mechanical timer, which are made in the likeness of a timer in washing machines, while this type of device can work without problems without a timer at all, a blocker is provided for this.

The maximum power of such a device is 3.5 kW, however, there are many products on the market that are made in bad faith, which means that such devices have a lower allowable power.

Among the advantages, one can single out the inexpensive cost of the device, as well as ease of operation. Well, the minus of such a device is the absence of a battery, which is fraught with the fact that in the absence of electricity, the settings go astray and return to their original state. So you have to adjust your sockets every time.

There is a possibility that you did not know about the power outage and your outlet, which is installed on the TV, for example, worked at 2 am. Not the best moment, considering that you have to work tomorrow.

Video recommendations for selection

The first video gives general recommendations for choosing outlets.

If you are primarily interested in quality, then we advise you to pay attention to the products of leading European brands:

• Legrand (France);
• Schneider-Electric (France);
• Simon (Spain);
• Merten (Germany);
• GIRA (Germany);
• ABB (Germany);
• FEDE (Spain);
• Bticino (Italy);
• JUNG (Germany);
• ELSO (Germany);
• Vimar (Italy).

Particularly popular in Russia are sockets and switches from the French company Legrand, and specifically the Valena series - quality at a reasonable price. Schneider-Electric has popular Grossa and Unica series.

The use of switches with sockets

One of the main places of human "habitat" is our home - a dwelling where the average person spends most of his life, not counting the time for work, business trips and vacations away from his favorite couch.

Therefore, the presence of power in a house, apartment, room helps us to live fully in the current conditions of a developed technological society.

Not a single modern room can be imagined without some kind of switch, socket, outlet for lighting, etc. These elements are a key component of the power supply system of anything - they provide safe access to the electrical grid.

The general scheme of functioning is clear to almost everyone, but everything lies in the details.The primary problem in choosing electrical accessories is to determine the purpose and technical features of the operation of the finished product.

All of them must have a so-called margin of safety and harmoniously fit into the most daring design solutions for the interior of the room.

Electrical accessories for apartments and industrial premises are noticeably different in ergonomics and non-standard design. For warehouses, products with external wiring are often used.

Regardless of the color palette when studying a variety of electrically conductive products, the first thing to decide is the purpose of the room and, depending on this, selective selection of products.

There are several generalized categories of electrical fittings for a certain type of building:

• hangar-type factory premises;
• non-residential and commercial buildings;
• offices and auditoriums;
• apartment buildings and private houses.

Some modifications of switches and types of sockets can be used in different buildings. These are high-quality products that meet state product quality standards and ISO certificates.

A similar certificate of quality of the finished product can be requested from any seller or sales agent. They are provided at the request of the buyer (+)

If such products ensure the safety and security of housing, then it is definitely not worth saving on them. It is necessary to purchase high-quality electrical products for at least $ 3 per unit.

The requirements of European certificates and GOSTs correspond to sockets, switches, adapters, adapters from such manufacturers as: Legrand, ABB, Bticino, Merten, Schneider Electric, Berker, Gira, Jung, etc.

Varieties

There are two types of devices that can be connected in the home - mechanical and electronic.

Mechanical

The timer time in them is set by using a special drum element. Mechanical sockets can function automatically for no more than 24 hours, so they are considered daily. The device does not give the consumer the opportunities that electronic devices provide. Therefore, in such products, the time intervals for activation and deactivation are cyclic, for example, the socket will turn on for 20 minutes every 20 minutes, etc. The number of cycles can be any, it all depends on the specific model, but you won’t be able to configure the parameters yourself .

Electronic

The electronic type of control provides consumers with much more options in terms of automation settings. In many modern models, you can program actions for a week in advance. But there are also more modernized options that allow you to set up activation for a month in advance or more.

Electronic devices usually have advanced functionality with which the timer can be programmed to turn on and off at any time. For example, it will be two hours in the morning, 30 minutes in the afternoon and one hour in the evening, and the variations will be different for each day of the week. On sale you can find devices that allow you to control a group of electrical appliances and control the operation of each parameter separately. For example, adjust the light in the house, turn on the garden watering system, etc.

TOP 7 popular socket models with a timer

Theben Timer 26

The simplest but most reliable model from the German manufacturer Theben. Differs in high reliability and durability.When an on-off cycle is performed, it notifies you with a characteristic click. Unlike Chinese counterparts, it works completely silently when the timer is set. There is no light indication, but with its other advantages, this is not critical. The maximum load is 16A.

The company has proven itself from the very best side and produces high-quality equipment of European quality. Naturally, the price for this rather simple model is not the lowest and is about 1800 rubles.

Theben Timer 26 IP44

Identical model to the previous version, but with one important property - protection against moisture and dust according to the IP44 certificate

Which is important when using a similar outlet outdoors. Otherwise, the characteristics are identical: the control is mechanical, and the current strength is a maximum of 16A

As already mentioned, the quality of the products of this manufacturer is of very high quality, so the price is also appropriate. You can buy Timer 26 IP44 for about 3000 rubles. Materials and assembly fully corresponds to the cost.

Of the features, we highlight the noiselessness and the sound signal after the passage of a given cycle.

E.Next e.control.t11

Also an extremely simple socket model with a domestic-made mechanical timer, but European quality. E.Next produces a wide range of electrical equipment: light bulbs, cable products and switchboard equipment of various types.

The company's partners are leading manufacturers of electrical products: SGC (Belgium), ASCO (USA), LIFASA (Spain), ARDIC (Turkey), KIWA (Slovakia), POWER (Poland), OLMEX (Poland), CETINKAYA PANO (Turkey), CWS (Czech).

Unlike the previous version, the cost of this outlet is very low, which, with its load of 16A, is very good.The price is only about 400-500 rubles.

E.Next e.control.t14

Another model of a smart socket with a timer from E.Next, only with electronic control of a weekly period. A very good device with all the necessary functionality and extremely simple control. Set the desired schedule for turning on and off the power for each day throughout the week. The maximum current strength is 16A.

The build quality for the money, as we have already reported, is at a fairly high level. Domestic production using developments and components of leading European manufacturers of electrical products.

Feron TM22/61925

A Russian manufacturer that produces inexpensive products that are perfect for conditions in Russian realities. Quite good devices, but not the most reliable. The manufacturer gives a warranty period of only 14 days, which is somewhat alarming, but sellers are usually aware of which batch has the fewest returns, so ask.

Otherwise, the model has a maximum load of 16A and is equipped with an electronic weekly programmer. There is a simple LCD-display, which displays the time and the entire process of settings.

For your money, it’s quite a good model, so if you want to save money, then you can buy a socket with a timer for about 700-800 rubles.

DigiTOP PB-1C

Although the model has electronic control, but the maximum time of the timer is only 24 hours. But electronics greatly simplifies the timer setting and expands its capabilities. You can set a variety of time intervals, and not defined cyclical, as is the case with models with mechanical control.

The maximum current level is 10A, which is more than suitable for an average apartment.The manufacturer is domestic and produces quite good devices with high quality and reliability. Prices are not the cheapest, as for our manufacturers. This socket costs 900-1000 rubles, which is not cheap compared to the previous options and its capabilities.

HS Electro T-10c

Another interesting manufacturer of domestic relays, timers and related electrical equipment. This model is similar in characteristics to the previous one and has a daily programmer, but with electronic control, which, unlike mechanical ones, makes it more reliable and durable. The settings are more flexible, you can set completely different on and off cycles. The maximum current is 10A.

A fairly popular model with high build quality and a decent manufacturer's warranty. You can buy a model on the Russian market for 1300 rubles.

The subtleties of choosing a good smart socket

Firms producing smart devices for the home offer increasingly competitive models. Appearance, capabilities and technical characteristics of all manufacturers are different. Therefore, choosing the best option for your home, you should focus on needs.

First, it is necessary to decide for what purposes and in what rooms the smart sockets will be used. This is the most important question, because if you just need to turn on / off the electric kettle, then it makes no sense to buy an expensive model with many additional features and capabilities.

You may need more than one device, but several at once - the main and dependent ones.

When choosing a remotely controlled device to control the heater, do not forget about the power of this device

Secondly, it is important to choose the power that matches the power of the electrical appliance that will be controlled using this outlet. In no case can you rely on the fact that a socket with a lower output power can cope with a boiler or heating boiler

It is advisable not to buy smart devices with an output power of less than 2 kW at all

In no case can you rely on the fact that a socket with a lower output power can cope with a boiler or heating boiler. It is advisable not to buy smart devices with an output power of less than 2 kW at all.

Thirdly, you need to decide what additional features your model should have and choose a device that meets these requirements. After all, not all sockets have special connectors for connecting certain devices or sensors.

It is especially important to buy sockets with an additional battery for country houses, where power outages occur more often.

Fourth, it is highly desirable that the device has an additional battery.

Fifth, it is better to choose models that provide several channels for control.

As for the cost, you need to understand that there are no good models with a wide range of functions at a low price yet. Therefore, the more a smart device can do, the more expensive it will cost.

Cheaper options are quite usable, they are made of high quality plastic and are quite capable of performing all the functions provided by the manufacturer.

Before purchasing the selected model, it is advisable to carefully study the technical characteristics of the device by reading the manufacturer's instructions

The most popular smart sockets are from manufacturers such as TP-Link, Orvibo, SenseIT, Redmond, Xiaomi and Broadlink.

Prices

A distinctive feature of timer sockets is their simplicity, reliability and relatively low price (from 400 rubles).

Prices for popular socket models with a timer

Name	Manufacturer	Price, rub.)
Feron TM22/61925	Russia	860
Feron TM23/61926	Russia	1095
E.Next e.control.t11	Ukraine	393
E.Next e.control.t14	Ukraine	547
Theben Timer 26	Germany	2178
Theben Timer 26 IP44	Germany	3245
DigiTOP PB-1C	Ukraine	1770
HS Electro T-10c	Ukraine	1290
Leroy Merlin TGE-2	China	491
Elektrostandard TMH-E-5	Russia	959

Thanks to the development of Internet trade, buying socket-timers is no longer a problem.

Types of electrical switches

As noted earlier, an electrical switch is nothing more than an electrical circuit breaker. This is a very simple mechanism. However, every master electrician needs to understand its technical features and principle of operation.

Knowing them, you can be sure that the device will work safely in normal mode for a long time.

In domestic conditions, voltage switches up to 250 V with a maximum current of up to 10 A are used. A standard switch consists of a key, a frame and a base mechanism

Classification of light switches

Given the current pace of development of electrical engineering, today's engineers, specialists and building repair masters distinguish a significant number of types of electrical switches.

The variety of proposals can be divided into several groups.

It is enough to decide on the following list of answers to such questions:

• mains voltage - 220V / 380V is typical for Eastern Europe;
• degree of dust and moisture protection - dust IP20, moisture protection IP44, IP54, IP64;
• installation method - hidden or outdoor installation;
• switching method - screw, clip-on.

Additionally, switches are classified according to the type of off / on. Possible options: keyboards, pushbuttons, rotary, rope, touch, wireless switches, with a motion sensor, dimmers, etc.

The latter should be discussed separately, since these mechanisms produce a “transfer” of the power grid from one circuit to another. As a result, it is possible, for example, in an office to have several separate lighting systems on one multi-key switch: full lighting, partial, duty, etc.

In domestic conditions, switches are used for voltages up to 250 V with a maximum current of up to 15 A. The switch is a combination of several switches

Probably everyone will cope with the choice of the color palette of the switch lining. Overlays with a matte surface in soft pastel colors look very elegant and stylish.

Switch selection for home and office

Let's move on to the specifics, especially in terms of the choice of consumer goods for the home and office and retail premises.

Switches and switches for industrial and non-residential premises require special selection, which should be done exclusively by an electrician.

Modern offices often have several lighting circuits - a room or an entire floor of a building. In any case, modular blocks are mounted in the office, which are responsible for switching the illumination in two or more modes.

Living rooms, a bathroom, an apartment kitchen and utility rooms of a private house, lighting is needed everywhere, and therefore switches.So, for general-purpose living rooms, it is recommended to install standard push-button switches. When choosing, take into account the interior of the room.

Kitchens and bathrooms must be equipped with certified devices with dust and moisture protection. In utility rooms (garage, boiler room, warehouse, basement), reliable and simple switches are installed.

In bedrooms and children's rooms, you can use switches for several lighting modes and / or switches with backlight. In addition, a good option for children would be an electric dimmer - a dimmer with a smooth decrease in illumination.

The lighting dimmer provides the ability to lower the voltage in the electrical circuit using a smooth circular regulator based on resistors, semiconductors

Recently, apartments are equipped with “smart home” complexes. An excellent addition to such control and lighting control systems will be touch-sensitive, wireless type switches, as well as modules with motion sensors.

About the socket with a timer

A socket with an on and off timer is a device that represents, already familiar and familiar to every layman, standard socket for connection various devices to the mains. Inside the outlet itself there is a relay that is responsible for the operation of the timer. It can be either mechanical or electronic.

In the first case, the user is given the opportunity to use the dial to adjust the time intervals of work, and in the second case, the built-in system, possibly even with a digital display, should be used to set the days of the week, the current time, etc.

What to look for when choosing an electronic timer

When buying, you should decide not only on the type of device, but also pay attention to the main technical characteristics and parameters that affect the operation of the device:

1. Time frame for programming. Everything is simple here. If you want to control the voltage only during the day, a simple mechanical model is selected. If weekly or even monthly management is required, an electronic version with the corresponding options is selected.
2. Accuracy. This characteristic is more relevant for mechanical models. Although for most tasks that are assigned to timers, accuracy to the second is not important. For an optimal indicator, it is necessary to choose products from trusted manufacturers.
3. Load. Depending on the network load, you must select the appropriate device. There are models that can withstand a load of 7 A, 10 A and 16 A. The choice of indicator will depend on the power consumed by the device powered through this outlet.
4. Number of programming lines. This parameter shows how many devices can be closed to the timer. The simplest samples support only one device, more advanced models have 2 or more lines.
5. Dust and moisture protection. Some devices may have additional protection against the negative effects of environmental factors. This is typical for timers designed for outdoor use.

There are samples that have reliable protection from external factors for outdoor use.

Benefits and application features

Sockets with a mechanical timer make it possible to connect industrial and household appliances.Sockets intended for the street have plastic protection from snow and rain, as well as from dust and other contaminants.

Used indoors, they have lids and, in case of sudden humidity in the room, are ready to close the holes in the nest with them.

The instructions for the socket indicate:

• a number of general rules and connection schemes;
• timer adjustment;
• operating principle.

When switching on and off the appliances every day at different times, it is recommended to purchase timers with a weekly period. On electronic sockets with a timer there are displays with batteries, Euro plugs, buttons, knobs.

Sockets with an electric timer have the following advantages:

• you can adjust the time by minutes;
• select any day of the week to turn off and turn on sockets;
• you can turn on the device both manually and automatically;
• The time relay works regardless of the power supply and the presence of batteries.

What it is?

The 220 V socket programmable device is structurally a conventional socket device, the only difference is the presence of a built-in timer.

Design and principle of operation

The mechanical device of such an outlet is equipped with a lever, and the electronic device is equipped with an electronic control system with keys and a digital screen. If necessary, separate connection and programming of timers that cut into the wiring or to a group of electrical equipment is allowed.

The principle of operation is based on switching contacts. The switching method in devices is to close the conductors as a result of the operation of a time relay.

Nikolay Kaposhko spoke about the principle of operation of a mechanical device with a timer.

Purpose and use cases

The operation and use of an outlet with a timer is relevant for saving the energy consumed by electrical appliances. The use of such devices provides not only savings, but also automatic power management in a house or apartment. Many models of electrical outlets for low or high temperatures can be programmed so that they can turn watering the garden on or off. The same applies to the activation of lighting in certain areas of the territory or in the rooms of the apartment. Due to the wide range of applications, the sockets can be used to regulate the heating in the house or to switch off and on household appliances.

The use of such devices makes it possible to configure the switching program at the specified time:

• pumps;
• air conditioners;
• fans and other devices.

Taking into account the type of a certain model, as well as its technical characteristics, the device allows configuring two types of programs:

1. Daily. In this case, all settings are driven in for one day and completed within 24 hours.
2. Weekly. With this function, the consumer has the opportunity to set the start and end of the operation of electrical equipment and devices for each day of the week.

With the help of such devices with an on and off timer, you can immediately solve several problems:

1. Manage household appliances and equipment. Automatic activation of the multicooker, washing machine and other devices can be useful for the hostess.
2. Manage lights and fixtures. If you want to prevent criminals from entering the house, you can set the automatic activation of music or lighting. This will give the intruders the impression and effect of having the owners in the room.
3. To automate agricultural work, in particular, we are talking only about those processes, the implementation of which does not require human intervention. For example, you can automate the operation of ventilation in greenhouses, etc.

The ChipiDip channel spoke about the purpose of devices with timers.

What do smart plugs do and why are they needed?

The concept of a smart home has been exciting the heads of modern citizens for several years now: it seems that not so long ago the first tablet PC was released, and today it can already be used to control various devices in the house: lawn sprinklers, smart locks, smart light bulbs, smart sockets, after all . True, it is far from the uprising of machines - so far we see only benefit from smart sockets. To add an additional twist to your home in the form of such a device, you need nothing at all: a wi-fi router to connect the outlet to the Network, and a smartphone or tablet to remote control.

Smart socket can:

• Turn off electrical appliances when the network overheats and control the distribution of energy. By manually setting consumption rates, you will no longer overpay for electricity if you suddenly forget to turn off any electrical appliance.

• Turn off and on at the signal of your smartphone - you just need to press one button, wherever you are. Now, no irons turned on in a hurry are scary. And at home, a hot kettle will always be waiting for you, you just need to connect it to a smart outlet and turn it on using your smartphone before coming home.

• Turn on and off on schedule. It is especially useful if you regularly need to heat up a room, for example, a home greenhouse.

• Automatically turn off faulty electrical appliances to avoid short circuits.

• Monitor the status of the electrical appliance. Any abnormal increase in temperature and fire will be immediately detected 0 a notification will be sent to the smartphone and a fire alarm will turn on (if such a system is installed).

Electronic sockets with timer

More modern and expensive models. Thanks to a wide range of programming, they have the ability to save the number of variations (program control cycles), which exceeds a hundred.

To start working with this device, you must enter the current date and time into it. Data programming is carried out by pressing the keys located on the block. The number of keys can be up to ten pieces. All information required by the user is displayed on the LCD screen.

If the power is turned off, the smart plug will continue to work as before, since it has a built-in battery. This allows the device to continue autonomous operation for a period that is about 100 hours. Recharging the battery takes up to 14 hours. Unlike the first type of sockets, electronic samples can be programmed with an accuracy of several seconds.