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

In the context of the energy crisis, the concept of a smart home, according to which all processes are controlled electronically, is incredibly relevant. Using devices operating on the principle time relay, you can easily implement its individual elements.

We will tell you how a timer socket works. The article presented for your review describes in detail what types of products the modern market represents and how they differ. Taking into account our tips, it will be easier to choose a smart device.

For a clear presentation of smart plugs, the text is supplemented with video presentations and photo collections.

How smart plugs work

Automation of an individual function or an entire process involves the use of sensors that react and transmit information about operating parameters to the central control mechanism. But not many people can afford to purchase this expensive equipment.

Partially solving the issue of automation and power management is the installation of switchable sockets.

The method of switching electrical contacts in such devices is based on the fact that when the relay is activated, the conductors close.

Depending on the type of model chosen and its technical parameters, the smart socket can provide configuration of two types of programs:

1. Daily allowance – when the process is limited to a period of 24 hours.
2. Weekly – provides the ability to program the start and finish of electrical appliances separately for each day of the week.

Any home is full of equipment that may require delayed activation using a 220 V timer.Timer sockets help solve several problems at the same time, i.e. realize:

• Electrical equipment management. Including a washing machine, pump, boiler, multicooker... Automatically switched sockets can also be used to turn on the lights and heat an aquarium, chicken coop or barn with animals.
• Lighting control. Automatically turning on music and lights will help create the impression and effect of the presence of the home owners in the room, thereby protecting the home from the penetration of uninvited “guests”.
• Automation of agricultural work. All processes that do not require direct human participation can be successfully automated, for example, ventilation of greenhouses, caring for pets, watering plants.

Using smart sockets when installing a two-tariff electricity meter allows you to reduce the monthly payment item by 30-40%.

During peak tariff hours, at which the price per kilowatt of energy consumed is one and a half times higher than usual, the consumer will simply turn off, while consuming electricity at night during the hours of minimum tariff tariff.

A timer socket will help in garden plots to automatically start a security device, greenhouse lighting and area lighting at night

Devices of this type are very relevant for those who like to watch TV late into the night, who often fall asleep in front of the screen. Indeed, in addition to the fact that a switched-on TV will continuously consume electricity for several hours, it will also act as a generator of electromagnetic waves, which have a very negative impact on the quality of sleep.

A socket with a timer operates in many ways similar to a time relay: after the time interval specified by the program has expired, it closes/opens the contacts

Classification of timer sockets

In fact, switchable sockets cannot be considered as such in the usual sense. Unlike stationary built-in blocks or overhead points, they more closely resemble a block adapter. The device combines both an outlet and a timer.

The housing of such a switch has an output power socket for connecting an electrical appliance plug, as well as a plug connector required for power supply from a stationary point.

There are two pins on the body of the devices, similar to those found in an electrical plug. Power supply to the output contacts in such devices is not constantly supplied.

Programmable switching points operating on the relay principle are designed to provide connection to both household appliances and professional equipment at 220 V

The main criterion for classifying devices is the range of regulation and the type of wire used. Depending on the method of setting the interval, switched sockets are divided into two types: mechanical and digital. Each type has its own significant advantages and inherent disadvantages.

#1: Traditional Mechanical Devices

Models produced half a century ago worked due to the movement of a mechanism consisting of gears. They were driven by a coil spring. Mechanical watches work on the same principle.

Modern models are equipped with a pulsed low-speed electric motor.

Thanks to the pulsed low-speed electric motor, modern models are less noisy, but more dependent on an external source of electricity

The operation of the devices is based on a traditional mechanical scheme for organizing the management and control of the operation of an electrical point. It ensures uninterrupted rotational movement of the disk, under the influence of which contacts are closed and opened.

The input of program data for the operation of the equipment is specified using separate segment-keys of the time scale installed on the case. Each of the keys is responsible for the interval entrusted to it of 15 or 30 minutes.

During the day, the timer can be turned on at least every quarter of an hour. The number of cycles is limited by the discreteness of the time setting; on average, it can reach 96 times per day.

The task of the timer is to organize the supply of electricity to the device when one of the segments is pressed. There are samples on sale in which the switch buttons need to be “recessed” to turn off the device, and there are also those where the keys need to be raised.

Most mechanical models are equipped with a circular time scale, along the outer contour of which there is a row of switch buttons

Using a position switch, the device can be switched from programmable mode to normal mode. It is usually installed on the side and equipped with a light indication device.

The control principle of mechanical category timer sockets determined their key drawback. They cannot be programmed for more than 24 hours.This is due to the fact that the rotation speed of the disk equipped with a contact directly depends on the gear ratio, which reduces the number of revolutions of the pulse motor shaft in one minute.

Theoretically, there are ways to force the actuator disk to complete a revolution not in a day, but in 48 hours. For example: to do this, increase the number of gears, thereby complicating the gearbox, or increase the diameter of the disk itself. But such modernization affects the bulkiness of the device, and therefore is practically not used in practice.

Another significant disadvantage of mechanical sockets equipped with a timer is the dependence of their actuator disk on the normal operation of an external power source.

If the frequency of the alternating current for any reason differs from the nominal value of 50 Hz, then the mechanism begins to “run ahead” or, conversely, “lag behind”

Although the dependence of the mechanical device on the mains voltage can be considered as a plus. Even in the event of an emergency power outage, the mechanism will still execute the specified program, it will only implement the task a little later.

How to make a time relay for a regular outlet with your own hands is described in detail in one of popular articles our site.

#2: Electronic Digital Models

Electronic models have a wider programming range. The number of variations can reach more than a hundred.

Electronic devices operate using relay circuits, which are controlled by a built-in programmable microcontroller

Programming the operation of the device is carried out by pressing keys on the block, the number of which can be from six to ten.The status of the device and its operating mode are monitored through the display.

The executive motor in electronic models is not dependent on an external power source for the reason that it is equipped with a battery, which acts as a backup analogue. The battery is capable of providing autonomous operation of the device for 100 hours or more.

In the future, to recharge such a battery, you only need to connect the device to the mains for 12-14 hours without load.

In a situation of emergency power outage due to the inclusion of the battery, the switch does not notice the difference, in any case closing the contact within the set period

Unlike mechanical samples, in which the switching interval is limited by parameters of 15 and 30 minutes, in electronic devices the switching on can be programmed with an accuracy of two seconds.

Main functions of the softkeys:

• "Timer" — for entering and confirming data during 12 and 24 hour operation of the device;
• "Hour, minute" — setting the time in combination with the “Timer” key;
• "Week" - selection and installation for the week;
• "Rst/Rcl" — cancels and restores the program;
• "On/auto/off" — selection of manual or automatic operating mode.

Most models have the “Random” function. The floating advance timer function allows you to turn on the socket load from two minutes to half an hour in any order, thereby simulating the presence of a person in the room.

The switching on of electrical appliances connected through the device is not tied to a specific time, which can confuse “observers” who are trying to find out whether there are people in the house.

There are also models on the market that support installation, as well as memorization of off/on modes for individual days of the week. For example, model TM-22 from Feron.

Criteria for choosing wisely

In almost all products of this type, the load capacity is 16 A with a frequency of 50 Hz for an alternating current of 230 V. But some careless manufacturers, in an effort to save money, use low-quality disconnecting devices. The conductors in them are not designed for high inrush current because they have a small cross-section.

Timer sockets of dubious manufacture should not be used to control one and a half kilowatt water heaters and other high-power consumers

When choosing an outlet with a timer, you should focus on a number of parameters:

1. Maximum programming time or range of time periods.
2. The accuracy of the instrument clock and the maximum limit of time error when performing switching operations.
3. The discreteness of setting the switching time (the parameter can range from two seconds to half an hour).
4. Load capacity of the device (what are the maximum permissible switching currents).
5. Maximum number of switching programming per day.

All technical characteristics are specified in the product passport. Please note that the active and reactive load of the equipment connected through the switch should not exceed the values ​​​​indicated by the manufacturer in the documentation attached to the socket.

Example: when you turn on a 5 kW heater, the current will be approximately 25 A, which will be destructive for a 16-amp outlet.

Each of these outlets is equipped with parameters that provide the required level of protection.There are models on sale equipped with dust- and water-repellent casing, equipped with protective covers and curtains.

When choosing a model, pay attention to the number and duration of on/off intervals they are designed for

When planning to use switches outdoors, you should choose products with a waterproof case whose IP rating is 44, 54 or 65. Follow the principle - the higher the IP, the better the protection. Thanks to the heat- and moisture-resistant coating of the housings, such devices are able to operate in the temperature range from -10 to +40°C.

When choosing an outlet for a home where there are small, inquisitive household members, it is worth considering the option of purchasing a device equipped with a “child lock” function. Devices of this type are equipped with special valves that prevent direct contact of foreign objects with electrical contacts.

If we focus on manufacturers, the products of leading brands are the most popular on the Russian market: Legrand, ABB, Berker, Wessen, Schneider Electric.

Among the more budget models, it is worth considering the products of the Feron Company and Expert brands, which are in no way inferior in quality to European manufacturers

The price range of automatically switched off sockets is wide. The cost of mechanical models starts at 250 rubles and above. Digital automatic socket-timers will cost from 500 rubles and more.

You can learn about smart sockets with remote control and guidelines for choosing them. read here.

Features of installing switched sockets

To program a mechanical socket, you need to perform a number of manipulations:

1. Set the current time by rotating the wheel.
2. Using the dial as a guide, use the segments to set the specified time to turn on the device.
3. Set the device in motion and connect it to power so that it begins to carry out its assigned task.

The installation principle for a mechanical outlet with a shutdown timer is identical.

The process of programming an outlet with an electronic timer is more complex.

Before using the device, you must study the instructions for it in detail, because switches with the same purpose can differ dramatically in the programming method

Programming the device is performed in the following sequence.

1. The device is connected to the network so that the built-in battery is recharged. Charging time varies by manufacturer. It is indicated in the passport.
2. Activate the switch and set the current time and day of the week, as well as the way they are displayed. If necessary, clear the device memory using the “Master Clear” function.
3. Using the programming system, a timer is set 24/7. When setting the on and off time, you can set it every day or any other combinations.
4. To complete the mode setting, press the “Time” key again and go to the display with the current time.
5. Plug in the outlet and connect the load to it.

When making settings, you need to make sure that the specified programs do not overlap each other. Otherwise, when specifying two mutually exclusive settings, the one corresponding to the “Off” option will take precedence over the “On” setting.

So, for example, setting the socket to turn on in the first block for the period from 12 to 22 o'clock, and in the second block for the same day, but from 15 to 19 o'clock, as a result the timer will turn on at 12 noon and turn off at 19 p.m. despite the fact that that according to the program of the second block it should work until 22 nights.

In general, setting up automatic sockets does not pose any particular difficulties. For more correct operation of the devices, you just need to remember to change the clocks in them to winter and summer operating modes.

Conclusions and useful video on the topic

Video #1. Operating principles of a daily mechanical socket equipped with a timer:

Video #2. Review of popular models of sockets with a timer presented for sale:

An automatic socket with a timer is an inexpensive and yet effective option for automating the power supply modes of private housing. Purchasing a digital device is justified when you really need to set complex switching algorithms and automatically carry out a weekly program.

If you perform the same schedule every day, you should not overpay, limiting yourself to installing a mechanical device with a daily electromechanical clock.

We are waiting for your stories about your experience of using smart plugs. You can write a comment in the block below. Here, please ask questions and share the latest news in the field of release of sockets with a timer.