Switch with shutdown timer: how it works and which type is better to choose
Turning off the power supply at will and without the use of physical effort is a reality, just like a steaming cup of morning coffee on the table.There are a lot of options for using an intelligent device of this kind: from household use to optimizing the most complex production processes.
A switch with a shutdown timer will help to implement the idea, allowing you to interrupt the flow of electricity to the equipment at the right time. The article we propose outlines the principle of operation and describes the types of the device. To help future buyers, recommendations for selection are provided.
The content of the article:
Types of switched devices
All models of switches offered by numerous manufacturers differ in appearance, material of manufacture, capabilities and, as a result, price.
Moreover, the cost of one unit of goods is also influenced by brand recognition - Chinese devices stand out favorably against competitors. If you wish, you can choose a multifunctional device at a more than reasonable price.
The control method available to the user is one of the characteristics by which all products can be classified.
The use of the latter is not limited to lighting - the devices can be configured to regulate any object that uses electric current for its functioning. These are fans, kettles, boilers and other household appliances. And air conditioning systems, water supply and heating.
In addition, devices are divided depending on the type of installation (hidden and external), connection of contacts in the mechanism (screw or plate), withstand voltage, degree of protection from dust and moisture.
Features of devices with a sleep timer
Switches with a clock mechanism/timer allow you to control the light, turning it on/off at a given time. They differ in the way they are controlled, in appearance and in functionality.
Main types of devices
Time-delay switched devices are in demand for home and industrial use. They can be installed on landings of high-rise buildings, at the entrance to a private house, garage, basement, and in office premises.
They are also used to optimize production processes, when it is necessary to set a clear time interval for the operation of individual mechanisms or equipment.
Sensors that respond to an external stimulus in the form of a clap, the appearance of an object in the field of view, etc., are mounted directly into the switch body.
The timer of the switched device, depending on the setting principle, can be mechanical or electronic/digital.
The user can control it by setting the desired settings in the following ways:
- by turning the adjustment wheel or setting the microswitches to the desired position;
- using the buttons contained on the front panel, which can be physical or touch;
- set commands to turn on/off remotely - from a remote control or gadget.
The size of the time interval that causes the breaker to trip can be several seconds, minutes, hours, days or weeks. There are models whose operation is planned for 365 days at once.
To control the functioning of specific household appliances, such as a lamp, coffee maker or water heater, they are often used socket type timer - a smart device with a wide range of products.
The cost of devices depends entirely on the capabilities - the more there are, the more you will have to pay for the purchase.
How does the time switch work?
The principle of operation of switching devices with a timer is based on the fact that they close or disconnect the electrical circuit at the desired period of time specified by the user, depriving the controlled device of power. As a result of this action, the lights in the desired room are turned off without the owner’s physical participation in this process.
To ensure the functioning of the device, its working mechanism is equipped with a microcircuit, time relay, microcontrollers, rectifying diode, resistors and other parts that take part in organizing smart and economical control of lighting, fans or other equipment.
Mechanically actuated time switches operate thanks to microswitches that activate relays. It is these design elements that allow you to turn on/off the power supply line when a user-specified moment occurs.
Socket switches are widely used among inexpensive models. They can be configured by any user, even without a gadget and connection to the World Wide Web. To do this, you have to choose the option with mechanical control.
Each segment of mechanical models can correspond to 15-30 minutes. This is typical for daily adaptations.
A distinctive feature of smart appliances with a timer is their dependence on the network. They can be:
- completely dependent;
- autonomous.
In the first case, the device needs power, and any interruptions in the power supply lead to a program failure.
The second option is independence from an external source. More precisely, it can be partial, when, if electricity is available, the device uses it, and when turned off, it switches to backup power.
For this purpose, the design contains a battery designed for a certain operating time. For some models it can reach a day or more. A switched device with electronic control is configured using buttons or a mobile application.
The number of commands specified and the programming method depends on the complexity of the device and will vary. All details are indicated in the instruction manual supplied complete with the switch and mounting hardware.
What type of device is better to choose?
Before purchasing, you must clearly describe your needs. It is on this that the model of a switched device with a timer depends, which can ideally satisfy all user requests.
It is necessary to clearly define the installation location and the necessary functions that will be responsible for executing commands - it is possible that for this you will need to purchase additional accessories in the form of sensors. Or choose a modification in which all these elements are already built into the design of the smart device.
When choosing, you need to consider the following factors:
- technical capabilities - what voltage the product is designed for;
- desired type of control - mechanical or digital;
- type of installation - in a socket, socket box, distribution box, on a DIN rail;
- operating conditions - is moisture protection necessary?
In order not to get confused in the variety of models, you need to decide to which stimulus the time switch should respond. Or the onset of the specified time of day is sufficient.
When choosing among simpler models, you need to decide what frequency is required when controlling the shutdown of devices. If we are talking about processes that are repeated daily, then you can choose the daily option.
When it comes to triggering on certain days of the week or month, you will need a device with a weekly or monthly timer. This choice will cost more.
But to automate the control of several supply lines and devices installed on them, a more complex modification in the form of a multifunctional switch is suitable.
As for manufacturers, users with many years of experience in using smart time-delay switching devices speak well of companies such as Legrand, Feron, Livolo, Orbis.
Will familiarize you with the types and markings of smart switches next article, in which, in addition to the questions listed, guidelines for selection are given and connection rules are listed.
Conclusions and useful video on the topic
Overview of switches that react to the movement of an object within its field of view:
How to correctly program an electronic timer for a socket type switch. About this in the video:
The rules for installing a device with an electronic shutdown timer in an apartment panel are described in the video:
After familiarizing yourself with the variety of switch models, their features and the differences between different types, you can choose the most favorable solution for your home.
Before purchasing, it is important to carefully study the technical characteristics and programming rules of the device and pay attention to its ability to function when the power supply is turned off.
Tell us about how you selected a switch with a built-in timer and used a device useful in everyday life. Perhaps you have information in your arsenal that will be useful to site visitors. Please write comments in the block below, post photos on the topic, ask questions.
This is simply a wonderful invention! In our house, workers advised us to install switches with timers for lights and for some electrical appliances. This turned out to be especially convenient for the boiler. At night the water is not heated, but in the morning there is always warm water waiting, just in time for our family to wake up. Of course, this is not the cheapest pleasure, but the convenience is worth it!
I don’t quite agree with your opinion, Alina. If the house is large, then such devices will save a lot of time and effort. But using only a timer with lighting fixtures, in my opinion, is a great luxury. To illuminate rooms inside the house, it is still better to install devices with sensors that respond to human presence. I installed these and they save me a lot of money. The electricity bill has dropped noticeably. And at the court site he did without them altogether. I installed solar-powered mini lamps.
And what is the luxury of using timers? They are used not only and not so much with lighting fixtures, but with convectors, boilers, etc.
Help! I searched all the sites with shops around, I couldn’t find a switch like the one in your picture, which with a timer without a display, the delay time is selected by a button…. Where can I order it... Well, I really need it...
Hello. Try it search here.
Hello.
Maybe I can get some advice from you.
You need a switch with a timer and remote switching capability.
It can be radio, wifi or GSM but must have a sleep timer.
It is required to make lighting on the third floor with the ability to turn on from the apartment and from the first floor and automatically turn off for the time required for going up/down.
I'll be glad to hear good advice.