Many electrical appliances for various purposes are used in modern apartments and houses. The operating time of the devices is not always optimal. This leads to an overconsumption of electricity sometimes, if not turned off in time, to a breakdown.
Content
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Types of sockets with a timer
- With mechanical device
- With electronic mechanism
- Criterias of choice
Recently, so-called smart sockets with timers for turning on and off electrical appliances have been gaining popularity. This eliminates the need for manual switching on and off, while saving energy and your time.
Types of sockets with a timer
Such sockets are supplemented with a timer, thanks to which you can connect and disconnect household appliances or equipment automatically on schedule at the time you need. The operating time is set (programmed) in the form of intervals - minutes, hours, days. Depending on the design, they are divided into two types:
- mechanical;
- electronic.
With mechanical device
These devices are produced by many manufacturers, but structurally differ little from each other. One of the devices of this type is an electromechanical timer for a 220 V socket.
The mechanical timer socket housing contains a plug that plugs into a standard socket. The timer mechanism is a drum with levers - switches. With their help, the moment of switching on the outlet and the interval of operation - shutdown are set (programmed).
The drum is driven by a miniature impulse motor. The switching device is a microswitch, through the contacts of which voltage is applied. Inside the drum is a disc with a 24 hour mark. With its help, the current time is set. Each hour is divided into 4 parts, that is, 15 minutes each.
Such a timer for a 220 V outlet allows you to connect the load for a multiple of 15 minutes using the levers - switches. There is a switch on the side of the device that allows you to turn it off. The device from this moment exits the program mode and constantly supplies voltage to the load.
Current draw for most outlets should not exceed 16 amps.
The advantages of such devices include:
- low price;
- simplicity of programming.
Disadvantages:
- dependence on the source of power supply (when the power is cut off, the time settings get lost);
- time may be several minutes behind or ahead of the real;
- programming is not possible for an interval longer than 24 hours.
With electronic mechanism
Socket electronic timers are more complex in design, but in terms of capabilities they surpass mechanical models. They can be programmed for a longer time - for a week. The program of each day can be repeated or be completely different. Such devices operate under the control of a programmable microcontroller.
The programming process for such devices is more complicated and requires careful study of the instructions. They support up to 140 job programs.
The LCD screen simplifies the setup process and displays the current time and status. For programming, function buttons are used (usually there are six to ten).
Advantages:
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during the week, every day, its own program can be executed. In a socket with a mechanical timer, such a program can only work for one day; - the ability to set the minimum time - 1 minute. In mechanical, you cannot set an interval less than 15 minutes;
- The presence of the "accidental activation" mode. Allows, in the absence of the owner, to turn on and off audio equipment or light, which imitates the presence of a person (relevant for a country house or summer cottage);
- the presence of a battery ensures stable operation and accuracy of the specified time intervals.
Disadvantages:
- relatively high price;
- the need to monitor the battery charge.
Criterias of choice
When choosing such devices, you need to take into account the type of electrical appliance, how often it will turn on, the duration of operation.
Most programmable timers for 220V outlets allow a maximum current of 16 amps. This means that the total power of the devices that you can turn on is in the range of 3.5-3.6 kilowatts. Exceeding this aisle is unacceptable - the device will heat up and fail.
If you need to turn on and off some devices during the day and carry out the same programs, you can make a choice on a daily socket with a mechanical timer. This is an acceptable option both in terms of price and quality.
If you need to apply a weekly program and set complex connection-disconnection algorithms, then you cannot do without an electronic socket timer.
When buying programmable outlets, don't buy the cheapest ones. Choose devices from well-known brands. Recently, good quality products from Russian companies have appeared on the market.
