Socket with timer: types, operating principles, especially the installation automatically turns off outlets

In the context of the energy crisis of the concept of a smart home, according to which all process management is done electronically, it is very relevant. With the help of devices operating on the principle of the time relay, the individual elements can implement it easily.

How does the socket with timer and what types of products is the modern market, we consider in the article.

The operating principle of the smart sockets

Automation particular function or process generally involves the use of sensors, which react and transmitted to the central mechanism governing parameter information work. But not cheap purchasing this equipment can afford not many.

Partially solve the problem of automation and energy management helps the plant is switched off outlets.

A method of switching electrical contacts in such devices is based on the fact that the relay trips when the conductors are closed.

image gallery

Photo of

Socket with timer - useful compact device that will shut off electrical equipment when programmed owner

Most models socket with timer is a small device with a plug on the back side for the plug connection

Produced similar outlet for fixed installation, but still strong demand, portable options

By the method of the outlet control is divided into a variety of mechanical and electronic timer. Mechanical break down less often, but not too easy to use

Sockets with mechanical time-setting rotary mechanism equipped, by means of which the connection to the network in the range from one hour to one day

Models outlets with electronic governing body allow you to connect / disconnect electrical appliances ranging from an hour to a week

The number of trade offers sockets with an electronic timer is not the last place is occupied by devices controlled using a smartphone

For installation in bathrooms, greenhouses, entrances, swimming pools, etc. manufactured products with protection against external negative influences

Rosette with a timer in the management of external systems

The apparatus of the plug-

Fixed wiring accessories

Model outlet with mechanical control

A programmable interval timer mechanical

Daipazon of electronic versions

Smart varieties outlets with electronic timer

Weatherproof wiring point

Depending on the chosen model and its technical parameters, intelligent socket is capable of setting two types of programs:

1. daily - when the process is limited by the length of time of 24 hours.
2. weekly - it provides for the possibility to program the start and finish of the work appliances separately for each day of the week.

In any full house technique which may require the inclusion of deferred using timer 220 V. Sockets-timers help to solve several problems at once, ie, realize:

• electrical control. Including washing machine, pump, water heater, multivarka... automatically includes the outlet It may also be used to turn on lights and heating tank, a henhouse or barn animals.
• Lighting control. Automatic inclusion of music and light will form an impression and effect of the presence of home owners in the room, so that allows to save the home from intrusion of uninvited "guests".
• Automation of agricultural operations. All processes that do not require direct human intervention, can be successfully automated, for example, ventilation of greenhouses, caring for pets, watering plants.

Using smart sockets when installing two-rate electricity meter allows the article to lower monthly payments by 30-40%. B, in which the price per kilowatt of power consumption and a half times during peak hours on the tariff rates higher than the normal, the consumer will simply shut down, together with an electric energy consumption in the night time hours minimum cost tariffing.

Socket timer helps in backyards automatically run security devices, lighting greenhouses and lighting of the territory at night

Devices of this type are very relevant for those who like staying up late watching television, which often fall asleep in front of the screen. After all, besides the fact that the TV is in a few hours will continuously consume electricity, so he also will perform a generator of electromagnetic waves, rather negatively affecting on the quality of sleep.

Receptacle with a timer on the principle of operation is very similar to the relay time: after a predetermined time interval program it closes / opens the contacts

Classification sockets-timers

In fact, turn off the outlet can not be considered as such, in the conventional sense. Unlike stationary embedded blocks or delivery points, they are more like a block adapter. The device combines and outlet, and a timer.

In the case of such a switch is provided output power socket to allow connection of the plug of the appliance, as well as the plug is needed to power from a stationary point. It has two blades, such as those that exist in the electrical plug on the fixture. Power supply to the output contacts in such devices is not always served.

Programmable switching points operating on the principle of a relay designed to provide the connection as household appliances and professional equipment in 220

The main criterion for the classification of devices is the control range and the type of wire being used. Depending on the method of defining an interval disables socket are divided into two types: mechanical or digital. Each type has its own strong merits and drawbacks inherent to it.

# 1: Traditional mechanical device

Models produced half a century ago, is powered by the movement mechanism consisting of gears. They were driven by the action of the coil spring. By the same principle working mechanical clock.

Models equipped with modern sample pulsed low-speed electric motor.

Due to slow-moving pulse motor current models are less noisy, but more dependent on an external power source

At the heart of the traditional mechanical devices incorporated diagram of the control of the organization and control of the electrical point. It provides a smooth rotary motion of the disc, which takes place under the action of opening and closing of contacts.

Input program data is given work equipment by means of separate segments, keys mounted on the housing of the timeline. Each of the keys is responsible for entrusted to it in the period of 15 or 30 minutes. During the day, a timer can be turned at least once every quarter of an hour. The number of cycles is limited to discrete reference time per day in average it can reach 96 times.

timer task is to organize the supply of electricity to the device by pressing one of the segments. On sale is a sample in which the switching device to disable the buttons you need to "utaplivat" and there are those where you have to raise the key.

Most models are equipped with a mechanical sample circular timeline, the outer contour of which is a row of switching buttons

C can be programmed from the normal transfer mode using position switch device. Usually it is mounted laterally and fitted with light indication device.

The principle of controlling the mechanical category-timers outlets identified their key disadvantage. They can not produce more than 24 hours of programming. This is because the rotation speed of the disk, equipped with a contact, depends on the gear ratio, which reduces the number of the pulse motor shaft revolutions per One minute.

Theoretically, there are ways to force the executive to make the disc does not turn per day and 48 hours. For example, to increase the number of gears, thereby complicating the reducer, or to increase the diameter of the disc. But such modernization is reflected in the bulkiness of the device, and therefore, in practice, hardly used.

Another significant disadvantage of mechanical outlets equipped with a timer, the executive is the dependence of their drive from the normal work of the external power source.

If the AC frequency for any reason, will be different from the nominal value of 50 Hz, the mechanism starts "running too" forward or, on the contrary, "keep up"

Although the dependence of the mechanical devices from the mains voltage can be considered as positive. Even a power failure, the mechanism still perform predetermined program only implements the task later.

# 2: Electronic digital model

Electronic models have a wider range of programming. Amount of variation can reach more than a hundred.

electronic type devices operate by relay circuits, which is controlled by a built-in programmable microcontroller

Device operation Programming is performed by pressing keys on the block, the number of which may range from six to ten. Monitoring the state of the device and its mode of operation is performed through the display.

Executive engine electronic models do not depend on an external power supply for the reason that it is equipped with a battery which serves as a backup analog. Battery is capable of autonomous operation of the device for 100 hours or more.

Subsequently, to recharge a battery, only need 12-14 hours to connect the device to the mains without load.

In the situation of a power failure by incorporating the switch does not notice the difference accumulator, in any case the contact closing in a prescribed period

Unlike mechanical samples in which inclusion is limited interval parameters 15 and 30 minutes, in the electronic programming devices can switch up to two seconds.

The main functions of the soft keys:

• «Timer» - for input and validation data with 12 and 24-hour operation of the apparatus;
• «Hour, minute» - Set the time in conjunction with the «Timer» button;
• «Week» - selection and installation for a week;
• «Rst / Rcl» - makes the cancellation and recovery programs;
• «On / auto / off» - the choice of manual or automatic operation.

function «Random» is present in most models. Function floating ahead of the timer allows you to turn the socket load from two minutes to an hour at random, thus simulating the presence of a person in the room.

Turning on the device connected via the electrical appliances is not tied to a specific time, which may put to confusion "observers" who are trying to find out whether there are people in the house.

In the market and models that support the installation and storing enable / disable mode for individual days of the week. For example, a model TM-22 Company «Feron».

Criteria for selection of competent

Virtually all products of this type carrying capacity is 16 A with a frequency of 50 Hz for AC 230 V. But some manufacturers are negligent in the quest to save used NC low quality devices. The conductors are not designed for high inrush current because different small cross section.

Sockets-timers questionable production should not be used to control polutorakilovatnymi water heaters and other high power consumers

When choosing a power outlet with a timer should be guided by a number of parameters:

1. The maximum programming time or the same range of time intervals.
2. Accuracy hours device and limit the maximum temporal error when the commutation operations.
3. Setpoint switching time (parameter may range from two seconds to an hour).
4. The load capacity of the device (which maximum permissible currents switched).
5. The maximum number of operating cycles of programming per day.

All specifications are registered in the passport of the product. Note that the active and reactive load is connected through the switch equipment shall not exceed the values ​​indicated by the manufacturer in the attached documentation to the outlet. Example: when the heater power is 5 kW current is approximately equal to 25 A, which for a 16 ampere wall outlet is detrimental.

Each of these sockets is endowed with parameters that provide the desired level of protection. On sale are models equipped with dust and moisture repellent hull, equipped with protective covers and curtains.

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

When planning to use the switches outdoors, you should choose products with a waterproof housing, IP parameter of which is 44, 54 or 65. Be guided by the principle - the higher the better IP protection. Due to thermal and moisture resistant coating shells, such devices are capable of working in a temperature range from -10 to + 40 ° C.

Choosing a socket for a home where there is a little curious household, should consider the option of purchase of the device, equipped with a function of "child protection". Devices of this type are equipped with special valves that prevent direct contact of foreign objects with switch.

If you focus on producers, the Russian market, the most popular products of leading brands: «Legrand», «ABB», «Berker», «Wessen», «Schneider Electric».

Of the more low-end models worth considering products brands «Feron Company» and «Expert», that the quality does not concede to European producers

The price range is automatically switched off outlets wide. The cost of mechanical models will start with a mark of 250 rubles and above. Digital automatic socket-timers will cost as low as 500 rubles and above.

Features of the installation is switched off outlets

For mechanical socket programming to complete a series of manipulations:

1. By rotating the wheel set the current time.
2. Focusing on the dial, with the help of the segments to provide a set time to power on.
3. Set in motion and connected to the power supply device itself, so that it has launched its task.

The principle of a mechanical installation at the outlet with a timer to turn off identical.

The programming socket with an electronic timer is more complicated.

Before using the device need to study in detail the instructions in it, in fact identical to the destination switch may differ substantially by the method of programming

Programming devices operate in the following sequence.

1. The device is connected to the network in order to recharge the internal battery. The charging time depends on the manufacturer. It is indicated in the passport.
2. Activate the switch and put the current time and day of the week, as well as how they are displayed. If necessary, clean the device memory using the «Master Clear» function.
3. With 24/7 programming system put a timer. When installing the ON and OFF times can be supplied every day, or as any other combination.
4. To complete the setting mode again, press the key «Time» and go to the display with the current time.
5. Include an outlet to the network and connect to it a load.

Make adjustments, be sure that the given program does not overlap each other. Otherwise, when you set two mutually exclusive priority setting will be the one that corresponds to the option «Off» setting of «On».

Thus, for example, exposing the first switch unit outlet for the period from 12 to 22 hours, and the second on the same day, but from 15 to 19 hours, by timer turns 12 the day and off at 19 pm despite the fact that the second unit of the program he has to work to 22 night.

In general, setting automatic socket does not cause too much difficulty. For correct operation of the instrument should only not forget the clock to translate them for the winter and summer operating mode.

Useful videos on the topic

Video about the principles of operation of daily mechanical outlet, equipped with a timer:

Video review popular models:

Automatic socket with timer - an inexpensive and effective option while automating private housing supply conditions. The acquisition of the digital device is justified when you really need to create complex switching algorithms and automatically perform a weekly program. When you run the same schedule every day, it is not necessary to overpay, is limited to installation of mechanical device with daily electromechanical clock.