Turning off the power supply at will and without the use of physical effort is a reality, like a steaming cup of morning coffee on the table. Variants of the application of intellectual devices of this kind mass: from domestic use to optimize the most complex production processes.
A switch with a sleep timer helps to realize the idea, allowing you to interrupt the flow of electricity to the equipment at the right time. In the article proposed by us, the principle of operation is stated, the device types are described. To help future buyers are recommendations on the choice.
The content of the article:
- Varieties of switched devices
-
Features of devices with a sleep timer
- Main types of devices
- How does the time switch work?
- What kind of device is better to choose?
- Conclusions and useful video on the topic
Varieties of switched devices
All models of switches offered by numerous manufacturers differ in appearance, production material, their capabilities and, as a result, price.
Moreover, the brand recognition has an impact on the cost of one unit of goods - Chinese devices stand out against the background of competitors. If you wish, you can pick up a multifunctional device at a price that is more than reasonable.
The control method available to the user is one of the signs by which all products can be classified.
Image Gallery
A photo of
Keyboards are keyboard-type devices. They are able to control 1, 2, 3 or 4 electric points - by the number of available keys. You can connect them with your own hands, using the scheme provided by the manufacturer
A model equipped with a remote control is a more comfortable option, opening up new horizons for the owner. Moreover, it is often possible to use a remote control from other household appliances as a governing body.
Touch solutions - when a light touch to a part of the front panel is enough to perform the desired process. Manufacturers can add options to adjust the brightness of the light - the user will affect the intensity of the light
Time switch - product, equipped with a timer. Its main feature is the ability to open the power supply circuit at a specified time interval without the presence of the owner
Keyboard Switches
Model equipped with remote control
Switches with adjustable light intensity
Time switch
The use of the latter is not limited to lighting - the devices can be adjusted to adjust any object using electric current for its operation. These are fans, teapots, boilers and other household appliances. And air conditioning systems, water and heating.
In addition, devices are divided depending on the type of installation (hidden and external), the connection of contacts in the mechanism (screw or plate), withstand voltage, degree of protection against dust and moisture.
Features of devices with a sleep timer
Switches with clockwork / timer allow you to control the light by turning it on / off for a specified time period. They differ in the way they are managed, in their appearance and in their functionality.
Main types of devices
Timed switched devices are in demand for home and industrial use. They can be installed on staircases of high-rise buildings, at the entrance to a private house, garage, basement, in office premises.
They are also used to optimize production processes when you need to set a clear time interval for the operation of individual mechanisms or equipment.
Such switches often have an extended range of capabilities provided by the manufacturer or the owner. Thanks to additional devices, they will be triggered by sound, light, movement
Sensors that respond to external stimuli in the form of cotton, the appearance of an object in the field of view, and so on, are mounted directly into the switch body.
The timer of the switched device, depending on the principle of setting, can be mechanical or electronic / digital.
The user can control it by setting the desired settings in the following ways:
- scrolling the adjusting wheel or setting the microswitches to the desired position;
- using the buttons on the front panel, which can be physical or touch;
- set the on / off commands remotely - from the remote control or gadget.
The size of the time interval that causes the switch to be triggered may be several seconds, minutes, hours, days, or weeks. There are models whose work is planned immediately for 365 days.
To control the operation of specific household appliances, such as a lamp, coffee maker or water heater, are often used socket type timer - the clever adaptation differing in the wide range.
Image Gallery
A photo of
Rosette type of switch - when the product is equipped with a connector for switching on the plugs, adjustable and controlled by a timer contained inside. Some models also with additional sensors.
The device is a keyboard or touch type, which is able to turn off the power supply with a time delay. Its working mechanism contains a time relay. For example, after a person touches a light bulb in the corridor, it takes 0.5-3 minutes before the circuit breaks, which is enough to remove outer clothing.
The model allows you to control multiple power lines. Such a device is installed in the shield on the din-rail and applies to flush-mounted products. Its control can be electronic or mechanical, and the number of functions varies from trivial shutdown. supply by timer to complex reactions to various stimuli, when the relay is one of the elements of the intelligent system houses
A programmable device mounted directly into the electrical junction box that controls a specific power cord. Its configuration is carried out using an application downloaded on a personal gadget - smartphone, tablet
Socket type switch
Keyboard type
The device is installed in the shield on the din-rail
Programmable device
The cost of devices completely depends on the possibilities - the more of them, the more expensive 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 are at the right time, specified by the user, close or disconnect the electrical circuit, depriving the controlled device power supply. As a result of this action, the light turns off in the right room without the physical participation of the owner in this process.
To ensure the operation of the device, its working mechanism is equipped with a microcircuit, time relay, microcontrollers, rectifier diode, resistors and other details that are involved in the organization of intelligent and economical control of lighting, fan or other technique.
In devices with mechanical adjustment, the work cycles are set by turning the dial, and in electronic analogs - by pressing the necessary buttons on the front panel or remote control.
Temporary switches, activated mechanically, work thanks to microswitches that activate the relay. It is these structural elements that allow the on / off of the power supply line at the time specified by the user.
The big distribution among low-cost models received outlet switches. They can be configured by any user, even without a gadget and a connection to the World Wide Web. To do this, choose the option with mechanical control.
Image Gallery
A photo of
Before using the new device, first of all, you need to look at what load it is designed for. This information is printed on the reverse side and in the user manual.
Then it is necessary to activate the mechanical device, having found the switch on the side. It should be in the "on" position.
Now all attention to the front of the device - there is a rotating disk and miniature switches, petals. First, with the help of a disk, you have to specify the current time in hours and minutes, stopping the necessary numbers opposite the arrow
It remains to set the command to the timer to operate at the desired time interval. For this, a segmented structural element is used - it is necessary to activate a sufficient number of microswitches opposite the desired response time.
Need to check specifications
Put the lever in the on position
Set current time
Specify the time interval for the command
Each of the segments of mechanical models can correspond to 15-30 minutes. This is typical for daily fixtures.
A distinctive feature of smart devices with a timer - dependence on the network. They can be:
- completely dependent;
- autonomous.
In the first case, the device needs power, and any power outages cause the program to crash.
The second option is independence from an external source. More precisely, it can be partial, when in the presence of electricity the device uses it, and when it is disconnected it switches to backup power.
To do this, the design has a battery designed for a certain time. In some models, it can reach days and more. A switched device with an electronic control method is configured using buttons or a mobile application.
Image Gallery
A photo of
Solution without display - setting occurs by selecting one of the options offered by the manufacturer. The time relay is one of the elements of the working mechanism
A model equipped with a display is programmed using buttons, and all actions are displayed on the screen. Installation is similar to a conventional switch, and the purpose of the connectors is detailed in the manufacturer’s instructions.
Remote programming device through application if more complex commands are required. Some products are equipped with touch buttons with a specified time interval, which is maintained after the user is turned on
The multipurpose switches mounted in the hidden way. They are placed in the shield and allow you to manage multiple supply lines. There are models with a huge number of functions, for which additional sensors are additionally connected.
Time switch without display
Model equipped with a display
Remote programming device
Multifunction switch
The number of commands and programming method depends on the complexity of the device and will vary. All subtleties are indicated in the instruction manual supplied with the switch and mounting hardware.
What kind of device is better to choose?
Before buying to be clearly describe their needs. The model of the switched device with a timer that can perfectly satisfy all user requests depends on this.
It is necessary to clearly define the place of installation and the necessary functions that will be responsible for the execution of 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 a smart device.
For installation in the bathroom, basement, on the landing, before entering the house is better to look at the models with protection from vandals, dust and moisture
Even when choosing you need to consider the following factors:
- technical capabilities - what voltage the product is designed for;
- the desired type of control is mechanical or digital;
- type of installation - into a socket, a bottom, junction box, on a din-rail;
- operating conditions - do you need moisture protection?
In order not to get lost in the variety of models, you need to decide on which stimulus the time switch should react to. Or rather the occurrence of the specified time of day.
Image Gallery
A photo of
A product with a response to a change in the level of illumination of light is a twilight or astronomical timer. The package includes photovoltaic cells that react when the level of solar activity decreases. A delayed response is provided to minimize the effect of random stimuli.
The response to the appearance of a person or another object weighing, as a rule, from 20 kg. These are switches equipped with a motion sensor. In them, the timer is programmed to trigger when such a stimulus is in sight.
The response to noise is a popular solution used in intelligent home improvement systems. Such models work on the sound of a specific range specified by the user in the settings.
A time delay of 30 seconds or another interval preset by the manufacturer. This is the easiest option, ideal for hallways, stairs or installation in front of the entrance door.
Smerechny timer
Switch with motion sensor and timer
Switch with noise response
Time Delay Switch
Choosing among the models easier, you need to decide what frequency is required when controlling the disconnection of devices. If we are talking about processes that are repeated daily, then you can stay on 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 management of several power lines and devices installed on them, a more complex modification in the form of a multi-function switch will do.
As for manufacturers, users with years of experience in using smart switching devices with a time delay speak well of companies such as Legrand, Feron, Livolo, Orbis.
With the types and labeling of smart switches will introduce next article, in which, besides the listed questions, selection guidelines 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 that came into his field of view:
How to implement the programming of the electronic timer switch socket type. About this in the video:
The rules for installing the device with an electronic type timer in the apartment panel are described in the video:
After reviewing the variety of models of switches, their features and the difference 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 disconnected.
Tell us about how the switch was selected with a built-in timer and used a useful device in everyday life. Perhaps in your arsenal there is information that will be useful to site visitors. Please write comments in the box below, post a photo on the topic, ask questions.
