Socket with on/off timer: tips for choosing

A socket with a timer will allow you to fully automate the procedure for turning on and off the electricity supply to devices. Among the wide variety of options, choosing the right product for an inexperienced user is quite problematic. Further in the article we will look at what parameters of the product you should pay attention to when purchasing.

Recommendations for selection

First of all, you need to decide for what purpose the outlet is being purchased. In order for it to cope with its task in the best possible way, it is worth familiarizing yourself with their main functional features.

Electronic or mechanical

According to this criterion, the choice is individual. So, to regulate watering in a greenhouse over a couple of hours, a budget brand with a mechanical timer is suitable.

For a longer period of time and automation of several devices, it is better to opt for an electronic system.

An important criterion is the accuracy of the timer. It is especially worth paying attention to inexpensive mechanical brands. In most cases, they do not show the most accurate reading. For many everyday activities, only the correct cyclicity is important.

If the reliability of the timer’s operation is important, then it is better to choose products from proven and proven manufacturers on the market.

Attention! German-assembled sockets, as well as some domestic and Chinese models, have a good reputation. The ranking of quality manufacturers includes such companies as Theben, Brunnenstahl, Feron and Camelion.

Time programming function

Each outlet has a maximum possible time for which you can set power to devices. Usually it is a day, and in more expensive models - from 7 to 30 days. The latter can be found in the increasingly popular intelligent “smart home” system.

Important! Budget sockets with a timer are usually equipped with one line designed for one mechanism. More expensive brands have two or more lines. Accordingly, this allows you to control the operation of several devices simultaneously.

Load

For most lines, the standardized load is 16A. You can choose both 10A and 7A, and for more enhanced throughput - 40A. The type of device is selected taking into account the planned load. For example, the consumption of 5 kW of electricity corresponds to 25A. Consequently, the 16A load will be small - the device will not cope with the task.

Protection from dust and moisture

There are models that can be used even in open areas. They have a high degree of protection against moisture and dust. It all depends on the purpose of using the product. For home use, you can choose a model without reinforced coating and protection from negative environmental factors.

Important! If the socket is to be used outdoors, it must have protection certification of at least IP40.

Price

The price varies depending on the functional features, type of outlet and manufacturer. In most cases, more expensive brands have first-class assembly and thoughtful functionality.They are more wear-resistant, reliable and less likely to fail.

Advantages and disadvantages

The sockets under consideration have many advantages compared to conventional ones, but they are not without drawbacks. The benefits include:

• Energy saving, which is especially important for farms. Allows you to automate the process of supplying heat and light to the complex when it is needed.
• Automation of uninterrupted operation of devices, which makes life much easier and significantly saves time. After all, you can simply forget about many routine responsibilities.
• The ability to develop a comfortable and planned schedule for the operation of devices.

The main disadvantages are mechanical sockets. These include unreliable operation of the timer, short operating time of the programmer (no more than a day), noise and short service life.

Electronic devices have much fewer disadvantages, which depend on the specific model. For example, often the timer operates on a battery and does not depend on the general power supply system. In the event of a power outage, it will continue to operate stable, and the user will not know about the problem in the network.

What to look for when purchasing?

Choosing the right outlet will solve a number of pressing problems. When purchasing, you should consider the following recommendations:

• Clearly define for yourself where the outlet will be used and what tasks to solve. Will a mechanical type product be enough or is it better to get one with an electronic timer? The place where the outlet will hang is also important: indoors or outdoors.
• When purchasing in specialized stores, you have the opportunity to receive competent advice from a manager and choose the most suitable product.Many sellers offer related services, such as proper installation and commissioning of equipment, warranty service and much more.
• It is worth remembering that electronic models can be turned on and off no more than seven times a day for a week. The mechanical type makes it possible to arrange time periods from 10 to 30 minutes during the day.
• If you need to create a clear schedule for turning devices on and off during the week, then you should choose electronic control.

Socket timer, 7-day program, 16A.

• Check the additional functionality of the sockets. For example, a random number generator or having multiple lines will give much greater potential in the future. In modern apartments, random switching on of lights is actively used to simulate the presence of the owners in the apartment. And by connecting several devices, it will make it possible to control both light and heat at the same time.

Reference! When choosing an outlet, you definitely shouldn’t try to save money by giving preference to cheap Chinese-assembled models. After all, overpaying for damaged equipment or lost opportunities can cost much more.

When choosing a smart plug, a professional approach is important. There are many nuances, taking into account which you can choose a quality product taking into account your goals.