Modern technologies are aimed at automating processes in the house. Various smart devices make life easier for ordinary users. Smart devices include timer sockets. Thanks to them, you can set a schedule for the operation of various household appliances.
Description of sockets with timer
A smart socket with an electronic timer is a device with which you can set the operating time of electrical appliances. With automation, you can save energy and eliminate manual controls.
Outwardly, the 220v time timer looks like a classic socket, but there is a timer on the case. It can have a mechanical lever or look like a numeric keypad. Electric timers are allocated into a separate group, which are installed on a wiring or a group of devices. They are not sockets, but simply set the schedule for the operation of electrical appliances.
Main functions
The main task of the electronic socket timer is to turn devices on and off at a specified time. But there are other functions that a smart device performs:
- saving electricity - the socket turns off the appliances when there is no one in the house;
- temperature control and the ability to remotely turn on heating;
- automatic switching on and off of light;
- watering system automation;
- operation of compressors, filters and other devices for aquariums according to a given mode;
- creating the effect of presence.
The functionality of the socket depends on the availability of additional options. Various sensors can be built into the device, expanding its capabilities.
Application area
The programmable 220V on and off timer is a narrow focus device. It is suitable for the following tasks:
- Home appliances control. This category includes kettles, televisions, heating systems, pumps, aquarium lights and other household electrical equipment. With the right choice of work intervals, electricity and, accordingly, the budget are saved.
- Lighting control. In addition to automatically turning on and off the light, a protective function is performed. If you purchase an outlet with a random turn-on generation, the light will periodically turn on, as if there were residents in the house. This will deter potential burglars and unwanted guests from stealing property. Such devices are used in country houses and cottages.
- Agricultural management. For large farm owners, automation is a must. With the help of a smart socket with a timer, you can set up automatic feeding of animals, watering, ventilation, lighting of plants.
The programmable socket is an integral part of a smart home. It allows you to control the operation of any electrical appliance.
Functional features
Before choosing a suitable socket timer, you should familiarize yourself with the characteristics of the socket:
- Socket type - electronic or mechanical. Mechanical timer sockets are cheap and easy to use. The time for them is set using a special drum, on which you can set the interval for a maximum of 24 hours. They are also called subsistence allowances. Electronic sockets are operated by relays. They help automate the process for more than a day.On expensive models, you can install the program for a whole month or control several electrical appliances at once. Such devices are more difficult to set up, since you need to think over the schedule of the equipment in advance.
- Programming time. The minimum period is a day, the maximum can be up to several months. Models for several months are expensive and are installed in an integrated smart home system.
- Accuracy. This criterion must be considered when purchasing a mechanical timer socket. For the accuracy to be high, you need to give preference to well-known manufacturers like Theben and Brunnenstahl.
- Maximum load. The current standard for home sockets is 16A, but there are products for 10A, 7A and other loads on sale. This parameter must be calculated in advance depending on the total power of the connected devices.
- Supply voltage.
- The number of programming lines. Electronic timer sockets allow you to program more than 2 devices.
- The degree of moisture and dust resistance. This characteristic must be taken into account if the smart socket will work on the street.
You need to decide in advance what task the device will perform.
Selection recommendations
The range of smart sockets is wide, so recommendations were made for choosing the optimal product:
- What the device will be used for - for complex automation of several processes, an electronic model is needed. Simple water pump automation tasks can be done with a mechanical timer.
- You need to buy the device only in a specialized store. Then the user will receive warranty service and advice on selection and installation.
- The need to automatically turn on and off at a strictly set time. If there is such a need, an electronic model should be preferred.
- It is not recommended to choose unknown cheap power outlets. Such devices will not fulfill all their functions.
- The need for additional functionality. If the outlet is being purchased for light sources, it is better to take a model with a random number generator for added safety. To automate several electrical appliances, it is recommended to buy a socket timer with several programming lines.
Cost is also an important criterion. It is necessary to determine in advance what budget the buyer is willing to spend on the purchase of a smart socket.
How to use
The setting of the electric timer depends on its type. The mechanical timer for turning on and off electrical appliances is easy to set up - just scroll the drum and put it on the desired mark. The segments are divided into 15 and 30 minutes. At the end of the set period, the appliance will turn off.
The electronic device is more difficult to configure. The user should think about the schedule of the devices in advance, especially if several devices will be connected to the outlet. After that, you can set the time using the function buttons. Timed sockets have buttons Timer, On, Off, Auto, Week, Day, Clock, Minute, Hour. The algorithm for setting most timers is as follows:
- familiarize yourself with the attached instructions for the device;
- press the power button and select the timer setting key;
- designate the setup period - day, week;
- select using the hours and minutes buttons the interval for the timer;
- complete the setting by pressing the timer button;
- activate the settings by pressing the Clock button.
You can view the adjusted settings on the LED display. To do this, you need to hold down the "timer" button for 5 seconds.
Advantages and disadvantages
The main advantages of smart sockets include:
- saving electricity;
- process automation;
- creating a convenient work schedule for electrical appliances;
- the ability to control various devices;
- automatic and manual switching on;
- security function.
Disadvantages:
- inaccuracy of the timer and noise during operation of mechanical products;
- the complexity of the repair;
- operation of an electronic timer even when the electricity is cut off.
Mechanical electrical outlets are devoid of the latter disadvantage. If a power outage occurs in the house, the appliances will not work, as will the outlet itself. The electronic device will continue to perform its functions, which may cause the duty cycle to be interrupted.
Popular models rating
Leading places in the ratings are occupied by German devices from Theben. They have established themselves as reliable, durable and high quality devices.
Theben Timer 26 is available in a standard and waterproof IP44 case. These are simple electrical outlets that signal the end of the cycle with a characteristic click. They are quiet, made of durable and high quality material. The disadvantages include the lack of light indication. The price of an ordinary device is 1800 rubles, with protection from dust and moisture - 3000 rubles.
Domestic model E.Next e.control.t11 has European quality, despite the low price of 400-500 rubles. It has minimal functionality. The maximum current is 16 A. Additional options are available for E.Next e.control.t14 with electronic control.
Another domestic development Feron TM22 / 61925 can be attributed to budget devices. It costs about 700 rubles. The characteristics are not the most reliable, the seller's warranty is only 14 days. The parameters are standard - 16 A, the presence of an electronic programmer for a week, an LCD display.
