Turning off the power at will and without applying physical effort is a reality, like a steaming cup of morning coffee on the table. There are a lot of options for the use of intellectual devices of this kind: from domestic use to the optimization of complex production processes.
A switch with a shutdown timer will help to realize the idea, allowing you to interrupt the flow of electricity to the equipment at the right time. In the article we proposed, the principle of action is described, the varieties of the device are described. To help future buyers are recommendations for selection.
Varieties of switched devices
All models of circuit breakers offered by numerous manufacturers differ in appearance, material of manufacture, their capabilities and, as a result, price.
Moreover, the brand recognition also influences the cost of one unit of goods - Chinese devices stand out from the competition. If desired, you can choose a multifunction device at a price more than acceptable.
The control method available to the user is one of the features by which all products can be classified.
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Keyboard players are keyboard-type devices. They are able to control 1, 2, 3 or 4 electric points - according to the number of available keys. You can connect them yourself, using the circuit provided by the manufacturer
A model equipped with a remote control is a more comfortable option that opens up new horizons for the owner. Moreover, it is often possible to use a remote control from other household appliances as a control
Touch solutions - when a light touch on a section of the front panel is enough to perform the desired process. Manufacturers can add options for adjusting the brightness of the light - the user will affect the light intensity
Temporary switch - a product equipped with a timer. Its main feature is the ability to open the power circuit at a specified time interval without the presence of the owner
Key Type Switches
Remote Control Model
Light intensity switches
The use of the latter is not limited to lighting - devices can be adjusted to adjust any object that uses electric current for its functioning. These are fans, kettles, boilers and other household appliances. As well as air conditioning, water supply and heating.
In addition, the 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 a clockwork / timer allow you to control the light by turning it on / off in a given time period. They differ in the way they are controlled, in appearance and in functionality.
The main types of devices
Time-delayed switching devices are in demand for home and industrial use. They can be installed on the 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 circuit breakers often have an extended range of options provided by the manufacturer or the owner himself. Thanks to additional devices, they will be triggered by sound, light, movement
Sensors that respond to an external stimulus in the form of cotton, the appearance of an object in the field of view and other things are mounted directly in the switch housing.
The timer of the switched device, depending on the configuration principle, can be mechanical or electronic / digital.
The user can control it by setting the desired settings in the following ways:
- by scrolling the control wheel or by setting the microswitches in the desired position;
- using the buttons contained on the front panel, which can be physical or touch;
- set commands to turn on / off remotely - from the remote control or gadget.
The size of the time interval that causes the switch to trip can 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, they often use a socket-type timer - a smart device that has a wide range.
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Socket type of switch - when the product is equipped with a plug for plugging in, a customizable and controlled timer contained inside. Some models also have additional sensors
A keyboard or touch type device that can turn off the power with a time delay. Its working mechanism contains a time relay. For example, after a person touches to turn on the light bulb in the corridor, it takes 0.5-3 minutes before the circuit breaks, which is enough to remove outer clothing
A model that allows you to control multiple power lines. Such a device is installed in a panel on a din-rail and refers to products of flush mounting. Its control can be electronic or mechanical, and the number of functions can vary from a banal timer power off to complex reactions to various stimuli when the relay is one of the elements of a smart home system
A programmable device that is mounted directly in the electrical box that controls a specific power cable. Its configuration is carried out using an application downloaded to a personal gadget - smartphone, tablet
Socket Type Switch
The device is installed in a panel on a din rail
Programmable device
The cost of devices depends entirely on the possibilities - the more of them, the more expensive you will have to pay for the purchase.
How does a time switch work?
The principle of operation of switching devices with a timer is based on the fact that they, at the desired time interval specified by the user, close or disconnect the electrical circuit, depriving the controlled power supply device. As a result of this action, the light turns off in the desired 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, a temporary relay, microcontrollers, a rectifying diode, resistors and other details involved in the organization of intelligent and economical control of lighting, a fan or other equipment.
In devices with mechanical adjustment, the operation cycles are set by turning the disk, and in electronic analogs - by pressing the necessary buttons on the front panel or remote control
Mechanically activated temporary switches operate thanks to microswitches that activate the relays. It is these structural elements that allow, upon the occurrence of a moment specified by the user, to turn on / off the power supply line.
Socket switches are widely used among low-cost models. Their configuration can be performed by any user who does not even have a gadget and a connection to the World Wide Web. To do this, you have to choose the option with mechanical control.
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Need to check specifications
Set the lever to the on position.
Specify the time interval for the command to trigger
Each of the segments of the mechanical models can correspond to 15-30 minutes. This is typical for daily adaptations.
A distinctive feature of smart appliances with a timer is network dependence. They may be:
- completely dependent;
- autonomous.
In the first case, the device needs power, and any interruptions in the power supply lead to a program failure.
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 switched off, it switches to backup power.
To do this, the design has a battery designed for a specific time. In some models, it can reach a day or more. A dial-up device with electronic control is configured using buttons or a mobile application.
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Time switch without display
Model equipped with a display
Remote programming device
Multifunction switch
The number of commands and the programming method depends on the complexity of the device and will vary. All details are indicated in the instruction manual supplied with the circuit breaker and mounting hardware.
What type of device is better to choose?
Before buying, you will clearly describe your needs. The model of a switched device with a timer depends on this, which will ideally be able to satisfy all user requests.
You should clearly determine the installation location 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, it is better to look at models with protection from vandals, dust and moisture
When choosing, you need to consider the following factors:
- technical capabilities - what voltage the product is designed for;
- desired type of control - mechanical or digital;
- type of installation - into a socket, socket, switch box, on a din rail;
- operating conditions - whether moisture protection is needed.
In order not to get confused in the variety of models, you need to decide which stimulus the temporary switch should respond to. Or the onset of the indicated time of day is enough.
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A product with a response to a change in the level of illumination of light is a twilight or astronomical timer. The package includes photocells that react with a decrease in the level of solar activity. Delayed response to minimize exposure to accidental irritants
The response to the appearance of a person or other 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 an irritant enters the field of view
Noise response is a popular solution used in intelligent home improvement systems. Such models are triggered by the sound of a certain range specified by the user in the settings.
A 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 front door.
Switch with motion sensor and timer
Noise-responsive switch
Time delay switch
Choosing among the simpler models, you need to decide what frequency is required when controlling the shutdown 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 supply lines and devices installed on them, a more complex modification in the form of a multifunction switch is suitable.
As for manufacturers, users with many years of experience in using smart time-delayed switching devices speak well of companies such as Legrand, Feron, Livolo, Orbis.
The following article will familiarize you with the types and labeling of smart switches, in which, in addition to the questions listed, selection guidelines and connection rules are listed.
Overview of switches that respond to the movement of an object that has fallen into its field of vision:
How to correctly program the electronic timer of a socket type switch. About this in the video:
Having familiarized yourself with the variety of models of circuit breakers, their features and the difference between different types, you can choose the most favorable solution for your home.
It is important before buying to carefully study the technical specifications and programming rules of the device and pay attention to its ability to function when the power is turned off.
Tell us about how to choose a switch with a built-in timer and use a device that is useful in everyday life. Perhaps your arsenal has information that will be useful to visitors to the site. Please write comments in the block below, post a photo on the topic, ask questions.