Best Electrical Timers in 2022

Last update: December 10, 2022

Are mechanical or digital timers better?

There isn't really a definitive answer to this question as it depends on personal preferences. Some people find that digital timers are more accurate and easier to use, while others prefer the simplicity of mechanical timers. Ultimately, it comes down to what you feel more comfortable using.

Are mechanical timers accurate?

Are mechanical timers accurate? Yes, mechanical timers are accurate. They are often used in scientific experiments and in industrial applications where precise timing is required.

Can you change a light switch to a timer switch?

Yes, you can change a light switch to a timer switch. You will need to purchase a timer switch and follow the instructions that come with it.

Do mechanical timers need batteries?

Most mechanical timers do not require batteries, as they are powered by a mechanism that uses a spring. The spring is slowly released as the timer counts down, and this powers the timer. However, some mechanical timers do use batteries as a backup power source.


Competition Electronics Pocket Pro II Timer CEI-4700 Review:


replaced a trustworthy RUReady Speed Timer 3000 that was beginning to act strangely.A typical 9V battery powers Pocket Pro II. Because of the proprietary lithium battery, I decided against purchasing the CED7000 in favor of something simpler.Belt clip appears to be well-made (I snapped the one on the ST3000); it is made of hard plastic with a spring steel clip. Overall, the device seems to be robust and will withstand collisions with tables and other range equipment.incorporates timing (obviously), par-time, and an RPM feature (for owners of NFA Title II toys!).I haven't played around with the sensitivity or echo-cancelling settings. For my indoor range, defaults felt reasonable.The beep volume can be altered for at-home dry practice.When practicing alone, the start signal can be delayed (random or fixed delay) or activated immediately (RO).The backlit LCD is a wonderful addition for low-light photography.One drawback is that the ST3000 is thicker (hence 4 stars out of 5). At least it will take a lot of effort for you to lose it!includes more buttons than the ST3000 and more functions and display modes. You're ready to start after quickly reading the instruction handbook. It is not complicated operation.



Timer Relay, DROK Time Delay Relay 5V 12V 24V Delay Controller Board Delay-off Cycle Timer 0.01s-9999mins Trigger Delay Switching Relay Module with LCD Display Support Micro USB 5V Power Supply Review:


I wasn't initially confident that this device would fulfill my needs. Since I don't want my ice maker to run all day, I was looking for a way to set the cycle to begin at various times so that I would have ice waiting for me when I woke up and returned from work. My only option was to construct something specifically because it lacks any built-in timed features and does not launch when powered on.After realizing that it would be dumb to construct a complicated finger mechanism using linear actuators to press the button, I looked online and discovered several different timing units, the majority of which didn't seem to be what I required. I found this device and I wanted to know whether I could use it as a momentary close function without using any voltage. I decided to take a chance and order it because the response from another owner was helpful.It arrived fast, and after some testing with my multi-meter, I discovered that it would work perfectly. I also established that this technique does not apply any real voltage, making it ideal. Please take note that I am just using USB power at this time. For anyone else looking for something similar, I set it to P6 mode (which doesn't need an input trigger because it triggers at power on), set the OP to 0.8s (the length of time to close the circuit at power on), the CL to 1s (the amount of time to wait before restarting the OP cycle), and set the LOP to 1s (how many times to loop).With P6 mode enabled and all of these parameters in place, the device turns on, shuts off the NO and COM circuit for 0.8 seconds, then opens it again for 1 second. However, because the loop is set to 1, it then pauses. I was able to use a smart power strip, such as this one Smart Power Strip WiFi Plug, and schedule it to turn on the USB power at specific times, causing the timer to instantly close and open the circuit and pressing the start button. This was possible after I wired it up to the switch on the ice maker (which was a tricky task).Additionally, I was able to set up an automation on the powerstrip app so that if the USB is turned on, it is turned off automatically a minute later. I simply say to Alexa, "Turn on Ice Maker," if I ever need to start or stop the ice maker outside of the predetermined periods. Due to the configuration, I can never use the "Turn Off Ice Maker" command, but "Turn On Ice Maker" will work just as well.



DEWENWILS Outdoor Power Strip Stake Timer, Weatherproof Outlet Plug Timer with 6 Grounded (3 180 Degree Rotating Outlets) 6 ft Extension Cord for Yard Electrical Outlets, 13A UL Listed Review:


This timer was purchased because as I was placing the Wal-Mart timer I purchased last year into the ground, the stake component broke! I'm from the Pacific Northwest, where it rains a lot and the ground is also very soft. My daughter suggested that I get one from Amazon because she found a good one there for a reasonable price. Well, it's a good thing I did because this stunning piece comes with a reliable stake and is simple to use. I'm using it to time and power a small outdoor holiday show. With five objects it is powering, it is doing a great job, and I don't have to worry about turning it on and off at night. I have it programmed to come on at 5 p.m. and go off at 1 a.m. to conserve electricity. The majority of people would not notice it by that time because they are comfy in their beds and it doesn't attract creepy creatures in the morning. The big test came yesterday during a strong windstorm. It held its position and continued to operate despite wind gusts of up to 60 miles per hour. Some of the decorations were slightly blown over by the wind, but not this timer! It continued to operate and remained rooted in the ground despite the fierce gusts! I am thrilled with this purchase and think it was a wise decision!



[2020 New Version] BN-LINK Smart Digital Countdown Timer with Repeat Function Accurate Heavy Duty Small Size for Charger Vacation Security, 3 Prong Outlet, 15A/1875W ½ HP ETL Listed Review:


Since I only need it for its 15- and 30-minute settings, the fact that even a little grid outage will cause it to reset to "off" is not a deal-breaker. I'll utilize my other mechanical timers for appliances like crock pots and ovens that I need to run for hours because we experience those little power outages few times every few months.I definitely prefer using inexpensive "switch-type" coffee makers for a variety of reasons, but I don't like how their hot plates never shut off. When the water has "perked," those coffee machines turn the water heater off, yet those damn hot plates are constantly on. Therefore, I have to break into the device every time I buy one of those coffee makers in order to disconnect the hot plate. In this way, it won't be a problem if I forget to turn off the switch. With the hot plate detached, there is less of a fire risk when I forget about it because the main heater already shut off when the water ran out. With this Century Smart Digital Countdown Timer, model BNH-60/SU107, I no longer have to modify each coffee machine I purchase. (I provide the model and all that description stuff since both Amazon and websites that copy Amazon reviews occasionally mix reviews for many products of similar types.) You and I will both be clear on what we're discussing if I include the model number in my evaluation.)I've only used this item twice because I just bought it yesterday. Works perfectly so far. After my coffee maker completes its task and I press the 15 minute button on this timer, the electricity to the coffee maker is turned off 15 minutes later.This Century BNH-60/SU107 emits a click sound when a time setting is activated, thus I'm very sure it contains an electromagnetic mechanical relay of the tungsten-points variety. That's alright. I like that a lot. I've had issues with those types of relays over the years, and while they can last for a very long time, I don't like the idea of semiconductors switching 10 to 15 amps of current. But I suppose there are safety issues with each.I assume that includes incandescent tungsten light bulbs, halogen light bulbs, fluorescent long tube fixtures, and compact fluorescent twisties as this one claims to handle 10 amps of tungsten and electronic ballast. I'm not sure if the ballast for lights using mercury vapor, metal halide, or sodium pressure is also included. I actually don't know, but sometimes the start-up rush of those latter ones lasts for a longer period of time. A separate and higher value of 15 amps is given for what they refer to as resistive and general purpose, despite the fact that it seems the relay should be able to handle everything equally well if it is a mechanical relay. Therefore, resistive clearly refers to appliances like hair dryers, curling irons, hair dryers, and other devices that use controlled resistance to electric current to generate heat. Then, though, they kind of tack on a restriction of 1/2 horsepower, TV-5, without specifying the current capacity involved. There must be a nominal number for the current flowing through a 1/2 horsepower motor's starter capacitor, but I'm not sure what it is.I'm happy that Century created this. Guys? upcoming revision How about something like my breadmaker's 15-minute backup? I'll most likely purchase one or two more of these for accessories like my mini air compressor, garage TV, and radio. For those items, I'm not opposed to using the long-term settings. If those shut down due to a grid error that lasted a few nanoseconds, that won't be a big deal.Things that shut down on their own are my favorite. Because of this, when my pals exclaim, "Hey! Let's do this and that "When I need to make a 180-degree turn to go back and turn anything off, I'm not very far down the road.



Woods 59746WD 24-Hour Automatic Photocell Remote Control Timer with 3 Grounded Outlets Ideal for Automating Holiday Decorations, Christmas Outdoor Lighting, Weatherproof, Adjustable up to 80 ft. away, 125-volt, 60-hertz Review:


This timer, which is quite basic, can power up to three different lights or appliances. It has a photoelectric timer that turns off at dawn or after 2, 4, 6, or 8 hours and powers on the three outlets when it senses a particular amount of darkness. Additionally, it contains a remote control that can be used to quickly turn everything on or off.To regulate two illuminated holiday trees outside my front entrance, I bought this timer. There is a little covered alcove right outside my front door, and because it is covered, it tends to be a little darker than the rest of the outside world, which presented an issue for me when using this timer. Unfortunately, the timer and the two trees are both inside the alcove. In other words, the timer detects dusk 1-2 hours earlier than it "should." I partially made up for this by setting the length to 8 hours, which ensures that even if the two trees come on at 3:30 in the afternoon, they continue to glow until practically midnight. I occasionally use the inside remove control to turn off the lights before I go to sleep.In conclusion, this timer works perfectly, but if you want it to turn on at nightfall, make sure you plug it in somewhere where it will be exposed to the "real" level of outdoor light. The timer doesn't know what time it is—this should go without saying—it just knows what light level it perceives.



Fosmon Dual Outdoor Timer Outlet, 15A 24-Hour Mechanical Light Timer, 3-Prong ETL Listed Water Resistance and Heavy Duty with 2 Grounded Outlets and 7inch Power Cord - Black Review:


I got the Fosmon outdoor mechanical timer in both the 3-outlet and 2-outlet models. I figured I'd use one for Christmas lights and perhaps one for lighting up my dry chicken cage. I opted to install the 3-outlet variant in the coop at random. It performed admirably for around a month. The timer (dial) became so tense that it ceased to turn. I subsequently installed the 2-outlet model in the coop, which has been operating without a problem for around the same amount of time so far. When I switched, I observed that the 2-outlet model's dust cover over the dial appeared to be much better. On the 3-outlet model, the dust cover failed not stay tightly closed over the dial. It may become quite dusty in a chicken coop, so perhaps that is why it failed. However, I am optimistic that the 2-outlet type will endure longer. When it malfunctions or when the days get long enough that I am no longer in need of it, I will report back. I'm hoping for the latter. Because I can't offer five stars after one has already failed, the star rating will remain the same even if the second one survives the winter. Obviously, the rating will be worse if the second one fails.



BN-LINK 24 Hour Plug-in Mechanical Timer Grounded, Accurate Heavy Duty, 3-Prong for Lamps Fans Christmas String Lights White AC 1875W 1/2 HP, UL Listed Review:


The "good" and "bad" of this product are listed below.ADVANTAGESs.1. With a rating of 4.8 out of 5.0 stars from 179 Amazon.com users, this timer has the highest consumer rating. There are no brands that can compare.2. It will function with the energy-hungry devices. The timer can manage devices that use up to 15 Amps, 0.5 HP, or 1,725 watts.3. UL-approved and tested.4. There can be 96 15-minute settings in total.5. The building is substantial and tough. It is not the typical light, inexpensive plastic varieties that are frequently offered at hardware stores.6. For $10, the consumer is getting a superb bargain for a highly engineered, long-lasting product. It ought to set you back $20 to $30 given the quality.7. It is easy to operate. Set the side switch to TIMER first. Second, set the time(s) for the gadget to turn ON by depressing the tabs on the clock dial with a toothpick. Each tab denotes a 15-minute activation period. Third, turn the black triangle to the current time on the circular clock dial.8. This product and the alternatives cannot be compared. I've used GE and Intermec brands over the years. The only options available at Lowe's and Home Depot were these. They were shoddy constructed, prone to overheating, and had a brief lifespan. The small amount of settings was the main issue. To turn gadgets ON and OFF, there were two to four plastic pegs available. In other words, a 24-hour day is limited to one or two activations by the user. These plastic pegs frequently come off and disappear, making the timer worthless.The aforementioned issues are not present in the CENTURY 24 product. The lack of plastic pegs to insert and misplace is crucial. With just a toothpick and any of the 96 15-minute settings, you can adjust the amount of activation times.9. For safety, the equipment is grounded.DISADVANTAGESs.1. The timer takes up a lot of space in the electrical socket due to its weight and size, making it difficult to plug in other electrical devices.2. Century Products, the maker of the timers, is less well-known than Intermec or GE, rival manufacturers.3. One electrical gadget can only be controlled by the timer.==================================================================================================.s.UPDATE 1: I shouldn't have praised this product so soon. One of the two bought stopped working after two days.==================================================================================================.s.UPDATE 2: A Saturday was involved in the malfunction. The vendor emailed me three hours after asking for the malfunctioning timer to be returned for a refund. He kindly requested a description of the issue, to which I gently responded. Within an hour, he sent another email expressing his personal regrets and promising to send a free replacement on Monday.A few days later, the item was delivered. It underwent thorough testing. My bedroom lamp was turned ON and OFF by the product every 15 minutes for 16 hours each day. Because I didn't want the lights flashing ON and OFF while I was sleeping, it was OFF for eight hours. The next few days will see more testing. The replacement timer is currently operating without any issues.The truth is that manufacturing flaws occur frequently. This is typical.The response of this vendor is out of the ordinary. It is incredible how quickly a business reacted to a customer complaint on a weekend, confirmed the fault within an hour, and shipped a free replacement the following working day. An occasion like that is "an all-time first." I'm completely taken aback.All other firms should be ashamed of their poor customer service. In fact, all businesses should follow its example.==================================================================================================s.s.3. UPDATE I bought four units since I was so pleased with the product's high quality, adaptability, dependability, and utility. They have been operational nonstop since October 16, 2016, and are currently ON. There were no breakdowns or errors in the passage of time at this time. Without fail, I was able to turn on and off my lights and lamps.



Fosmon C-10707US Outdoor 15A 24-Hour Mechanical Light Timer, 3-Prong ETL Listed Water Resistance and Heavy Duty Grounded Outlet with 7inch Power Cord - Black, 1 Plug Review:


To turn off my rock fountains at night, I ordered two of these. Algae tends to grow in the fountains during warm weather. Typically, an algaecide treatment and hose blasting once per week will take care of the problem. However, shutting off the pump at night allows it to dry out and destroy algae.The way the timer works is like falling off a cliff. 48 30-minute tabs can be turned on or off. With a finger or small screwdriver, you can easily push the tabs down or draw them up. All that is required to set the time is to rotate the time such that it lines up with a pointer.Installation took roughly 30 seconds in total. Given that it hasn't rained much here, I don't anticipate any weather-related issues. For shade, I've tucked the timer under a group of tiny rocks.



BN-LINK 24 Hour Plug-in Mechanical Timer Grounded, Accurate Heavy Duty, 3-Prong for Lamps Fans Christmas String Lights White AC 1875W 1/2 HP, UL Listed (2 Pack) Review:


The "good" and "bad" of this product are listed below.ADVANTAGESs.1. With a rating of 4.8 out of 5.0 stars from 179 Amazon.com users, this timer has the highest consumer rating. There are no brands that can compare.2. It will function with the energy-hungry devices. The timer can manage devices that use up to 15 Amps, 0.5 HP, or 1,725 watts.3. UL-approved and tested.4. There can be 96 15-minute settings in total.5. The building is substantial and tough. It is not the typical light, inexpensive plastic varieties that are frequently offered at hardware stores.6. For $10, the consumer is getting a superb bargain for a highly engineered, long-lasting product. It ought to set you back $20 to $30 given the quality.7. It is easy to operate. Set the side switch to TIMER first. Second, set the time(s) for the gadget to turn ON by depressing the tabs on the clock dial with a toothpick. Each tab denotes a 15-minute activation period. Third, turn the black triangle to the current time on the circular clock dial.8. This product and the alternatives cannot be compared. I've used GE and Intermec brands over the years. The only options available at Lowe's and Home Depot were these. They were shoddy constructed, prone to overheating, and had a brief lifespan. The small amount of settings was the main issue. To turn gadgets ON and OFF, there were two to four plastic pegs available. In other words, a 24-hour day is limited to one or two activations by the user. These plastic pegs frequently come off and disappear, making the timer worthless.The aforementioned issues are not present in the CENTURY 24 product. The lack of plastic pegs to insert and misplace is crucial. With just a toothpick and any of the 96 15-minute settings, you can adjust the amount of activation times.9. For safety, the equipment is grounded.DISADVANTAGESs.1. The timer takes up a lot of space in the electrical socket due to its weight and size, making it difficult to plug in other electrical devices.2. Century Products, the maker of the timers, is less well-known than Intermec or GE, rival manufacturers.3. One electrical gadget can only be controlled by the timer.==================================================================================================.s.UPDATE 1: I shouldn't have praised this product so soon. One of the two bought stopped working after two days.==================================================================================================.s.UPDATE 2: A Saturday was involved in the malfunction. The vendor emailed me three hours after asking for the malfunctioning timer to be returned for a refund. He kindly requested a description of the issue, to which I gently responded. Within an hour, he sent another email expressing his personal regrets and promising to send a free replacement on Monday.A few days later, the item was delivered. It underwent thorough testing. My bedroom lamp was turned ON and OFF by the product every 15 minutes for 16 hours each day. Because I didn't want the lights flashing ON and OFF while I was sleeping, it was OFF for eight hours. The next few days will see more testing. The replacement timer is currently operating without any issues.The truth is that manufacturing flaws occur frequently. This is typical.The response of this vendor is out of the ordinary. It is incredible how quickly a business reacted to a customer complaint on a weekend, confirmed the fault within an hour, and shipped a free replacement the following working day. An occasion like that is "an all-time first." I'm completely taken aback.All other firms should be ashamed of their poor customer service. In fact, all businesses should follow its example.==================================================================================================s.s.3. UPDATE I bought four units since I was so pleased with the product's high quality, adaptability, dependability, and utility. They have been operational nonstop since October 16, 2016, and are currently ON. There were no breakdowns or errors in the passage of time at this time. Without fail, I was able to turn on and off my lights and lamps.



BN-LINK Heavy Duty Mechanical 24 Hour Timer Dual Outlet 3-Prong Accurate Indoor for Lamps Fans Christmas Lights White AC 1875W 1/2 HP, UL Listed Review:


This item was purchased for my fish tank heater. Being on constantly during the winter was OK (we keep it cold in my house to save money). It doesn't need to be on constantly in the spring because the temperature of the water will get too hot. I believed that using a timer similar to this would be the best option. It was, too! I can keep the tank at the ideal 78 degrees by turning on the heater every other 30 minutes. I've been using this stuff for two months.I was initially turned off by this product's size. I reasoned that because we can now shrink anything, why not this. Because the dial is so detailed and operates in 15-minute intervals, I understood why it is so large. The tabs are really little even with such a large dial. To make sure I was pushing the appropriate buttons, I had to use a pen's tip. If you simply want to have your item on all the time without having to remove the dial and store it, there is an option to turn the timer on and off (and possibly lose it if you are like me and only need it seasonally).It's good to know that there are two outlets available if you need them. Because it is big and difficult to store anywhere, I only gave it 4 stars. I can only use one of the two outlets where my tank is located. However, if you needed this capability for lights, it would be ideal.


Do mechanical timers use electricity?

How do you make a homemade timer?

You can make a homemade timer by following these steps: 1. Get a piece of cardboard and cut out a circle. 2. Cut a slit in the middle of the circle. 3. Tie one end of a string to the top of the circle. 4. Thread the other end of the string through the slit and tie it to a pencil. 5. Hold the pencil horizontally and let the string hang down. 6. Place the pencil on the edge of a table so that the string hangs down vertically. 7.

How do you set a timer for outside lights?

To set a timer for outside lights, plug the timer into an outlet inside your home near the door you use most to leave. Then, plug your outdoor light into the timer. Set the timer for the amount of time you want the light to stay on, and then turn it on. The light will stay on for the amount of time you set, and then turn off automatically.

How do you use an old outlet timer?

If you have an old outlet timer, you can use it to time your lights. To do this, you will need to plug the timer into the outlet and then plug your light into the timer. Once the timer is plugged in, you will need to set the time. Once the time is set, the timer will turn the light on and off at the specified times.

How does an electrical timer work?

An electrical timer is a device that uses electricity to power a mechanical timer. The most common type of electrical timer is the plug-in timer, which plugs into a wall outlet. The timer has a switch that controls the flow of electricity to the timer mechanism. The timer mechanism is a spring-loaded device that turns the power on and off at specific intervals.

How long do mechanical timers last?

The average mechanical timer will last anywhere from two to ten years. However, with proper care and maintenance, some timers can last much longer. The longest-lasting mechanical timers are typically those that are used infrequently and are well-made.