A switch with a sleep timer: how it works and which view is better to choose

Turning off the power at will and without the use of 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 types 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, brand awareness also affects the cost of one unit of goods - Chinese devices stand out from the competition. If you wish, you can choose a multifunctional 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.

The use of the latter is not limited to lighting - devices can be configured to adjust any object that uses electric current for its functioning. These are fans, kettles, boilers and other household appliances. And air conditioning systems, 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 a clap, 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, often use socket type timer - A smart device, featuring a wide range.

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 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 dial, 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 user-specified moment, 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, choose the option with mechanical control.

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 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.

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 the switched device with a timer, which will ideally be able to satisfy all user requests, depends on this.

It is necessary to 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 - in 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.

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 fixture 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.

Introduces the types and labeling of smart switches next article, in which, in addition to the questions listed, reference points are given and connection rules are listed.

Conclusions and useful video on the topic

Overview of switches reacting 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:

The rules for installing the device with an electronic type shutdown timer in the apartment panel are described 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.