Mechanical outlet timers are some of the most used and easily available devices on the market mainly because they do the job at no cost. You can buy a mechanical outlet timer for lunch money.
They are straightforward to install and program, and they are easy to work with. All that’s required is turning a few wheels and pushing a few pins. But it does have some issues that make me question, are mechanical outlet timers accurate.
Mechanical outlet timers are not the most accurate. They use analog technology where you turn a dial that presses on a spring. That spring then releases that energy over a timer interval. Due to the mechanical nature, and lots of moving parts, there are bound to be some inconsistencies, and that is why mechanical outlet timers are not the most accurate option on the market.
But completely saying they are useless would be a total disrespect to mechanical outlet timers because some tasks don’t require much timing accuracy like sprinklers or decore lights and many more.
In this article, we answer the question about the accuracy of mechanical outlet timers and also explain our opinion.
Sounds good? Stay tuned and let’s dive right into it.
Are Mechanical Outlet Timers Accurate?
Mechanical outlet timers are a breed of outlet timers that are very cheap and it’s also the reason why they are almost everywhere. You can probably get it from a hardware store in your local area.
To understand how mechanical outlet timers have inconsistencies we have to understand how they work and how they become inaccurate as time passes.
How Mechanical Outlet Timers Work?
Mechanical outlet timers are analog devices with turning wheels and gears that work in harmony with each other. They mainly consist of an internal clock that times everything, some gears, and springs that keep everything in check.
To set a mechanical outlet timer. First, turn the time dial and set it to the current time of the day to make sure it is set off at the exact time. This is the most important step make sure you get this right.
After setting the timer dial to the correct time. Push the pins down on the exact that you want to set the time. If you have done this currently, you are all set and ready to go.
That is how you set an outlet timer but let me show you how the internal components of a mechanical outlet timer work to give you a better understanding of mechanical outlet timers.
Here is an internal image of a mechanical outlet timer so you get the full picture of what is going on inside a mechanical outlet timer.
As you can see the internals of mechanical outlet timers are composed of gears and an internal clock. The internal clock then consists of gears and electromagnet motors that rotate and work like a clock.
The gears that I’m pointing to in the image above are attached to the time and pins. When you rotate and push those pins on the outer side they turn the gears and wheels inside the outlet timer.
These gears and wheels are attached to the internal clock which consists of an electromagnetic that runs a motor that closely follows the rotation of the clock so when you push the pins, you set the timer for when the clock breaks the circuit which cuts the power supply to the appliance.
The override switch is there to bypass the internal clock. This button allows you to use the outlet timer as a normal power outlet timer which is convenient in case the outlet timer fails to work.
As you can see, there are a lot of moving parts inside a mechanical outlet timer meaning there are a lot of potential weak points, and with that many moving parts, inconsistencies are bound to happen.
Factors Influencing Accuracy
Many factors affect the accuracy of mechanical outlet timers. Some of the key factors are explained below in detail. These are the factors that have a huge impact on the accuracy of mechanical outlet timers.
1. Internal Clock Accuracy
If the time dail is not set to the current time of the day or the internal clock of the mechanical outlet timer is damaged or not working properly, it will have a big impact on the accuracy of the mechanical outlet timer.
Make sure you double-check the warranty of the device before you buy so if there is an issue you can return it if the problem occurs on the first day of use, which happens more often.
Also, double-check the time dial and make sure it is set to the current time of the day because if that’s not correct then any type of outlet timer won’t work properly, regardless if it’s a digital or mechanical.
2. Unstable power supply
Sudden and frequent fluctuations in the current or voltage can greatly decrease the accuracy of the mechanical outlet timers. They sometimes interfere with the internal clock motor of the mechanical timer which causes it to set off at the wrong time.
Sometimes power surges can completely damage your device so it is also best practice to buy an outlet timer with built-in power surge safety in mind.
3. Temperature variation
High temperature is detrimental for most electronic appliances. It interferes with the internal wiring of the outlet timer which can result in short circuits and inaccuracies.
High temperatures also cause the gears to expand which results in imprecise rotation. Sometimes the gears warp and twist which is extremely unlikely to happen but it can happen if the mechanical outlet timer is not built from heat-resistant plastic.
4. Human error
Improper programming done by humans can also affect the accuracy of the outlet timer. For instance, you forget to set the time dial or push the pins at the wrong time. It’s more common than you think.
Sometimes it is not the fault of the instrument. Human error happens more often than you think. It’s the most common error in science which is why we always double-check everything to make sure it’s accurate.
5. Abusive use
Hard use can also take a toll on the device and make it inaccurate over a long period. If you use your mechanical outlet timer more often then it will go through more wear and tear which can make wear the gears out quickly and make it imprecise.
Dropping a mechanical outlet timer can take a heavy toll on mechanical devices because they contain a lot of moving parts which would mess with the gears and other parts making them inaccurate over time.
Tips for improved accuracy
Here are some easy tips to ensure your outlet timer stays accurate and works as intended for a long time. These tips will make a huge difference if they are done regularly.
1. Regular care
Make sure to give it a rest after a while of use and also lubricate the wheels to make sure they run properly. Clean the outlet timer once in a while. Doing these alone can improve the life span of your timer by a long shot.
Taking proper care of anything will make it last for a long time. The same principle is true for outlet timers. If you take off your outlet timers on time, it will take care of you.
2. Calibration
Make sure you set the time dial to the right and the exact time of the day and set the pins to your targeted time. If you somehow made a mistake in this step it would cause inconsistencies and inaccuracies.
Always make sure and double-check your settings. Having no errors in this step will ensure your outlet timer works with absolute accuracy and precision.
3. Proper setup
Not setting your outlet timer properly can have a huge impact on the accuracy of the outlet timer. Make sure you choose a working power outlet for your outlet timer. After confirming no power fluctuations, insert your appliance into the outlet timer.
Unstable power can interfere with the outlet’s internal clock, which can result in inaccuracies. Thus, to achieve the best results, make sure the outlet timer is set correctly.
4. Operate on recommended conditions
If the recommended voltage rating on the outlet timer is 1800 Watts. Then don’t use an appliance that has a high load rating because it would damage the outlet timer.
Always follow the recommended settings on the label for maximum accuracy and precision. If you don’t follow the instructions on the label and the recommended settings you can end up damaging your outer timer.
5. Avoid abusive use
Abusive use of any device will cause it to stop working. It is the same for mechanical outlet timers. If you use it without taking care of your outlet timer then it’s just a matter of time before it breaks down.
Make sure you give it some room to breathe and don’t run lots of appliances on it at the same time. Running two appliances at a time is just fine. But anything more than two is overloading.
Don’t overwork the device and make sure it gets occasional rest time.
6. Temperature control
Overloading your outlet timer can cause the device to heat up and lose accuracy. High temperatures increase the current resistance in the electronics that are used in the mechanical outlet timer.
Always make sure you don’t overload your outlet timer to make sure it does not heat up. Heat and electronics don’t go well together.
Conclusion
Mechanical outlet timers are some of the most versatile yet underrated tools that you can use daily to automate your home. They are easily available and they are very cheap as well which makes them easily replaceable if they stop working.
Mechanical outlet timers are not the most accurate type of outlet timers because they use old and outdated mechanical mechanisms that consist of gears and springs along with electromagnets.
They have a lot of moving parts which means mechanical outlet timers are bound to be inconsistent. But they are still useful for tasks like lights and sprinklers etc can still be done easily with the help of a mechanical outlet timer.
Some of the factors that impact the accuracy of mechanical outlet timers. These factors consist of the internal clock, unstable power supply, temperature variation, human error, and abusive use.
To make sure your outlet timer stays accurate for a long time you have to take regular care of the timer, calibrate the outlet timer correctly, set the timer up correctly, operate the device on recommended settings, avoid abusive use, and do not overload the outlet timer.
I hope that answers your question and clears any remaining questions that you might have about mechanical outlet timers.
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