Outlet timers are affordable tools that help you automate things and save you money. It’s a clock for your home that turns off and on things at a set time.
They can take care of the lights for you, automate things, and keep your home safe along with helping you save electricity by making sure things turn off when they’re not needed.
We waste a lot of energy daily just because we forget to turn things off when we don’t need them because we often forget. But a good timer can fix that problem.
In this article, we will talk about timers. What makes a timer good? how you can acquire the best outlet timer for automation for yourself and what guidelines you should keep in mind.
Let’s get started.
Choosing the best outlet timer for automation
Choosing the ideal power timer is difficult because it is not a one-size-fits-all situation. You have to keep your needs in mind and also look at certain parameters to get the best one.
After reading a lot of reviews and doing my deep research. The Kara smart timer plug is the best option in the market. It offers great functionality and reliability under a very affordable price tag.
The product that I have chosen was based on the parameters that I’m going to explain below.
a. Purpose
The purpose and use of your outlet timer will dictate which one is going to be good for you. There are hundreds of timers of all shapes with many types which do the same things.
if you want it for automation then I would always suggest a smart plug timer because no matter which purpose you use it on it will always work. After all, It combines all the functionality of mechanical and digital timers.
b. Accuracy
Accuracy is the most important parameter that you should keep in mind because if the accuracy is not on point then it won’t set off at the right time.
I would suggest a digital or smart timer plug because these are the most accurate. After all, the digital timer plugs use electronic circuits which are very precise
c. Programmability
Always look out for timers that allow the most flexibility when programming the timer to your set time. A mechanical timer is limited by its mechanisms but digital or smart plug timers are not.
Also, look out for features like anti burglary or time-saving mode which would protect your home and save you money in the long run.
d. Timer type
There are mainly three types of outlet timers. Mechanical, digital, and smart. Mechanical timers are accurate while digital ones are very accurate. Smart timers on the other hand can be both precise and convenient.
You can never go wrong with a smart timer because it combines all the features from the above two into a neat package that you can control from any part of the world.
e. Load capacity
Load capacity means how much a timer can handle before it burns. Higher load capacity means you can run a lot of appliances on it and lower means it is designed for low-voltage appliances.
The recommended voltage rating is 1800W, anything lower than that is not worth your money. All US-based appliances come with this voltage rating.
f. Durability
PVC and ABS plastics are industry standards when it comes to industrial equipment because they are strong, durable, and can withstand daily abuse without falling apart.
I suggest you go with one or the other. Anything other than that will not withstand the test of time in the long run.
List of the top timer plugs for automation
Below is the list of best timers. Keep in mind that the below products are chosen with the above parameters in mind.
1. Our selected Kasa Smart Plug
Kasa was founded in 1974 this company specializes in home automation and has a long list of diverse and charismatic products that would help you achieve any goal you desire.
The Kasa smart power timer (Amazon link) is the best when it comes to convenience, design, and functionality. It connects to your phone very easily and can be controlled through a phone from anywhere remotely.
The Good
Down below are some of the good aspects of this smart timer.
It is very versatile: it is versatile because it has a high load capacity and voltage rating which means it would be able to operate on a lot of different appliances and much more.
It can work on lights, coffee machines, lamps, air conditioning, aquariums, and even on kitchen stuff like slow cookers and much more. It is the best outlet timer for automation.
Made out of PVC plastic: This timer outlet is made out of PVC plastic which is the industry standard for products designed to be strong and resistant to environmental abuse of any kind.
It can automate lights: you can automate lights all around the house, especially for occasions such as Christmas or Halloween. It would take care of those lights for you along with any other home decor items.
The secure home feature will protect your home: You don’t have to worry because this timer outlet will turn lights on and off automatically to give the illusion as if someone is living there.
This feature will keep the house from potential break-ins and burglars which is good from a security point of view.
It connects easily to your phone or Alexa and Google Assistant: You can easily connect it to Alexa and program it or use the app that comes with it either way it would work flawlessly.
With the app, you can control it from anywhere as long as you are connected to a wifi or internet of any kind.
The overall feel of the device is nice: it is heavy and reliable. It delivers on what it promises and feels like a quality product in hand. Overall I like it.
The Bad
This timer outlet is excellent but that does not mean it has no flaws. The one thing I don’t like about it is the late instruction. It is hard to set up if you are a non-tech person like me.
Another thing I don’t like about this is that sometimes it can give you a hard time connecting because the app is not compatible with old phones.
The downright ugly
The main issue that seems to plague smart power timers is what happens if the wifi is cut off or there are connectivity issues which can happen over a large timer frame.
In that case, there are no physical buttons to program it which renders this timer useless and that is my biggest concern about this and any smart outlet timer.
2. Also Great: Woods digital plug timer
Woods has been standing strong and with 75 years of experience under their belt they know how to solve problems and get things done with unmatching quality and functionality
The Woods digital timer plug is the best outlet timer for automation because this small yet capable device can control everything, from lights to fans, slow cookers, and much more.
Important features:
- This timer plug is very accurate which makes it perfect for slowcooking or aquariums. It would set off at the exact time you set it to.
- Keep in mind that the timer is meant to be used indoors. I would run all the appliances indoors without having any problems whatsoever.
- It gives you two programmable settings which you can repeat throughout the week.
- It’s a digital timer outlet which means it won’t set off at the wrong time.
- With a load capacity of 1800W, it would run anything from simple lights to air conditioning and kitchen appliances.
- This device is made from PVC which means you don’t have to worry about dropping it. It would last a long while before you are going to be needing another one.
In summary, the Woods digital power timer (Amazon link) is the best when it comes to functionality and reliability. It would do anything you through at it with ease and all this action comes with a very affordable price tag.
3. Also Great: BN-Link Mechanical Timer
Last but not least the third best timer outlet for automation is from BN-LINK which is a relatively new company but it dominates the market with its robust line of products.
One of which is the BN-LINK mechanical plug timer which is the best and most affordable alternative to the two timers I mentioned earlier. This product will solve all of your problems in one clean and neat package.
Important features:
- It is not the most accurate timer plug out there, it’s not pinpoint accurate which means it is suitable for tasks that don’t require timer precision such as outdoor lights and poles
- Just turn the wheel and push some pins and you are all set to go.
- The PVC plastic build protects this timer outlet against abuse of any kind so you rest assured it is not going to break if you drop it by accident.
- It is a mechanical timer that is perfect for automating tasks on a tight budget.
- High load capacity means you can run all kinds of appliances on it. From cookers to air fryers along with air conditioners and even pumps.
To put it short, the BN-LINK mechanical timer (Amazon link) is the best alternative to the above two it does the same job at half the price. I like how they crammed all this functionality into this neat little mechanical package.
The only thing that bugs me about this power timer is the inaccuracy and lack of instructions on the mechanical plug timer of this device once you get the hang of it. It’s pretty easy to set.
Conclusion
Having outlet timers is like having minions at your service. They would help you to automate almost anything around your book. Which would free up your time to explore other aspects of life.
If you combine human forgetfulness and laziness, you get the perfect recipe for high electricity bills and energy waste. By just acquiring a simple timer you can avoid those with relative ease.
Although the idea of automating your home with timer plugs seems attractive the acquiring process can get you into a bit of a pickle. That is why you parameters to differentiate the good from the bad.
Below are the parameters that you should keep in mind.
- Purpose
- Accuracy
- Programmability
- Timer type
- Load Capacity
- Durability
To sum this article up. I recommend the Kasa smart plug timer (Amazon link). This is the best outlet timer for automation. It delivers on what it promises and it is very reliable.
I’m surprised at how they crammed so much technology and functionality into this small form factor. It cannot only be controlled from anywhere but also protect your house in case you are on vacation.
This is it folks, I hope you enjoyed today’s article and learned something of value from it because it matters a lot to me.
Thank you, Stay awesome.
Questions
Q1. What is home automation?
Home automation is when you control and automate appliances and electronic equipment. This means you have control over utilities and your home via the Internet.
It also comes with the added benefit that it makes life more convenient and saves you a lot of money in the long run. Which is a win-win situation for everyone.
Q2. How a timer plug can help you in home automation?
Plug timers are designed to automate things. A normal timer can take care of your lights, fans, and much more but if you want much more control over your home.
Then a smart timer will let you control your home from anywhere in the world from the comfort of your phone. You would be one touch away from controlling your home.
Q3. What is the difference between mechanical, digital, and smart timers?
Mechanical timers use mechanical mechanisms and moving parts working together, and digital and smart outlet timers use electronics and circuitry to do the same goal.
They do the same job. The main difference between these three devices is the accuracy. Mechanical timer outlets are not as accurate as the other two are very accurate.
Q4. What timer is best for home automation, smart or mechanical?
Smart plug timers are always going to be better than mechanical timers because a mechanical timer consists of a lot of moving parts while smart timer plugs use circuitry to achieve the same goal but are much more accurate.
Q5. How do I set up and program a mechanical timer outlet?
Mechanical plug timers are very easy to set up. You just have to plug the timer into a regular outlet and then connect your appliance to the timer outlet.
Most of the timer mechanical timers come with pins. You can set the timer by pulling the pins up. Depending on your timer each pin would either represent 15 min or 30min.
Links to other useful articles
