People who own big homes or office buildings know how important it is to turn the sprinklers or lights off on time because it can not only cause high electricity bills but also damage lawns and gardens.
An outlet timer can become handy in those situations where you need to save electricity or keep your home safe when you are away from home on a vacation or work.
The problem arises when you are in the process of buying one because there are so many options in the market. And if you are not careful you might end up with the wrong product. That is why we are giving you a buying guide for outlet timers.
The important factors that you need to keep in mind are type, Number of ports, compatibility, Programming options, display, durability, and some other features like home security and energy-saving modes to make the right decision regarding outlet timer.
In this article, we are going to talk about these factors in detail and give you a buying guide for outlet timers along with how an outlet timer works.
Buying Guide for Outlet Timer
Having a timer outlet in your arsenal of tools can save you from a lot of trouble down the light. Because as humans we forget tons of things daily. Combine human error with appliances and you get a hefty bill at the end of the month.
A comprehensive buying guide for outlet timers becomes essential, especially considering how many types are there of plug timers out there.
Here is a very detailed buying guide about outlet timers in which we explain everything that you should keep in mind to get the best plug timer for yourself.
1. Type
Knowing the type of outlet timer is essential because each type specializes in its own set of features and if you don’t know which one is good for you then you might end up with the wrong device.
There are mainly three types of timer outlets namely mechanical, digital, and smart. Mechanical outlet timers don’t offer much when it comes to features but they are cheap and replacible.
Digital outlet timers are accurate and much more reliable along with smart outlet timers.
I would suggest you either go with a digital or smart outlet timer because these are the best value for money. If you need an outlet timer for relaxed tasks then a mechanical device is a good option as well.
2. Number of ports
The number of ports is very important because the more ports you have the more applications you can use it on so having more ports is always better than having fewer outlet ports.
Always go for a timer outlet that comes with at least 2 ports so in case one stops working you can still use the other one to time your appliances and it won’t render the whole device useless.
3. Compatibility
If the device you care about buying is not compatible with your appliances at home then there is no point in buying such a device because you won’t be able to use it anyway so why bother?
The way you check the compatibility of the timer is you checking the voltage rating and the plug type. The deal voltage rating for American appliances is 120 to 124 volts.
Make sure the outlet timer is aligned according to your country’s standard voltage rating and with appliances.
4. Programming options
Look for an outlet timer that gives you endless programming options so you can set the timer to whatever your situation calls. Having more flexibility when it comes to scheduling is always better than having none.
Digital and smart devices offer the most flexibility when it comes to timing. Mechanical ones are not very flexible so I suggest you go with either a digital device or a smart one.
If absolute control is what you are after then a smart device is the best option for you.
5. Display
In case you are using a digital outlet timer then always make sure the display is good. It should be nice and clear with no visibility issues whatsoever.
It doesn’t matter how good a timer plug works. If it’s hard to read then it’s not worth the money.
6. Durability
Durability plays a heavy role in the longevity of timer plugs because no matter how well the device works if it’s not strong it won’t be for a long time and that is a bad thing.
Plastics such as PVC and ABS plastics are durable and strong and that is also the reason why most industrial-grade products are made from these two plastics so make sure you look out for them.
7. Features
Mechanical outlet timers don’t offer much when it comes to features. It just times your appliances and that is pretty much it. Digital devices can offer some features such as home security.
If features are something that you need, a smart timer plug is the best way to move forward because they allow you to not only control it from any part of the world but also allow you to control each port individually.
There are a lot of features that come with smart devices right out of the box.
How does an outlet timer work?
Outlet timers do one thing. They control the flow of current on a set schedule. But there are many types of timer outlets. The main difference is in the technology that is backing the outlet timer.
For instance, mechanical timers use mechanical mechanisms which consist of dials, gears, and springs which store energy when you turn the dial and release it slowly with the passage of time.
Digital outlet timers use circuits. They are much more sophisticated and accurate. While smart outlet timers combine the best of both worlds. It combines the accuracy of hardware with the magic of software to give you absolute control.
How to use an outlet timer?
Using outlet timers is extremely easy. Here, let me show you how you can use them. Follow the following steps in sequence and you will set in minutes.
For a mechanical outlet timer, you turn the time dial to the current time of the day and push the pins to set the timer and then you plug the appliances into the timer outlet and you are ready.
For digital outlet timers you do the same, you first find a convenient normal outlet, you then use the buttons and screen to set the timer, and then you plug the appliance into the timer outlet.
The way you use a smart outlet timer is similar to the above. The only notable change is that you have to download an app and then program the timer through your phone instead of dials and buttons.
Just follow the following steps and this applies to all types of outlet timers regardless of the type.
- Plug the timer into an ordinary outlet.
- Plug your appliance into the timer.
- Set the timer.
- That is it.
It’s that simple. Those are some basic steps that you need to take to use a plug timer Make sure you follow the steps in sequence to avoid any issues.
Conclusion
Consider an outlet timer as a tool that you can use to automate your home and bring convenience to your life. It can also be a means to protect your home and save energy.
It seems simple but these devices come in many types and if you are not careful you can end up with a device that is not suitable for your situation. That is why there are certain factors that you need to keep in mind.
Among those factors are the type, the number of ports, compatibility, programming options, display, durability, and other features such as home security and energy-saving mode.
The way you use an outlet timer is you first plug the timer into a convenient power outlet that is close to the appliance then you set the timer and plug your appliance into the outlet timer and you are all set.
Before you buy an outlet timer make sure you know what you want. If you need a cheap way to automate one thing around the house then a mechanical outlet timer is best for you.
But if you want accuracy and control then a digital or smart device might be best for you.
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