There are many types of outlet timers. and they exist because each one has its pros and cons. For instance, the outlet timer used in big office buildings is going to be different than the one used in normal homes and that exactly why we are to discuss what are the different types of outlet timers.
In those big office buildings leaving the lights on for even a little while can have a considerable effect on the electricity bill so that is why they would need an outlet timer that is accurate and reliable.
Keeping those requirements in mind, outlet timers are divided into three main types: Mechanical outlet timers use springs that store the energy and release it slowly over some time. Digital outlet timer uses electronics and smart outlet timers uses both electronics and software to give you absolute control over the device.
In this article, we are going to discuss what are the different types of outlet timers? Along with that, we are also going to discuss each type of outlet timer in detail.
So, keep on reading and let’s get started.
What are the Different Types of Outlet Timers?
Based on the level of control and functionality an outlet timer provides, they are divided into three main types. They all specialize in different functions with varying degrees of control.
That is why each type of outlet timer differs from the other in internal structure, form factor, and level of precision.
Types of Outlet Timers?
By this point, we all know that there are essentially three types of outlet timers and we also told you that those are mechanical, digital, and smart outlet timers; each has its own specialty.
They are classified based on the technology that backs its function. We will explain what those technologies are and how they work below and also give you the pros and cons of using each type of outlet timer.
1. Mechanical Outlet timers
Mechanical outlet timers use analog technology which consists of dials and gears along with springs that store energy and then release it over time. That is called a mechanical outlet timer.
Mechanical outlet timers are cheap and can be easily replaced with no minor or major inconvenience. They are much more easy to program and set and they are a very affordable way to automate your home.
They save you money and protect your home from the bad guys. It can even cook for you if you know how to use it properly so you can come home to a warm meal after a long day at work.
Pros
- It’s very affordable. The prices of these devices are unbelievable. They are very cheap and you can find them very easily.
- They are very easy to set up. Just find a power outlet, and plug the timer into it. Set the timer and then plug your appliance into the device and you are set.
- Easy to program because you have to just set the time dial to the current time of the day and push the pins to set the timer.
- Easily replaceable because you can find them almost everywhere.
- Mechanical outlet timers are compatible with almost all the appliances we use on a daily base.
Cons
- Inaccurate, because they have a lot of moving parts and that means there is bound to be some inconsistency.
- Develops rust, in high moisture areas the springs and gears that are used in the mechanism develop rust which greatly reduces its life expectancy.
- Not reliable because they are not the most accurate and also they stop working after a while due to corrosion and other factors.
These were some of the good and bad aspects of having mechanical outlet timers. Mechanical outlet timers are outdated but if you just want to automate pumps for instance then go for it other than that I would not suggest it for anything else.
2. Digital Outlet timers
Digital outlet timers utilize electronic circuits which are more reliable and have fewer moving parts which makes them very accurate and have a much longer life span.
You can use it for tasks that require precise timing such as aquariums and cooking. It can also automate a lot of the mundane tasks around the house such as sprinklers, pumps, air conditioning, and much more.
It is the best outlet timer out of all the three types because it’s` accurate and you only have to set it once and you are all set and ready to go. It offers home security and saves you a lot of electricity in the long run.
Pros
- It’s accurate which means you can use it for tasks such as cooking or baking or making coffee and aquariums etc.
- Reliable, digital outlet timers have fewer moving parts, meaning they won’t develop rust and last a long while before you would need another one.
- Durable, digital timers are much more durable. That means it won’t stop working if you drop it accidentally.
- It is very safe to use on your appliances because it comes with power surge protection which protects it from power surges.
- Easy to set up, just plug the timer into a normal power outlet, set the timer, and then plug your device into it, and you’re all set.
- It is a very good investment.
Cons
- They are expensive. But I think they are worth every penny.
- Hard to program due to the involvement of buttons and complicated screen navigation.
Digital outlet timers are the sweet spot between convenience and reliability. It’s a good investment and is the most value for money out of all three types. It is accurate and reliable.
3. Smart Outlet timers
Smart outlet timers are devices that combine the accuracy and hardware of digital outlet timers and pair with the magic of software to create a device that you can use to take the comfort level of your home to another level.
Smart devices are about you having absolute control. You can pair it with Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant and control it with your voice or you can download the app that comes with the smart device and program the device to your requirements.
It is infinitely programmable and offers a lot of features like home security and energy-efficient scheduling. It can save you a lot of hard-earned cash in the long run if you use it correctly.
Pros
- They make your life a lot more convenient.
- Accurate, because they use electronics with fewer moving parts making them very accurate.
- They are safe because they use power surge protection to protect your appliance from accidentally getting burnt.
- They are very reliable because they can operate on almost all the daily appliances, from the water heater to air conditioners. It would work on all of them.
- Durable because they are made from PVC plastic which is the hardest plastic and these plastics are used in industrial-grade equipment,
- Easy to set up
- It’s a very good investment because it gives all the perks without the cons.
Cons
- The main cons of smart outlet timers is that they are expensive.
- Lack of outlet ports.
Smart outlet timers don’t have many cons other than the fact that they come with only one outlet port and if that port stops working then it renders the whole smart device useless.
Conclusion
Outlet timers fundamentally do the same thing: which is to regulate the flow of current according to a schedule. But some key points differentiate a basic outlet timer from a very good outlet timer.
The main difference between them is the technology used in them and based on these technologies they are classified into three main types namely mechanical, digital, and smart outlet timers.
Mechanical outlet timers work on mechanical principle, gears, dials, and springs which is not ideal for tasks that requires accuracy but it’s a cheap and affordable way to get the job done.
On the other hand, we have digital and smart outlet timers. They both use electronic circuits, but the main difference between digital and smart outlet timers is that digital uses electronic only, and smart outlet timers combine the accuracy and hardware of digital and combine it with the comfort of software.
That is why digital outlet timers are accurate and smart outlet timers are both accurate and convenient at the same time. They can save you a lot of money in the long run and keep your home safe as well.
I hope you got the full picture about what are the different types of outlet timers.
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