Simple electrical outlet question

[dimtim]

Hey guys, I got kind of random question (which is why it goes in off-topic). I'm looking for some kind of switch that plugs into a regular wall outlet that allows a device to come on at a certain time of day. Like I could set it for 5 PM and the device would come at 5 PM and then the electricity would be cut at 6 or something.

I know there must be a timer clock thing like this out there, but I don't know the name

Thanks for any help
Tim

[ZAPPER]

search for "light timer"

There are so many different types and prices that your head will spin.


Just curious, what for?

Check out their intended applications, motors will take better timers



http://www.lowes.com/lowes/lkn?action=productDetail&productId=80450-207-TM08DHBL&lpage=none

[SquirrelDip]

As zapper said - your head will spin...

Leviton 24 Hour Electronic Programmable LCD Timer

[ZAPPER]

Actually I am a little embarrased After saying that they would be easy to find, I couldn't find a link to the elcheapo models that I had in mind. Check out just about any store that sells light bulbs though. I have a couple laying around somewhere that are just for one outlet with a simple dial face that plug directly into the existing outlet. I would bet that mine came from K- Mart or Wally World or the likes of.

But do consider the electrical load that you will be applying to the device, a light timer probally shouldn't be used for like an air conditioner or other big loads.

[Noahtuck]

Gheez...walk into any store anywhere and they have outlet timers for about anything you need

[ZAPPER]

They are like Hookers, never one around when you want one! LOL

[Conquest10]

They are like Hookers, never one around when you want one! LOL

[dimtim]

I just wanted to program a space heater to come on at 5:45 Am in my room so it will be easier to get when the rest of the house is frigid.

[ZAPPER]

I ain't no electrician, but this is possibly one of those heavier electrical loads that I was warning you about. Check the rating of your heater and then the timer. Another thing to consider is that the timers are usually powered by the household circuit, any disruption in service and the timer looses time and then starts up again when the power comes back on and could possibly start the heater while it is unattended. I suppose that there are models with battery back ups for the timer.

A zoned and timed thermostatically controlled HVAC system would be the correct application for this situation, but....as long as you remembered to turn the heater off at the heater or unplugged it when you left it unatended, it would be about as safe as anything.

A seperate thermostat and timer with battery back up that operated a relay is maybe more in line with what codes would suggest.

Can you tell that I have issues with cheap timers and space heaters?=) Error on the side of safety over comfort. Cold feet are easier to live with than burnt feet.


You could just get a dog?

Good luck, be careful

[Conquest10]

Yeah, I wouldn't be leaving something like a space heater on auto anything unattended.

[JeeDub]

Check out the X10 stuff, you can all kinds of things with that technology.

[zzyzzx]

I just wanted to program a space heater to come on at 5:45 Am in my room so it will be easier to get when the rest of the house is frigid.

I am an electrical guy.
I do not recommend putting a space heater on any timer that you can buy in a local department store! If you do that, your house may eventually look like this:




If I were to do this, I'd probably build something that could easily handle the load. I'll see if I can find something more suitable online. Exactly what wattage is this space heater? the Levotin thing is only a 10A device, not enough for most space heaters. In fact, anything big enough to do the job safely isn't going to fit into a standard size wall outlet box.

[ViRaL1]

At least it won't be cold when they come home.

[zzyzzx]

Something like this might actually work:

http://www.grainger.com/Grainger/wwg/itemDetailsRender.shtml?ItemId=1611778326

But my personal preforance would be to make something on a dedicated circuit with the timer and a 20A relay as separate items. And I found the above item by searching for an Appliance Timer.