The spring-loaded mechanical design keeps track of the time. Other timers limit the operating time to a maximum of 60 minutes. The mechanical design ensures that the circuit will be completely cut off at the end of the specified time. Mechanical timers are durable, reliable, and convenient. Due to their strength and simplicity, mechanical, spring-wound timers are often used for lights, ceiling fans, appliances, bathroom heat lamps, saunas, hot tubs, and pools.
The programmable timers allow you to set the switch to turn on and off at specific times. Many can pair with Alexa or Google Home for voice control. They are easy to set up and are more effective than simply leaving a light on or two.
This makes it better for more accurate nighttime illumination. Many models come with remote control. In addition to astronomic timers, there are also photocell models that distinguish day from night using light-gathering sensors.
Keep in mind that photocell timers may not work properly if there is a lot of ambient light in your neighborhood. Inventory the light sources in your home.
In addition to ceiling lights look for:. Decide which lights you want on timers and when you want them on. Think about your lifestyle and what kind of timers would make your life easier. Should you choose the same times every day or mix it up? You want to create the impression that someone is always home. For major lights, choose times that correspond to meal times or regular activities. For floor lamps and desk lights, select various times to give the appearance of differing schedules.
This is because the timer functions only as a communicator between the power source and the light. Also, if the power goes out, so does the light. Edit this Article. We use cookies to make wikiHow great. By using our site, you agree to our cookie policy.
Cookie Settings. Learn why people trust wikiHow. Download Article Explore this Article methods. Related Articles. Method 1. All rights reserved. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc. Mechanical light timers are normally square or rectangular and have a numbered dial on the front. Grab the outer ring of this dial between your index finger and thumb.
Turn the dial clockwise until the arrow on the inner circle of the timer is pointing at the current time. Try to get as close as you can to the current time.
Most mechanical light timers have instructions for how to set them on the back, so refer to these instructions if you need any additional help. The majority of mechanical light timers function the same way. However, refer to the instructions for your specific model if it seems to work differently.
Press down a button on the dial for when you want the light to turn on. Press down a button on this outer ring that is next to the hour and fraction of the hour at which you want a light to turn on. Push in all the subsequent buttons up to the time you want the light to turn off. All the pushed-in buttons represent the duration of time the light will remain on. Press in the buttons up until the hour that you want the light to turn back off.
This will make it so the light turns off at AM. If you make a mistake or want to change the scheduled on and off times, you can just pull the buttons up.
Switch the timer on and plug it into an electrical outlet. Locate the power switch on the side of your timer and move it to the ON or AUTO position, which might also be marked with a picture of a clock. Plug the timer into a free wall socket where you want to connect a light.
In this case, set the switch to the AUTO position or the position labelled with a picture of a clock.
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