Best Timer Switch
Timer switches naturally have to be tough to withstand the current that pass through them.
Generally speaking these timers are contraptions which turn power on and off at set intervals to appliances or light stands attached to them.
For example you can set your lamp shade to automatically turn on at 6pm and shut itself down at 10 the same night.
Another ingenious use for an appliance timer is for your morning coffee. Set it the appliance timer just before waking up and plugin your coffee maker. You’ll wake up to the aroma of your favorite coffee beans every single day.
Timer switches can generally be divided into two. Digital Timers and Electromechanical Timers.
This lists includes both of them. They have their own advantages. Digital timers include some pretty advanced functions like random switching. Some can even be programmed to a specific day for your calendar month.
Electromechanical timers on the other hand are sturdy and dependable. You do not have to replace any batteries. They just keep working as the years go by. But they are fairly simple timers and need re-adjustment every once in a while.
1. Intermatic DT620CL 15 Amp Indoor Astronomic Digital Timer
The Intermatic DT620CH is a timer big in features. Quite possibly the most high tech timer in this round up. There is practically nothing that this digital timer cannot do. You can program upto 14 on and off cycles into it.
The astronomic part of the name refers to the timer being able to switch on or off during sunset and sunrise times. It can compensate for daylight savings too. There is even random programming built into if you are concerned with security issues at home.
Some reviews indicate that the downloadable manual at Intermatic’s site might be useful. This is not a simple timer. The noticable dial on the middle makes for scrolling through the programmable times a breeze.
The Intermatic DT6620 is a timer that is complete and retails for $18.75 Usd
2. Intermatic TN111GC Lamp and Appliance Timer
The Intermatic TN111GC Lamp and Appliance Timer is a small and compact timer the offers 2 on and off settings.The face of the dial lights up and according Intermatic can be used as a night light! One thing that this timer is known for is its silent switching. A must for people who don’t like hearing their timers tick!
Coming in at a fraction of the price of its bigger brother, the Intermatic TN11GC is great for those who want a simple and quite timer at a bargain price of only $6.23 Usd
3. Woods Indoor 7 Day Digital Timer
This Woods timer comes double grounded three-prong outlets. A rarity in timers of this class. Like all digital timers this doesn’t make a sound when switching. You can have 8 ON and OFF Cycles for each day of the week. Giving you a total of 56 programmed events.
Quite comparable in features to the Intermatic DT620CL above. It also can be found online at around the same price of around $18 dollars.
4. Intermatic TB121C Digital Tabletop Lamp and Appliance Timer
For people needing only needing to power smaller loads this digital timer by Intermatic is a good investment. Unlike the other timers featured on this round up which are tied down to their sockets the Intermatic TB121C comes with a long five foot cord. This instantly transforms it into a movable timer. Easy to set with easy to read readouts. It comes with batteries and includes a 1-year limited warranty.
The Intermatic TB121C can be found cheap at $11.99 Usd. Best for people wanting a moveable digital timer for low power loads like lamps, tvs and stereos.
5. General Electric 50462 7-Day Random Vacation Timer
This timer is a set and forget type. Basically you just set it to the right time and trust it to turn on randomly during evenings and turn off on the morning. There nothing much else to say about it. It works and its simple. No frills and pretty basic. Best for those looking for a timer they can just plug quickly before running of the house. This timer can be found online for as low as $9.09 Usd
