Turning off the power at a specific time without the use of physical effort is not a myth, but a reality. Intelligent devices of this type have long been used in Europe: from domestic applications to the optimization of complex industrial processes. A switch with a shutdown timer will help to accomplish the task, which is able to cut off the flow of electricity at the right time.
Key Features
A switch with a time relay makes it possible to consume electric energy expediently and economically, performing a resource-saving function. This smart device is equipped with an integrated program, thanks to which users can set the functioning parameters of lighting and volatile devices.
The circuit breaker must comply with the following characteristics:
- Have extremely long time parameters for which it can be programmed. The larger the time range, the more functions the instrument is capable of performing.
- To have a high accuracy indicator taking into account time intervals, not to make mistakes when functioning regarding the fact of relay operation - on / off device.
- To have small discreteness, high resistance to voltage fluctuations, operate in the range of 230 V with a current rating of 16A.
- To have sufficient functionality to configure various tasks to optimize the consumption of electrical resources. Support a different type of switching.
The switch with a delayed shutdown is a high-tech electronic device with a set of integrated programs. The base of the device consists of microcontrollers, relays, a rectifier diode and resistors, which are needed to create intelligent lighting control.
Devices perform a lot of functions:
- turn on and off the lighting, both indoor and outdoor;
- monitor the functioning modes of volatile devices;
- maintain a microclimate in rooms at the established level;
- guarantee heating on / off in automatic mode;
- turn on / off the fan and security system elements;
- regulate the functioning of billboards;
- control the life support systems of large aquariums;
- manage irrigation and irrigation systems.
An automatic switch creates the effect of the presence of homeowners. This is an additional protection against unauthorized entry.
Features of devices with a sleep timer
A light switch with a delayed shutdown is in demand in the field of domestic and industrial use. Such a device can be mounted on the staircases of apartment buildings, at the entrance to the cottage, in basements, offices or garage spaces. Also, these switches are excellent for optimizing industrial processes when there is a need to set a clear time interval for the operation of specific devices.
A system of sensors that are responsible for the reaction to external stimuli: cotton, the appearance of a figure, and so on, are installed in the body of the switch. The timers of such devices can be mechanical or digital. Touch timer is more functional.
Settings for the circuit breaker are set by the following methods:
- By means of a control wheel or microswitches with several positions.
- Via the buttons on the front cover. The button may be physical or touch.
- Using a remote control or tablet / smartphone - expensive models of switches support the remote access function via the Internet.
The set time interval can be from a couple of seconds to several weeks. Some models can be programmed immediately for a year. Intelligent can be not only a switch, but also a socket. Such devices are indispensable when using boilers, electric heating and heated floors.
Instrument Functions
The ability to turn off or turn on the light in time is the main task of smart switches. They perform other functions, for example, you can program the device to turn on the heating system before the owners arrive. Also, the timer is configured to turn off appliances when tenants leave the house.
The main areas of application of timer switches:
- control of automatic irrigation systems;
- set / descent of water in terrariums and pools;
- audit of the work of aquarium devices - compressors, filters, etc .;
- security systems;
- street lighting of private houses.
The timer allows you to optimize the work of any electrical equipment that will only function at a set time.
Types of switches equipped with a timer
A switch with a delayed shutdown time can be of several types:
- A watch-type mechanism in security systems when lighting devices will be turned on to create the effect of presence. It can work both according to the set time and in a chaotic manner.
- A device with an integrated motion sensor - designed to control street lighting and to equip lighting equipment in entrances or non-residential buildings. It is turned on exclusively when motion is detected.
- Button-type switch - to start, you need to press the button, it turns off itself, in accordance with the set time, which is programmed by the owner.
Installation is possible in rooms such as a kitchen, bathroom, toilet or pantry.
According to the principle of opening, the switch-timer is divided into the following types:
- Devices with a mechanical timer - there are rotary type and cross over. Rotary switches are equipped with a rotary mechanism with contacts that connect / open in the specific position of the toggle switch. The circuit breaker circuitry is somewhat different. Such devices are equipped with 3rd contact pairs and a metal plate, which is thrown onto a specific pair, thereby closing it.
- Switches with an electronic timer - the contacts are connected / opened when the button is pressed, after which the built-in relay is triggered. The settings and functions of such a device can be programmed.
Devices with an electronic timer are more functional and ergonomic. At the same time, they are very sensitive to voltage drops, which reduces their operational life.
Modifications of circuit breakers and scope
Devices with an on / off timer allow you to control a variety of processes on sections of the power grid. They are actively used in private homes, apartments and in industry. On the market you can find a lot of circuit breakers from world brands that differ in design, principle of operation and technical characteristics.
The principle of the watchdog timer
The watchdog timer helps to protect the building from unauthorized entry. The device organizes the effect of the visual presence of the owners, which is important for those rooms that remain unattended for a long time. The built-in watchman program periodically turns on / off the lights in all rooms of the home in the order that the owner will ask.From the street it will seem that someone is constantly in the house.
Light switch with motion sensor
A switch with a motion sensor is effective for installation in apartments and private houses. When people move around the room, an infrared-type sensor catches the movement and gives the relay a command to turn on the light. The device turns on the lighting smoothly, so the incandescent lamp serves its entire operational period. In almost every switch model, the sensitivity of the sensor can be set. On individual devices, you can program a limit on the operating time of lighting devices.
Button switch with timer
The push-button type electric switch is triggered by a mechanical push of a button. The light goes out or turns on automatically after a specified period of time. Some devices can be programmed within the daily interval, while others can be programmed immediately for the entire week. These switches are installed, as a rule, in toilets, hallways of basements and garage rooms.
Model with shutdown timer for ventilation systems
Each private house or apartment is equipped with an exhaust ventilation system. For its rational use, you can install a light switch with a timer to turn on and off the hood. It will turn off the power of the exhaust fan after the set time. This will maintain the optimum humidity level in the rooms.
