What are Time Switches?

A time switch, also known as a digital timer or an electronic timer, is a device that controls an electric switch. The time switch is an electronic device that controls the 'on' and 'off' timing of electrical equipment.

The electronic timer switch can be built into an existing power circuit and connected to the mains power, including a relay or a contactor. Alternatively, a plug in timer switch can be plugged into a wall socket with an appliance then plugged into the timer, or built-in to the piece of equipment itself.

Time Switches are useful in industrial and domestic settings, therfore, there are different ranges and types of Time Switches depending on the requirement and they are an ideal way of cutting energy costs by only consuming electricity when required.

Plug-in Time Switches

Plug-in time switches are available as a digital timer, meaning they often feature a memory that allows the time to be set for a specific time during a 24-hour period, or for multiple times to be set. Mechanical timers, on the other hand, represent a specific period such as 15-minute intervals.

Lighting Timers

Timers for both internal and external lights known as a lighting timer are ideal when used for home safety or business safety purposes as a deterrent to potential opportunists or burglars. You can programme your timer to switch the lights 'on' and 'off' at a certain hour of the day, giving you complete control and making it look as if you are at home or in the building.

Many household items are run by time switches, for example, central heating and hot water pre-set to switch 'on' and 'off' at a certain hour each day, or a slow cooker pre-set to cook for a certain number of hours to ensure your dinner is ready for you when you arrive home after a day at work or a day out.

DIN Rail Time Switches

DIN rail time switches are controlled by a timer and are ideal in helping to save energy. They only switch on the power when it is needed, such as in irrigation systems, switching lights on in unoccupied buildings and water pumps. They are used a lot in factory settings where automatic machinery needs to be turned on/ off accordingly at specific times, as well as for barrier control and shift-change sirens in manufacturing plants.

Browse the broad range of Time Switches RS have to offer and order today for next day delivery.