A timer switch simply refers to a type of device that turns the power on and off at a specific interval of time. However, most people think like that about timer switches. They not only turn on and off the device but also provide various options to control the timing and schedule it.
This article gives you a detailed insight into how a timer switch works its different types, features, benefits, and disadvantages, along with its usage.
What Is A Timer Switch Circuit?
A timer switch circuit refers to a type of timing device. It operates on both electrical circuits and mechanical circuits. This type of device controls the time of the device when turning it on and off. However, to understand it better, read on next.
Definition of Timer Switch Circuit
A timer or time switch is also known as just a timer. As the name suggests, it controls the time intervals of a device that turns the power on and off on the preset schedule or time. It mainly operates on either electrical or mechanical processes based on device usage.
It is a type of plug that one can easily plug or install inside the wall. Regardless of its type, one can use it either outdoors or indoors. Some basic applications include street lights, AC symptoms, sprinkler systems, and security system lights.
Functions of Timer Switch Circuit
The main purpose of a timer switch is to eliminate the need to manually switch on and off electrical devices. Moreover, it also saves money and consumes less power. It is mainly responsible to turn on the device at a specific time and turn it off without concern. Moreover, it gives you a sense of security as you don’t need to worry about turning on or off the lights while you are not at home. It automatically turns on the scheduled light and pretends that you are at home.
Additionally, it offers a great sense of auto-control of smart houses through customized wireless control options. Thus, leaving your worries away and keeping you safe and sound.
Symbol of Timer Switch Circuit
The electrical symbol of the timer switch represents an SPST switch type. The SPST stands for Single Pole Single Throw. It also contains a timing sign over it. This, however, makes the process easy to identify the symbol of the timer switch in a circuit diagram. For instance, the timer switch symbol may look like an on-and-off switch, along with a sign of a timer over it in a circuit layout diagram. This timer symbol shows that it is not a simple on-and-off switch despite it being a timer switch.
Types Of Timer Switch Circuit
Timer switches come in various types and forms. Each type offers its own features along with drawbacks. However, four basic timer switch types include mechanical, electronic, photocell, and astronomic timer switch.
· Mechanical Timer Switch Circuit
An Analog timer also refers to an automatic and mechanical timer switch. This is one of the most common and widely used timer switch types. It contains mechanical components such as gears and springs. These help in setting the time. Moreover, it contains a knob that needs manual setting adjustments to control the turn on and off of the power.
However, mechanical timer switches come with both benefits and drawbacks. It offers benefits that include easy usage and low cost, whereas it’s not lightweight. It contains moving parts that increase maintenance time, cost, and care.
· Digital Timer Switch Circuit
Digital timer switches also refer to electronic timer switches as they operate on the electric current both in AC and DC form. They contain a microcontroller which implies that they do not have any moving or mechanical parts. Moreover, it also contains a button that helps in changing the time setting with a button at any time. This feature helps in quickly setting the daily time intervals of when to turn on and off the device.
In addition to this, these types of switches also give accurate and precise results, which makes them ideal to use in various applications. Moreover, they also support custom settings as per the users’ needs.
· Astronomic Timer Switch Circuit
An astronomical or astronomical timer switch operates on the sun’s position and sets the turn on and off timing according to it. An astronomic timer comes in digital form. It basically consists of built-in memory that stores the program. This program contains all the information on when to turn on and off the device.
More specially, this data includes the latitude, longitude, and location-related data of the device. This data helps the timer to analyze the accurate time of when the sun rises and when it sets and runs the device accordingly. Hence, it then helps the device to turn on and off at certain times of day and night according to the sun’s position. Moreover, it operates with immense accuracy.
· Photocell Timer Switch Circuit
A photocell, as the name suggests, is a type of timer switch that operates in the presence of bright light. This type of timer is used in a situation where devices need to control the turn on and off setting through light. Photocell timer switches use photodetectors or optical sensors to sense the light. This simply turns on the device in the dark, whereas it turns off the device when the light falls on it. This type of timer switch is used in devices like street lights and home, office, and buildings security lights.
How Does A Timer Switch Circuit Work?
Let’s dive into the details of timer functioning. However, to understand the working principle of timer switches, let’s look into its two main kinds. Electronic and mechanical timer switches work in different ways.
· Mechanical Timer Switches
A mechanical timer switch works in an analog form. It uses a clockwork process to control and manage the time when to switch on and off the power supply. This type of timer switch contains a knob. This knob helps in programming the required time on which the power will turn on and off.
A mechanical timer is also referred to as an analog timer. It can easily adjust the turn-on and off settings manually. As it does not have any memory, it needs manual adjustment each time.
· Electronic Timer Switches
An electrical timer switch belongs to a digital sort of switch. It uses microprocessors and an internal clock to control and manage the turning on and off of the power supply. This type of timer switches programs earlier on the basis of time intervals in seconds, minutes, hours, and days.
Moreover, the electrical timer offers various other features. These features include randomization settings. This setting changes the time daily to prevent the burglars from realizing the switch patterns. In addition to this, it also has a digital screen which helps in viewing and programming the required settings.
Conclusion
You may know now how versatile a timer switch can be. It serves as a special device that helps in controlling different types of electrical circuits in homes, offices, common areas, commercial places, and industrial environments.
It provides convenience, security, and energy efficiency. Moreover, it gives you full power to control and schedule the turn on and off of devices like Air conditioners, pumps, and lights.
