By Dave Donovan
One thing everybody in the world can agree on is that there just isn't enough time. Between running errands, trying to get home projects done, fitting in time with the family - and oh yeah, and don't forget about work - there just isn't enough time in the day.
Thankfully, we have little inventions that make our life easier. Inventions like timers. Think about it, would you remember to water the lawn, or turn the lawn lights on, or even turn the coffee pot off in the morning without a timer? With everything going on in my life, I know I sure wouldn't. As our world moves faster, we must rely on every little thing that helps us get through our day and accomplish our goals.
Timers come in various sizes, shapes, and price ranges. There are digital timers, and analog timers. There are timers that plug into a regular outlet, and timers that need to be hardwired to a panel box. The type of timer you need depends on what you're trying to accomplish.
Intermatic timers come in various time ranges. They can cycle from 1 hour to 7 days. Most analog timers have a maximum 24 hour cycle. They have a yellow disc with the time cycle written around the disc. The center needle points to the current time and has two or more moveable "points" that get screwed to the outside of the disc. The "points" are installed on the times that you want the timer to turn the electric on and off.
Plug-in timers are excellent for interior lighting uses. All you have to do is plug them into an outlet and then plug your light into the outlet on the timer. They can be set to turn your living room lights on and off while you're on vacation to give the effect that you're still home.
Sprinkler timers are great for controlling the amount of water used to water your lawn. With water restrictions put in effect in many communities every summer, all you have to do is change a setting and it will save you from being fined for overwatering.
Timers used to control outside lighting are very popular as well. Most low-voltage lawn lights come with one to control the on/off sequence. Many businesses would have no nighttime advertising if they relied on employees to turn the signs on.
Timers are also used as safety precautions. If your bathroom has a heat lamp, you don't want it left on for an extended period of time. Heat lamps are usually wired with a 15 to 20 minute timer to prevent the risk of fire. They are also useful when you have kids who happen to forget to turn the bathroom lights off.
Think about it: washers and dryers use timers. Ovens and microwaves use timers. Televisions come with automatic turn-off timers. Our entire day is filled with products that utilize a timer. Imagine just how busy you would be if you didn't have timers controlling many of life's mundane, yet necessary chores.
Compared with changing a switch, many people may think installing a timer to be a rather difficult job. That's not the case at all. As a matter of fact, check out our article on how to replace a switch with a timer to see just how easy it is.
Click here to purchase timers for your electronics.
Dave Donovan is a freelance copywriter living in Atco, N.J. An electrician for 15 years, an injury forced him to pursue his true passion - writing.
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