auto-off timer for electric heater

[Rob.S]

Is there such a thing as a timer socket which switches off after a period of time?

I have converted my garage into a room and have a little electric heater. The problem is it is very easy to forget it is on and sometimes I don’t go into the room for several days at a time. At best I could end up with a large electricity bill and at worst a fire.

What I’d like is something like the sleep function on radios and TVs which switches off after an hour. Can anyone suggest where I would find one, or an alternative approach?

Thanks

 

[electronicsuk]

http://www.heatingcontrolsonline.co.uk/horstmann-e30-boost-timer-p-258.html

 

[Rob.S]

Wow, that was quick. Thanks!

Do they come in a plug adaptor form?

 

[electronicsuk]

Wow, that was quick. Thanks!

Do they come in a plug adaptor form?

If they do, I haven't seen any.

 

[imroberts]

Wow, that was quick. Thanks!

Do they come in a plug adaptor form?

You could hard wire your socket via this unit. That way whatever is plugged into the socket would be running via the sleep timer.

Another option I can think of would be to buy a plug-in timeswitch. You could program it (I think) to turn OFF, lets say, at 4 hour intervals throughout the day, and with no ON cycles. When you use your heater use the override facility which would bring the heater on until the next cycle (which would turn it off).

Not as good as a sleep timer from the perspective that its not on for a defined time, however easier and cheaper

 

[kevindgas]

simple plug in ones are available from wickes in 3 packs or smith's immersion timer can be hard wired.

 

[Steve]

Another option I can think of would be to buy a plug-in timeswitch. You could program it (I think) to turn OFF, lets say, at 4 hour intervals throughout the day, and with no ON cycles. When you use your heater use the override facility which would bring the heater on until the next cycle (which would turn it off).

They dont sell them anymore. This would only work with the ones that have the red and green nibs that you insert on the dial.

They only sell the ones with fixed variable nibs now - you push them in to turn on, and pull out to turn off etc.

 

[imroberts]

They dont sell them anymore. This would only work with the ones that have the red and green nibs that you insert on the dial.

They only sell the ones with fixed variable nibs now - you push them in to turn on, and pull out to turn off etc.

Yes, you're right there.

How about digital timeswitches? Can these be programmed with just OFF cycles or do you have to have an equal amount of ON times?

It's so long since I've used a timeswitch, I just leave everything on nowadays

Cue the energy saving tips!

 

[flameport]

This is what you want for OFF switching only:
http://www.fastlec.co.uk/timeguard-ts800b-hour-compact-plugin-time-controller-p-5659.html

 

[TicklyT]

Trouble with the mechanical timers is you have to wait until the 'off' tappet moves clear of the mechanism before you can switch them back on.

Not a plug-in timer, but it gives the required function.....
http://www.tlc-direct.co.uk/Main_In...andard&OVADID=13747900031&OVKWID=116293440031

 

[Aragorn84]

One of those (almost exactly the same) units is fitted to a fan heater at a train station where i used to live, and serves exactly the function your after.

If someones in the station shelter they can press the button and turn the heater on, and it goes off once they leave.

 

[Rob.S]

Thanks to all for the help and suggestions.

After a bit more Googling and trying to think of the right search phase I tried "countdown timer" and I found this which looks like it would do the job:

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/60-min-Timer-...-Security_W0QQitemZ160365883820QQcmdZViewItem

Also found these for £1 each if anyone wants the other 399...

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Pallet-Job-Lo...wn-Timers_W0QQitemZ160364598003QQcmdZViewItem