Time switch

A time switch (also called a timer switch, or simply timer) is a device that operates an <a href="/facts/Electric/hNC8D65W">electric</a> <a href="/facts/Switch/vqbNDgYm">switch</a> controlled by a <a href="/facts/Timer/ayv4L3D7">timer</a>.
<a href="/facts/Intermatic/rqNewBrN">Intermatic</a> introduced its first time switch in 1945, which was used for "electric signs, store window lighting, apartment hall lights, stokers, and oil and gas burners." A consumer version was added in 1952.
The switch may be connected to an <a href="/facts/Electric_circuit/zt94kTW0">electric circuit</a> operating from <a href="/facts/Mains_power/rjE90Hg0">mains power</a>, including via a <a href="/facts/Relay/NQcb9usW">relay</a> or <a href="/facts/Contactor/Xzhy6Ura">contactor</a>; or <a href="/facts/Extra-low_voltage/LYsYpYm9">low voltage</a>, including <a href="/facts/Battery_(electricity)/bqEpm4ue">battery</a>-operated equipment in <a href="/facts/Vehicle/jSIEqANL">vehicles</a>. It may be built into power circuits (as with a <a href="/facts/Central_heating/GsYBDLmn">central heating</a> or <a href="/facts/Water_heating/epdN1qdd">water heater</a> timer), plugged into a <a href="/facts/AC_power_plugs_and_sockets/938U5dTF">wall outlet</a> with equipment plugged into the timer instead of directly into the power point; or built into equipment.

Time switch open-in-new

Time switch