A light switch timer is a device that is designed to turn on or off an electric item such a table lamp or overhead light at a predetermined time. These devices are useful for many different purposes, but are most commonly used to control a light fixture when the owner of the home is away. This is commonly used to give the impression to people in the neighborhood, or passer-by’s that there is someone home.
Time delay switches are linked to a timer which gives the ability to program an electronic device to be turned on or off. These devices vary in style and also vary in the way they are programmed. Most units are rather easy to understand and figure out. They can typically be found at electronic stores, hardware stores, and home goods stores.
A light switch timer is programmed by the user to control an electronic device at a desired time. The user activates the device and connects it to the device that they desire to control and then the timer turns on or off the electronic device at this programmed time.
There are some versions of these timing devices that provide a way to program the level of the light. This application is often used with security lights outdoors. They may also be programmed to respond to humidity, providing the ability to control a device such as a bathroom fan until the moisture is cleared out of the room after a shower. This helps to prevent mold in the bathroom that may develop if the fan is not left on to clear the moisture.
Some units are used by commercials facilities such as hotels, in order to control the lights of a hallway when the area is not being used. These provide a good way to provide a certain amount of time for a overhead light to be used. In some cases they may be used on light fixtures in closets or bathrooms. In this case the light is turned on and automatically shuts off via the timer after a preset amount of time.
A light switch timer can be used for precision purposes such as setting up time delays for photographic situations or lab experiments. The delay provides the ability to be precise on how long there is light to the area. Similar devices are sometimes utilized in ignition systems, ornamental fountains and many other devices. They can basically be used for any application imaginable, where you desire to control the ability to turn on and off a light source or other device without having to do it yourself.