Plug in timer switch

[PE]

Hi
Is it safe enough to use a simple mechanical or digital plug in timer to switch a low output electric heater (200w)? The type of timer you can pick up in Argos for less than a tenner!
The heater is a slimline panel 200W heater (from TLC) used to provide low level background heat in a utility room

If the timer fails what is worse case scenario - the heater stays on? (Not a problem with 200W for electric bill!) . Just want to make sure its safe

Many thanks

 

[ban-all-sheds]

Why not use a thermostat - then it will come on and go off as needed according to the weather, not at set times of day?

 

[JohnD]

The switch is OK, and a 200W heater (is this like a tube?) is not very much. one of the things to look out for with an unattended heater that switches on automatically, is that no flammable material is on it. For example, paper or cloth, as there will be no-one there to see the risk of smouldering and correct it.

 

[PE]

Thanks for the quick replies

Thermostat probably not ideal as the room will never get "hot" its just to take the chill off off it and the timer will probably just switch off the heater during the middle section of daylight hours

The heater can be seen here http://www.tlc-direct.co.uk/Main_Index/Heating_Index/Slim_Heat/index.html
Looking to use a 400W one to provide some background heat in a chilly open plan conservatory (see seperate thread)