Is there a timer that will do this?

ellal · 31 Dec 2005

In my workshop, when finishing up, I want to charge my power tool batteries, but don't want to leave them charging too long, and without having to remember to always go back out to turn them off. So it would be good if there was a timer that could just be set to supply a socket for say 2 hours and then cut off, until set on again - sort of like the 'push timer' controlling communal lighting, but for a power circuit. Does something like this exist. All the timers I've seen will allow any length of time 'on', but will then come on for that time every day, and not just for a single period. Sometimes the workshop doesn't get used for a while (especially in winter), so it would probably be not so good for the batteries to keep getting 'charged' when not being used.

cheers.

ltfc · 31 Dec 2005

I think this will do what you want. http://www.tlc-direct.co.uk/Products/EK320A.html

JohnD · 31 Dec 2005

An alternative I use:

You can get timers with pins that you manually put into the switch on/switch off holes in a rotating ring. For most purposes not as convenient as the ones with push-in plastic segments, because the pins can get lost and you only get about 8 with each timeswitch. These are only a few pounds each as plug-ins or hardwired for immersions.

However... you can put all the pins into an "off" position. Thw switch has a manual override lever that you can use to switch it on, and then next time an "off" pin goes round, it will switch the timer off.

There are old Venner and sangamo switches with a rotating disk holding on/off cams that can be used the same way.

For the bike battery in winter, I use a 7-day timer with a couple of hours "on" each Friday

blondini · 31 Dec 2005

Some of the ordinary little plug in timers now have a 'countdown' facility where you switch it on manually and set a period for it just to switch off.
May be worth taking a closer look at what's available in the stores.

Big_Spark · 31 Dec 2005

Blondini has made the best suggestion, the plug in timers are designed for this type of task, and it also allows you to use the socket for other purposes should you require it..gives you the best of both worlds.

andy · 31 Dec 2005

you could use an old heating time clock (siemens type will work i think). they have a 'boost' type feature what turns the output on for an extra hour, which could be used to charge the batteries and then swtch off after an hour

Lectrician · 31 Dec 2005

A digital immersion 'energy timer' would be ideal.

Press once for half an hour, twice for an hour or three times for two hours.

Newey and Eyre do them in their brand.....

And good old TLC always have what you want (although way to pricy!)

http://www.tlc-direct.co.uk/Main_In...rs_Index/Immersion_Heater_Timers_2/index.html

ellal · 3 Jan 2006

Thanks for all the suggestions...I'll look for a 'countdown timer'.

If not a boost switch looks a good idea.

cheers.

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Is there a timer that will do this?

Big_Spark

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