This is how a timer works - simply explained

A timer can make life easier. How a clock works is not difficult to understand. We explain which technology is behind it and how you can use it.

Timer: How technology works

The technology of a timer is simple.

It is a watch that is switched or simply plugged between a socket and an electrical device.
The timer then switches the electrical contact on or off at the previously set times. This switches the downstream electrical device on or off.
This technology is available as mechanical and digital time switches. In the latter, computer chips control the contacts.
With both variants, you can set the times when an electrical device should be switched on and off again. With digital technology, the times can be adjusted more precisely.

Timers can be used in a variety of ways. However, they not only make everyday life easier, they also offer security.

With technology, all electrical devices can actually be timed. If you plug a timer into a socket, you can then plug practically any electrical device into the timer.
In everyday life, this is conceivable for the coffee machine, for example. These can then be switched so that the coffee is ready when the alarm clock rings.
However, the technology is really useful for burglary protection. If you are on vacation, you can use the time switches to switch lamps on and off at preset times. Thanks to the technology, you can also automatically raise and lower electric shutters in the morning and lower them again in the evening.

In the next article, we explain how to set a timer for both mechanical and digital devices.