Hi, wondering if an electrical guru can help with what I thought was a simple question.
What type of plug in timer can be used with LED bulbs?
We want to have our table lamp ( which has an LED bulb) controlled by a timer, simply plugged into a mains socket. There is all sorts of "fake news" stating in various conflicting advice that you mustn't or must use a mechanical or digital timer.
Anybody know a definitive and safe answer?
Thank you.
Exactly how does a LED know that the mechanical / electronic timer is not a switch on the wall?
They normally use a relay to actually do the switching, which to an LED is no different to a switch, it's just metal on metal contact in either case..
I'd just get timer and plug it in..
Timer switches need to draw current from the mains to power themselves. Some will do this by allowing a tiny current to pass through what ever they're connected to. With CFL or LED bulbs you may find they flicker (CFL) or are on but very dim (LED).
Try it with the timer switches you have. If they work then great, you should have nothing to worry about. If you have flickering or the LED bulb is dim when it should be off then you have two choices - buy a new timer switch or increase the load (i.e. turn two lamps on/off from the switch).
Steven B.
In my experience, the mechanical time switches of old all had contacts like a 'normal' switch i.e. metal on metal so were either OFF or ON with no in-between state. The modern 'digital' timers may, or may not use a relay for the power switching. If a relay output type, then no problem; if they are the so-called 'solid state' output then there may be a problem as Steven B stated. If you can find out what the output type is before buying, go for a relay type if it is digital, or just look for the old style mechanical types.
Cheers
Keith
NGS 21472
Hi keithbythesea:
Have you got a Screwfix nearby? Look at their item number 44241 this should do the job for you.
I have seen similar in Argos, but often only as a three-pack.
Cheers
Keith
NGS 21472
Quote from: Steven B on October 07, 2021, 09:36:12 AM
...With CFL or LED bulbs you may find they flicker (CFL) or are on but very dim (LED)....
Yes, I had this problem with a programmable timer wall-switch (which seem to be no longer available, perhaps that's why)
Quote from: Steven B on October 07, 2021, 09:36:12 AM
Timer switches need to draw current from the mains to power themselves. Some will do this by allowing a tiny current to pass through what ever they're connected to. With CFL or LED bulbs you may find they flicker (CFL) or are on but very dim (LED).
Try it with the timer switches you have. If they work then great, you should have nothing to worry about. If you have flickering or the LED bulb is dim when it should be off then you have two choices - buy a new timer switch or increase the load (i.e. turn two lamps on/off from the switch).
Steven B.
Thank you Steven. This makes sense, you are saying that the switch "leaks" some current, which LEDs and CFLs are sensitive to. I guess that old filament bulbs do not react to such a small current.
Quote from: Firstone18 on October 07, 2021, 12:43:11 PM
Hi keithbythesea:
Have you got a Screwfix nearby? Look at their item number 44241 this should do the job for you.
I have seen similar in Argos, but often only as a three-pack.
Cheers
Keith
NGS 21472
Thank you Keith. We bought the digital version of this from Screwfix because our old mechanical timer no longer worked. Having read the on line instructions it clearly states "Not to be used with low energy bulbs". It would be helpful if Masterplug made this clear at point of purchase!
We'll buy a good old mechanical one. :thumbsup:
@keithbythe sea (https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?action=profile;u=5078)
Depending on when you bought the timer, Screwfix may be amenable to taking it back and allowing you to buy what you require, especially if you point out the online instructions, which do not appear to be available at the point of purchase. It's worth asking.
Thank you David. We're on their case!
In today's world full of progress (?) it would seem that you need to download and read the instructions prior to purchase. :laugh3:
In this case most definitely caveat emptor.
We had a mechanical timer but our Bengal cat pulled out all the pins that tripped the timer and ate them.
Make sure the timer has a clear plastic cover :)
Bob
Quote from: Bob G on October 08, 2021, 02:51:05 PM
We had a mechanical timer but our Bengal cat pulled out all the pins that tripped the timer and ate them.
Make sure the timer has a clear plastic cover :)
Bob
...or provide enough food for your cat!
Quote from: emjaybee on October 08, 2021, 03:00:16 PM
Quote from: Bob G on October 08, 2021, 02:51:05 PM
We had a mechanical timer but our Bengal cat pulled out all the pins that tripped the timer and ate them.
Make sure the timer has a clear plastic cover :)
Bob
...or provide enough food for your cat!
Your pets are affectionate and friendly. I don't think either adjective fits a Bengal very well :)
Quote from: Bob G on October 08, 2021, 04:02:54 PM
Quote from: emjaybee on October 08, 2021, 03:00:16 PM
Quote from: Bob G on October 08, 2021, 02:51:05 PM
We had a mechanical timer but our Bengal cat pulled out all the pins that tripped the timer and ate them.
Make sure the timer has a clear plastic cover :)
Bob
...or provide enough food for your cat!
Your pets are affectionate and friendly. I don't think either adjective fits a Bengal very well :)
Hmmm, perhaps best not to fall asleep in the same room as him if he's hungry.
:hmmm:
Quote from: emjaybee on October 08, 2021, 04:04:29 PM
Quote from: Bob G on October 08, 2021, 04:02:54 PM
Quote from: emjaybee on October 08, 2021, 03:00:16 PM
Quote from: Bob G on October 08, 2021, 02:51:05 PM
We had a mechanical timer but our Bengal cat pulled out all the pins that tripped the timer and ate them.
Make sure the timer has a clear plastic cover :)
Bob
...or provide enough food for your cat!
Your pets are affectionate and friendly. I don't think either adjective fits a Bengal very well :)
Hmmm, perhaps best not to fall asleep in the same room as him if he's hungry.
:hmmm:
He is now 90cm long when stretched out. he has to have two dining chairs side by side to sleep on at night, having outgrown everything else.
However, having been in the cattery over Summer, while we were staycation cruising, he's come to realise his life is quite cushy at home.
Thank God we didn't consider a Savannah cat!!!
Bob
Fabulous, I do love this forum!
Where else can you get useful advice and then progress seamlessly and without effort from electrics to the feeding habits of Bengal cats? :beers:
It is actually code for organising the biggest heist ever seen.
If you can crack the code you are in!!
And if anyone believes that, then they are truly talented.
See, I've moved the thread on again...
Bob
The peacock has the clock in the banana.
8)
Quote from: emjaybee on October 09, 2021, 12:51:49 PM
The peacock has the clock in the banana.
8)
You are truly talented my friend. Don't forget the bolt cutters though :angel: