Timers

Cariboocoot
Cariboocoot Banned Posts: 17,615 ✭✭✭
in Energy Use & Conservation #1
Has anyone here put a mechanical 'appliance' timer on a K-A-W to see how much it consumes?
I was going over a scenario where several 'vampire' loads are connected to a power strip which habitually is left on. The notion was to put the strip on a timer, so that it would only be on during the time of most likely use. If used outside this time it could be manually activated, with perhaps an extra 'off' trigger in case it is forgotten again. But the question of the timer's power use itself comes up; it would have to be less than the vampire loads in order to save anything. And yes I expect a digital timer would consume less power than a mechanical motor, but you never know.

Might have to round some up and try them out.
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Comments

  • n3qik
    n3qik Solar Expert Posts: 741 ✭✭
    #2
    Re: Timers

    Old mechanical = 16 ma AC
    New digital = 18 ma with relay on, 16 ma AC with relay off.

    This is using a DVM. Kill-A-Watt wold not read this low.
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  • techntrek
    techntrek Solar Expert Posts: 1,372 ✭✭✭
    #3
    Re: Timers

    Not bad, sounds like a timer would be a winner in almost every case exept a load that is rarely used.
    4.5 kw APC UPS powered by a Prius, 12 kw Generac, Honda EU3000is
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  • Cariboocoot
    Cariboocoot Banned Posts: 17,615 ✭✭✭
    #4
    Re: Timers

    Thanks, Ken; that is exactly the information I was looking for! :D

    Now to further my evil plans for energy conservation. Bwahahaha! :p
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  • techntrek
    techntrek Solar Expert Posts: 1,372 ✭✭✭
    #5
    Re: Timers

    With switched outlet strips and timers you will rule the world!
    4.5 kw APC UPS powered by a Prius, 12 kw Generac, Honda EU3000is
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  • Dave Angelini
    Dave Angelini Solar Expert Posts: 6,891 ✭✭✭✭✭✭
    #6
    Re: Timers

    Marc,
    I like the Intermatic timer because it uses zero power and runs off a small camera battery. It will switch 120,240, & up to 31dc. Do you want a model # tomorrow?
    "we go where power lines don't" Sierra Nevada mountain area
       htps://offgridsolar1.com/
    E-mail offgridsolar@sti.net

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  • Cariboocoot
    Cariboocoot Banned Posts: 17,615 ✭✭✭
    #7
    Re: Timers
    Dave Sparks wrote: »
    Marc,
    I like the Intermatic timer because it uses zero power and runs off a small camera battery. It will switch 120,240, & up to 31dc. Do you want a model # tomorrow?

    Thanks, Dave; that would be great.

    Haven't got a firm configuration yet so I'm open to options.
    Something with a big "Wife Is Panicking" over-ride button perhaps. :p
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  • Dave Angelini
    Dave Angelini Solar Expert Posts: 6,891 ✭✭✭✭✭✭
    #8
    Re: Timers

    Sometimes they have free shipping. This unit had problems early on with the battery type. That was solved two years ago. Battery lasts about two years unless you have multiple switches per day.

    http://www.amazon.com/Intermatic-ST01C-White-Adjusting-Switch/dp/B000QD9QLA/ref=lh_ni_t
    "we go where power lines don't" Sierra Nevada mountain area
       htps://offgridsolar1.com/
    E-mail offgridsolar@sti.net

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  • Seven
    Seven Solar Expert Posts: 292 ✭✭
    #9
    Re: Timers

    Will that one work for led and cfl bulbs? I saw a pic of the disclaimer on one of their timers and it did not. It was a less expensive model though.
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  • Dave Angelini
    Dave Angelini Solar Expert Posts: 6,891 ✭✭✭✭✭✭
    #10
    Re: Timers
    Seven wrote: »
    Will that one work for led and cfl bulbs? I saw a pic of the disclaimer on one of their timers and it did not. It was a less expensive model though.

    The one I listed has been switching CFL yard lights for over 6 years. It has a 15 amp rating for AC and a lower (can't remember) DC rating for 24V nominal battery systems.
    "we go where power lines don't" Sierra Nevada mountain area
       htps://offgridsolar1.com/
    E-mail offgridsolar@sti.net

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