How to Set a Light Timer

If you are worried about going on a vacation while leaving your home empty, the easiest tactic would be to set up a light timer. Why? If a burglar thinks that you are away from your home, it is possible that he will break in. However, you can create an illusion to counter the appearance of your empty house.

But it will be a total waste of energy if the light is on throughout the daytime. Thankfully, timers will allow you to control the switch of the light periodically. If you are confused about how to set a light timer, allow me to guide you in this simple and straightforward review.

What Is Light Timer?

Before diving right into the setup procedure, let me provide more in-depth details about what a light timer is, and knowing this information will allow you to maneuver it correctly. Simply put, an electrical circuit with a built-in clock is known as a light timer.

This timer can act as a communicator between the core power source and the light. Its electric circuit will allow you to control the light. Therefore, you can switch it on or off depending on your needs.

Such a device may come with either circular dials or digital settings. Sometimes, they contain a single electrical outlet. Other products may come with multiple-outlet systems.

How to Set Light Timer?

Since light timers can contain either a manual dial system or a digital system, it is only natural that the setup methods will be different as well. Before you get even more confused, let me describe these procedures in a systematic manner.

Manual Timer

Here are the processes that will help you set up your manual timer effortlessly.

• Plug the Timer in

At first, make sure to plug in your timer correctly to the outlet. This attachment will allow you to notice whether the light is working correctly or not. If you notice that the light is not functioning as it should, I suggest you change the bulb.

• Check the Mode

You will notice that manual timers usually come with two modes; On and “T” modes. The power can bypass the timer if you choose the “On” position.

Basically, it will leave the lights on like an ordinary switch. The “On” mode comes to the rescue when you are not following your usual routine or when the setting you use regularly does not apply anymore.

On the other hand, you might have to choose the “T” mode for more control over the light because it will allow you to change the light according to your preference. This one is particularly a better option if you change the light settings more frequently.

• Set the Timer

Now that you have chosen the mode, let us focus on the setup. If your manual timer comes with push-in tabs, you will find a dial on the main body of the switch. Alongside this dial, there will also be a pointer that will provide specific directions.

You will have to rotate the dial in a way that the pointer’s direction will move according to the current time. For example, if your current time is 3 p.m., then match 3 p.m. on the pointer’s dial.

Your timer will come with a.m./p.m. specifications, or it will show 24 hour time. If the latter is present, you will have to set the time according to the correct number of hours.

Then, you will have to push down the tabs for the hours you want the timer to remain active while keeping the other tabs up so that the light turns off during those times.

Let me clear it up with another example; if you want to keep the lights turned off from 1 a.m. to 1 p.m., turn all the knobs down between these two values while keeping the remaining ones on.

• Testing the Settings

This final step is crucial because you can determine whether you chose the correct hours or not. To confirm that your manual dial is working correctly, you can turn the dials to see if the lights turn off or on like they are supposed to.

If you notice that the lights are not functioning correctly, then you may have to reset all the tabs and follow the previous steps again. You can do this as many times as it is needed for the timer to work properly.

More importantly, as soon as the test is complete, remember to reset the dial pointer at the current time so that it can function normally.

Digital Timer

If you prefer not to deal with the manual timer’s dials, you can go for the digital type instead. This one will not come with the hassle of pushing buttons to manage the light. Instead, you can program whether the light will remain on or off.

The digital ones will come with labels that will help you choose your preferred time and day so that you can set the hours you want the lights to be on effortlessly.

Advantage of Using Light Timer

Timers are life saviors because they can help to regulate electric circuits correctly. Even though we are in the era of “smart homes,” the traditional light timers still come in handy.

Some models come with an internal memory backup system that will allow the timer to work even if the power supply is off. Interestingly, there is no chance of anybody hacking the traditional timers.

Here are some advantages of using light timers.

Alerting the Time

Nowadays, the timers will provide energy efficiency and act as an indicator of how much time may have passed.

Automatic Schedule

Installing an electric timer will allow you to have complete control of the light systems. Say goodbye to the worrying days of whether you left the light switch on or off. Simply use a timer to avoid such hassle.

Safety and Security

As previously mentioned, having the lights on when you are on vacation can provide an illusion that you are present at home. You will not have to worry about leaving your home empty every again.

Verdict

Light timers are a blessing because they allow you to have complete control over your home’s lighting system. As a plus point, some even comes with digital timing that will enable you to measure how long you have kept on the device.

If you follow all the steps I have mentioned about how to set a light timer, you will be able to manage the settings effortlessly. Now that you know about its setup process, nothing will stop you from using timers to manage your lights in an energy-efficient manner.