Automate your home with one of these top-rated timers for electrical outlets and light switches.
In today's fast-paced world, it's important to be able to rely on technology to help automate our homes. One way to do this is to use a timer for electrical outlets.
Timers for electrical outlets can be used to control just about anything that plugs into an outlet, including lamps, holiday lights, small appliances, and even electronics.
They can be used to schedule when certain devices should turn on and off, and some even come with features like randomization and daylight savings time.
With so many different options on the market, it can be hard to choose the right one for your needs. That's why we've rounded up the 10 best timers for electrical outlets, based on our testing.
Table of Contents
- Top 10 best timers for electrical outlets
- GE Indoor Basic Timer, 1 Polarized Outlet - Best Budget Pick
- BN-LINK Indoor Timers Plug Mechanical 2 Prong Outlet Light Timer – Best Overall
- BN-LINK BND-60/U47 Indoor Mini 24-Hour Mechanical Outlet Timer — Best Overall
- GE 24-Hour Heavy Duty Indoor Plug-in Mechanical Timer – Best Timer
- Fosmon Digital Timer Outlet - Best Overall
- Clear Power Indoor Timer – Best Overall
- DEWENWILS 2 Pack Light Timer - Best for Lights
- BN-LINK Compact Outdoor Mechanical Timer – Best Overall
- G-Homa Timers for Electrical Outlets - Best Budget Timer
- DEWENWILS Digital Timers for Electrical Outlets - Best Overall
- Buyer Guide:timers for electrical outlets
- Frequently Asked Question
Top 10 best timers for electrical outlets
GE Indoor Basic Timer, 1 Polarized Outlet - Best Budget Pick
color : 1 Pack
size : 1 Pack
The GE 15119 24-Hour Indoor Basic Timer allows you to automate your lamps, seasonal lights, or small appliances, saving you time, money and energy. The daily cycle turns your light source or plugged in device ON/OFF at desired time(s) without resetting.
PROS
-Automates lighting -Daily cycle -30 minute intervals -1 polarized outlet -Compatible with CFL, LED, and incandescent bulbs -125VAC 60Hz: 15A Resistive, 1250W Tungsten, ½ HP Motor
CONS
-Indoor use only
BN-LINK Indoor Timers Plug Mechanical 2 Prong Outlet Light Timer – Best Overall
color : Mechanical 2 Prong
The BN-LINK Indoor Timers Plug Mechanical 2 Prong Outlet Light Timer is an easy to use timer for your home or office. With up to 24 on and off settings per day, you can program your devices to turn on/off in as small as 30-minute intervals by the 2 prong timer plug. Settings will repeat daily once programmed and plugged-in. These 2 prong timers for electrical outlets. Turn on and off lamps, fish tank, small appliances, Christmas trees, and other electrical devices with the handy 24 hr mechanical indoor timer. Each package includes 2 mini timers that can be used in 2 locations. This 2 prong outlet timer is compatible with compact fluorescent lighting, LED bulbs, and most small appliances.
PROS
-Can be used for a variety of things -Easy to use -Affordable -Compact size -Convenient
CONS
-May not work with some appliances -May not be accurate
BN-LINK BND-60/U47 Indoor Mini 24-Hour Mechanical Outlet Timer — Best Overall
color : Mechanical 3 Prong
size : 2 Pack
The BN-LINK BND-60/U47 Indoor Mini 24-Hour Mechanical Outlet Timer, 3-Prong, 2-Pack is a handy tool to have around the house or office. With up to 24 on and off settings per day, you can program your devices to turn on/off in as small as 30-minute intervals. Settings will repeat daily once programmed and plugged-in. This timer is compatible with compact fluorescent lighting, LED bulbs, and most small appliances. Each package includes 2 mini timers that can be used in 2 locations.
PROS
Two timers included
Easy to use
Can be programmed for up to 24 on/off settings
Works with CFLs, LEDs, and most small appliances
CONS
None!
GE 24-Hour Heavy Duty Indoor Plug-in Mechanical Timer – Best Timer
color : Gray/White
size : 2 Pack
The GE 24-Hour Heavy Duty Indoor Plug-in Mechanical 2 Pack is a great way to save energy and deter crime. This timer features 2 grounded outlets and a convenient override switch, allowing you to use your lights or devices manually when needed. The timer allows you to set on and off times at 30 minute intervals for a total of 48 on/off options that will cycle daily without having to reset.
PROS
Turns two lamps, fans, appliances, seasonal lighting, ac units and other devices on and off at your set desired times saving you energy and deterring crime when you are away from home.
The timer allows you to set on and off times at 30 minute intervals for a total of 48 on/off options that will cycle daily without having to reset.
Features 2 grounded outlets and a convenient override switch at the top of the timer allowing you to use your lights or devices manually when needed.
The plug-in mechanical timer is intended for indoor use only. LED, CFL, incandescent and halogen bulb compatible.
CONS
None!
Fosmon Digital Timer Outlet - Best Overall
color : White
The Fosmon 24-hour outlet timer is a great way to automate your home. Simply plug in the timer and let it control your devices following your daily schedule. You are also able to manually turn the outlet on/off using the MODE button. The timer is great for holiday/Christmas decorations, patio lights, heaters, lamps, fans, and aquariums.
The digital timer is quiet, and the large numbers are very easy to read. Programming your schedule is easy and quick. The timer comes with a backup battery that will keep all the settings for more than 100 hours when external power is not available.
The electrical outlet timer is rated 125V/15A, and compatible with incandescent, CFL, and LED lights. The polarized 2-prong outlet reduces your chance of getting electrical shock. The light timer is certified by ETL, FCC, and RoHS.
The outlet timer only occupies one socket. You are able to use two timers in duplex outlets, or leave the neighboring socket available to other devices. The low profile, side-entry plug design makes the timer fit behind furniture or in other hard-to-reach areas.
Join millions of satisfied customers with our limited lifetime warranty, backed by our experienced and dedicated USA based customer service.
PROS
-Programmable -Comes with backup battery -Easy to use -Safe and reliable -Space saving -Limited lifetime warranty
CONS
-Some people found the timer difficult to program
Clear Power Indoor Timer – Best Overall
color : White
The Clear Power Indoor Timer is a 24 hour mechanical timer that can be programmed in 30 minute time intervals. The timer has an override switch to bypass the timer and manually turn off the connected item. The timer also has a reversed ground pin to enable use with right angle and oversized transform plugs. The Clear Power Indoor Timer is compact and portable to save space. The timer works with incandescent, compact fluorescent and LED light sources.
PROS
Allows for up to 48 on/off options in a 24hr period
Easy to operate
Can be used with right angle and oversized transform plugs
Compact and portable design
CONS
Indoor use only
Cannot be used with outdoor lights
DEWENWILS 2 Pack Light Timer - Best for Lights
color : White
size : Indoor A
The Dewenwils light timer is a great way to schedule your devices. With the fully programmable timer setting, you can turn on/off your devices at a minimum of 30-minute intervals in a 24-hour cycle. The 2 grounded outlets allow you to plug in two cords simultaneously. The light timers are ideal for using with your lamps, Christmas Tree & Lights, fish, bearded dragon tanks, and holiday decorations. The lamp timers are also great for automatically turning your electrical devices on and off at the selected and scheduled time, saving your energy and electrical bill for your home or office.
PROS
-Programmable -2 grounded outlets -ETL listed -Durable construction -1 year warranty
CONS
-Not weatherproof
BN-LINK Compact Outdoor Mechanical Timer – Best Overall
color : Heavy Duty
size : Waterproof
The BN-LINK Compact Outdoor Mechanical 24 Hour Programmable Dual Outlet Timer is an easy to use timer for your outdoor devices. With two 3-prong grounded outlets, you can use this timer with devices like Christmas lights, fountain timers, pool pumps, patio and yard lights, as well as holiday decorations. The timer is easy to set with 15 minute intervals and 48 setting options in a 24 hour period. The timer is also ETL listed and conforms to UL standards.
PROS
Two outlets
Easy to set up
Programmable
Waterproof
Heavy duty
CONS
None!
G-Homa Timers for Electrical Outlets - Best Budget Timer
color : White
size : 4 Outlets
G-Homa Timers for Electrical Outlets 4 Packs,24 Hour Indoor Plug-in Mechanical Timer,30 Minute Intervals, Daily On/Off Cycle,1 Polarized Outlet, for Grow Light,Christmas Lights, Lamps ( ETL Listed)
The G-Homa outlet timer comes in a 4-pack for your convenience. It is an easy to use product that is perfect for automating your home. The outlet timer is intended for indoor use and can be used with LED, Christmas tree lights, lamps, plant lights, coffee machines, fans, and other 15A High Power home appliances.
This outlet timer is ETL approved for safety and quality assurance. It is made with fireproof ABS material and has a durable construction. The G-Homa outlet timer has a 1 year warranty and comes with professional customer service.
PROS
4-pack outlet timer for indoor use only
Easy to use
Automates your home
Energy-saving
ETL approved
1 year warranty
CONS
Not for outdoor use
DEWENWILS Digital Timers for Electrical Outlets - Best Overall
color : White
The Dewenwils digital timer for electrical outlets is easy to program and has a large, bold display for easy reading. The slim design of the timer fits in the space of one outlet without impacting other plugs being inserted in the duplex outlet. The timer is suitable for lamps, Christmas lights or decorations, small home appliances, and more. The timer has a backup battery that saves your timer settings in the event of a power outage or temporarily disconnected from the outlet.
PROS
Easy to program
Space saving
Bigger digital screen
Convenient to use
CONS
Only one polarized outlet
Buyer Guide:timers for electrical outlets
Top 5 Timers for Electrical Outlets
There are many different timers on the market that can be used in electrical outlets. It can be difficult to figure out which timer is best for your needs, so here are five of the top timers for electrical outlets.
- Belkin Conserve Insight Timer
The Belkin Conserve Insight Timer is a great choice for those who want to save energy. This timer can be programmed to turn off electronics completely or to enter standby mode after a set amount of time. It also has a built-in display that shows how much energy is being conserved by using the timer.
- Philips Hue Dimmer Switch and Timer
The Philips Hue Dimmer Switch and Timer is perfect for those who want to have more control over their lighting. This timer can be used to schedule when lights turn on and off, as well as dimming them to create the perfect atmosphere. It connects to Philips Hue’s smart home system, so it can be controlled with voice commands or with an app on your smartphone.
- iHome iSP8 SmartPlug with Energy Monitoring
The iHome iSP8 SmartPlug with Energy Monitoring is a great option for those who want to save money on their energy bills. This timer can track how much power each appliance uses, so you can see which devices are costing you the most money. It also has a built-in USB port so you can charge your devices without having to unplug them.
- TP-LINK Wi-Fi Smart Plug with Energy Monitoring
The TP-LINK Wi-Fi Smart Plug with Energy Monitoring is a great way to keep an eye on your energy usage. This timer allows you to monitoring real-time power and energy use of any plugged-in device from anywhere in the world using the TP-LINK Kasa app. It also comes with a scheduling feature so you can have your appliances turn on or off at specific times during the day. 5 NEST Learning Thermostat (3rd Gen)
One of the most popular smart home devices on the market today is the NEST Learning Thermostat (3rd Gen). This thermostat not only saves you money on your energy bills, but it also learn your habits over time and program itself accordingly. It has many other features such as remote temperature control, auto-away mode, and voice control capabilities with Amazon Echo devices.
The Best Time to Buy a Timer for an Electrical Outlet
There are many occasions where you might need a timer for an electrical outlet. Maybe you want to time the baking of a cake, or the length of time your child is playing on their phone. In any case, timing is everything!
There are many factors to consider when purchasing a timer for an electrical outlet. One of the most important factors is the time it takes for the timer to go off after it has been activated. You also need to consider how accurate the timer is, as well as how durable it is likely to be.
There are many different types of timers on the market, but the best type of timer to buy for an electrical outlet is a digital timer. Digital timers are extremely accurate and can be set down to the exact second. They also have a long battery life, so you can use them over and over again.
When looking for a digital timer, make sure that you find one with a loud alarm. This will ensure that you hear the alarm when it goes off, even if you are in another room. The best time to buy a digital timer for an electrical outlet is during Black Friday or Cyber Monday sales. You can usually find timers at a discounted price during these sales events.
Top 10 Bestselling Timers for Electrical Outlets
There are a lot of different timers on the market these days for electrical outlets. Here is a list of the top 10 bestselling timers for electrical outlets.
1) Intermatic ET120C Electronic Countdown Timer - This timer allows you to program it to turn on and off at different times. It also has a countdown feature so you can see how much time is left before it turns off.
2) Woods WTT-3 Wireless Timer - This timer lets you set it to turn on and off automatically based on sunrise and sunset. It also has a manual override if you need to turn it on or off manually.
3) Leviton 58610-1 Hour Spring Wound Timer - This timer is simple to use and has an adjustable dial for setting the time. It also has a polarized plug for safety.
4) Marathon Rotating 3-Outlet Grounded Timer - This timer has three outlets that rotate, making it perfect for larger items. It also has a manual override switch in case you need to change the timing settings.
5) Honeywell RCHT5009WHL Wireless Programmable 7-Day Timer - This timer can be programmed to turn on and off at different times each day of the week. It also has an LCD display that shows the current time and status.
6) GE EnergySmart digital timer - This timer turns off your electronics when they're not in use, saving you energy and money. It can be programmed to turn on and off up to 6 times per day.
7) Belkin Conserve Insight Energy Monitoring Timer - This timer helps you track your energy usage, so you can make adjustments to save even more energy. It works with all types of electronics and appliances. 8) Woods 59715WD Outdoor 24-Hour Mechanical Timer - This timer is perfect for outdoor use, as it is weatherproof and features a battery backup in case of power outages. It also includes an override switch in case you need to change the timing settings. 9) InnoGear Solid State WiFi Smart Plug Mini - This smart plug plugs into any outlet and lets you control your electronics remotely with your smartphone or tablet. You can set schedules, timers, and more with this plug. 10) iHome iSP5 Wi-Fi SmartPlug with Energy Monitoring - like the Belkin Conserve Insight, this smartplug helps you track your energy usage so you can save money on your electric bill. It can be controlled remotely with your smartphone or tablet, and works with most electronics
What to Look for When Buying a Timer for an Electrical Outlet
If you are in the market for a timer to plug into an electrical outlet, there are a few things you should keep in mind. The first is what type of timer you need. There are two main types: mechanical and digital. Mechanical timers have a dial that you turn to set the time, while digital timers have buttons that allow you to input the time.
The second thing to consider is how long the timer will be on for. Most timers have a range of 1 minute to 24 hours, but there are some that go up to 72 hours. If you need a timer for a specific purpose, make sure to find one that will work for what you need.
The third consideration is the voltage of the timer. Most timers are designed for 120 volts, but there are some that work with 240 volts. If your appliance requires a higher voltage than what the timer can provide, it will not work properly.
Finally, consider price and brand when looking for a timer for an electrical outlet. Consider how often you will use the timer and whether or not price is a factor. There are many affordable timers available, but there are also some high-end ones if you want something more luxurious. Brand can be important too, as some brands have better reputations than others.
Once you know what type of timer you need and what features it should have, it’s time to start shopping! Here are five of our favorite timers for electrical outlets:
1) Honeywell RTH6580WF Wi-Fi Enabled Programmable Thermostat with Timer: This thermostat has a built-in timer so that you can program it to turn on or off at certain times. It also has Wi-Fi capability so that you can control it remotely from your phone or computer.
2) Ingersoll Rand 309 spiritual daily double Timer: This mechanical timer has two dials so that you can set two different times simultaneously. It’s perfect for things like watering plants or turning on lights in the morning and evening.
3) Marathon Electric CL25T Easy Read Digital Grounded Socket Timer: This digital timer is easy to use – just press the buttons to input the time – and it has an LCD screen that displays the time clearly. It’s also grounded for safety.
4) Woods WSGTRLCD Dual Outlet Grounded Digital Timer: This digital timer has two outlets, which makes it perfect for appliances that require two different times (like a coffee maker and microwave). The screen is large and easy to read, and it has an automatic shut-off feature so that your appliances don’t stay on all day long.
5) Leviton VRI06-1LZ Vizia RF + 600W Digital Incandescent Dimmer with Timer: This dimmer switch comes with a built-in timer so that you can create custom lighting scenes throughout the day or set schedules for your appliances automatically. It works with most dimmable incandescent light bulbs and operates on 120 volts
How to Choose the Right Timer for an Electrical Outlet
If you are looking for a timer to plug an electrical appliance into, there are a few factors you need to consider to make sure you choose the right one. The first is the type of timer you need. There are two types: digital and mechanical.
A digital timer is easy to use - all you have to do is set it and push the button to start it. They usually have a beeping noise when time is up so you don't forget. However, they can be more expensive than mechanical timers.
A mechanical timer is less expensive and usually has a dial that you turn to set the time. There is also a lever that pops out when time is up, which makes a ticking noise until it's pushed back in. While they may be less precise than digital timers, they are still very accurate.
The next thing you need to consider is how many outlets the timer will control. Some timers only have one outlet, while others have multiple outlets. If you have more than one appliance that needs to be timed, you'll want to choose a timer with multiple outlets.
The last factor to consider is what type of electrical outlet the timer will plug into. Timers come in two types: grounded and ungrounded. If your electrical outlet isn't grounded, you'll need a timer that plugs into an ungrounded outlet. If your outlet is grounded, then either type of timer will work.
Once you've considered these factors, choosing the right timer for your needs will be easy!
Frequently Asked Question
What is a timer for electrical outlet?
A timer for an electrical outlet is a tool that allows you to control when your electronic devices are turned on or off. They come in a variety of shapes and sizes, but all do the same job: turning power to your devices on or off according to a preset schedule.
Types of timers
There are several different types of timers available on the market, but they can generally be broken down into two categories: digital and analog.
Digital timers are powered by batteries and use a digital clock to program when your device should turn on or off. Analog timers use a rotary dial to program your desired time, and are powered by standard AC current.
How do timers work?
Timers work by connecting to an electrical outlet and programming the desired time into the timer. Once the timer is set, it will automatically turn on or off your device according to the programmed time. Some timers also have an automatic Daylight Savings Time adjustment, which will change the time automatically based on the current date.
How does a timer for electrical outlet work?
Most people know that you can get a timer for electrical outlets at the store, but may not know how they work. A timer for an electrical outlet is a device that is used to turn power off and on to an appliance or device. They are usually used to save energy or money. The timer will turn the power off after a set amount of time has passed. This is usually done when the person is not using the device or when they are asleep.
There are two main types of timers for electrical outlets- digital and mechanical. The digital timer will turn the power off and on using a digital clock. The mechanical timer uses a rotary dial to turn the power off and on.
The most common type of timer for electrical outlets is the digital timer. They are easy to use and can be programmed to turn the power off at different times. Most digital timers have a battery backup, so if there is a power outage, the timer will still work.
Digital timers can also be set to turn the power on and off at different times of the day. This is called a schedule timer. For example, you can have your coffee maker come on every morning at 6:00am. You can also set it to turn off in the evening so you don’t have to worry about forgetting to turn it off yourself.
There are also smart timers that can be controlled by your smartphone or other mobile devices. These timers allow you to control lights, appliances, and other devices from anywhere in the world. Smart timers are great for vacation homes or businesses where you may not be able to be there in person to turn things off and on.
No matter what type of timer you choose, they all work in basically the same way. The timer will plug into an outlet and then the appliance or device will plug into the timer. When the time is up, the timer will either automatically shut off the power or it will send a signal to turn it off.
What are some benefits of using a timer for electrical outlet?
When it comes to managing and organizing your home, there are many different techniques that can be used in order to make things more efficient. One of these techniques is using timers for electrical outlets.
There are a number of benefits to using timers for your outlets. For one, timers can help you save money on your electricity bill. By programming the timer to turn off or down the power to electronics devices when they are not in use, you can decrease the amount of energy being consumed. In addition, timers can also help you stay safe. For example, if you are using an appliance that gets hot when in use, like a hair dryer, you can set a timer to remind you to turn it off after a certain amount of time has passed. This will help avoid potential fire hazards.
Another benefit of using timers is that it can help to create a more organized and structured home. For example, if you have set times for when different devices should be turned on and off, then it will be easier for everyone in the household to know what is going on and when they need to do things. This can be especially helpful for families with children who are still learning about time management.
Overall, there are many benefits to using timers for electrical outlets in your home. They can help save money, stay safe, and create a more organized environment. If you are looking for a way to improve your home management skills, then using timers is definitely something worth considering!