Best outlet/fan timers

[firefoot]

I did a search but there was a lot to look through so I thought I’d just ask directly.

I am looking for the best/most reliable/cheap-ish outlet timers for the fans in my shed. The shed is the overhang on the barn so the outlets are on a switch (two outlets on either short side on one switch).

I would like to set the timer to have either a) two windows of time (like 6:30AM-9:30AM and 5PM-9PM) OR b) one window of time (6:30AM-9PM) where I can just switch the outlets off when I bring the horses in and turn it on when they go out and the timer resumes it’s place in the cycle.

With the second option, I wonder if turning the outlet off will reset the outlet timer such that I’ll have to manually reset it every time. I’ve never used outlet timers and I want to get the right ones the first time. They will be under a roof and out of reach of the horses but exposed to some dust. I’ve seen the analog “dial” ones and new digital ones.

What are you guys using?

[SCF01]

I’d like to know too.

[Simkie]

I’m going with this:

https://www.amazon.com/Woods-50015WD-Grounded-Automating-Christmas/dp/B006LYHG42

Rated for outdoor use, digital with an internal battery backup, and can set on/off times.

[walkinthewalk]

1. Mine are older and similar to this, except they are 4-outlets, not two.

https://www.lowes.com/pd/PRIME-15-Amp-2-Outlet-Mechanical-Residential-Plug-in-Countdown-Lighting-Timer/4740852

I hate these short cords. If you have to use an extension cord, buy a heavy duty contractor’s extension cord.

2. Yes, if you shut the timer off or have a power failure, you have to manually reset this style timer – I can’t speak to other styles:)

[SCF01]

I always wonder about the safety if these things. My electrician says anytime you plug one thing into another, you risk it heating up (note: that’s my interpretation of what he said )

[DMK]

I have nothing to add, but my handy tip for when the power DOES go out… it really helps to use a sharpie to identify a few key time points (and the arrow on the moveable part of the dial) on the dial, because about the only thing I can see without my glasses (which are not with me when I am in the barn) is where it changes color at 6AM and 6 PM

[Mosey_2003]

I have found the cheap ones from Wal-Mart, the ones with the little pins, not to work at ALL for me. However, the cheap digital ones from Wal-Mart have worked great. They have two on and off times. I think about $13 each. I’m using one for a fan for the chickens right now, I typically use them for lights for the chickens come fall and winter to keep them on 14 hours of light a day.

[clanter]

@Simkie

I’m going with this:

https://www.amazon.com/Woods-50015WD…/dp/B006LYHG42

Rated for outdoor use, digital with an internal battery backup, and can set on/off times.

appears to be a very versatile timer that carries a CSA mark which is equal to a UL or ETL Listing

When I was working in manufacturing one of my duties was to accompany products to be tested by UL…The things they do to insure a product safety are pretty destructive like hitting electronics with 50,000 volts to see what occurs.

The first test is to see if it preforms as designed then they abuse it to a point that at times destroys the item… some survive and continue to function others just stop working without causing any unintended operations

[Simkie]

@Mosey_2003

I have found the cheap ones from Wal-Mart, the ones with the little pins, not to work at ALL for me. However, the cheap digital ones from Wal-Mart have worked great. They have two on and off times. I think about $13 each. I’m using one for a fan for the chickens right now, I typically use them for lights for the chickens come fall and winter to keep them on 14 hours of light a day.

Oh, tell me about your chicken fan! What are you using?

And @clanter you know all sorts of interesting stuff!!

[Mosey_2003]

@Simkie

Oh, tell me about your chicken fan! What are you using?

And @clanter you know all sorts of interesting stuff!!

Just the $19.99 box fan on special at Wal-Mart. In purple I put it in the people door of the coop, on the floor, and it blows toward the pop door. I can’t tell whether they’re afraid of it or just prefer being outside, but by the time I get home from work they’re all huddled in the slice of shade outside the coop :rolleyes: I do think they stand in there during the heat of the day though. It makes me feel better. I left the timer set how it was for the lights, on at 5am and off at 8pm.

[Cynical25]

I use my same outdoor-safe, plug in Christmas light timers for my summer barn fans.