Timer switch that also has simple on/off option

[joemly]

Does anyone know of a simple toggle switch that allows one to turn a light on or off, but also has a timer option (for a short period of time, 10 minutes or so). Intermatic used to make one - a toggle with 3 positions: on, off, and 10 minute timer. My customer would like the option to turn a light fully on, but also in some cases only wants to have it on the timer. All I can think of that's out there are digital timers, but those require much more programming than is needed in this case.

Any ideas would be welcome.

Many thanks,

Joanna

 

[ronaldrc]

I have never seen such a switch. If you can't find one then you could parallel
a mechanical timer and a SP switch in a double box.

Lowes use to carry the mechanical timers I used them on tanning bed
stations a lot. They started at something like 5 mins and went on up
untill about 1 hour.

 

[ActionDave]

I have never seen such a switch.

Me neither, but if anyone has please post.

If you can't find one then you could parallela mechanical timer and a SP switch in a double box.

Done this more than once. Works great. The outside light can stay on as long as desired, but when necessary, the old man can spend the evening out in the shop or barn away from all the nagging, turn the dial and stumble home after the missus is in bed and the light doesn't have to stay on all night.

 

[svh19044]

What do you mean more programming? The following is digital, per say, and not a toggle, but I would believe fits what you want to do.

The Lutron Maestro Countdown Timer is either a 30 minute or 60 minute countdown timer, with 5 minute increments on the 30 minute and 5/10/15/30/45/60 on the 60 minute.

A simple tap twice puts the "timer" to a constant "ON" position indicated by the top label/LED on the switch. Tap the switch again and it turns off.

There is no "programming" required. Does something like that work for your application? I use these in every bathroom that I do, including my own for the fan. The are rated for a 600w load for lighting. The 60 minute timer is part number MA-T51-(color, so wh=white, iv=ivory, or any of the infinite choices from Lutron). The 30 minute is MA-T530G-(color).

 

[svh19044]

I should also add that if you get the 30 minute timer, you can set the countdown feature to 10 minutes. If you turn the switch on manually by double tapping, the countdown feature will remain with the single tap.

If you preset the countdown to 15 minutes, it will stay on 15 minutes.

Turning on manually does not change your preset countdown, as in, you tap the switch twice, the light stays on as long as you want. You tap the switch and turn it off. You tap the switch one time and the switch goes back in to timer mode, at the preset amount of time. Rinse, repeat.

 

[joemly]

Thank you, svh19044. That would serve my purposes perfectly. Actually, after I posted my inquiry, and before I saw your posts, I took another look at those 30- and 60- minute timers and noticed that they did have the option to choose constant ON. I had just assumed they were like the rotary dial timers. I have since found that Leviton, Intermatic and Pass & Seymour also make something similar to the Lutron one you describe.

Many thanks,
Joanna

 

[kwired]

Thank you, svh19044. That would serve my purposes perfectly. Actually, after I posted my inquiry, and before I saw your posts, I took another look at those 30- and 60- minute timers and noticed that they did have the option to choose constant ON. I had just assumed they were like the rotary dial timers. I have since found that Leviton, Intermatic and Pass & Seymour also make something similar to the Lutron one you describe.

Many thanks,
Joanna

Intermatic spring wound timers have some models with a hold feature that will accomplish the same thing if you want simple.

 

[Jraef]

Does anyone know of a simple toggle switch that allows one to turn a light on or off, but also has a timer option (for a short period of time, 10 minutes or so). Intermatic used to make one - a toggle with 3 positions: on, off, and 10 minute timer. My customer would like the option to turn a light fully on, but also in some cases only wants to have it on the timer. All I can think of that's out there are digital timers, but those require much more programming than is needed in this case.

Any ideas would be welcome.

Many thanks,

Joanna

Years ago Hubbell used to make a timed switch, it had a little pneumatic bellows on it and you would flip it on, then the bellows would flip it back off off after the preset time, which you ajusted behind the cover plate with a screw. It was a center off type switch, so if I remember correctly flipping it up was constant on, center off, and flipping it down was timed on, return to center. I don't see them anywhere now though.

I thought this was cool when I was looking though. In fact I may get them for my bathrooms. Big button is constant on-off, smaller buttons are various times.

 

[Jraef]

Oops, here is is, it was further on in the catalog. Looks like P&S version is no longer pneumatic, but the same idea.

 

[dwellselectric]

I use this one and it works great. They make them in single pole and 3 way.
http://www.amazon.com/Pass-Seymour-Legrand-White-7-Button/dp/B003GVGJ3C

 

[cowboyjwc]

Someone used to make a switch plate that had a timer in it, so if you didn't turn off the lights they would go off at a preset time, then you had to turn the switch off and back on again. But to tell you the truth I haven't seen one of those in over 20 years.

 

[marti smith]

I should also add that if you get the 30 minute timer, you can set the countdown feature to 10 minutes. If you turn the switch on manually by double tapping, the countdown feature will remain with the single tap.

If you preset the countdown to 15 minutes, it will stay on 15 minutes.

Turning on manually does not change your preset countdown, as in, you tap the switch twice, the light stays on as long as you want. You tap the switch and turn it off. You tap the switch one time and the switch goes back in to timer mode, at the preset amount of time. Rinse, repeat.

I love your code forum background.

 

[M4gery]

I thought this was cool when I was looking though. In fact I may get them for my bathrooms. Big button is constant on-off, smaller buttons are various times.

View attachment 5997

HEY!

Sorry, I just wanted to get your attention. I use these timers, the big button isn't constant on/off, it is simply an easier way to turn the device on to whatever timer was used last (the time with the green light next to it). I don't want you to buy it and be disappointed.