(Part 2) Reddit mentions: The best wall timer switches

I have an Ecobee4 thermostat (although Alexa doesn’t work as well for me as I hoped) w/ Ecobee remote sensors mounted in every room. Not only is this great for managing the temp in the house overall, but now I can include temp changes in my automations and geo-fencing.

In addition, although I find them a bit slow to respond when using them as room entry motion sensors, the Ecobee remote sensors are great for automatically turning off the lights when a room is no longer occupied.

I also recently added some non-HomeKit “smarter” switches in my bathroom and laundry room. In the laundry room, I put a simple Lutron (not Caseta) motion sensor switch to auto turn the light on/off when someone comes/goes from the laundry room. Works fantastically, it’s simple, and not too expensive.

In my bathroom, I added three new Lutron (not Caseta) switches.

• 1 is a dimmer w/ motion sensor... I use it for the ceiling fixture to come on automatically at 50% brightness (if the room is dark enough). It also turns the light off automatically.
  
  
• 1 is a fan controller with a built-in timer. This thing is great. I set it to a 30-minute default countdown when turned on. The time can be adjusted from 5-60 minutes. Double tapping the fan switch turns it on until someone turns it off.
  
  
• 1 is a plain switch to control the vanity mirror light bar. Manual on/off... that’s it.
  
  The first two of those switches are far more programmable than I thought... reading the instructions really paid off! :)
  
  The Lutron Claro wall plates are really great as well. They are very clean, simple, and modern looking... and their 2-part design makes it really easy to adjust all your switches for a precision installation (i.e. flush and straight).
  
  In my bedroom, my bedside lamps are controlled by 1 Lutron Caseta lamp dimmer w/ remote. I use the same style Caseta lamp dimmer for a few other standalone lamps... and even used one to automate (just on/off) my outside LED holiday lights last winter (the dimmability of which was fantastic, as they are normally way too bright).
  
  In conclusion, before spending a bunch of money, my advice would be to think carefully about how you/others use certain rooms and if a motion detection switch would suffice or if a more complex automation control is needed. Also... do the math. As others have pointed out, one alternative may be way more cost effective over another when you factor in the number of bulbs and/or switches involved.
  
  One last thing... I am renting a room to a guy who's on a totally different schedule than me and as such, I never knew if he was in his room sleeping or out of the house elsewhere. So... since I had previously added him to my HomeKit household... I use a combination of geofencing with his phone, and the Ecobee motion sensor in his room, to switch on/off a particular lamp when he comes & goes. That way... it's easy for me to know if I need to be quiet, or if I can rock out with my socks out.
  
  *EDIT: Added a bunch of links and more...

I calculated an 80 gallon tank because they might be needed to last the day in some houses with more people. Some heat loss will occur through the day but if you insulate your pipes and add an extra layer of insulation to your tank (blanket, pipe sleeve insulation or some left over wall insulation if you have) that would really help and save a bit more as well. In BC we don't (yet) have time of use pricing but 19c/kwh is too high to pay! I hope this helps and please let me know if you do this and you have good success! If you have no success don't tell me! :P

Geoff


Here are the links

This is the excel file link so you can check things out


The 240V timers you can buy (I am not sponsored or making any money off this)

https://www.amazon.ca/Intermatic-T104-208-277-Volt-Mechanical-Switch/dp/B000BQOX88/ref=pd_bxgy_328_img_3?ie=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=S5WHSM1R18K98E1X1NJJ

https://www.amazon.ca/GE-15164-24-Hour-Outdoor-Mechanical/dp/B00CYVBWYG


And couple how to installation videos

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Tym7jmNtk8

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2tO4grzZ9iU

Not OP, but this should help

First set up your grow room/tent/cabinet, and gather all necessary supplies.

1. Lights
   
   I would normally recommend CMH but that's way overkill in price for this grow since you don't need much intensity at all.
   
   You can build a CFL rig at very low cost or use LED.
   
   https://growlightinfo.com/best-led-grow-lights-under-100/
   
   You can also use natural light, but keep in mind you need 18hrs light 6hrs dark and then 12/12 in flowering. You'll also want more intensity for a faster grow.
   
   
2. Growing medium.
   
   Hydro would be super effective at this scale, but we want to be frugal and not buy a pump, plus hydro is unforgiving, so we can use soil or rock-wool.
   
   I'd recommend soil, if only for the aesthetic.
   
   https://www.growweedeasy.com/what-soil-is-good-for-growing-cannabis
   
   
3. Timer
   
   https://www.amazon.com/Woods-Mechanical-Grounded-Decorations-Christmas/dp/B006LYHFBQ/ref=mp_s_a_1_12?keywords=timer+mechanical+3+prong&qid=1571085010&sr=8-12
   
   
   
4. Seeds
   
   Attitude or Choice seedbank, they're sister sites, both ship internationally, and you can compare the freebies between sites.
   
   I would recommend indica over sativa for bonsai.
   
   Duck foot strains have a leaf mutation that would be aesthetically pleasing for bonsai.
   
   Anything should work though, and bagseeds are fine.
   
   https://www.cannabis-seeds-bank.co.uk
   
   https://www.choice-cannabis-seeds.com
   
   
5. Nutrients
   
   I use Floranova from General Hydroponics. Make sure you shake the FUCK out of it and also use 30-40% of what the bottle says, and only add it every other watering. You can always put more in next week, but you can't unburn your plant.
   
   
   Once you have supplies,
   
   
   
6. Germinate them seeds
   https://m.wikihow.com/Plant-Cannabis-Seeds-Indoors
   
   
7. Let them grow until you can train them, and use LST
   
   https://www.growweedeasy.com/low-stress-training-lst
   
   
8. Admire your bonsai
   
   
9. Smoke your bonsai
   
   
   Lots of growing info on Reddit and you can join a Discord channel to get quick answers too.
   
   r/nanogrowery
   
   r/microgrowery
   
   r/macrogrowery
   
   
   
   Sorry for any grammar mistakes, I had a TBI from motorcycle accident.

This isn't a magic "bam! you're awake and not going back to sleep!" solution, but it's worked for me.

Get a floor lamp, preferably one like this that allows you to adjust the light direction. Buy the brightest bulb that the lamp can safely use. Put the lamp beside your bed, with the bulb aimed at the head of your bed.

Buy an electronic timer like this. It will turn your lamp on/off at set times. When you set your clock, set the timer for 15 minutes before you're going to wake up.

The lamp will give your body the signal that it's morning and time to begin waking up. If you close your eyes again, it'll be harder to fall asleep again.

Well I super appreciate your help, I just don't want to burn my house down lol If you think this is doable then I'm totally for it, as to me it feels like smarthome equipment would be major overkill for a function as seemingly simple as this, which is why I posted here originally.

Here's what I have right now, the plug kit for the LED strip light plugs into 110v and has a transformer that steps it down to 12V 3A. The transformer has a male DC barrel jack connector that plugs into a female barrel jack connector that's already wired to the LED strip lighting. My idea was to get some 2 wire barrel jack connectors (male and female) and create a sort of inline dongle, with whatever I need in the middle of that to make this operate. Doesn't even need to be a reed switch, as I suppose I could get away with doing this with a motion sensor as well, I just need to somehow control the light when the door is open.

Any help you're willing to provide would be greatly appreciated. Like I said, I am a PC tech but I don't have much experience with wiring diagrams or individual electronic components. I can solder two wires together though lol

EDIT: Hey I just found this with a quick amazon search for 12v inline motion sensor: https://www.amazon.ca/Pooqdo-Automatic-12V-24V-Infrared-Motion/dp/B00YA7O5TG/ref=sr_1_fkmr2_1?s=hi&ie=UTF8&qid=1484606596&sr=1-1-fkmr2&keywords=inline+12v+motion+sensor

Then I'd cut the switch part out of this and wire in the aformentioned motion sensor: https://www.amazon.ca/5-5x2-1mm-Connector-Switch-Black-Single/dp/B00KHSJ9KM/ref=pd_sim_201_5?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=Y8W9D5SXNNRJPC0WS2NS

Given my description above, would this work as I described???

I've also found this item...not sure if this is something I could use? https://www.amazon.ca/Qianson-Digital-Display-Infinite-Switch/dp/B01LVXEU3M/ref=pd_sbs_469_7?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=22KDPMN1HPY3BD83VD9G

Thanks, I've noticed that the Elgoo kit I'm interested in includes a DS3231 module. I appreciate the advice!

In other news, I think I can solve my wife's problem with this:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B076MZQ42P
And this:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B014SGCIR4

So I'll do that-- and then I'll get into Arduino anyway because I like the idea of creating things that work exactly how I want them to work. Surely this will end well.

would what /u/lordfili suggested above work? Do you by chance have any suggestions for a 24 volt timer? I don't need it right away, I am currently getting ready to just enjoy having some temperature control instead of manually turning on and off each burner.

Edit: Would something like this work?

Thanks for your help.

Good advice, but a few more addendums I would leave:

• Instead of leaving your outside lights on 24/7, which thieves may catch on with, and to me , it gives the appearance that someone is on vacation, but some simple programmable timers: https://www.amazon.com/Programmable-Enerlites-HET01-C-Settings-REQUIRED/dp/B01KG712PI/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1499777296&sr=8-3&keywords=timer+light+switch
  for the outside lights. You can adjust them to turn on/off at random times based on day of week, or just at dawn/dusk.
  
  
• On social media, make sure your posts, etc, are friends only, or seriously locked down. Even with friends-of-friends, one of your friends may have a shady neighbor/family member/friend that will see your posts about leaving town.
  
  
• When recycling, remove the labels off your packages from deliveries, and throw them separately. If someone even just glances in your recycle bin, and sees lots of boxes from Amazon, etc, they may just come back and stake out the joint for packages left at the door.
  
• For the vagrants/homeless, if you are walking around town, put a single dollar in your pocket. I'm not advocating giving to everyone that asks for one, but there are occasionally those ones that are clearly off, either mentally, or because they are on drugs, and it's easier to just give a $1 and make a quick exit, than to let it escalate.

Look, it's fine. The hot humid air rises. The cool dry air pulls from the bottom, going up.

Also, consider adding a countdown switch to your bathroom fan. I love mine. Kids were always leaving the fan running.

I grabbed one of these Indoor Countdown Timer after a reddit user suggested it. Pretty great not having to worry.

The battery has a cutoff for itself to prevent damage but it may still wear on the components. Better to be safe than sorry kind of situation I guess?

1. I custom ordered blinds from Home Depot because I have floor to ceiling windows. I ended up not being happy with them. I ordered from a local window place and they made me custom ones that were a lot nicer, cheaper, and included installation. The cheaper sounding option isn't always.
   
   
2. I made the following electronic wiring upgrades myself (really easy to do):
   
   USB ports for friends who come over and want to charge their phones: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00IAZIU5Y?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_search_detailpage
   
   Timer for the shower fan so you don't always leave it on: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B007BJULYS?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o09_s00
   
   Motion activated lights everywhere, esp the closets: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005WM3ALC?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o08_s00
   
   Edit: formatting

Hi! If you're a big DIY person, I found these companies on Amazon called Top Greener and Enerlites where you can install your own light switches. The one that I have all around my house are motion sensor switches and the fan/light timer. So far, I've noticed my bill has gone down. I think it's good because when you program the lights, they basically turn off themselves. Anyway, I'll provide the links if you're interested so you can make a better decision.

https://www.amazon.com/Enerlites-Programmable-Lighting-Vacation-Daylight/dp/B00TSU5GB6

https://www.amazon.com/TOPGREENER-TSOS5-W-Single-Pole-Fluorescent-Incandescent/dp/B015G8VLNA

https://www.amazon.com/Enerlites-Countdown-Ventilation-1-5-10-15-20-30-REQUIRED/dp/B00IB0ZJXE

Best to keep the door closed, or just cracked to keep the humidity in the bathroom where it can be evacuated by the fan. You can get a timer switch for the fan. The mechanical ones are inexpensive and work with all fan types. I set mine to 40 minutes before getting in the shower. The bathroom is mostly dry when the switch times out.

It's a heavy-duty wall timer but it's pretty much impossible to say what it might be controlling. The little steel wedges are the on/off times so maybe pay attention when those hit the little arrow at the top?

If you look at the questions and reviews in that Amazon link here are some possibilities: Whole-house exhaust fan, hot water circulator, bathroom fan, outside lights, etc.

Also lots of reviews complaining of the noise it makes.

Basically what I did was got this fan and connected it to this timer

I didn't use the cord that came with the fan, instead I got a DC cord from Radioshack (you can probably find something cheaper online). I cut the DC plug off the end of the cord, ran that through the drain hole and connected the wires to the fan and taped everything up with electrical tape.

I sealed the drain hole with insulation foam and then covered that with electrical tape for good measure!

I hope that makes sense!

I don't think that one has a countdown feature, but there are many wall installed countdown timers that would be perfect for a bathroom fan (permanently installed)

http://www.amazon.com/Woods-59007-Decora-30-15-10-5-30-Minute/dp/B002KS1DBU

They can even put a timer directly on the power outlet (something like this: https://www.amazon.com/Digital-Programmable-Timer%EF%BC%8C7-Programs-Electrical/dp/B07HH39V97/ref=asc_df_B07HH39V97/) that the machines are plugged into - pretty easy to circumvent by unplugging it, but if the outlets are hidden behind the washing machines, that might be good enough.

If you want dusk/dawn switching and don't live on the equator, you either need a photosensor or you need to go down the full /r/homeautomation route. Sunrise and sunset happen at a different time every day, and there aren't any switches with the sort of location-aware perpetual calendar you'd need to keep track of it. So you can get a light sensor or you can install a smart switch with access to the internet.

The next best option will be a simple timer switch, which should install as easily as any other switch as long as you have a neutral wire in the box. The switching won't always be at exactly the right time, and might need tweaked every month or so, but it won't require daily interaction like a switch.

Ok so what I'd do is use 2 mechanical timers. I say 2 because you wanna slow down the drastic temp difference of all 4 lights turning off at once. When that sudden temp change happens, your room humidity jumps like a mf'er and you increase the risk of mold HUGE. We do all this atmospheric control in our rooms but this is kinda often overlooked. So having a 15 min delay each 'bank' of lights turning off, gives your room time to adjust in temps and the humidity spike doesn't happen.



That's a double pole single throw timer 240v. Double pole cuz you don't want your white to stay hot like some 240 timers do. Can help with wiring if needed.


https://www.amazon.com/15164-24-Hour-Indoor-Outdoor-Mechanical/dp/B00CYVBWYG/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?keywords=double+throw+240v+mechanical+timer&qid=1574604757&sr=8-3

I use these for the fans in my bathrooms, but they'd work for your situation as well, and pretty inexpensive:

Woods 59007WD In-Wall 30-Minute Decora Digital Countdown Timer https://www.amazon.com/dp/B002KS1DBU/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_4UbLAbGF22772

First press is 5 minutes, then consecutive presses moves up to a maximum of 30 minutes, then off.

Two plug-in timers, synchronized and connected to two lights of different wattages. Have the dimmer one come on first. Then, have the dimmer one turn off and the brighter one come on. Then, have the dimmer one come back on with the brighter one still on. Basically like a 3-way lamp.

This is exactly the solution they use for battery powered timers for built-in lightswitches, and it works pretty well. It probably wouldn't be that expensive either.

Install push-button countdown timers for the bathroom fans. Something like this. That way, you can leave it on after you're done showering or using the toilet to clear out moisture and odors and just leave the house. It will turn off automatically after an hour. (You'll also never forget to turn it off even if you are home.) I have one that I use every day and I rarely if ever get mildew in my shower.

The electronic type requires a neutral wire in the switch box, so make sure the electrician wires it that way (not all switch boxes have a neutral since a normal toggle switch doesn't require one).

If you're retrofitting and you find you don't have a neutral, you can still use a mechanical style timer with a dial, but I don't think they look as clean or modern.

Ya know, I just saw it does 9v-15v input on it's 12v power input. That is quite a range of voltage to power this, perfectly in-line with a car's 12v (typically 13.5-14.2 @ idle, 12.5-12.1 @ off).

I suppose one could use a simple 2020 (20v20a) spst switch mounted to the dash to turn power on/off to this system, of which it could be mounted anywhere such as the engine bay, glove box (though pref not), under the dash (pref not again), etc.

The only problem is that it could potentially drain a car's battery flat if you forget to toggle it off.

Let's see... I have a 55Ah 20hr rate car battery which is AGM and can discharge to 40% safely. So that could easily do 15-20 watts for a day (semi-high idle load of the Lattapanda, my high end estimation). So what that easily covers leaving the mini-PC on overnight, possibly even 2 days, that'll cut it really close.

BUT..... We have things called timed relay switches. I could easily wire in a timed relay switch that auto-engages and turns off after 10 hours. EG: https://www.amazon.com/Qianson-Digital-Display-Infinite-Switch/dp/B01LVXEU3M/ref=pd_lpo_vtph_469_lp_t_2?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=4NN1ZT6Q0N6SSKNCCMZK

So you flip a switch on, which powers the relay, which then starts a timer and powers the mini-PC for 10 hours.

Then, after 10 hours, poof, power cut. That would actually work!

HOWEVER....

My vehicle easily has room for a second battery. Not a full truck size battery, but the size of a light passenger vehicle for sure.

I could wire my car's power like this:

Alternator ---> Relay block
Relay block ---> Main car battery (at all times)
--> Isolator to Second car battery (only when accessory has +volt aka car is on)

So when the car is running, it charges second battery. When car is off, the second battery is physically disconnected from the main car battery. In other words, you can never wear out the main car battery. SAFETY!

THEN.... I can draw a small fusebox from the second car battery and patch in the LattePanda directly to that. And more. For example:

Second Car Battery ---> New Fuse Box
New Fuse Box ---> Relay to 3 front-mount switch #1 and #2

-#1 Front Mount Switch (ON) --> Turns 12 power to the LattePanda

-#2 Front Mount Switch (ON) --> Enables power to a nice 100w USB hub (powers multiple devices in the car)

Also, my vehicle already has a 400watt AC power inverter. It current requires the engine to be running, however, I could remove the requirement for an accessory power to enable it to be turned on (thereby allowing it when vehicle is off) and then rewire it to use the second battery.

I could probably also wire in the car stereo to use this new battery, too! This would be a bit different since I am guessing the stereo has an always-on low power connection (to maintain radio saved settings and such) as well as an accessory power relay for fully turning on the stereo. What I could probably do is wire the stereo's main power to flat out use the new battery, and then create an accessory power false on switch. This switch, when toggled, when provide a +volt to the accessory relay, making the stereo think the car is turned on when it is not. Since it is powered by the secondary battery, no issues with draining the main to 0.

POOF!!!

• Now I have a full car computer, running off isolated power battery with no worry about draining my main car battery.
  
• Plus full AC power inside vehicle when auto is off.
  
• Plus full USB power ports in vehicle when power is off.
  
• Plus full car stereo when power is off.
  
  BUT WHY?
  
  Err... I dunno. Play video games while @ Starbucks?

Alright, here is everything in my shopping cart. I think this should cover everything I need, basically everything but PH test liquid and up/down haha(already have those):

General Gear:

• Hanging Clips
  
• Timer
  
• Extra Fan
  
• Carbon Scrubber + Fan
  
• Lights
  
• Tent
  
  Nutes/Grow Medium/Container:
  
  
• CalMag
  
• Canna Coco A+B
  
• 2gal Smart Pot
  
• 5gal Smart Pot
  
• Coco Coir Brick
  
• Perlite
  
• 164 feet of Twist Tie to LST
  
  13 items for a total of literally JUST under $400... Subtotal (13 items): $399.47
  
  Am I missing anything else? Oh shit a drip tray, but I guess I can only buy 5 of this one and can't find one of any that look like they would work for cheaper than 5 of these.
  
  
  Subtotal (14 items): $415.46 now... Am I missing anything else? This all look good?
  
  edit - had to make the bullets format right

Honestly, I leave mine plugged in for days at a time sometimes. They have a protection circuit built in to prevent overcharging. So I would not sweat it. If it's something you want to make your life easier, get yourself one of these. Woods 50030WD Indoor Countdown Timer, 1-Outlet Grounded https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00FSQTSB8/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_Rbtzzb37WRB9R

I think any old light timer would be fine, they are relatively cheap. I think the only two different styles are ones like thisversus fancier digital style. The main difference with the analog one is that the little dial physically rotates around, so you can end up bonking it or flipping the switches (this dictates the light cycle on/off time). That being said, I have the analog one and it works fine, it's just not as "convenient" if you are prone to accidentally touching it i.e. if you use it in a crowded/busy outlet.

Oh, sorry another thing, make sure it has the right prong style (three versus two). The particular analog one I linked has two prong only (I use it for a lamp).

I don't have a window in my room. If you seriously want to solve the situation and not just whore karma, get a lamp timer so that you can time it when there will be light in the room. You can get one for like $15-20 including shipping + tax. Example

It's a timer. The metal tabs are movable and determine on/off cycle of a fan, or something like that. But, usually household vent.

You can get programmable light switches in decora style.

I've installed these a few times and they work just fine, just read the manual for setup and you're good to go.

https://www.amazon.ca/Leviton-VPT24-1PZ-24-Hour-Programmable-Astronomical/dp/B003AIKQZ8

How automated do you want? Do you want it tied into your hub?

If not, a Cheap and old school autochron might fit the bill.


https://www.amazon.com/Woods-59744-Converts-Programmable-Adjustable/dp/B006LYHDYK/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?keywords=autochron&qid=1572827662&sr=8-1

The key is: what are you doing to change it?

You want to sleep at 10 pm - Why don't you set an alarm on your phone to go off at 9:30 pm to remind you to get ready for bed, then another at 10 pm to actually go to bed. You get distracted by the internet? Put your router on a wall timer and the problem will be solved.

If you don't like commuting to your job, start working on moving closer to your job, finding a different job closer to your house or getting promoted. Maybe do all of those things and maybe one will work out.

Did you just take an action? Did you actually just set your alarm or hit the buy button on a wall timer? Did you use padmapper to check if there are any cheap apartments right next to your work? If you didn't you might ask yourself why - setting the alarm is free, could have been done in 30 seconds and you'd probably be happier by tomorrow morning.

That sounds like the easiest way to solve the immediate problem. Can't help much on timers, I've only this one type, and not outdoors: https://www.amazon.com/Autopilot-TM01015-Analog-Grounded-Minute/dp/B0055F53HK

have you looked at things like this which already exist to see if they meet your needs?

It's actually a timed plugin thing. You buy it separately, then it goes into the wall and the lamp plug goes into it. Real cheap, handy for Christmas lights.

Here's some nice ones: http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0020ML73K/ref=aw_1st_sims_3?pi=SS115

Intermatic DT620CL for a plug-in.
Leviton VPT24W for a wire-in.

An astronomical timer would be easier to work with than a DCF77, since it doesn't need an antenna.

> buy a timer switch for the wall

Highly recommend this one

http://www.amazon.com/Lutron-MA-T51MN-WH-Location-Countdown-Switch/dp/B0017PNRVQ/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1427720043&sr=8-2&keywords=lutron+timer

Sure - you need a timer switch. The old rotary ones didn't need a neutral, so they could replace any single-pole light switch. The newer electronic ones need a neutral. Here's a Hubbell-Woods switch that does 5-10-15-30 minutes. There are others that do less than 5 minutes.

Yeah, that's a lot fancier than how I do mine.

Timer

Not bulbs, but there are tons of power strips with built in timers: here is one on amazon

I would advise getting a timer with a cover over the dial, like this one.

There's nothing worse than messing up your light cycle during flowering and having your plant hermie because you bumped the timer.


Do you have plans for seed/soil/nutrients yet?

Try this: https://smile.amazon.com/HiLetgo-Switch-Adjustable-Module-Second/dp/B01DK8NJNI

This might actually work better: https://smile.amazon.com/Adjustable-Switch-Module-Trigger-0-25Seconds/dp/B07DGRQMBM

How you'd want to do it is have the Meross trigger relay feed this device 12v to power it. Don't use the trigger option of this device or it'll actually get more complicated (and potentially open your garage door if the power goes out).

If you wanna go real crazy this is also an option: https://smile.amazon.com/Qianson-Digital-Display-Infinite-Switch/dp/B01LVXEU3M

installed one of these on a bathroom fan two or so months ago... no difference in output or sound that Ive noticed. Might be worth a try for you

Amazon Link

Don't worry about motion and get a timed switch:

Leviton VPT24-1PZ Vizia 24-Hour Programmable Indoor Timer with Astronomical Clock https://www.amazon.com/dp/B003AIKQZ8/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_bTGlybYMQ89WX

I strongly suggest you install this Wall Timer Switch

problem solved

I got this light switch for my outdoor fixture:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003AIKQZ8/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o05_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I really like it. Due to the strange wiring, the switch is on the ceiling in the basement, so I didn't want to have to go downstairs to turn it on or off. I am able to set various programs, but I just keep it to turn on at dusk and off at dawn. Though, this switch will require that you have a neutral wire in your junction box.

Yeah I saw that, he was running at the top end, a full 15 amps. I haven't looked at the vibe tumbler's power requirements (and naturally all the reloading sites are blocked here at work,) but I can't imagine it being more than an amp or two at the most.

I'm thinking of going with this timer anyway, more timing options + a tad less expensive.

Here is the model you linked for sale on the Canadian Amazon. Slightly cheaper, but still not $10.

$21.27 on Amazon.ca

I never left mine on longer than 3 days in a row. I would use mine over the weekend. After 3 years, the power supply burned out. I replaced it with one on Amazon but that didn't last long. I decided to reach out to idea planet, and they had a spare one for me.

https://www.ideaplanetlp.com/black-ops-3-juggernog-fridge

Use it how you want, but I wouldn't recommend leaving it on "the whole time". Turn it off periodically. You could get a timer switch that automates this for you.

Outlet timer: https://www.amazon.com/Digital-Programmable-Timer%EF%BC%8C7-Programs-Electrical/dp/B07HH39V97

Woods 59717WD 60-Minute Decora Style Timer Mechanical Wall Switch (White) https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B001XCWLX8/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_0L2wCb0AV2PHV

Why? You can buy one for less than the cost of an Arduino..

http://www.amazon.com/2001-Outdoor-24-Hour-Mechanical-Outlet/dp/B00002NB2X/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1395720256&sr=8-2&keywords=outdoor+timer

Even one that has up to 24 on/off times per day...

http://www.amazon.com/Woods-50011-Outdoor-24-Hour-Mechanical/dp/B006LYHFBQ/ref=pd_sim_hi_6?ie=UTF8&refRID=0RV65YD4DNDDRKDSHV38

Buy a digital timer for $13 and plug your wireless router into it. Program it to turn off every day at 4:00am and back on at 4:01AM. Your wireless internet will be MUCH more reliable.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00FSQTSB8/ref=cm_sw_r_sms_awdo_t1_ACTdBbGKCDTTS

https://www.amazon.com/Enerlites-Programmable-Required-Settings-Backlight/dp/B00TSU5GB6

This claims to have a full 24 hour countdown.

You should change all their light switches to these

How about a programmable light switch, instead?:

https://www.amazon.com/Enerlites-Programmable-7-Day-18-Backlit-NEUTRAL/dp/B00TSU5GB6

Get what is called an astronomical timer. It will operate totally on solar (sunrise/sunset) time based on the lattiude/longitude coordinates you program in, and should account for DST.

I looked at the Leviton VPT24-1PZ and it should do the trick.

GE 7-Day On/Off Plug In Digital Timer with 1 Outlet https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0035GAXA8/ref=cm_sw_r_other_awd_1q-NwbJNVRB2P

Say you're home at 6pm and leave at 8am. If you want a recipe to cook for 6 hours on low, you'd set it to turn the outlet on at noon and just put the dial to where you want it (high/low)

Or you could just get a crockpot with a timer

I like you, was in a similar position. I debated the manual vs humidity vs motion. I ended up going with an adjustable timer switch.

I just click "30 min", take my shower, and walk away. No regrets.

http://www.amazon.com/Woods-59007-Decora-30-15-10-5-30-Minute/dp/B002KS1DBU/ref=sr_1_5?s=hi&ie=UTF8&qid=1419811824&sr=1-5&keywords=timer+switch

I put one of these in all 3 of my bathrooms, I tell the kids 60 minutes for bath or shower, whatever you want for shits.

I wanted that Philips dawn simulator, but I was a broke grad student in the humanities... so I hacked it with a $15 lamp timer. Not quite as gentle, but did the task!