Timer plug programming in Exeter
Professional timer plug programming services in Exeter and surrounding areas. Local, reliable handyman - no job too small.
Price Guide
£60
Typical Duration
10-20 mins
Location
Exeter, Devon
Timer plugs programmed for your routine. Lamps, heaters, chargers - automated so you don't have to remember. Simple setup that gives security, saves electricity, and makes life easier.
Remember to Switch On? Remember to Switch Off?
You buy a timer plug with good intentions. Automated security lighting when you're on holiday. Table lamp on before you get home. Phone charger off overnight.
Then you look at the instructions. Press MODE three times. Hold SET. Use HOUR and MIN buttons. What's the difference between ON/AUTO/OFF? Why are there two programs showing?
Sod it. Timer goes in the drawer. Lamp stays manually switched.
💡 Pro tip: Timer plugs are brilliant for security - lamps coming on at realistic times makes it look like someone's home. But only if you actually program the things.
Common Uses for Timer Plugs
| Appliance | Why Timer It | Typical Schedule |
|---|---|---|
| Table lamps | Security, coming home to lit house | On at dusk, off at bedtime |
| Christmas lights | Save electricity, avoid forgetting | On 4pm-11pm daily |
| Heated towel rail | Warm towels when needed | On 1hr before morning shower |
| Phone charger | Stop standby drain | Off 6am-10pm (charge overnight only) |
| Aquarium lights | Fish need day/night cycle | On 8am, off 8pm |
| Outdoor lights | Security and convenience | Dusk-dawn or dusk-11pm |
What You Get
🔧 Setup Service
- Timer programmed for your routine
- Tested working correctly
- Shown how to override if needed (boost/manual modes)
- Written schedule left with you
📦 Multiple Timers Done
- All timer plugs programmed in one visit
- Each set for different schedule if needed
- Holiday mode explained (lamps random times)
✅ Automated Living
- Lights on when you need them
- Security when you're away
- Lower electricity bills
- One less thing to remember
Types of Timers
Mechanical timers (dial with pins):
- Simple, reliable, cheap
- Push pins in for "on" times
- Repeats same pattern daily
- Manual adjustment for BST/GMT
Digital timers (LCD screen, buttons):
- Multiple programs possible
- Different weekday/weekend schedules
- Auto BST/GMT adjustment (some models)
- Confusing as hell to program
I've used them all. I'll make yours work.
Pricing
| Job | Time | You'll Pay |
|---|---|---|
| Program 1-3 timer plugs | 10-20 mins | £60 |
| Multiple complex schedules | 20-30 mins | £60 |
Based on £60 minimum callout. I'll do all your timer plugs in one visit - brings the per-timer cost right down.
Perfect For...
✅ Security lighting - lamps on realistic times when away
✅ Elderly help - can't remember to switch things on/off
✅ Save electricity - chargers off when not needed
✅ Convenience - warm towels, lights on when home
Why Choose Us for Timer plug programming in Exeter?
Lights on when you need them
Security when you're away
No more forgetting to switch off
Lower electricity bills
What to Expect
Step 1: Understand Your Routine
Talk through what you want automated and when. Work routine, bedtime, holiday patterns, whatever matters.
Step 2: Program Timers
Set up each timer plug with your schedule. Test it cycles correctly.
Step 3: Explain & Demonstrate
Show you the override controls (manual on/off if you need to break schedule), leave written schedule for reference.
🔧 DIY Tips
Want to program your own timer plugs? Here's the secret to not giving up:
🔧 For mechanical timers (easy)
- Each segment on dial = 15 or 30 minutes
- Push pins IN for times you want power ON
- Leave pins OUT for power OFF
- Turn dial to current time
- Switch to "AUTO" mode (not ON or OFF)
- Done - it'll repeat this pattern daily
🔧 For digital timers (harder)
Most follow this pattern (but check your manual):
- Plug in timer - will show clock flashing
- Set current time - usually CLOCK button + HOUR/MIN
- Set program 1 - TIMER button, then HOUR/MIN for ON time
- Confirm program 1 - press TIMER again
- Set program 1 OFF - HOUR/MIN for OFF time
- Repeat for programs 2,3,4 - if needed
- Switch to AUTO mode - not ON or OFF
⚠️ Common DIY frustrations
- Tiny buttons, fat fingers
- Can't read microscopic screen
- Manual written in Chinglish
- Accidentally clearing program halfway through
- Not understanding AUTO vs ON vs OFF modes
💡 Pro trick: Once programmed, take a photo of the timer showing the schedule. If it gets unplugged or battery dies, you know what schedule to reprogram without starting from scratch.
Rather leave it to a pro? No problem - that's what I'm here for. Give me a call.
Good to Know
👴 Elderly or poor eyesight? Digital timer screens and buttons are ridiculously small. No shame in getting help - these things are designed by sadists. Once set, you never need to touch it again.
Battery backup: Some digital timers have backup batteries that maintain the schedule during power cuts. Others lose everything. Check yours - if it needs backup battery, keep spare.
Holiday mode: Some fancy timers have "random" mode - lamps come on at slightly different times each day to simulate someone home. Perfect for security when you're away.
Running costs: A 60W table lamp on a timer, running 4 hours/night instead of forgotten on 24/7, saves about £40/year in electricity. Timer pays for itself quickly.
Frequently Asked Questions
What can you use timer plugs for?
Anything that plugs in - table lamps for security when you're away, heated towel rails on before morning showers, phone chargers off overnight to save standby power, Christmas lights on at dusk. Automation for things you forget to do manually.
Are modern digital timers confusing to set?
Yes, they're bloody awful. Tiny buttons, microscopic screens, instructions that make no sense. I set up these things regularly so I've learned the quirks. Once programmed, you never need to touch it again - just works.
Can you set different times for weekdays vs weekends?
Most modern digital timers allow this. Great for things like lamps - on earlier on work nights, later on weekends when you're home. I'll program it however you want your routine.
What about British Summer Time changes?
Depends on the timer. Cheap mechanical ones you adjust manually twice a year (I can show you how). Decent digital ones auto-adjust. I'll set them up and explain which type you've got.
I've got 3 timer plugs all needing programming - will you do them all?
Absolutely - once I'm there and understand your timers, programming multiples is quick. All done in one visit, same callout fee.
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Got multiple jobs?
Make the most of your first hour - I can often tackle several small tasks in one visit. List everything you need done when you call!
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