The 10 Best Programmable Timer Switches
Editor's Notes
December 02, 2020:
It was a relatively tame round of updates, with the majority of last round’s picks still being in good standing, but we did find a few places to brush up on things.
We removed the Century Neutral Wire, which was experiencing some availability issues, and eliminated the Woods 59020, noting that our list already included a virtually identical option that was being offered at a more affordable price. We also replaced the MyTouchSmart 26893 with the MyTouchSmart 33861, which shares a similar aesthetic with the 26893, but offers a maximum of eight programmable events, compared to just two, as well as a convenient countdown function.
The last option we decided on removing was the SWE AutoChron, purely because it was priced so expensively. We hated to see it go, because we felt that the AutoChron – a battery-powered model that installs over top of an existing switch – presented a nice option for users who aren’t comfortable with hardwired installations, but for the price it was offered, there’s a good chance you could hire a professional to install a permanent model and windup with a slicker installation at less cost. As a replacement, we added the Switchmate SnapOn to our list — a battery-powered Wi-Fi- switch that uses magnets to latch on to your existing switch. The SnapOn does require a smartphone to program it, which some users will see as a major drawback, but it still presents a budget-friendly means of programming a light without doing any electrical wiring.
Our other new additions this time around were the UltraPro 41092 — a simple, analog model that some users on a budget may find suitable; and the BN-Link BND-60/U110a-1 — a basic countdown timer that includes a handy daily-repeat function.
If you personally feel comfortable installing your new switch, there’s a good chance that your local bylaws permit it, but please: make sure that’s the case, and if it is, make sure that the appropriate circuit breaker is set to the off position before proceeding with the install. If you have any concerns or apprehensions, we strongly recommend consulting a reputable, licensed electrician.
December 11, 2018:
We considered quality, affordability, and ease of use when making our selections. The Topgreener Astronomic, Intermatic Self Adjusting, and Leviton Vizia have astronomical clocks that automatically adjust to your local sunrise and sunset times, so you can schedule your lights to turn on as soon as it gets dark, and several models on our list have a one-touch daylight savings time feature. We also included the SWE AutoChron as an option that doesn't require any wiring.