Electronics

[sarahpanda]

Is there a timer made that I could use to start my percolator?  It takes so long for the coffee to 'perk' in the mornings, I just thought if I could plug it into a timer, it would be ready when I got out of bed.  I've looked on Amazon and it's pretty confusing.  I saw one that said your appliance needs to be in the 'on' position to use the timer....My percolator doesn't have an 'on' position, you just plug it in and it starts. TIA

[Desertdi]

Amazon has a selection of them:

[JeanLouiseFinch]

The "on" position is essentially automatic on your percolater when you plug it into the outlet, and not like other pots and coffeemakers that actually have an on/off switch.  The timer is the go-between, between the wall outlet and the appliance.  If the appliance wasn't in the "on" position, or always on like yours, the "off" position would block the electricity from engaging and the timer couldn't do it's job to start whatever is hooked up.  You don't have to worry about that because when your pot is plugged in, it's always  "on" and the timer becomes your on/off switch. Does that make sense?  

Amazon has a bunch of options.  Look for a small electric outlet timer.  You plug the pot in one end of the timer and the timer gets plugged into the outlet.  Set the timer for the period of time you want the coffeepot to be on.  Pay attention to AM or PM.  Sometimes there will be color coded dials for that or there will be push button digital options. Your percolater will brew on schedule and remain on until the timer shuts off.  The power will be disrupted and it will turn the coffeepot off.  

[Group 5 minus 1]

We have a timer on our perc. and coffee is ready when we wake up. Any timer will work,just read the instructions.

[CAcableGirl2]

@sarahpanda  Any timer should work, I've seen them for about $5 at a hardware store.  Just adjust the time that you want it your appliance to be on and turn off (usually by a dial or by pushing buttons down), plug it in and have it in the timer position (usually a "on" and a "timer") switch on the top.

I use timers for several lights in my house, so I don't have to turn them on and off each evening.

[gardenman]

Smart plugs also can work as timers and tend to be reliable. Whatever you choose make sure it's rated for the power of your percolator. Percolators are often pretty power hungry. Most use around 800 watts, but some use more. A timer made to turn on and off lights is typically made for lower-wattage use. There aren't a lot of 800-watt light bulbs out there. 

[cjm61]

Oh my, @sarahpanda , I love your post because I haven't heard the word "percolator" in years. My grandma always said it but I didn't even know it was still in use. Hope you find the timer you need. 

[geezerette]

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@Desertdi wrote:

Amazon has a selection of them:

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@sarahpanda 

The following is another version of the same brand.  I couldn't past the photo, but it shows a coffee pot as one of the appliances you can use it with.  They also have a digital version.  Amazon.

BN-LINK Heavy Duty Mechanical 24 Hour Timer Dual Outlet 3-Prong Accurate Indoor for Lamps Fans Christmas Lights White AC 1875W 1/2 HP, UL Listed

[hckynutjohn]

@sarahpanda 

There are a lot of electronics that do not have an ON/OFF switch or toggle. It is essentially always ON. 

Every AC only powered electronic, needs AC juice to turn ON. Any timer set in the OFF position has no AC power running through it.

Plug your Percolator into any AC Plugged In timer/Set Start Time, and you are done. 

hckynut  🇺🇸

[sarahpanda]

Thanks to all - you have been very helpful and I think I am well educated on 'timers' now ...many thanks !