Light switch with timer

[RatLabGuy]

OK this seems like an easy, dumb question but I can't find it.
I need a light switch that works like a normal switch, but has a timer so it automatically turns off after X mins (e.g. 30). NOT a motion detector type.
Key is that the timer setting isn't just an obvious button on the front, but is manually set inside (or remotely programmed since everything is wifi/BT etc these days).

Where would I look?

 

[XJsavage]

AC or DC?
If AC, look for a timer for a sprinkler system.

 

[RatLabGuy]

AC or DC?
If AC, look for a timer for a sprinkler system.

AC.
I need a normal light switch (or button) like in a bathroom.

 

[Lizooki]

KASA smart light switch HS200
15 bucks on Amazon and it pretty much does what you asked for.
I basically googled "smart light switch".
In case you want to look at such things and alternatives.
Looks like you literally just replace your current light switch.

 

[ponykilr]

My buddy Don’s ranch house in CO (ranch is under contract so this coming trip will be my last one ) has a timer on the bathroom fans. It’s the old mechanical twist to set type that slowly clicks as it winds down.

Coolest idea ever to let fan run 10m after you leave and then turn off.

 

[Ron]

My buddy Don’s ranch house in CO (ranch is under contract so this coming trip will be my last one ) has a timer on the bathroom fans. It’s the old mechanical twist to set type that slowly clicks as it winds down.

Coolest idea ever to let fan run 10m after you leave and then turn off.

I put humidistats in all my bathrooms. They have a built in timer as well but look like a decor switch.
So you can tap the button and it runs for (I have mine adjusted to ) 20 minutes - or if the humidity reaches a set point it will kick on automagically and run until its in spec.

The ones I installed were made by dewstop and are great except 2 aggravating and compounding factors.

There isnt marking for humidity level on the adjustment so you have to trial and error with a humidity guage to get them right. You have to take the cover plate off to remove the adjustment cover. Since one of mine is in a 4 gang switch that was aggravating

 

[Ron]

@RatLabGuy some of them will mimic a decor style switch closely though not perfectly.
If you want one to look like a traditional peg switch...I think you will be disappointed.

UL wont sticker that

 

[RatLabGuy]

KASA smart light switch HS200
15 bucks on Amazon and it pretty much does what you asked for.
I basically googled "smart light switch".
In case you want to look at such things and alternatives.
Looks like you literally just replace your current light switch.

Thanks, I'll look into this. I see it is "programmable" but not seeing much specifically about a timer function.
I don't care much in this case about having remote control or smart timing etc... but if I can program it once to turn off after 30 mins (unless manually turned off) then throw away the app, thats fine.

Is the faceplate optional? e.g. fit a normal Decora slot? bc this is a double-gang box.

 

[RatLabGuy]

I put humidistats in all my bathrooms. They have a built in timer as well but look like a decor switch.
So you can tap the button and it runs for (I have mine adjusted to ) 20 minutes - or if the humidity reaches a set point it will kick on automagically and run until its in spec.

The ones I installed were made by dewstop and are great except 2 aggravating and compounding factors.

There isnt marking for humidity level on the adjustment so you have to trial and error with a humidity guage to get them right. You have to take the cover plate off to remove the adjustment cover. Since one of mine is in a 4 gang switch that was aggravating

Ditto. Put same in our bathrooms, makes all the difference in humidity control. On humid August days sometime its will even just turn itself on and off.

@RatLabGuy some of them will mimic a decor style switch closely though not perfectly.
If you want one to look like a traditional peg switch...I think you will be disappointed.

UL wont sticker that

no not expecting a rocker switch, I assumed it's need to be a pushbutton, since it need to turn off either manually or automatically (e.g. digital control).

 

[braxton357]

It is extremely easy these days to set up a smart home. I use all ge zwave devices and a samsung smartthings hub but if you already have alexa or Google home its even easier. Assuming you have a neutral in your switch box , if not you can just use a smart bulb and set up a custom routine for when it's manually turned on to turn off in 30

 

[shawn]

I put humidistats in all my bathrooms. They have a built in timer as well but look like a decor switch.
So you can tap the button and it runs for (I have mine adjusted to ) 20 minutes - or if the humidity reaches a set point it will kick on automagically and run until its in spec.

Newer bath fans have this built in, FWIW.

We put dumb Panasonic fans in all our bathrooms with twist timers.

As for the OP, this should be easy to do with some IFTTT and a smart switch if you have any sort of home controller running.

 

[getstucksome]

Amazon Light Switch

Lots of options on amazon - I searched light switch with timer. I saw a ton that tied into smart home stuff, the one above did not need that functionality.

 

[RatLabGuy]

Amazon Light Switch

Lots of options on amazon - I searched light switch with timer. I saw a ton that tied into smart home stuff, the one above did not need that functionality.

Thanks - but it also has buttons to change the time (or none). This seems the norm for most of the non-automation ones.

It is extremely easy these days to set up a smart home. I use all ge zwave devices and a samsung smartthings hub but if you already have alexa or Google home its even easier. Assuming you have a neutral in your switch box , if not you can just use a smart bulb and set up a custom routine for when it's manually turned on to turn off in 30

As for the OP, this should be easy to do with some IFTTT and a smart switch if you have any sort of home controller running.

I don't currently have a controller, as I don't have any other automated stuff. I certainly could get one but I know that is going to open a black hole of "Oh, now I could also do this.. .and that..." and a lot of time sunk into comparing the best controller etc and become a whole giant project. I'm sure it's inevitable in my life (for instance, I'm now learning it would be nice to put timeouts on my kids' bedrooms bc they habitually leave the lights on when they leave for school) but I really just want a simple quick 1-and-done solution for now before jumping down that rabbit hole.

Now.. just replacing the bulb with one programmed to turn off after 30 mins, so the original mechanical switch is retained and has to be re-flipped... that would be perfect.

Edit - shit, just realized this is a bathroom with a bunch of small vanity bulbs. Smart bulb not so practical anymore (but still not bad plan B).

 

[braxton357]

If you have alexa or google home it would take you about 15 minutes. You aren't going to find a commercial switch that has a timed off function that can't be changed at the point of use. A timed motion sensor switch like you see in some bathrooms might be only option

 

[shawn]

I don't currently have a controller, as I don't have any other automated stuff. I certainly could get one but I know that is going to open a black hole of "Oh, now I could also do this.. .and that..." and a lot of time sunk into comparing the best controller etc and become a whole giant project. I'm sure it's inevitable in my life (for instance, I'm now learning it would be nice to put timeouts on my kids' bedrooms bc they habitually leave the lights on when they leave for school) but I really just want a simple quick 1-and-done solution for now before jumping down that rabbit hole.

RPi and Home Assistant

 

[RatLabGuy]

The frustrating thing is that in the time I've spent on this thread, I could have just built and programmed a circuit w/ a Arduino Nano or Teensy and a DC/AC relay. But then I'd have a non-UL listed thing to somhow hide inside the wall.

Easiest solution may be just to get a motion detector switch with a timout and tape over the detector ;-)

 

[CasterTroy]

Easiest solution may be just to get a motion detector switch with a timout and tape over the detector ;-)

Congratulations.

By simplifying the overly complicated controls that cost more than any piece of equipment it serves, you have now arrived at master manager

You man now apply for facilities director or Maintenance director at any school system or college.

 

[shawn]

Let me guess - the kids aren't turning off the bathroom light?

I'd go with regular motion detector. They can wave their arms if they sit too long on the commode.

 

[braxton357]

Let me guess - the kids aren't turning off the bathroom light?

I'd go with regular motion detector. They can wave their arms if they sit too long on the commode.

Thats what I was thinking. If not, whats wrong with the twist type countdown timer? Walk in and turn it to turn the light on

 

[RatLabGuy]

Let me guess - the kids aren't turning off the bathroom light?

I'd go with regular motion detector. They can wave their arms if they sit too long on the commode.

Thats what I was thinking. If not, whats wrong with the twist type countdown timer? Walk in and turn it to turn the light on

Sadly, not that simple.

Really didn't want to get into it - but basically we have a teenager who is having difficulty with taking waaaaay too much time in a shared bathroom and needs some encouragement learning to move on to their next activity in a timely fashion.
Other means have not worked so its going to be a 30 min cap until lights out...

 

[CasterTroy]

Close the ball valve on the hot water heater supply. That'll get them TF out the shower

(Survived 2teenage girls and a boy)

 

[RatLabGuy]

Close the ball valve on the hot water heater supply. That'll get them TF out the shower

(Survived 2teenage girls and a boy)

It isn't just shower time. Thats easy, like you suggest. We've already been there.

 

[Ron]

Sadly, not that simple.

Really didn't want to get into it - but basically we have a teenager who is having difficulty with taking waaaaay too much time in a shared bathroom and needs some encouragement learning to move on to their next activity in a timely fashion.
Other means have not worked so its going to be a 30 min cap until lights out...

dont let him take his phone into the bathroom.
time will be decimiated

 

[RatLabGuy]

dont let him take his phone into the bathroom.
time will be decimiated

wish that worked

 

[Ron]

wish that worked

leave baby oil in the bathroom?