Timer switches while away

RaiderHammer

Hi was thinking of getting one or two timer switches to turn a light on for use on a long holiday break 6 months to one year. Are timer switches safe for this long term use?

I have heard reports of fires caused by these but are they genuinely safe to use?

Any recommendations?

If they over heat will the fuse blow?

Is there any extension surge protection extension of something I could plug a lamp into with a timer switch that would offer me greater protection from fire?

So many questions.

Thanks.

ManAtHome

I've used them for years with no problems (in use all the time, not just pulled out for holidays) - wonder whether the fires are the timers or leaving lamps too close to curtains etc.

nico26

Mine have been in use now for 8 months and ok. My son checks them everyweek when he goes to check the house. If you have someone looking after your house They could do the same to put your mind at rest. My cordless phone adapter gets warmer. Remember to pull that out if you have one in.

Inactive

I use them often, I believe the " fire " stories you hear about are from people using high load rated items such as heaters in them, a normal lamp should not cause any problems.

RaiderHammer

Thanks for all the replies so does everyone just plug them into a socket and not use a power breaker, surge protector on anything similar?

johnoz

Used for years now, just in a standard socket ... only lights though, no heating. Never any problems ... apart from confusing the neighbours (the ones we told we were away but they saw lights turning on and off!)

ailuro2

put energy saving bulbs in them too, less likely to blow.

If you're going to be away for a long time, have you thougth about renting out a room in the house?

RaiderHammer

ailuro2 wrote: »

put energy saving bulbs in them too, less likely to blow.

If you're going to be away for a long time, have you thougth about renting out a room in the house?

Yes but a neighbours house as recently been wrecked by the renting people. Turned me off a little bit, well a lot actually.

Inactive

RaiderHammer wrote: »

Thanks for all the replies so does everyone just plug them into a socket and not use a power breaker, surge protector on anything similar?

Yes, I just plug mine in to a standard 4 way extension.

franklally

I use these and find these are excellent:T

http://www.independentoffers.co.uk/I-DD-SECURITY-HA-0/Dusk-til-Dawn-Security-Lightbulbs.htm

RaiderHammer

franklally wrote: »

I use these and find these are excellent:T

http://www.independentoffers.co.uk/I-DD-SECURITY-HA-0/Dusk-til-Dawn-Security-Lightbulbs.htm

Thought about them but being on every night, same light, will this be advertising more the house is empty especially when they are on all night?