Sensor buttons and timing plugs?

catriona10

We just bought a new tumble dryer, intending to put it on a timer plug as we have for our washing machine and run it only at night using cheaper electricity. However, when we got it we realised it has buttons which you don't push in - they have sensors that respond to the heat/moisture(?) in your hands when you touch them but it means that the machine won't switch on if you use a timer plug.

Anyone got any ideas for solving the problem?

ic

Have you checked it doesn't already have a timer facility built in?

sillygoose

ic wrote: »

Have you checked it doesn't already have a timer facility built in?

And are you sure your have cheaper electricity at night? unless your on economy 7 or a similar split tariff it will be the same price day or night.

What make & model tumble dryer is it?

Avoriaz

What happens if you start the dryer running and then pull the plug out for a few seconds and then reinsert the plug?

Does the dryer carry on running from where it stopped when the power is back on?

If yes, then one solution is to set the timer to the required night time setting, manually switch the timer to the “on” position, set the dryer running for the required time and heat setting and then, a few seconds after it starts its cycle, manually switch the timer plug to the “off” position.

When the timer reaches the required time in the night it should switch on and the dryer will resume and complete the cycle.

catriona10

Thanks for your speedy responses! In answer to your questions:
Yes, I checked for a timer, yes we definitely have economy 7 and yes, i tried switching it all on, then off at plug, then on at plug but doesn't work. It's a Siemens wt46e100gb.

sillygoose

Sorry does look like your stumped with the IQ100, the next model up the IQ300 does have a delayed start timer. As its probably impossible to return? I can't think of a solution

Its not the most efficient machine either (B rated) so it would have been a good idea running cheap. have you got a dog, teach it to tell the time and press the button with his nose?

27col

What time does the E7 tariff start. If it's not too late you could just start the dryer manually before you go to bed.

catriona10

Thanks all for your help, particularly the dog training suggestion! At least it made me laugh. I think we'll probably just keep doing what we're doing which is having my hubby turn it on at 11.31 every night before he goes to bed, which is when our cheap leccy starts...