Help us stock the items you need
If there is something you require that is not on our site, simply give us a call on 01424 220384 or send us a message via our contact form and we’ll do our best to get it added to our online electrical wholesale store.
Electric Timers for Heating Control
Explore our range of electric timers to help you control heating and hot water schedules with confidence. Find options for simple time control through to more advanced programmable solutions for domestic and commercial installations.
Types of Electric Timers
Browse the different timer and control options to match your heating and electrical control needs. Each type focuses on a specific task, from basic time switching to full system management.
- Timers & Controllers: Provides flexible on and off control for heating and other electrical circuits to help manage energy use and comfort levels.
- Heating Programmers: Offers scheduled control of heating and hot water, allowing different time periods across the day or week to match occupancy patterns.
- Din Rail Timers: Designed to fit on DIN rails within consumer units or control panels for centralised timing of circuits and equipment.
- Time Switches: Used to turn electrical loads on and off at set times to automate lighting, heating or appliances without manual intervention.
- Room Thermostats: Helps maintain comfortable indoor temperatures by monitoring the air and switching heating systems on and off as needed.
- General Timers: Provides straightforward timing control for a wide range of electrical applications, from simple countdowns to regular on and off cycles.
- OEM Timer Mods: Offers components and modules intended for integration into original equipment where built-in timing control is required.
- Electric Meters: Used to monitor and record electrical consumption, helping users understand usage patterns across circuits or properties.
- Water Heating & Cooling: Supports timed and controlled operation of water heating and cooling systems to help manage comfort and energy use.
Popular Product Types in Electric Timers
Explore our range of electric timers, controllers and thermostats for managing power and heating. Find options for simple on off control or more advanced scheduling.
| Type | Popular Product Ranges | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| Time Switches | Sangamo Sangamo Essentials |
|
| Room Thermostats | Sangamo Essentials Rointe Genius Rointe ST |
|
| General Timers | Timeguard Boostmaster Timeguard TG General Greenbrook Kingshield |
|
| Heating Programmers | Greenbrook Kingshield |
|
| DIN Rail Timers | Timeguard Boostmaster Timeguard TG General |
|
| Timer Modules | Timeguard Boostmaster |
|
Trusted Brands in Electric Timers
Choose from a wide selection of trusted brands for electric timers and controls. Each brand offers products for different timing and control needs.
- Sangamo : Provides time switches, DIN rail timers and programmers for managing lighting, heating schedules and other regularly controlled electrical loads.
- Timeguard : Delivers fused spur timers, plug in timers and boost modules for immersion heaters, general appliances and day to day time control.
- Greenbrook : Offers plug in timers, timed sockets and boost controllers for domestic and light commercial timing of heaters and connected devices.
- Rointe : Specialises in digital thermostats and controls that integrate timing functions with electric heating and water heating systems in living spaces.
- Dimplex : Supplies control hubs and interfaces used to manage timings and remote control of compatible electric heating products around the property.
- BN Thermic : Produces wall mounted thermostats, frost protection controls and push button timers for commercial and industrial heating applications.
- Elkay : Manufactures touch and PIR based timer switches that provide timed lighting and load control in corridors, washrooms and shared areas.
- Eaton : Offers DIN rail timeswitches and meter related products used in electrical distribution boards and monitored installations.
- Vent Axia : Provides speed controllers, thermostats and wireless controllers for timed and demand based operation of ventilation and air movement systems.
- Heatrae Sadia : Delivers digital programmers and control components used alongside electric boilers, water heaters and immersion systems.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do electric timers help control heating systems more efficiently?
Electric timers let you schedule when heating turns on and off, so you only use energy when needed. This can help reduce waste and keep rooms comfortable at planned times.
Can I use an electric timer with electric radiators or panel heaters?
Yes, many electric radiators and panel heaters can be controlled using an electric timer. Always check the load rating, wiring requirements and product instructions before installation or use.
What is the difference between a heating programmer and a general electric timer?
A heating programmer is designed specifically to control central heating and hot water schedules, while a general electric timer can control a wider range of electrical loads and appliances.
Do I need an electrician to install a DIN rail timer or time switch?
Yes, for DIN rail timers and hard‑wired time switches, installation should be carried out by a qualified electrician who can ensure correct wiring, protection, and safe operation in your consumer unit.
Can electric timers be used with immersion heaters and hot water cylinders?
Yes, many electric timers and time switches are used to control immersion heaters. Check the load capacity, switching times and manufacturer instructions to ensure correct and safe operation.
Are room thermostats needed when using electric timers for heating?
Yes, room thermostats are often used alongside electric timers. The timer manages schedules, while the thermostat regulates temperature, switching the heating on or off to maintain comfort levels.
What is a time switch and how does it differ from an electric meter?
A time switch turns circuits or appliances on and off at set times. An electric meter measures energy consumption. They perform different roles but can be used together in an installation.
Can electric timers be used to manage off‑peak or economy tariff heating?
Yes, many electric timers and time switches are used to align heating with off‑peak tariffs. Always follow your energy supplier’s guidance and ensure the timer is set to the correct times.
How often can I change the settings on an electric heating programmer?
You can usually change heating programmer schedules as often as required. Most units allow daily or weekly programmes, with options to adjust times, boost heating or temporarily override settings.
Do electric timers work during a power cut or outage?
No, most electric timers stop controlling loads during a power cut. Some models may retain their programming using internal backup power, so settings are restored when power returns.
Can I control underfloor heating using an electric timer or thermostat?
Yes, many underfloor heating systems use dedicated thermostats and timers to manage temperature and schedules. Always match the control device to the system type and follow installation instructions.
What maintenance do electric timers and heating programmers need?
Most electric timers need minimal maintenance. Periodically check the display, time settings, and any backup battery, and ensure terminals are secure, with inspections carried out by a qualified electrician.
Can electric timers control both heating and cooling equipment?
Yes, some timers and controllers can manage both heating and cooling loads. Check product details to ensure compatibility with fans, chillers or other equipment before installation and use.
Need help with electric timers?
If you need advice choosing electric timers, heating programmers, room thermostats or time switches, our friendly team is ready to help. Call us on 01424 220384 or get in touch online for expert support.