Mechanical timer for lights (in winter temps)

[Percheron chick]

Typical winter. Negatives to 60*. Sun, blowing snow, t shirts and frozen water. Ran a string of Christmas lights.

 

[aart]

Are these mechanical style timers reliable in winter? I have been doing lights/doors manually and have as sudden trip coming up without time to experiment, so if you have tried these things in winter, please share! How did it go?
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I have used this type outside for 7 years, never had a problem with it. It's seen temps from 100 to -12°F.

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I have these-they cost about $20.00

Would love a digital so I could change times in increments smaller then 30 min. Going to search it up.

 

[Cindy in PA]

I used one inside an uninsulated coop for years & never had a problem.

 

[West Bend]

Hi Steve,
I have only used similar timers (think they were outside ones) & only for Christmas lights. How long do you plan on being out of town? Maybe being an indoor timer, as a bit of protection you could staple plastic around it to help with moisture. Or even a piece of cardboard/ a box? Good luck & safe travels.

 

[SteveE]

FYI, I took mamjo's advice and went with the $13 simple single outlet model of the mytouchsmart. It has two programmable on/off cycles for the one outlet. I would have got the $25 sunsmart version with two outlets, and a brain that can adjust your programs to account for changing sun up/down times, but those were order only and Target had the simple lowcost one on the shelf.

 

[TOPChickens14]

I use indoor timers in the coop and they are AMAZING

 

[aart]

and a brain that can adjust your programs to account for changing sun up/down times

Don't really need or want this for supplemental laying lighting.

 

[SteveE]

Re Sunsmart feature....

Don't really need or want this for supplemental laying lighting.

It piques my interest for eventual pop door operation, as an economical option per the clock instead of ambient light.

 

[aart]

Re Sunsmart feature....
It piques my interest for eventual pop door operation, as an economical option per the clock instead of ambient light.

Ah, yes would be good for pop door ops.