What kind of timer do I use to control a motor?

Question

I am looking to set a timer to turn on a motor for only a second or two every eight hours, but am having a hard time figuring out what kind of time I would use. If anyone could point me in the direction of what kind and possibly where to buy it I'd much appreciate it.

Answer 1

Your requirements are difficult to meet.

First, you need the motor's power rating (in Watts)

Second, most commonly available timers capable of carrying sufficient

power for a motor, have minimum on/off intervals.



Other than making a web search for timer manufacturers,

and contacting Tech Support; the only solution that suggests

itself is running the motor through a contactor with a low

power relay coil and using a digital timer to actuate the coil.



Add detail for a better answer.

Answer 2

Any digital timer can do as your request specification. Few year ago,I bought one from a Dollar shop cost $2 each. It has 20 set programing to let user controls electric device ON and OFF . minimum time interval is about 30 seconds. Shop for other expensive US made digital timer like Honeywell might have ON and OFF time for two seconds.

Answer 3

You can use a timer like a sprinkler system uses or even a programmable time that switches receptacles in your home. You can use these to drive a contactor to switch the high voltage power needed to run the motor.



I'm sure there are micro processors that can also do this.