We have a fireplace that is operated with a simple 12v on/off switch located in a double gang box alkngside a light switch
I put a timer on it so it won't accidentally be left on and run forever but the timer is pretty loud. It's one of those "turn dial past this point" which works great but it's really loud.
we have 110v at the panel so an ac-powered switch is possible but I can't find anything that would work.
help?? Pics forthcoming
Just a simple countdown timer, or one that has a 24 hour clock?
If you don't mind a little fabrication for a housing, there are a lot of basic digital countdown timer boards out there- some with digital relays, too.
In reply to jfryjfry :
This sounds similar to something that might be used for a whirlpool tub and or hot tub. You might want to seek out solutions in those departments of the store.
I don't mind making something but am striking out in my searching.
here is a pic of what I'm looking at replacing:
Something like this is what I was thinking of- https://www.amazon.com/6-30V-Programmable-Module-Display-Controller/dp/B085TL38NH/ref=sr_1_7?crid=2YMNV8U934M88&keywords=12v+timer+relay&qid=1671896570&sprefix=12v+timer+relay%2Caps%2C144&sr=8-7
Although dong the amazon search for 12v countdown timer relay comes up with some other interesting options.
I installed this to control the outlets on my mantle. We put decorative lighted garlands up there, one for each season. It's located inside a built in cabinet right next to our fireplace. I've never heard it make a noise. It's 110 and is basically an automatic wall switch. I believe it's made by Leviton. I got it Home Depot or Lowes.
BN-Link 7 Day Programmable in-Wall Timer Switch for Lights, Fans and Motors, Single Pole and 3 Way (Compatible with SPDT) Both Use, Neutral Wire Required, White (No Backlight)
that may be more useful if this is a continuous thing you do. Probably not ideal for occasional use.
So many questions....
The furnace runs on 12V (AC or DC) controls? That seems a little odd but OK. Most modern-ish HVAC stuff is 24VAC for controls.
Is this just a signal switch like a thermostat or the actual mains power switching?
If these are just signalling wires, can you just jump these wires and put a timer/switch on the mains power?
Is there a transformer somewhere to run this fireplace on 12V?
Do you have a neutral in the box where the timer is or is that switch just interrupting the hots?
Are you looking for a timed on-off style switch or are you looking for a countdown style switch?
Mechanical switches dont typically care what they are switching as long as the volts and amps are under their printed ratings, IE 12VDC, 120VAC, all the same to the switch. Solid state electrical switches are a little more picky.
Thanks for the help and replies.
it is a fireplace that has a 12v circuit to turn it on and off - I just need a simple toggle switch at the minimum.
but I don't want it turned on and forgotten about and running all day/night so I want a simple timer that my kids can operate without problems.
this timer is perfect except it is loud!
in the box I have 120 so I can pull from it if a timer I find needs it but don't have to use it.
I'll explore some of those options and welcome any others
In reply to jfryjfry :
Google search "electronic wall timer"
There are tons of them. The mechanical ones have the continuous clicking noise. The electronic ones are silent.
In reply to SV reX :
All I'm finding are electronic ones that control the 120v output. I need one that controls a switch.
ie if it's going to be ac powered, it would have hot neutral and ground for the timer part and then a separate in and out for the switched circuit that simply closes that circuit vs send power down it.
make sense??
In reply to jfryjfry :
That was awkward, but I think I understand.
You want a programmable switch, not a timer.
Try this:
I wish it would work but, unless I'm missing something, it only controls the 110 output.
this is an example of one that could work although A. It's expensive and B. It is battery-powered:
https://www.fireplaceremotecontrols.com/skytech-tm-3-wired-wall-mounted-timer-fireplace-control.html
I guess I'm not following you.
Switches don't control 110V output. Switches break the continuity. They don't care what the voltage is, and usually only break 1 leg of the circuit (not both), so they don't actually have both legs at all.
A standard light switch does not usually have any neutral leg in the box at all.
The reason I suggested the one I did is because most electronic timers need a neutral leg to operate (to complete the circuit for the electronics).
I think I've solved my problem:
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=txW9TYOxtaY
this guy has the same setup and the same problem. He learned me Relay In Box which lets a 110v timer control a switch.
parts ordered!
Terrific
Pretty elegant solution. Hope it all fits in the box, that relay looks yuuuuge.
93gsxturbo said:Pretty elegant solution. Hope it all fits in the box, that relay looks yuuuuge.
I agree, but I'm still confused. A timer before the switch would just cut power to the switch when it ran out, isn't that "controlling the switch"?
not that it really matters at this point though.
In reply to Steve_Jones :
The problem is that all of the timers work by having 110 come in and the timer controls how long it sends 110 out (to the light, fan or whatever 110 thing you want on a timer).
I need to close a low voltage circuit with a timer.
so the timer turns the relay on and off and the relay is opening and closing the 12v circuit.
luckily I have access to behind the box so I can put another gang box in there to house the relay.
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