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Outlet box w/ built in timer - Not available?

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Main Forum' started by 99.9mpg, Aug 16, 2007.

  1. 99.9mpg

    99.9mpg New Member

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    Guys, I need your help... We are putting in a block heater in our Prius and we want to put up an electrical outlet box on our house next to where we park the car. Now, I thought it would be easy to find weatherproof outlet boxes with built in timers. But all I have found so far is timers that plug in to an existing outlet. I would rather have heavy-duty permanent solution and have an electrician install it. Has anyone seen such a product?

    Thank you in advance!
     
    #1 99.9mpg, Aug 16, 2007
  2. Danny Hamilton

    Danny Hamilton Active Member

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    <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(kokoshk @ Aug 16 2007, 05:27 PM) [snapback]497302[/snapback]</div>
    reported
     
    #2 Danny Hamilton, Aug 16, 2007
  3. Tom_06

    Tom_06 Active Member

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    <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(99.9mpg @ Aug 16 2007, 06:22 PM) [snapback]497295[/snapback]</div>
    I use a standard outdoor outlet box with the wiring to it going to a timer unit in the basement. The timer is an electronic module made by Intermatic that comes in a 8x5x3" metal box and has fairly flexible programming (14 events, daily, weekly options). I have seen outdoor units made for Christmas lights, but did not think they were very sturdy looking for longtime use. Those plugged into an outdoor outlet and could be mounted on the side of the house outdoors.

    - Tom
     
    #3 Tom_06, Aug 16, 2007
  4. oly_57mpg

    oly_57mpg New Member

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    <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(99.9mpg @ Aug 16 2007, 06:22 PM) [snapback]497295[/snapback]</div>
    Sure. Home Depot carries wired timers with more than enough power capabilities for the EBH. You would mount it in the house or on the interior on the other side from where the exterior weather proof plugs are installed.

    It's SKU# 194948 (link)
     
    #4 oly_57mpg, Aug 16, 2007
  5. priussoris

    priussoris New Member

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    As Tom said,
    use a weatherproof Intermatic time clock and mount a weatherproof outlet below it.
    You can then get a couple of extra trip levers and have it come on at several different times if needed .
    They do work great for outdoor christmas lights too.

    Then if you ever need to have an outlet you have one just turn the dial manually

    chk out this link: mechanical timer
    http://www.intermatic.com/Default.asp?acti...id=51&did=5

    electronic timer:
    http://www.intermatic.com/Default.asp?acti...id=50&did=5

    Or this:
    http://cgi.ebay.com/Intermatic-Heavy-Duty-...1QQcmdZViewItem
     
    #5 priussoris, Aug 16, 2007
  6. Tom_06

    Tom_06 Active Member

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    <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(priussoris @ Aug 16 2007, 07:21 PM) [snapback]497371[/snapback]</div>
    The link shows the older style electromechanical clock units.

    The electronic ones are much more programmable and can ride through power failures with a built-in backup battery. I recommend putting the timer inside - it doesn't need to be out in the weather and neither do you when you need to change the program or you want to override it.

    - Tom
     
    #6 Tom_06, Aug 16, 2007
  7. oly_57mpg

    oly_57mpg New Member

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    <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Tom_06 @ Aug 16 2007, 07:25 PM) [snapback]497373[/snapback]</div>
    Not to sound over geeky, but I just let cron turn the EBH on. ;)
     
    #7 oly_57mpg, Aug 16, 2007
  8. 99.9mpg

    99.9mpg New Member

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    <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Tom_06 @ Aug 16 2007, 07:13 PM) [snapback]497366[/snapback]</div>
    Tom, That was a brilliant idea! That way you don't need the bulky outlet plus separate plug-in timer outdoors! Many thanks for that input!!



    <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Tom_06 @ Aug 16 2007, 07:25 PM) [snapback]497373[/snapback]</div>
    Yes, you got a point there with the fact that the timer doesn't have to be outdoors. That is what I call thinking outside the (outlet) box! ;) Thanks!

    <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(priussoris @ Aug 16 2007, 07:21 PM) [snapback]497371[/snapback]</div>
    Craig, those switches look interesting! Thanks for the links! I guess this is what I was looking for initially. I just wish it was integrated into an outlet to reduce the clutter on the outside. But these look far more heavy duty than the timers I had found. If it wasn't for Tom's indoor idea, I would have got one of these in a flash. Thanks!

    <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(oly_57mpg @ Aug 16 2007, 07:15 PM) [snapback]497367[/snapback]</div>
    Oly,
    Thanks for the link! Now I have many options. Great!
     
    #8 99.9mpg, Aug 16, 2007
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