It might be easier to set your timer on the hour so you can point the arrow directly at one of the numbers. Most timers have light and dark markings over the numbers to distinguish between AM and PM hours. Other timers may list the hours in military time instead.

If there are 2 pins for every hour on the dial, then each pin represents 30 minutes. Some timers have 4 pins per hour, so each one represents 15 minutes. If your mechanical timer doesn’t have built-in pins, then it will have separate pins to insert. Push the pin into the slot on the dial’s inner circle when you want your devices to turn on, and add a pin to the outer circle when you want them to turn off. [3] X Research source

You can always manually override the timer intervals by changing the switch to “On. ” If you don’t want to keep your devices turned off even while the timer is running, then use the “Off” setting. When using your plug timer outdoors, plug it in so it’s at least 2 feet (0. 61 m) above the ground to prevent it from getting wet and shorting out.

Avoid using plug timers with extension cords or other adapters since they could overheat when your devices are running. [6] X Expert Source Ricardo MitchellElectrician & Construction Professional, CN Coterie Expert Interview. 6 May 2020.

To avoid fires, avoid connecting your timer to appliances like irons, heaters, and cooking appliances. Check the electrical rating on the plug timer and compare it to the device you’re plugging into. If the device requires more power than the timer can handle, then avoid plugging it in. To test if your timer has power, turn the manual switch to the “On” position. Your device will power up right away.

If you’re putting in a new digital timer fresh out of the box, you can skip this step since there aren’t any saved settings.

Follow the directions that came with your specific model of plug timer since you may need to press or hold down different buttons to program the clock and time intervals. Double-check that you have AM or PM set correctly on your timer so it doesn’t come on at the wrong times. Digital timers have a small internal battery, so you don’t need to plug them in before you program them.

Start by pressing the “Timer” button so the display reads “1 ON” or something similar to start scheduling the first program. Press the “Week” button until all of the days you want the program to activate are lit up. You may find special settings labeled “Weekdays” or “Weekends” to only have the cycle active during those times. Use the arrows or the “Hour” and “Minute” buttons to set the time when your devices turn on. Press the “Timer” button again to set the days and times when you want your devices to turn off. If you want to add an additional program, press the “Timer” button after you finish entering the time range. The next program will appear so you can edit it.

If you use the “On” setting, your devices will turn on automatically and won’t turn off on their own, just like if you plugged them in without a timer. If you put your timer on “Off” mode, then your devices won’t turn on automatically during the intervals.

If you’re already in the middle of one of the time ranges you set for the timer to be on, your device will power up right away. If you want to test that your device is working, press the “On-Auto-Off” button until “On” lights up on the display and starts your device.

Check the instructions on your timer if it doesn’t have a “Random” button. You may need to hold 2 buttons down at the same time to activate it.