Need a RC timer with outlet for 20A circuit

[atgcpaul]

I installed two ceiling mounted 1500W quartz heaters and I've noticed a disturbing trend. I forget to turn them off when I leave the shop. The first time it was for a few hours and the second time (just now), I realized one had been running all night. The cost of wasted electricity aside, I would have felt like a real dope if I burned down my shop because of it. At least it's detached pretty far from the house.

OK, yes, I really should be more vigilant. Sometimes I run back into the house with the intent of quickly returning to the shop but then I get distracted and don't make it back. This last time, I just forgot. This would be a failsafe.

Anyway, I ran two individual 20A circuits to the ceiling for each heater. Do you know of a remote controlled outlet that the heaters could be plugged into so I could set it for 1 or 2 hours and it would just turn off by itself? My ceiling mounted air cleaner has one built-in. Soldering and wiring diagrams aren't my thing so I would prefer an over the counter solution.

I have surface mounted conduit running from the subpanel up to the ceiling outlets so a possibility would be to make a detour to a timer knob but I would like to avoid doing that if possible.

Thanks,
Paul

[toolguy1000]

this one looks like it'll do what you want:

http://www.lowes.com/pd_357409-94755...ductId=3530494

personally, i'd run a switch leg for something like this:

http://www.homedepot.com/p/t/2027882...2#.USPHbB1gSSo

[LCHIEN]

i'd use timers such as suggested by Toolguy in his second link.

I have my dust filter on a timer, when I go in and start doing cutting, I turn it on for a couple more hours than I plan to be in the shop, so it can continue to run after I leave and recirculate the air thru the filters several more times.

The remote for a heater has the advantage that you can start warming the shop before you enter to start to work... but you may not be able to find one that works far enough away and it won't help remind you to turn it off.

Still, I'd go for the timer (Intermatic makes some mechanical ones that mount in the wall) that you can set for 12-15 hours... and that way you know they'll go off eventually.

imho this "Shutoff timer" is what you want: THis mechanical one is settable at 0-12 hours by simply turning the knob, switch is 125V, 20Amps resistive (heater).
http://www.amazon.com/Intermatic-FF1...+shutoff+timer

[bmyers]

I installed a switch like that 2nd link in my bathroom for the ceiling heater unit. I had just an on-off switch for a while and it got left on alot.. I really like it. No more worries..

Unfortunately that 2nd unit listed is 6.5 amps and your heaters are 12.5 amps it seems so those wouldn't work but I'm sure there is something like that you could find. Another option is to hook up a contactor or relay to do the heavy lifting and the switch/timer for the smart end of the circuit.

You could do both RC and timer with something like X10 or INSTEON. Ever heard of those?

Bill