Reliability - Mechanical vs Digital Outlet Timers

[Justin02]

Not considering smart plugs or controllers of any kind. Which is more prone to sticking "on" - mechanical or digital outlet timers? Looking to hear that anecdotal evidence!

 

[BanZI29]

From my experience, Mechanical has always failed. mainly from being in such close proximity to the tank. Digital seems to be sealed better because it's digital, especially ones that are rated for outdoor use.

 

[Mr. Mojo Rising]

My mechanical timer is more than 15 years old, it still turns my lights on and off every day, it never fails, unless there is a power outage, which is very rare where I live, but then I just need to reset the time. I've used it on many different systems over the years, its been very reliable for me.

My wifi timers are 4 years old, have never failed yet. It re-sets itself after a power outage, which again, doesn't affect me.

If I had to buy new ones, I would probably buy the wifi ones, they are widely available, smaller than the mechanical ones, and very inexpensive these days.

 

[MnFish1]

Mechanical - only because of the sensitivity to power failures - if you're not home. Conceivably - digital may be more susceptible to lightening/surges - if not plugged into an appropriate outlet.

 

[BanZI29]

Digital timers for the most part have backup batteries in them, that way they do not lose time or memory, at least the ones I have gotten. for surges, yea they should be plugged into a surge protector at least.