On Nov 27, 12:53*pm, "HeyBub" wrote:
terry wrote:

I have used el-cheapo electromechanical timers ($2.50 on sale!) which
even if they suffer a few minutes or a momentary power interruption
just start up again (slightly off-time) once power restored. These
also have small switch contacts so doesn't much matter what they
(within their current rating) control. Could be incandescent bulb,
CFL, small fan motor, radio etc..

I'm with you! I got tired of buying $35 coffee pots that supposedly have the
coffee ready when one stumbles into the kitchen. After the third one broke
(for one reason or another), I got a cheap $7.95 pot and plugged it in to a
mechanical timer.

It's worked swell for a couple of years now.

Just referring to the OPs point again.

If 100 years ago the inrush of cheap only partially compatible
'gadgets' (timers, dimmers programmables etc. etc.) and other add-ons
could have been foreseen, electrical codes might have been written to
have a neutral in every electrical connection box!
Imagine how convenient that would have been?
In North America every white a neutral, in UK (Europe) every black (or
now blue) the neutral!

BTW a question if I may. Occasionally a switch will have a little
indicator neon etc to remind one that light or something in another
area has been left on. With no neutral in the wall switch box how is
that few milliamp neon etc. connected through its resistor?
Maybe between the switched side and the switch box ground?
Cos if across the switch contacts it will glow when the switch is in
the 'off' position; as does one, still, after some 40 years in one of
the children's rooms!