How to Use An Appliance with a Mechanical Timer for a Short Time Interval

Even in this 21st Century, some appliances like microwave and convection ovens still come with mechanical timers. These are the kind that you have to turn a knob, and that tick like old clocks.

A common problem with those timers is that, when you want to set a short time interval, they don't move at all. Mechanical timers derive their energy from a spring that is wound up as you set the time with their knob. The larger your time interval, the more energy they have to start working. Friction and dirt sometimes prevent them from starting if the time interval is very short.

Here are short and simple steps to make them work in such a case.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Turn the knob to the middle of the timer interval. If your timer has a scale from 0 to 60 minutes, start with 30 minutes.
   
   Your mechanical timer should start ticking. If it does not, your timer mechanism is probably dirty or otherwise needs to be serviced or replaced. You will need to turn off your appliance manually. You should not use this procedure.

2. Turn it DOWN to your setting, say 2 or 3 minutes.
   
   Your mechanical timer should still tick. If it stops, then this procedure will not help. You will need to turn off your appliance manually. Your timer and probably your appliance needs to be serviced or replaced.
   
   If your timer does not allow you to turn it down without more than just moderate effort, then this procedure will not help. I have not met such a timer yet.

3. It should sound its bell and turn off within the time allotted. Otherwise, it needs to be serviced or replaced.
   
   If this is the first time you do this on your particular appliance, make sure you keep an eye on it so it does turn off automatically. Plan your time so you do not have any distractions.

Tips & Warnings

• You can use a chronometer or an electronic timer to make sure your appliance turns off within the short time you set it to.
• The reason this procedure should work is that, whether you choose a long or short time interval, your mechanical timer must run to completion within the allotted time. Being 30 minutes away or 3 minutes away from the end should not make a difference, once started. Otherwise, your mechanical timer would never turn off your appliance.
• Make sure to plan your time so you do not have any distractions and can keep an eye on your appliance, in case problems with the timer prevents it from turning off. In that case, you will have to turn it off manually. You should then either have it serviced or replaced.