Timers

Timers and stopwatches for timing tasks on the bench, in the classroom and around the workplace, from count up/down timers and digital stopwatches to waterproof countdown timers and plug-in socket timers. Rapid supplies timing devices for laboratory, education and general use, with related products in counters, tachometers and domestic timers.

Buying timers

What types of timer does Rapid supply?

The range covers digital countdown timers, count up/down timers, stopwatches, plug-in socket timers and time-segment mains timers. Formats run from pocket and magnetic-backed units for the lab or kitchen to larger-digit models for classroom use, plus multi-pack class sets for teaching.

What is the difference between a countdown timer and a stopwatch?

A countdown timer starts from a time you set and counts down to zero, sounding an alarm when the interval has elapsed — useful for tests, experiments and process steps. A stopwatch, or count-up timer, measures elapsed time from a start point. Many digital timers do both, switching between count-up and countdown modes.

Which timers suit a classroom or laboratory?

For teaching and experiments, look at count up/down timers with clear large digits, dual-power models and multi-unit class sets so a whole group can time together. For wet labs and outdoor work, a waterproof countdown timer stands up to splashes and damp benches.

Are there timers for switching mains appliances?

Yes. Plug-in socket timers and timer power strips switch lamps, heaters and other appliances to a set schedule without any wiring. For scheduled switching inside a control panel — DIN-rail time switches and time-delay relays — see relays & timers, and for household plug-in timing see domestic timers.

What features should I look for?

Match the timer to the task: count direction (up, down or both), multi-event memory for repeated schedules, water resistance for lab and outdoor use, and the mounting you need — magnet, clip, stand or socket. For visibility across a room, choose a large-digit display and a loud alarm.

Digital or analogue timer — which should I choose?

Digital timers give precise countdown and count-up timing with an alarm, and suit lab, classroom and general timing. Analogue segment timers set the schedule with tappets around a dial and are a simple choice for switching a socket on and off at fixed times each day.