TimeGuard Timer TRT05

8th Jan 2016: First installed, I will try to keep this review up to date. Having checked the manual (which is necessary even if you're tech friendly and is not included with the unit - go online to download), it mentioned plugging in for at least 15mins before attempting anything, so that's what I did. I then pressed the reset button, updated the time on the unit and proceeded with seeing what it can really do. The first and only disappointment so far is that while ' time modes' are available (3 in total), these CAN NOT have different temperatures. So you are not able to set, for instance, 14C during 10pm and 6am, then 21C during 6am to 10pm. In fairness, the manual does make this clear, which is really handy and saves time. I would sincerely hope newer version permit this, otherwise the alternative is to buy two units and set one for a constant 14C, then the other for 21C during your preferred 'ON' day times.So far it seems to work as expected, with no issues at all. It should be obvious, but if you're holding onto the unit with your hands while you set programmes, dates, etc., this could increase the temperature of the unit and therefore not let it operate properly, until you've plugged it in and left it alone.It may be confusing to elderly users, due to the multi-function use of the buttons - being a mixture of 'press and release' and 'press and hold'. Although the unit does try to assist by displaying the word 'hold' where applicable.I personally purchased it as I have moved into a flat with only storage heaters, which I've found 'dry' the air out too much, leading to coughs and colds. So I've bought several oil filled radiators and plugged this unit into one of them, just for testing to start with.

I bought this to replace an identical item which failed after eight years' service. This is one of very few devices on the market that will control both the temperature and on/off timing of an electric heater or similar.Programming is a little fiddly until you get used to it, but once set up the device works very well. I use it to control a small plug-in heater: I need this heater to run only at certain times of day, and the TRT05 thermostat is much more accurate than the simple one built into the heater.Overall, I'm very happy with this item.

I had been using a previous unit of this TimeGuard model for 4 years before the in-built rechargeable battery failed; but the unit can still be used as an ordinary timer. I searched the web for a more modern model but was unsuccessful. So I bought the same mode again. I used the TimeGuard to turn on my dehumidifier to extract water in my conservatory during cold nights below 10C. I plugged on the unit the whole year round, so the in-built rechargeable battery is convenient for any sudden periods without electricity. I have not encountered any problem using this TimeGuard and is reliable in my opinion.

I have set this up to keep an entrance lobby aired during the day. So it is set from 8am to 9pm at 18C. I would have liked to then set the overnight temperature at 10C, to keep the frost off but you can only set one temperature. Other than that it works perfectly controlling an oil filled radiator.

Very impressed with works so well I brought another one. If you have read the reviews and are worried people claiming they plugged it in and nothing happened, don't worry. The same thing happened to me when I first plugged mine in but I assumed that the internal batter was just flat after being in packaging for so long, and after 20 minuets it came to life. I tested its function by placing it in a small room with a fan heater plugged into it, set the temperature to 21 ºC, and monitored the room temperature with two independent thermometers. It operated extremely well keeping the room a constant 21 ºC. Just one more thing I noticed, when it is not plugged into the mains and being used the temperature gauge reads several degrees lower than the actual temperature. However, when it is plugged into the mains the temperature reading quickly adjusts to display the correct temperature. I can only assume that the device naturally warms up as a current is drawn through it and they have correct for this, hence why it reads lower than true when not in use. In summary, it works very well.

there are some issues with this product however its instructions and it's quirky set up that is the problem we all expect out of the box and work straight away this is not the case with this product I recommend looking at the 17 and a half minute YouTube video by

Arrived in very good time.The gadget works fine but the temp sensor underreads by about two degrees C according to my reference digital weather station. Not a show stopper; I set it to 16deg C and with a small ceramic fan heater it keeps the room at a steady 18 deg C.Does what it says on the can but check it against temperature references when setting the thermostat

delivered promptly and works as expected. The ad was slightly misleading as I wanted it to work with panel heater and I had to check that it was rated hight enough for that. It was usable with products drawing more power than I needed (apparently the confusing wording was there to cover light circuits another use). It is a little sensitive when setting it. I needed to be charged for several hours before I could program it. The socket I have is low down. So it is convenient to program it and then plug it in. If the socket is left live when plugging back in the current often wipes the programming. So it is best to either program it in situ, or switch of the socket before plugging it back in.