Set the timer to the current time. If it is manual, turn the rotary dial.
Set the time for the light or other electrical equipment to go on. For digital timers, the display will show time of day, day of week and if the timer is set to ON or OFF. On manual timers, there are 96 push down plastic pieces. Those each represent 15 minutes. For example, if the timer should be set for one hour from the current time, four tabs would have to be depressed between the time increments.
For digital timers, press the "Enter" or "Next" button when you have completed setting the time frames. For manual timers, depress desired tabs to set the turn-on time.
Plug the timer into the electrical outlet.
Plug the electric appliance into the timer outlet.
Push the timer's "On" switch.
