[Shop-talk] Adding timer to appliances/dehumidifier

[Randall]

> Perhaps opening it up and bypassing the power switch would work, though
> I'm wondering if dehumidifiers need a "soft start" type of power switch in
> order to prevent any damage if powered on suddenly. It's also under an
> extended warranty so I'm hesitant to "mod" it and void the warranty.

Just a WAG, but I'm guessing the power button is just a momentary switch
that provides input to some sort of microcontroller.  The microcontroller
would handle any necessary conditions, like not restarting too soon after
the compressor has been running.

Check your owner's manual, there may be some way to program it to
automatically restart after a power failure (ie an external timer comes on).
Otherwise, I think you are stuck opening up the unit to parallel something
across the power button.

Randall