Electronic timer within an electrical plug?

Question

how does it work exactly?
what are it's components? what is it connected to in the plug ( which part of the plug is connected to the timer)? how does it control the turning on or off of the electricity?
the timer is meant to turn the electricity off every 3 or 4 hrs to prevent current overload.. or overheating. so the plug would continue working properly

please please please.. if anybody has any idea please reply!

Answer 1

It's usually a little box that you plug in the wall and then plug the cord into the box. There are various little switches that you throw to the on or off position to decide when the box turns on or off. I use one to control my living room light so if I came in at night, the room is lit. Target or Wal Mart or Radio Shack has them.