I purchased a 1875 watts Timex Heavy Duty timer Model # 12-881 to connect to my 1200 watt water distiller. The timer is burned and has melted where the distiller was plugged in. We were furtunate that we did not have a fire in the house. Why has this happened? Please advise. Thankyou Lillian

Timex 12-881 timer has 3-prong outlet and is rated 15amp 1875 watts.

The timer melted because too much amperage was drawn across the connection and timer got hot.
Different things can cause this.
Phony rating, and/or mis-manufactured timer.
Defective timer.
If distiller has a motor, then it will draw more amps at start-up.
Timer is rated for incandescent light bulbs only.
Many timers say 1875 watts resistive, but instruction sheet will show 1000Watts incandescent and 1/4 HP horsepower.
Timer is plugged into extension cord.
Cheaply built product, not meant for constant use.
Timer outlet and distiller plug did not meet firmly, so connection heated up.
Turn off distiller before plugging into outlet so no spark is at the connection point.

I recommend appliance timer for operating appliances.
For example Intermatic HB 113 timer.
http://www.smarthome.com/25071/Intermatic-HB113C-120V-20A-Heavy-Duty-Mechanical-Appliance-Timer/p.aspx
Also heavy duty portable timer like Intermatic P1121
http://waterheatertimer.org/Intermatic-timers-and-manuals.html#appliance

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