Bow Thruster Control Timer...necessary?

[Markb250]

I have a Sleipner (Side Power) bow thruster controlled by a small control panel at the helm. To activate the system I push 2 buttons simultaneously which energises the panel and then I can use the port/starboard buttons. If not used, the panel will time out in three minutes.
I assume the timer is to minimise the potential for the thruster to be accidentally operated.
Would there be any other reason for the timer?

[flightlead404]

3 minutes seems awfully short. I think mine is 15 minutes on the timeout