18
votes
Accepted
Why are my new switches operating in reverse?
This screen shot is from the Lowe's link you provided:
Take a look at your switch. I'm willing to bet that it says "TOP" at the bottom as you've installed it.
Unscrew the switch from the ...
- 48k
11
votes
Why are my new switches operating in reverse?
TL;DR Turn the switches around
With traditional toggle switches, a regular (not 3-way) switch will have embossed "ON" and "OFF" which tells you how to orient the switch. However, a ...
9
votes
How did this ceiling exhaust fan get stuck on (and why did disconnecting this wire fix it)?
The logical answer is the "mystery wire" is from a 3way switch somewhere in the room, ( or possibly in an adjacent room) that someone switched on. The fan timer probably replaced the other ...
- 42.8k
8
votes
Can I install a mechanical timer switch on a stove circuit?
50-Amp contactors are available. These are essentially relays. A standard timer can run the coil of the contactor, then the contactor can switch the stove circuit off at the desired times. Web-search &...
- 12.2k
6
votes
Is it safe to unplug my electric water heater daily to save energy?
I would suggest a timer like this. Additional start/stop pins can be added if you decide on adding a second on off time (or more) and you can always flip the over ride to the On position. This way ...
- 103k
6
votes
Accepted
Why is it okay for a Lutron timer to have an 18 gauge ground wire?
This happens because UL has different rules for device parts
The timer's ground pigtail wire is the same as any other pigtail that is part of a device, and thus governed by the applicable UL standards ...
- 86k
5
votes
Connecting 3 wire timer to 2 wire circuit
No. The white wire to the old timer is actually the load, not neutral (and technically should have some black tape over the white insulation to mark it as such).
Unfortunately, your switch box does ...
- 13.6k
5
votes
Accepted
I replaced my bathroom exhaust fan switch with a countdown switch
This switch is for use with halogen or incandescent light fixtures only and is not designed for motor loads. Motors do screwy things to electronic switches. Get a simple spring operated countdown ...
- 86.2k
5
votes
Convert double rocker switch into single digital timer - how to make this work
Tie the 2 wires to the spa and the pool together with a "pigtail".
On the new timer switch attach that pigtail to the "load" wire or screw. Attach the Hot lead to the "Hot in&...
- 42.8k
4
votes
Accepted
Do i need a short-time timer for coffee maker/water boiler?
If the appliances have their own timers built in, then I don't think an additional in line timer adds significant safety or energy efficiency. And given that any device can malfunction, any additional ...
- 22.5k
4
votes
Accepted
Installing timer switch with jumper wire into possibly old wiring
You got the wrong switch.
A spring wound timer switch, like the GE unit you're taking out, is you-powered. It doesn't need energy from another source to do what it does. Like any passive switch, it ...
4
votes
Is tungsten wattage different from regular wattage?
Yes, apparently "tungsten-heater" load type is measured differently than a ideal/purely resistive load type!
Check this for example - http://www.nkkswitches.com/pdf/electricalratings.pdf - you will ...
- 141
4
votes
Isolating a bulb from stairwell timer
I suggest that you don't have the right to interfere with communal wiring and lighting, one because it is not part of your property (leased, rented or owned) and two, because you may not have the ...
- 28.7k
4
votes
Accepted
How can I control a 240V heater from a pushbutton timer switch?
What you want is possible, but requires an extra box
While button-type (electronic) countdown timers that can switch 240V directly aren't a thing due to the limited market they would have; this is ...
- 86k
4
votes
Does a neutral wire need to be run from a switch to the light?
A church is a commercial facility so use caution on advice received on this site most are not familiar with the unique requirements to commercial construction. Could you provide a photo of the wires ...
- 103k
4
votes
Accepted
Single black wire from box going to two terminals (via jumper) on timer switch
Very simple. See this online manual site but it is pretty much what I expected:
Black = Incoming power/Hot/Line. The timer itself (the motor - new stuff may be all electronic, but still needs power) ...
4
votes
Can I install a mechanical timer switch on a stove circuit?
Your options for installing ready-made solutions or assembling your own depend on a few things.
Firstly, if you are not the homeowner, you are limited plug-in timer or safety/shut-off products. If you ...
- 16.1k
4
votes
Using a countdown timer to control a 40A 240V contactor
For a slightly different approach, mount a contactor with a 24V coil in the vicinity of your breaker panel and run thermostat wire (or its equivalent) to a spring-wound timer on the patio. With the ...
- 12.8k
4
votes
Accepted
Have one timer turn one device on and another device off simultaneously
So, relay modules that take low voltage coil/control inputs and can switch line voltage are a thing you can buy.
Here's one example that requires no line voltage wiring by you, and is a listed product....
- 226k
3
votes
Leviton Vizia 24 hr timer - How do I install?
Your timer needs requires four wires.
Black is "hot"
Red is the load wire, which is only hot when the switch is on (closed).
White is neutral, which allows the timer itself to use power to operate.
...
- 132k
3
votes
Accepted
How can I wire this bathroom fan into the middle of an existing circuit?
how would I connect everything up at the light to allow the attic outlets to still have continuous power?
Wire neutrals #1, #2, and #5 together; there will be no neutral connection to Romex #2. ...
- 36.7k
3
votes
Is it safe to unplug my electric water heater daily to save energy?
Do not plug and unplug that outlet on a daily basis. That is probably a 30A rated receptacle (probably NEMA 6-30 or 14-30) and those are not rated for frequent use. (Most especially the obsolete ...
3
votes
Why is my timer tripping the breaker on my pool filters power cable?
Switching GFCIs line-side tends to make them a bit cross
Plug-type GFCI devices revert to the "tripped" state when unpowered, unlike receptacle-type designs, which mechanically latch in both "tripped"...
- 86k
3
votes
Accepted
Timed Light that turns ON every 30 minutes, press button to turn off
Easy peasy.
Get a common, mains-rated 30-minute rundown timer - the kind of thing you see on bathroom fans or heat lamps.
Except look for a special version of this which is either "Normally ...
3
votes
how to wire two switches in one box with three wires , two of the go to different lights, which one is hot
White is hot, per NEC.
However your installation is already a code violation, so it might be two. Also, this particular instance is one of those rare times experimentation does not hurt; switches ...
3
votes
Accepted
Woods 59104R pro timer issue
First, if this is a 240V device, ALL those white wires (on both ends) must be marked with black tape to indicate they are actually hots.
The crux of your problem is you confused supply side with the ...
3
votes
Accepted
Will leaving an electric hose faucet timer in direct sunlight damage the timer?
The instructions say max working temp of 120f I would probably put a light color cover over it Because that’s not far off 110. A cover may affect the rain delay feature but would reduce the direct sun ...
- 103k
3
votes
Add Countdown Timer for Electric Heater
Just to answer your question, you could always use a common Intermatic double pole single throw timer. You'd have to have a fixed "off" pin and just rotate the time wheel to an hour before ...
- 86.2k
3
votes
Accepted
Wiring diagram for light switch, GFCI, timer and bathroom fan
This looks correct to me. Key pieces:
All grounds together.
Light is switched and powered not on GFCI. This is normal and generally preferred, with the exception if the light is directly over a tub/...
3
votes
Dryer Timer won't advance
The gearing of the timer allows you to turn the knob without turning the motor. The motor is probably a small conventional synchronous motor. You can easily remove the motor with 2 screws, then test ...
- 2,005
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