Help me wire my digital timers

[comatose]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=6673371#post6673371 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by ezhoops

Here is what I wired now: I wired one white wire from each outlet to the white wire on the plug

Correct

one black wire from the outlet to the timer to the plug

Wrong, connnect the black wire from the plug to the timer black wire only.

Ground wire from the outlet to the blue wire of the timer, ground wires connect to ground wire on the plug.

Wrong again, the blue wire from the timer gets connected to the hot side of the outlet only.

then connect all the ground wires together from the plug and outlets along with one to the box screw that houses the timer since the timer has no ground wire.

then of course the red wire of the timer is not used and should be wire nuted and taped off by itself.

 

[Worldwithin]

This is straight from the instruction manual provided on the website for this device:

Single switch:
Connect one of the building wires to the black wire
from the timer, using the wire nuts provided. Connect
the other building wire to the blue wire from the timer.
THE RED TIMER WIRE IS NOT USED FOR SINGLE
SWITCH INSTALLATIONS. Cap the red wire with a
wire nut.
BE SURE THAT ALL THE WIRE NUTS ARE SECURE.



All of this wireing is done with the BLACK WIRE ONLY from your electrical source. Ignore the white wire as it does not connect to the timer at all. Imagine that this timer didn't exist in your circuit to begin with. You would have the black wire from your electrical source go to one side of your new outlet, and the white wire go to the other. With it connected in this fashion, sever the black wire somewhere between the electrical source and the new outlet. (obviously do this with no electricity present otherwise it will tickle a bit) Take the timer and attach its black wire to the severed black wire comming from the electrical source. Now take the blue wire and attach it to the severed black wire going to the new plug. Do nothing with the red wire. Do nothing with the ground wire (for now). Once you have everything hooked up in this way, test the circuit to see if it works correctly. If it does, then take the ground wire and connect it to the ground wire of your electrical source (either a green wire, or a bare copper wire - if present).

:fish1::hammer:

 

[ezhoops]

OK, Now I'm very confused. I followed the directions in the manual same as you stated and it didn't work properly.

 

[ezhoops]

connnect the black wire from the plug to the timer black wire only.

the blue wire from the timer gets connected to the hot side of the outlet only

can I just connect these all together in the same nut? since they are basically to the same place?

I hope this works, I'll let ya know tomorrow

 

[rsteagall]

where is a good source to buy these timers from?

 

[Worldwithin]

Does this help any?

 

[comatose]

We have explained it many times.....maybe a pic will help......Here is another, just in case....if you can't figure these out then you better find an electrician friend to help you.

 

[BeanAnimal]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=6673705#post6673705 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Worldwithin
This is straight from the instruction manual provided on the website for this device:

Single switch:
Connect one of the building wires to the black wire
from the timer, using the wire nuts provided. Connect
the other building wire to the blue wire from the timer.
THE RED TIMER WIRE IS NOT USED FOR SINGLE
SWITCH INSTALLATIONS. Cap the red wire with a
wire nut.
BE SURE THAT ALL THE WIRE NUTS ARE SECURE.



The problem is that they use terms like "building wires" and "the other building wire" with no mention of HOT or NEUTRAL. it is one of the worst instruction manuals I have ever seen, bar none!

They make no distinction between HOT and NEUTRAL or FEED and LOAD wires, no mention of a switch traveler or anything else. There are only about 5 ways to wire a switch and itwould have been easy for them to author instructions to cover each scenario. These instructions are dangerous.

Bean

 

[BeanAnimal]

I do agree, my instructions were very clear, as are some of the pictures drawn for you. If you are still having trouble, I would consult a profesional for help. This is not somethig to take lightly if you don't undersand it.

 

[ezhoops]

sorry guys but keep in mind I am Polish! no offense to any polish people out there but I really am 100% Polish and Proud

 

[ezhoops]

OK when I get home I will take everything apart and rewire following your diagrams. I'll let ya know

 

[ezhoops]

I just noticed no mention of ground wires in those pics

 

[comatose]

well we wanted to get you up and running first.....but you can run one from each outlet and then to each timer metal box then to the plug ground wire then nut them all together.

 

[comatose]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=6678065#post6678065 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by ezhoops
sorry guys but keep in mind I am Polish! no offense to any polish people out there but I really am 100% Polish and Proud

that reminds me, I heard this one........... how many Polish people does it take to wire a timer to a outlet?

None, they can't read instructions...........just having fun with ya Ezhoops.

your in Kinesiology, so that should have struck a nerve....lol

 

[perpetual98]

The timers don't have a ground wire on them, all they really do is turn on and off the hot lead to the outlets. The outlets themselves should be grounded accordingly.

Also, make sure you keep the Intermatic timers in a dry area. I had some under my stand and they were dead within 6-8 months because of humidity. I've done a lot of projects with them and decided to give them up because they're cheap. They use mechanical switching to actuate them. If they were solid state, I'd be more inclined to use them in the future.

 

[comatose]

I tend to agree with Perpetual98, a lot of them don't last long......so because they are so cheaply made i get back at intermetic and go buy a new one then give them the old broken one back in the new packaging and get a refund.....at least till i find a better company shush, don't tell anyone....but GE came out with a wall timer all digital and for only 14.95, i'll need to check it out.

 

[perpetual98]

tease. what's the GE part number?

There's another company, Aube maybe (I don't remember) that has a nice looking unit too.

 

[comatose]

I think i first seen them on Ebay.....I think i'm gonna have to start looking into relay switch boxes if i want reliable products.

 

[BeanAnimal]

perpetual98, My intermatic in-wall timers have grounds on them. I think if you look at the NEC you will find that switches now must be grounded "if grounding means are provided". I think you will also find that ISO, UL and other specifiers are requiring ground means to all switches. Silly if you ask me.... but it is the trend.

 

[perpetual98]

That's entirely possible. Perhaps the ones that I had are older. I think I got them about a year ago.