Wall Switch Timer Frequently Asked Questions
WARNING: Before attempting to install your new timer, make sure power is OFF from the main electrical box! Please read all instructions with your device thoroughly before attempting any installation. If you are unsure about any part of your installation, contact our Technical Support Department or a qualified electrician.
- What can I control with my timer?
Some of the uses of your Swylite timer are:
- Compact Fluorescent Lamps (CFL's)
- Fluorescent Tube/Ballast Lights
- PAR Flood Lamps
- Halogen Lamps
- LED Bulbs
- Xenon Bulbs
- Candelabra Bulbs
- Christmas Lights
- Porch/Entrance Lights
- Security Lights
- Bedroom Lights - Physically Disabled Persons and Senior Citizens
- Wall Outlets
- Garden Pumps/Fountains
- Aquarium Lights/Heaters
- Appliances
- Stereos/Audio Equipment
- Towel Warmers
- Attic Fans
- Ceiling Fans
- Bathroom Fans
- Plant Grow Lights
- Do I ever need to replace the battery inside my timer?
No. The backup battery in your unit is factory installed and never needs to be replaced.
- This unit is always powered on, how much will it cost me to operate for a year?
Your timer uses less than 1 watt of power to run per hour, it costs approximately 49 cents per year to operate at 13.2 cents per kWh.
- Does the backlight on the Plus Series Timers always stay on?
Yes. The backlight on the Plus Series Timers is always on for easy viewing.
- What are the dimensions of your timer?
The dimensions of the LST100/200 Series Timers inside the junction box are 1.50" wide x 2.77" high x 1.34" deep.
- How do I find the white neutral wire in my junction box?
Look in the back of the junction box for two or more white wires twisted together. The white wires enter and exit the box and are NOT connected to any switch in the electrical box. Connect the white wire of the timer to this bundle of white wires.
- I do not have a white neutral wire in my junction box. What do I do?
- I have two black wires going to my old switch. How do I know which one connects to the blue wire on the timer?
1) Turn power OFF at the main power panel.
2) Connect the black wire of the timer to either of the black wires from the main electrical box (power panel).
3) Place wire nuts on all the other wires so they are not exposed.
4) Turn power ON at the main power panel.
5) If the timer's LCD display shows a time, you have found the correct hot wire. If the display is blank go to step 10.
6) Turn OFF the power at the main power panel.
7) Connect the blue wire of the timer to the unconnected black wire inside the junction box.
8) If 2-way installation, cap-off red wire with supplied wire nut. If 3-way installation, connect red wire to remote switch.
9) Make sure all wire nuts are secure and tight and turn power ON at the main power panel. Your timer should be working properly.
10) Turn OFF the power at the main power panel.
11) Move the black wire from the timer to the other black wire inside the junction box.
12) Connect the blue wire of the timer to the unconnected black wire inside the junction box.
13) If 2-way installation, cap-off red wire with supplied wire nut. If 3-way installation, connect red wire to remote switch.
14) Make sure all wire nuts are secure and tight and turn power ON at the main power panel. Your timer should be working properly.
- All of the wires in my wall are the same color. What do I do now?
Your wires are probably the same color for they have paint on them when your house was spray painted when originally built or re-painted.
Gently scrape the wires with a fingernail or edge of a coin (dime or quarter) about an inch wide to expose the insulation color underneath. Be careful so that you do not cut through the wire insulation when scraping the wires.
- Can I connect any of the wires of my timer together?
No. If any of the wires of your timer are connected together serious damage to the timer will result.
- My timer is making a clicking noise after I installed it, is it defective?
No. The WHITE wire of your timer is incorrectly connected to another wire on your timer. The WHITE wire of your timer must be properly connected to the neutral wire in your junction box and not any other wire(s). If any of the wires of your timer are connected together serious damage to the timer will result.
- I replaced an Intermatic timer in a 3-way switch installation and the Swylite timer does not work.
When replacing an Intermatic device in a 3-way installation, you must remove the red jumper wire that was added to your remote 3-way switch in order for the Intermatic device to work when it was initially installed.
- The main power and timer display is ON, but the device and/or rocker switch does not work.
Check that the timer blue wire connection is good, is not electrically shorting to anything and that the wire nut is on tight and secure.
- The timer works and the LCD "ON" icon is lit. Unit does not turn my light(s) on.
Check that the light bulb is good and not blown. Replace bulb with a new one.
- My timer works and is installed properly but doesn't turn my light ON or OFF at the designated time(s).
Check that the unit is not set to go OFF (or ON) in the AM (or PM) and is programmed correctly.
- I have a 2-way installation, what do I do with the red wire on the timer?
The red wire is not used in a 2-way installation. Cap-off the red wire securely with the wire nut provided in the package.
- Sometimes my light goes ON and OFF by itself. Is my timer defective?
Shut OFF the power going to the switch at the Main Electrical Box and ensure that all of the wire nuts on the timer are tight and secure. Due to street traffic and other vibrations, these can become loose over time and affect your timers' performance.
- I have a LST200 Series Timer, how do I only use one (1) setting or timed event?
To only use one (1) setting on your timer, the second event (E:2) must be programmed to go ON and OFF at the same time. Example: Set E:2 to go ON @ 12:00PM and OFF @ 12:00PM. Your unit will now only have one (1) timed event.
- I have two (2) or more toggle switches in my wall. Do I have to change the second (or third) switch to a decorator-style switch when installing your timer?
No. You can purchase a multi-gang wall plate with 1-Decorator, 1-Toggle (or more) cutout(s) for your needs. If your junction box has the timer on the left, just flip the wall plate over, it fits either way. Below are some sample-style plates available from your local hardware store or home improvement center.
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