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How to troubleshoot timers |
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 Troubleshoot
Analog
timerHow to set analog timers Plug-in timer doesn't work a) Check receptacle for power b) Check lamp is turned ON c) Check bulb is good. d) Check tabs or pins are set, and manually rotate dial f) Check override switch pushed fully in position g) Move override lever to different positions and manually rotate dial h) Try timer in different plug and with different lamp j) Test circuit with inexpensive circuit analyzer from hardware k) Don't exceed maximum wattage rating l) some timers are not rated for motors, or CFL bulbs... check rating m) Check Hz or cycles rating of timer. US and Americas use 60 Hz, while Europe and Asia uses 50 Hz n) Outdoor with photo cell > test with black tape over photo eye o) Turn photo eye away from light source p) Check if timer has battery (most analog timers do not have battery) q) If timer turns ON but does not turn OFF, then the timer pins may not be flipping the tiny switch located below and on the side of timer. This probably means timer has gone bad. |
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Larger image IN-wall
analog timer a) Check that timer dial is rotating one complete turn over period of one day. b) Check that timer is wired correctly. This timer needs a Neutral wire before the dial will rotate ... if dials not rotating once per day, then Neutral wire is suspect Not every switch box has a Neutral wire present... How to wire timer c) Check that load is operational. Check the light bulb is working. d) Do not exceed load rating on timer/ check the manual for load rating and load type. Look at markings on timer. Do not connect to 240 volt. How to control 240 volt with timer e) This is generally not best choice product for direct-connect to motors. Use a contactor. How to control heavy amp loads f) The override switch has 3 positions: permanent ON, permanent OFF, and Auto for automated timer function. If switch is not functioning, timer many not perform. The override is not integrated into timer functions. g) These timers have small pins that push inward or outward to set on-off times. Make sure pins are pushed fully into place. Manually rotate dial to check on-off of light to determine how many pins should be set. h) If timer turns ON but does not turn OFF, then the timer pins may not be flipping the tiny switch located below and on the side of timer. This probably means timer has gone bad. Resource: In-wall-wall analog timers and manuals |
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 Vacation
Analog
timerVacation timers cannot be programmed. If the dial is turning, then timer is usually operational. Rotate dial until current time lines up with arrowhead located on inner dial. To vary the random on-off times, rotate the current time setting Plug-in timer doesn't work a) Check receptacle for power b) Check lamp is turned ON c) Check bulb is good. d) Check tabs or pins are set, and manually rotate dial f) Check override switch pushed fully in position g) Move override lever to different positions and manually rotate dial h) Try timer in different plug and with different lamp j) Test circuit with inexpensive circuit analyzer from hardware k) Don't exceed maximum wattage rating l) some timers are not rated for motors, or CFL bulbs... check rating m) Check Hz or cycles rating of timer. US and Americas use 60 Hz, while Europe and Asia uses 50 Hz n) Outdoor with photo cell > test with black tape over photo eye o) Turn photo eye away from light source p) Check if timer has battery (most analog timers do not have battery) Resources More vacation timers How to set analog timers |
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Troubleshoot
Photocell digital timer Lights blink: photoeye is probably exposed to light, which resets photoeye Troubleshoot photo eye timer .pdf How to install and troubleshoot photo eye a) Test with black tape over photo eye b) Turn photo eye away from light source, outdoor lights, street lights, passing cars, reflected light off siding c) Always plug into grounded GFCI-protected outlet. Do not use 2 GFCI on same outlet. d) Check outlet for power. Turn breaker fully off and then back on. e) Check outlet polarity with with circuit analyzer f) Check that lights work... plug lights directly into outlet with power g) Do not let snow accumulate over top of timer h) Do not exceed watt rating shown in product manual i) Check if timer is rated for type of bulb being used j) Power surge, power outage, nearby lightning strike can knock out timer permanently Timers and manuals: Intermatic Woods GE Tork Related topic: How to set timers Install and troubleshoot photo eye Reverse photoeye so it turns ON during day |
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Troubleshoot
Photocell analog timer Troubleshoot photo eye timer .pdf How to install and troubleshoot photo eye a) Test with black tape over photo eye b) Turn photo eye away from light source, outdoor lights, street lights, passing cars, reflected light off siding c) Always plug into grounded GFCI-protected outlet. Do not use 2 GFCI on same outlet. d) Check outlet for power. Turn breaker fully off and then back on. e) Check outlet polarity with with circuit analyzer f) Check that lights work... plug lights directly into outlet with power g) Do not let snow accumulate over top of timer h) Do not exceed watt rating shown in product manual i) Check if timer is rated for type of bulb being used j) Power surge, power outage, nearby lightning strike can knock out timer permanently Timers and manuals: Intermatic Woods GE Tork Related topic: How to set timers |
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 More Intermatic timers  More Woods timers |
 Troubleshoot
Programmable timera) Press reset button: Reset or clear timer before starting, and after power outage b) Power surge, power outage, nearby lightning strike can knock out timer permanently c) Check if timer has battery. Reset timer after battery change. d) Check outlet for power. Turn breaker fully off and then back on e) Check outlet polarity with with circuit analyzer Circuit analyzer with GFCI check f) check for tripped GFCI. Do not use two GFCI on same circuit g) Check that lights work without timer... plug directly into outlet with power h) Check if timer in correct mode i) Check programming for conflicts and for overlapping programs j) Write out programming steps k) Don't exceed maximum wattage rating l) Don't let snow accumulate over timer. m) Check Hz or cycles rating of timer. US and Americas use 60 Hz, while Europe and Asia uses 50 Hz n) Check rating on timer: some timers do not work with CFL or motors, and are rated tungsten (incandescent) only o) If using timer for motor, check rating label on motor and look for Hp rating on timer instruction sheet Timers and manuals: Intermatic Woods GE Tork Sylvania |
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 All programmable timers and manuals All countdown timers  1) Strip stranded wire longer 2) Wrap stranded around the solid wire 3) Twist wire nut over both wires 4) Twist wire nut very tight 5) make sure wire nut covers all copper 6) Pull stranded wire and make sure it will not come loose |
Troubleshoot
Programmable wall timer Lights blink? Wiring is probably wrong a) Check wiring. Having a loose neutral wire, loose wire come out from the wire connector is common problem that causes switches and timers to stop functioning. Resources: How to wire wall timers How to troubleshoot loose wire, ground fault, or short b) Turn breaker fully off and then full on Resource: How to reset circuit breaker c) Reset or clear timer before starting, and after power outage. Reset timer if timer stops working. Often the reset button is shown of face of timer, sometimes the reset is small hole marked with R, sometimes the timer requires 2 buttons held down at same time (ST01, Ei600, Ej500) d) Power surge, power outage, nearby lightning strike can knock out timer permanently e) Check that light bulbs work f) Check if timer in correct mode g) Check programming for conflicts and for overlapping programs Resources: Programmable timers and manuals Countdown timers and manuals h) Write out programming steps i) Don't exceed maximum wattage rating j) Check rating: Some timers are not rated for motors, or CFL bulbs. This will shorten life of timer. k) Check Hz or cycles rating of timer. US and Americas use 60 Hz, while Europe and Asia uses 50 Hz For battery-operated timers, be sure batteries are fresh and installed with correct polarity. Always reset timer before setting programs Check wiring How to wire single pole timers How to wire 3-way timers |
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| l) Some programmable
timers have battery. Change battery. Do not expose timer to freezing temperatures http://waterheatertimer.org/Programmable.html#st01 m) Some timers are not rated for freezing temperatures. http://waterheatertimer.org/Aube-timers-and-manuals.html Read product manual |
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Timers that work with 3-way switch |
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Troubleshoot
Countdown wall timer a) Check wiring How to wire wall timers b) Power surge, power outage, nearby lightning strike can knock out timer permanently c) Check that light bulbs work e) Don't exceed maximum wattage and load rating f) Check rating: Some timers are not rated for motors, or CFL bulbs g) Check Hz or cycles rating of timer. US and Americas use 60 Hz, while Europe and Asia uses 50 Hz h) Turn breaker fully off and then back ON Check wiring How to wire single pole timers How to wire 3-way timers Compare countdown timers |
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Troubleshoot
remote controls Plug module into outlet, and plug light into module. Make sure light bulb is turned on and functioning. These devices are not made for motor loads, but will work fine for household box fan, up to 600 watts of light bulbs, usually work fine with incandescent, CFL and LED. Install batteries in the remote control. Push button on remote control to activate module and turn on light. Sometimes these devices arrive and one module does not work. Usually the remote control will work with at least two of the modules. Sometimes one of the push buttons stops working. Look if remote control has indicator light that lights up when button is pushed. Make sure remote control has battery, and battery terminals are not corrodded or battery leaking. Usually the battery is 12 volts. Signal can travel through a door, but not always through a wall or very far from remote. Unplug module from wall and push and hold the button located on front of device Stand directly in front of module with remote control, and push ON button Push and hold ON button several times Move module to different outlet Make sure light is ON and working... then plug light into module. Try with a different light. Do not use for heavy motor loads... check load rating on package before installing These devices last a few years Return remote controls. -or- Buy another set and have back-up. Resource: Remote controls for home |
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link for troubleshoot Troubleshoot power pack Installation tips, manuals, troubleshoot steps, instructions |
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  PB300 series FM1D series FM2D 2-channel series   Amico Digi 14 series 
 FM1 digi Other models |
Troubleshoot
digital timer modules Open links under each image on left to find manual and wiring for each timer: 1) Reset and reprogram timer. Reset button is usually a round hole for toothpick or paper clip... but can also be a button 2) Check that load is operational. Check the light bulb is working. 3) Do not exceed load rating on timer/ check the manual for load rating and load type. Look at markings on timer. 4) Some timers are not rated for motors. Use intermediate contactor or relay. Contactors are made for heavy-amp loads Resource for contactors 5) Check that wiring terminals are not burned or corroded. 6) These small timer modules are usually rated for 15 amp, or 12 amp safe maximum. Use fuse when drawing power from larger amp wire. 7) Timer modules are available for different voltages from 12-24 volt AC/DC, 120VAC, 208VAC, 240VAC... make sure correct voltage is connected to timer. Wrong voltage can damage timer. Look for model number and voltage on back of timer. 8) Timer must be connected to voltage to retain function and be programmed if back up is depleted. 9) Some modules have replaceable battery (PB 300 series). Most modules have internal, non-replaceable battery that holds memories during power outage, ranging from several hours to several days. 10) Modules are frequently offered with either 24-hour or 7-day programming. If timer is 24-hour, then the display will not offer selection of day(s). 11) Each of these modules has separate terminals for connecting power. These are timer terminals, and operate the timer clock and switching relay. 12) Each of these modules has separate terminals for switching that are dry or receive no power when power is connected to timer terminals. Dry switching terminals mean you can switch other voltages besides just the voltage that is connected to run the timer. Resources: Timer modules/ manuals and wiring Contactors and relays Fuseholders Match wire and breaker size Terminals |
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 FM1 MIL series  Diehl 
 PB series PB series |
Troubleshoot
analog timer modules Open links under each image on left to find manual and wiring for each timer: 1) ) Check that load is operational. Check the light bulb is working. 2) Do not exceed load rating on timer/ check the manual for load rating and load type. Look at markings on timer. 3) Check that wiring terminals are not burned or corroded. 4) These timer modules are usually rated for 15 amp, or 12 amp safe maximum. Use fuse when drawing power from larger amp wire. 5) Some timer modules are available for different voltages from 12-24 volt AC/DC, 120VAC, 208VAC, 240VAC... make sure correct voltage is connected to timer. Wrong voltage can damage timer. Look for model number and voltage on back of timer. 6) Some models have power back-up. (FM1 ans MIL series have power carryover models) 7) Some models have manual override, or mode setting. FM1 and MIL series have permanent override, while spa timer override resets at next tripper. 8) Timer must be connected to voltage to function. But you can manually rotate timer dial to check if load is working. 8) None of these modules has replaceable battery (PB series). 9) Modules are frequently offered with either 24-hour or 7-day programming. Look at specification sheet before buying module. 10) Each of these modules has separate terminals for connecting power. These are timer terminals, and operate the timer clock and switching relay. 11) Each of these modules has separate terminals for switching that are dry or receive no power when power is connected to timer terminals. Dry switching terminals mean you can switch other voltages besides just the voltage that is connected to run the timer. Resources: Timer modules/ manuals and wiring Contactors and relays Fuseholders Match wire and breaker size Terminals |
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 Defrost.Check for loose, burned wiring. Reset circuit breaker Test for correct voltage across terminals. Some timers are rated 120 and others rated for 240. Check if trippers are worn on mechanical timers Check if heater, compressor are functional. Check if model number of timer is made for your application. Some timers have 1 NO and 1 NO, while others have 1 NO and 2 NC etc. Some timers are rated time initiate, and pressure-temperature terminate/ If timer will not terminate, use back-up time terminate... check temperature or pressure sensor Some timers are time initiate and time terminate. Install new trippers, check setting on inner dial for 4 to 110 minute termination time If timer is digital, inspect small electronic parts located on face of timer for evidence of high heat and burning. Do not buy used timer. Resources: Intermatic defrost/ manuals and wiring Paragon defrost/ manuals and wiring |
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| Din rail timers/ manuals and wiring Hagar timers/ manuals and wiring |
Din
rail timers |
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 Troubleshoot
box timersTurn circuit breaker fully OFF and then fully back ON Blow dust out of timer and add bit of WD40 Check that load is operable Check rating plates on timer and on Load. Make sure timer is rated for the Load amps. Check rating plate on timer for voltage. Match voltage with electric supply from breaker box. Check rating plate on Load. Match voltage of timer with voltage of Load Use only solid copper wire. No stranded wire. Check that only copper wire and no insulation is under screw plate. Look for burned contacts and loose wire Keep box cover closed Maximum 2 wires under screw plate. Do not put 2 different size wires under same screw plate Only copper wire under screw plate. Cut back insulation so no insulation under screw plate. Check wiring... if load and line wires are reversed, timer will stop after tripper passes NO stranded wire  Resources:T100 series timers and manuals How to wire T100 series How to set box timers Troubleshoot box timers Trippers and parts Model numbers, and manuals How-to-troubleshoot-Intermatic-timer.html Match wire size and breaker and load Timer caught fire See all box timers and wiring |
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 Troubleshoot
digital box timerAll timers should be reset before programming ... try reset and re-program Reset timer if it stops functioning after power outage. Check if timer in correct mode, Timers that offer multiple voltages and fuctions are commonplace, but the programming can be complicated. Check programming for conflicts and for overlapping programs. The product manual is useful source of information, use search feature at top of this page to locate manual. Turn breaker fully off and then full on Check that load is operable Check rating plates on timer and on Load. Make sure timer is rated for the Load amps. Check rating plate on timer for voltage. Match voltage with electric supply from breaker box. Use only solid copper wire. No stranded wire. Loose wire come out from the wire connector is common problem that causes switches and timers to stop functioning. Check that only copper wire and no insulation is under screw plate. Use nose and eyes to look for burned contacts and loose wire Often these timers have 2 relays In some cases, one relay stops working, but other relay is still functional. If one relay is functioning, then 120V, 208V, 240V, 277V loads can be switched by turning off one Hot wire. Resource: How to fix EH40 timer |
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P1353 digital timer and manual/ with control centers | |||
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Both wires MUST be same
gauge Straighten each wire Tighten screw very tight against copper wire |
Use wire connector |
 Use push-on wire connectors |
3
wires/ or different gauge wires Join wires with wire connector or push-on connector Run jumper to screw terminal. Buy: Push on wire connectors at Amazon Red 3P connector (shown) for 10-14 gauge wire Lever nuts Resource: How to select and install wire connector |
  12 Ga |
10 gauge or 12 gauge? 10 gauge is larger/ for 30 amp breaker. 12 gauge is smaller/ for 20 amp breaker 10 gauge wire can have black-white or black-red 12 gauge will have black and white wires Buy short pieces 10 and 12 gauge wire at local box store Compare with your wire. Match color code and amp rating for wire |
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With 120 and 277 Volt
circuits, white wire is always Neutral, and black is Hot With 208 and 240 circuits, both wires are Hot, and both wires carry voltage Add black tape when white wire carries voltage (applies to 208 and 240V circuits) |
Orange
10 gauge 30 amp Orange/ #10 gauge for for 30 amp circuits including water heater with ground Buy: 10-2 gauge/ 30 amp 10-3/ 30 amp NMB is house wiring UF is underground |
Yellow
12 gauge 20 amp Yellow/ #12 gauge wire for 20 amp with ground Buy: 12-2 gauge/ 20 amp 12-3/ 20 amp Rolls of stranded wire NMB is house wiring UF is underground |
White
14 gauge 15 amp White/ #14 gauge wire for 15 amp with ground Buy: 14-2 gauge/ 15 amp 14-3/ 15 amp NMB is house wiring UF is underground |
 Copper ground wire Use same size as other wire in circuit Buy Spools of ground wire Ground rods at Amazon |
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 MultimeterTest for breaks in wire/ Test for voltageMost appliance require 80% rated voltage to function correctly Buy Multimeters at Amazon Electric testers at Amazon Resource: How to test and replace element How to test thermocouple Element tests for 120 volts How to test wire |
Safety
when testing wires: Never touch wet or previously flooded appliance. Never stand on wet surface when working on electric. Never stand on bare soil, put down dry boards. Tape tester leads to wood sticks to keep hands away from power. Use non-contact voltage tester before touching wires. Never touch or lean into any made of metal. Remove metal objects from pockets. Do not use oxygen or fuel accelerants in same room as electrical repairs Resource: Basic house wiring |
 Non-contact voltage testerTest for power without touching connectorsNEVER assume power is OFF Buy: Non-contact voltage tester Amazon Electric testers at Amazon Resource: How to test electric power is off |
Twist-on wire connector assortmentsDo not reuse old connectorsBuy: Connector assortment at Amazon Connector assortment at Amazon Resource How to select and install twist-on wire connectors |
Weatherproof wire connectorConnector cavity is full of siliconeBuilt-in cover keeps silicone in place Protect from water, dust etc Buy from my affiliate links Weatherproof size 14 to 6 Amazon Weatherproof size 22 to 8 Amazon Resource How to select and install connectors |
Wrench to apply wire connectors Tighten connector Buy: Wire connector blaster Twist connector wrenches at Amazon Resources: How to twist wire How to select and install twist-on wire connectors |
 Buy: Blue for 16-14 wire Yellow for 12-10 wire Resource: How to install terminals |
 TerminalsBuy:Terminal kit Blue for 16-14 wire Yellow for 12-10 wire |
Push-on wire connectors in place of twist-on connectorsBuy:Push on wire connectors Amazon Red 3P connector for 10-14 gauge wire Lever connectors for stranded wire at Amazon |
 Buy End cutting nippers at Amazon |
  Buy tools: Wire strippers at Amazon Linesman pliers Utility knife at Amazon End cutting nippers at Amazon |
 Use solid copper wire Fire inside timer caused by stranded wire Keep enclosure door closed at all times Buy: soldering guns Resource Timer caught fire |
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the economy: Buy water heaters from my associate links: 50 gallon Gas water heaters at Amazon 40 gallon gas water heaters at Amazon 50 gallon Electric water heaters at Amazon 40 gallon electric water heaters at Amazon Hybrid / heat pump/ water heaters at Amazon Resources: How to install gas water heater How to install electric water heater Troubleshoot gas water heater Troubleshoot electric water heater Point of use water heaters |
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Resource: Compare box timers DPDT timers Intermatic Control water heater w/ Z-wave |
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Resource: Intermatic control centers: and parts Digital control centers and parts Tork control centers and parts Subpanels All control centers and parts Enclosures |
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Resource: Programmable timers Countdown timers Off delay timers On delay timers Timer modules Din rail Twin & one-shot Woods Intermatic Tork |
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