Dont like timers design

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brother

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Well i took a chance a bought a 'cheap' 24 hr timer from home 'cheapo'. I had the wireing already to go. This was the 'new and improve' model clerk told me will replace the switch and turn on appliances and other things anytime you want. .

So i buy and take it home open it up and just see the 2 wires. Hmmm, I thought these needed a neutral to work, (or some of the others that use a ground thats against code but thats another arguement).

I say oh well, its been a while since i put these in, maybe they come up with a different way for the 'return' complete circuit in these electronic timers. so i hook it up per the manufactures instructions. Well Because of the way i got this stuff wired it wont work with my fan/light and if the bulb blow or fan is unpluged for any reason.You have to reprogrammed the blasted thing cause when it looses power cause it looses its circuit.

It uses the 'load' as its return (neutral). If there is an open then it resets. ARRGH!! Just had to vent, this a bad design and i just dont understand why the manufacturers get away with such nonsense just to make a buck!! I had a neutral in the box but these new timers dont even have a spot to hook it up to one. Even the 'ground' models are not too bad compared to this. Ok im done. just a pet peve i wanted to get off my chest.
 
brother said:
It uses the 'load' as its return (neutral). If there is an open then it resets. ARRGH!! Just had to vent, this a bad design and i just dont understand why the manufacturers get away with such nonsense just to make a buck!! I had a neutral in the box but these new timers dont even have a spot to hook it up to one. Even the 'ground' models are not too bad compared to this. Ok im done. just a pet peve i wanted to get off my chest.
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This is not a new cheap design. The first one I encountered was from Intermatic when I put it in my mothers house more than 20 years ago. They work great because you can replace any 2-wire switch. But they are easy to destroy if you wire them hot and many do not provide a true off position.
 
I agree with Jim, they serve a purpose. If I had to choose between using the load or using the EGC to complete the circuit I would rather use the load.
 
Does the 2008 NEC still allow a dimmer to use the EGC for a dimmer/fan control?

I don't do residential (except my own) so the last time I looked at it would have been 2002. As I recall, the NEC specifically allowed use of the egc.

carl
 
I have a number around the house controling different outdoor lighting - all the same model intermatic - they too have only a line and load - but the timer and relay are battery operated (last about a year and half), and you get a low battery warning and ten or so seconds to change the battery. But no load side path or any other type electrical operates the timer.
 
iwire said:
I agree with Jim, they serve a purpose. If I had to choose between using the load or using the EGC to complete the circuit I would rather use the load.
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Yes i suppose this is the 'lesser' of 2 evils. using the load. I just wish i could have seen it on the OUTSIDE of the package instead of having to buy it and then seeing the instructions on the inside of the package. I still dont like it though.
 
I have one of the Intermatic 7 day Astro Digital Timers on my front porch light. It has the battery in it, It comes on every day at dawn and goes off at dusk. I bought it when we were going on vacation, but just leave it on auto all the time now. Its really cool.
 
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