How to Wire a Light Switch Timer

 A light switch timer is a great way to save on your electric bill. You will find that wiring and installation on these is not a very difficult task. It is recommended, however that you have some experience with working with wires and electricity. With the right tools and know-how, this is a task that can easily and quickly be done.

Step 1 – Turn Power Off

The first and most important thing that you will need to do is turn the power off. In order to do this, you will need to go to the circuit breaker and turn it off before any wiring begins. A voltage tester may be needed so that you can be completely sure that the power is all of the way off. You will hold the tester next to one of the switches next to your circuit breaker. The red wire of the tester will need to be connected to the hot wire. The black wire of the tester will then need to be plugged into the neutral area of your plug. If there is a glowing light, then that means that the power is still on. 

Step 2 – Faceplate

Use your screwdriver to take off the faceplate of the light switch. There should only be a couple of screws that you need to remove. Once you have removed the faceplate, pull the switch out slowly so that it is hanging out of your wall box. Use your voltage tester again to make sure that there is no power going into this switch. 

Step 3 – Wire Connection

You will need to look behind the switch that is hanging out of the wall and look at all of the wires. You should then take off all of the caps so that you can attach the new wires. A wire stripper is needed so that you can get ½ of the wire stripped down bare. Using your pliers, splice your black wire from the light switch timer to the black wire that is coming from the wall. Wire nuts will be needed so that you can properly finish up connecting these 2 wires together. You will need to repeat this step on all of the wires. Use a wire nut so that you can secure the electricity on any of the extra wires. 

Step 4 – Finish Up

You are now ready to get the ground wire attached to the light timer. You will do this from the copper wire that is in the box. You should attach the ground wire to a place on the box that is metal so that you will know for sure that it is grounded. All of the wires need to be pushed back into the area that is in the box. From there, you will push the switch timer slowly into place so that you can screw in the necessary bolts. Make sure that the faceplate that came with your timer is screwed into place.