Install a Built-in Timer

By Dave Donovan

Do you have children who always seem to leave every light blazing, even in the middle of the day? I do, and when I see those bathroom lights on, all I think about is the electric meter outside going round and round.

Well, I finally showed them! I replaced the light switch with a built-in timer. Now the lights can’t be on for more than 15 minutes. Ah, now I can rest.

Follow these easy steps and you will sleep easier at night knowing your kids aren’t costing you a small fortune by leaving the lights on.

For more information on how timers can improve your life, check out our article here.

This installation guide is for replacing a single-pole switch with a timer.

The tools that you will need for this project are:

• Wire Strippers
• Needlenose Pliers
• Screwdriver
• Voltage Tester

 

Additional materials for an easier job include:

• Electrical Tape
• Wire Nuts

 

1. Turn off the power to the circuit you will be working on. Place a strip of the electrical tape over the breaker that controls the circuit. You can also tape a sign to the door of the electrical panel box stating "Keep Out - Working on Electric!"

2. Unscrew the faceplate from the existing switch. Remove the faceplate.

3. Unscrew the existing switch. Gently pull the switch out of the box. (Over time, wiring may have become loose or brittle on the old switch. Wires may disconnect while pulling the switch out - another good reason to have the power off!)

4. Use the voltage tester to double check and make sure the circuit is off.

5. Unscrew the wires from the terminals on the old switch. Some switches may have been installed using the pressure connectors on the back of the switch. If that is the case, you may be able to wiggle them out or just clip them off with the needlenose pliers. Throw the old switch away.

6. Use the wire strippers to cut the bare wire off right below the insulation. Then, use the wire strippers to strip 3/8" insulation off the wires. Tip: On the side of most strippers is a guide that will show you how much insulation should be stripped.

7. In most cases, the timer will come with pre-wired and pre-stripped wires on the back. Take one black wire on the timer and one black wire from the wall box and hold them side by side. With the needlenose pliers, twist the exposed part of the wires together. This gives a better connection and helps prevent one of the wires from slipping out of the wire nut. Take a wire nut and tighten it over the wires. Repeat with the other black wires. You should have one timer wire connected with the wall wire, and the other Timer wire connected with the other wall wire.

 

• Tip: Some timers need a neutral hooked up. For a pre-wired timer, there will be a white wire that gets connected in the same manner to the other white wires in the box.

 

8. Take a 3" length of electrical tape and wrap it around the wire nut where the nut meets the wire. This helps protect against a wire being accidentally grounded. Repeat with the other set of wires.

9. Gently fold the wires back into the wall box.

 

• Tip: It helps to bend them in an accordion style fold for an easier fit. If the timer shares the box with other components, it would be wise to turn the power off to them before this step for safety reasons.

 

10. Once the timer is set in the box, screw it into place.

11. Screw the new faceplate on the timer.

12. Back at the electrical panel, remove the electrical tape and turn the circuit(s) back on.

13. Slowly turn the timer dial clockwise to test proper working order. The lights will turn on and you should hear the timer ticking softly.

14. Time to clean up and enjoy the wait for the next electric bill.

 

• Note: This guide is in no way a guarantee that your electric bill will be reduced by installing timers. Kids are very creative when it comes to making you pay for things, and there are many other electrical appliances and devices in your house.

 

Click here to purchase timers.

Dave Donovan is a freelance copywriter living in Atco, N.J. An electrician for 15 years, an injury forced him to pursue his true passion - writing.

© Doityourself.com 2006