First time homeowner, wiring in-wall timer
#1
02-22-14, 08:51 PM
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First time homeowner, wiring in-wall timer
Hello all,
I've just purchased the Honeywell Econoswitch RPLS740B in-wall timer for my driveway. However I would like to wire the porch light to it as well. So in essence, wiring 2 switches to one timer.
The left switch is where I want to place the timer. The right switch is for the porch, where I want to connect to the timer.
I've just purchased the Honeywell Econoswitch RPLS740B in-wall timer for my driveway. However I would like to wire the porch light to it as well. So in essence, wiring 2 switches to one timer.
The left switch is where I want to place the timer. The right switch is for the porch, where I want to connect to the timer.
#2
02-23-14, 04:43 AM
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As long as both are fed from the same circuit you would just combine the switched loads to the timer. One of the feeds would just be capped off in the box.
#4
02-23-14, 07:19 AM
You have one black that brings power in. That right now goes to both switches. Using just the timer that will go to the line side of the timer. You can identify that because it is the black wire that goes to both switches.
Each switch a a second wire from different cables. Those are your load wires. Using a wire nut connect the two load wires to the load wire of the timer switch.
Verify the color for line and load on the timer. Timer may or may not have a neutral.
Each switch a a second wire from different cables. Those are your load wires. Using a wire nut connect the two load wires to the load wire of the timer switch.
Verify the color for line and load on the timer. Timer may or may not have a neutral.
Last edited by ray2047; 02-23-14 at 08:02 AM.
#5
02-23-14, 12:04 PM
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Wow. I would never have understood this without your illustration. Thank you.
So just to make sure I understand this right. I just need one line wire to connect to the timer. Do I just cap off the other unused line wire? And I join the 2 load wires and connect that to the load wire of the timer. Right?
So just to make sure I understand this right. I just need one line wire to connect to the timer. Do I just cap off the other unused line wire? And I join the 2 load wires and connect that to the load wire of the timer. Right?
#6
02-23-14, 12:33 PM
I just need one line wire to connect to the timer.
Do I just cap off the other unused line wire?
#7
02-24-14, 05:28 PM
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Sorry for asking so many questions. I'm totally new at this.
You are right, there is just one breaker.
So the timer will go where the Driveway switch is. My understanding is that I join the LOAD wire of the Porch Switch to the LOAD wire of the Driveway switch/Timer. What do I do with the LINE and GROUND wire of the Porch Switch? Do I join those to the Driveway Switch/Timer as well?
You are right, there is just one breaker.
So the timer will go where the Driveway switch is. My understanding is that I join the LOAD wire of the Porch Switch to the LOAD wire of the Driveway switch/Timer. What do I do with the LINE and GROUND wire of the Porch Switch? Do I join those to the Driveway Switch/Timer as well?
#8
02-24-14, 06:12 PM
What do I do with the LINE wire of the Porch Switch
Same for the ground. Only one wire enters the box. Trim the ground as needed and connect to the timer green.
In your picture you still haven't pulled the switches out enough to clearly see the wires. When you do what I am writing should be obvious.
Last edited by ray2047; 02-24-14 at 06:41 PM.
#9
02-26-14, 05:00 PM
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Ok so I connected the timer. When I turn it on, it vibrates and the lights connected to it flicker. What am I doing wrong?
#11
02-26-14, 05:40 PM
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Figured out why. I mistakenly separated the neutral wire from the rest. Duh! My problem now is that the timer is always hot. I put the voltage tester on the face of the timer and it turns red. What did I do wrong?
#12
02-26-14, 06:07 PM
Group Moderator
Is the timer working 100% correctly right now ?
If it is.... the wiring is correct.
A non contact tester just tells you that there is high voltage in the area.... be careful.
That's all it's used for......NOTHING more.
Since the timer has 120v in it.... the non contact tester IS going to show power.
If it is.... the wiring is correct.
A non contact tester just tells you that there is high voltage in the area.... be careful.
That's all it's used for......NOTHING more.
Since the timer has 120v in it.... the non contact tester IS going to show power.
#13
02-26-14, 07:27 PM
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Yes timer is working 100% now. Thank you for reassuring me about the voltage tester.
And a huge thank you Ray for your time, patience, and expertise. This was my first wiring "project" and I could not have done it without you. Thank you.
And a huge thank you Ray for your time, patience, and expertise. This was my first wiring "project" and I could not have done it without you. Thank you.
#14
02-26-14, 08:04 PM
Glad we got you going. Thanks for letting us know. Others will disagree but my opinion we need a big banner at the top of the forum that says "Non contact testers are junk if you aren't a pro".
We get two or three posters a day misled by non contact testers.
We get two or three posters a day misled by non contact testers.
