Where are all the electrical guys?

[Monky]

So I want to put a timer on my front porch lite.. so I go and buy one.. this can't be that difficult right?

Well the timer has 5 wires coming out of the back of it, the rocker switch I'm replacing has 2 wires..that's right two. They both look the same, same black wire.. Wtf...

[SideShow Bob]

In Durango.......

One wiree side is the hot coming to the switch, the other is the switched leg going to the light.
To tell the difference, lick your thumb & forefinger, then quickly pinch one wire, then the next.
you will quickly know which is which......

[Irving]

What Bob said is correct, as far as on a switch it is the same wire. On a switch you are just interrupting the power wire, off cuts the connection, and on makes the connection to complete the circuit. Timer should have come with instructions and you may not use every wire.

[Danimal]

Deleted

[newracer]

You timer probably needs a neutral which may not be in the box. It is also likely able to be used as a three way switch. That would explain all the wires.

[SideShow Bob]

You timer probably needs a neutral which may not be in the box. .

That would not be to code.

the timer most likely has wires for:

1. Hot - most likely black.
2. Neutral - white.
3. Ground - green.
4. Switched leg - red or another color other than the previously mentioned.

[newracer]

That would not be to code.

How long has that been code though?

[Danceswithwires]

The reason why so many wires is it is probably compatible with either single pole or 3 way installations and needs a neutral and ground. Best bet is check the destruction's. If you have two black wires you probably have a neutral there which is good. PM me if you need a hand.

[Danceswithwires]

How long has that been code though?
It's recent (last code change or the one before it) and if you could fish it in later you don't have to do it

[68Charger]

How recent something is code really isn't relevant to me.. if you're making a change, it should comply to current code (UNLESS the site infrastructure prevents it)

It's always good practice to have a separate ground & neutral in every box.. in the past, one of those was allowed (depending on jurisdiction)
the neutral would not be wired to the switch in this situation, only the "hot" wires..
The ground sould be wired to the switch (if it's a modern switch). look for a leg with a green screw on it... if not, then you could pay $1-2 or so for a new switch. (they are cheap)

If the junction box is metallic, then the ground would be tied to the box as well.. many plastic boxes will have a common ground point (not the same as a neutral point)
I just re-read and understand what you're saying better..

the switch you are replacing has 2 wires the same color (should be black).. one is hot from the breaker, other is the hot towards the light.
on the timer, one will likely be black (hot to the breaker) and red (hot towards the light).. you need to determine which is which with a meter. (in order to meet code)

[ray1970]

I've seen this in movies. I say cut the red wire. Quick. Before the timer runs down and that thing explodes.

[Great-Kazoo]

Why not go with a sensor unit.

[newracer]

How recent something is code really isn't relevant to me.. if you're making a change, it should comply to current code (UNLESS the site infrastructure prevents it)

My point was that having a neutral in a switch box has not always been code so there may not be one already there, depending on how old his house is.

[Monky]

Why not go with a sensor unit.

The location of the light on the porch prohibits. It's kind of a crap location, but it's what I've got to work with. I had Marlin try and put one in back when he made appearances in public.. It wouldn't mount. Too close to the ceiling.

The switch itself is made for a single or a three way switch.. I forget the 'model', got it at homey depot. I think it was the only one I could find there. That place has more candy than a lot of things I try to find.

Anywho.. I did look at the instructions and not a single one mentioned only two wires.. I don't like playing with sparky things. I've been zapped good before and I'd rather it not happen again.

Should I ditch the one from homey depot and find another one? What's your favorite?

I just want it to turn off and on for the illusion that someone is home. I'm apparently old and can't remember to turn it off in the morning either, and not always home by dark. It's got an LED bulb, so I'm not worried about cost.

[SideShow Bob]

[Worth]
Post a good color picture of both the timer and the switch pulled out of the J-box, with a interior view. And we will be able to tell you if you need to replace the house to be able to use the timer.
And with most places, electrical parts are "All sales are final". Even if they are supposedly uninstalled.

[motoboy]

Don't know if this will help https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lje9r1yM6qk

Look on the switch. It will have the manufacture name and model number. It being either single pole or three way is why you will have the extra wire not in the video.

Ok turn off the breaker that powers the switch.

Black will go to the hot wire.
Red will go to the Switch leg out to the light.
White will go to neutral, you might have to dig this out from inside the box. It might have two or more wires tied together. Just undo the wire nut and and wire the white wire from switch under it.
Green will go to the bare ground wire.
Remaining wire on switch (yellow ?) cap off with one of the wire nuts from your install package or it might have some kind of factory tipped covering.

Turn on breaker and test.

[Madeinhb]

Wonder where Sandman is? He would know!

[rbeau30]

I no kidding have been running these for over a year now, and I have 4 of them. I liked them so much I bought 3 of the plug-in models for lamps around the house.
http://www.amazon.com/Leviton-VPT24-1PZ-24-Hour-Programmable-Astronomical/dp/B003AIKQZ8/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1442586412&sr=8-2&keywords=leviton+timer

The instructions came pretty intuitive. I even have a 3-way application and I was able to follow the instructions and get them to work. I'm not an electrician, so I am thinking a DIYer would have no problem with these. I'll check and see if there is an instruction with these that has a 2 wire procedure. EDIT: I just downloaded the instructions from the MFGR website and it does not have a procedure for what I think you have in your box.

They are pricey, but they have a randomize function, and they are based on your Longitude and latitude for sunup and sundown events. Only drawback is they take up a big part of the inside of the switch box.

[newracer]

This is the one I have

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004AP92N2?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00

[SideShow Bob]

Yep, replace the house........

[Monky]

I'm just going to pay someone..

[rbeau30]

This is the one I have

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004AP92N2?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00

^ ^
If you get em from Amazon, you can add installation service for $83 for up to 3 devices.

[Monky]

Do any of you electrical types have a favorite brand?

[HoneyBadger]

I no kidding have been running these for over a year now, and I have 4 of them. I liked them so much I bought 3 of the plug-in models for lamps around the house.
http://www.amazon.com/Leviton-VPT24-1PZ-24-Hour-Programmable-Astronomical/dp/B003AIKQZ8/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1442586412&sr=8-2&keywords=leviton+timer



This is the one I have

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004AP92N2?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00
Those both look like pretty cool options. Any complaints with either of them?

[SideShow Bob]

Those both look like pretty cool options. Any complaints with either of them?

Yes, Monky has a complaint about the one he/she posted.

He he can't figure out how to install it ! [Tooth]

[HoneyBadger]

Yes, Monky has a complaint about the one he/she posted.

He he can't figure out how to install it ! [Tooth]
[facepalm]




...You'd better watch your chainsaws...

[Coffee]