| Author |
Message |
    
emmie
Citizen
Username: Emmie
Post Number: 270
Registered: 3-2002
| | Posted on Wednesday, March 17, 2004 - 3:29 pm: | 
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The automatic timer switch to my front porch light is shot. It is really quite old so I will have to replace it. Right now my light won't go on at all. I have reset the timer a bunch of times to no avail. I don't like being without a porch light at night and can't seem to get anyone to repair anytime soon.
Is this something I could do myself? The wall switch plate contains two switchs, one for the foyer light and one for the upstairs hall light and the third switch on that plate is the timer. (was a regular switch before timer)
Now, I know to get a new timer, turn off the power that controls that area in fuse box, take the plate off the wall, probably ignore the two good switchs and install the timmer. But, I know there are certain wires to connect to other wires but don't have a clue which is which. Any instructions would be helpful. Should I do it myself? It seems like a pretty simple thing, its not like rewireing or anything. |
Handygirl
Citizen
Username: Handygirl
Post Number: 40
Registered: 2-2004
| | Posted on Wednesday, March 17, 2004 - 3:34 pm: |
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It is an easy DIY. Get a timer from Home Depot (they have lots of options), switch off the fuse (you can get a tester at HD for around $5 to test the wires to make sure they aren't hot), then just install the new switch to the same wires that the old switch was connected to.
Handygirl
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emmie
Citizen
Username: Emmie
Post Number: 271
Registered: 3-2002
| | Posted on Wednesday, March 17, 2004 - 3:56 pm: |
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Handygirl, Thanks for the info. What do I do if the wires are hot? (dumb question, I know) Guess I don't install, but what happens then, do I cap them or what? |
Handygirl
Citizen
Username: Handygirl
Post Number: 41
Registered: 2-2004
| | Posted on Wednesday, March 17, 2004 - 6:49 pm: |
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If the wires are hot even after you've switched off what you think is the correct fuse, then I would call someone who knows more about electrical then both of us. I wouldn't go near a hot wire. You could really hurt yourself. Good luck.
Handygirl
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Mergele
Citizen
Username: Mergele
Post Number: 55
Registered: 7-2003
| | Posted on Wednesday, March 17, 2004 - 6:59 pm: |
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when in doubt, turn off the main.
"Cats climb because being ruler of all you survey sucks when all you survey is ankles." -- Unknown
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Cubeless
Citizen
Username: Cubey
Post Number: 45
Registered: 9-2003
| | Posted on Thursday, March 18, 2004 - 1:05 pm: |
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I've had lousy luck with these timers...I have installed 2 already and they have always malfucntioned.
With the timer I currently have, if one of the three bulbs burns out, the whole light goes out. Weird.
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Handygirl
Citizen
Username: Handygirl
Post Number: 42
Registered: 2-2004
| | Posted on Thursday, March 18, 2004 - 4:44 pm: |
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I love the convenience of my timers, although they are definitely higher maintenence than a switch. It's nice, though, to arrive home to a lit house.
Handygirl
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mickey
Citizen
Username: Mickey
Post Number: 28
Registered: 10-2001
| | Posted on Thursday, March 18, 2004 - 5:57 pm: |
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If your house is 100 or so years old, like mine, the old knob and tube wiring, and push button switches can make installing a timer a bit difficult. We are 1 for 2 in doing it ourselves; the second time we just could not figure out why it wasn't working (even tried more than one timer). Finally called an electrician who installed one lickety split. Then, about 2 or 3 months later, it shorted out again, or whatever it does. Electrician came back right away, replaced the timer, (no charge) and so far (fingers crossed)it's still working well. |
us2innj
Citizen
Username: Us2innj
Post Number: 1016
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Thursday, March 18, 2004 - 5:58 pm: |
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We have an Intermatic in-wall timer on our porch light. It has worked fine for the last seven years, and only needs to be reset for change-overs to and from daylight savings time, and if the bulb burns out.
It is a snap to install and operate. |
emmie
Citizen
Username: Emmie
Post Number: 273
Registered: 3-2002
| | Posted on Thursday, March 18, 2004 - 7:17 pm: |
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Well, thanks to all for the info. I have decided to go the safe way and have it done by someone who knows what he is doing, since I certainly don't. Maybe I'll start my DIY career with someting simpler, like shovel the driveway again! |
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