Setting an Intermatic timer is an essential part of home automation and energy conservation. It allows you to control when electrical devices, like lights and appliances, turn on and off, reducing energy usage and saving you money on your utility bills. The Intermatic timer is a user-friendly device, and with just a few simple steps, you can program it to meet your specific needs. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the process of setting an Intermatic timer, providing clear instructions and helpful tips to ensure a successful setup.
Before you begin, gather the necessary materials. You’ll need the Intermatic timer, a screwdriver, and the user manual (if available). Once you have everything you need, find a convenient location to install the timer. The ideal spot is near the electrical panel where you have easy access to the wires you want to control. After selecting the location, mount the timer securely using the provided screws.
Once the timer is installed, it’s time to connect the wires. The Intermatic timer typically has three terminals: line (L), load (L1), and neutral (N). The line terminal is connected to the power source, the load terminal is connected to the device you want to control, and the neutral terminal is connected to the neutral wire in the electrical panel. Make sure to follow the wiring diagram provided in the user manual to ensure proper connections. After connecting the wires, turn on the power to the timer and proceed to programming it.
Understanding the Basics of Intermatic Timer
An Intermatic timer is a device that enables you to automate the operation of electrical devices, such as lights, appliances, and irrigation systems, based on a predetermined schedule. Understanding the fundamentals of Intermatic timers is essential to effectively utilize their capabilities.
Types of Intermatic Timers
Intermatic timers come in various types, each designed for specific applications:
1. Mechanical Timers
- Function: Utilizing a clock-driven mechanism, mechanical timers provide a simple and cost-effective means of timer control.
- Operation: Manually setting a dial or lever allows you to specify the desired on/off times.
- Ideal Applications: Suitable for straightforward timer applications, such as controlling outdoor lighting or irrigation systems.
2. Digital Timers
- Function: Digital timers offer greater flexibility and precision compared to mechanical timers.
- Operation: These timers employ digital displays and user-friendly interfaces, enabling you to program complex schedules and settings.
- Ideal Applications: Recommended for applications that require advanced timer functionality, such as multiple on/off events per day or random scheduling.
3. Wireless Timers
- Function: Providing remote control capabilities, wireless timers enable you to operate devices from anywhere within the transmitter’s range.
- Operation: Using radio frequency (RF) communication, these timers allow for convenient scheduling and monitoring without the need for physical connections.
- Ideal Applications: Suitable for automating devices in hard-to-reach locations or for enhanced convenience.
Wiring the Intermatic Timer
Terminal Designations
Each terminal on the timer is designated with a letter or number, as shown in the table below:
| Terminal | Purpose |
|---|---|
| L1 | Line wire (hot) |
| L2 | Load wire (hot) |
| N | Neutral wire |
| G | Ground wire |
Wiring Diagrams
Single-Pole Switching
- Connect the line wire (black or red) to terminal L1.
- Connect the load wire (black or red) to terminal L2.
- Connect the neutral wire (white) to terminal N.
- Connect the ground wire (green or bare copper) to terminal G.
Double-Pole Switching
- Connect the two line wires (black or red) to terminals L1 and L2.
- Connect the two load wires (black or red) to terminals L3 and L4.
- Connect the neutral wire (white) to terminal N.
- Connect the ground wire (green or bare copper) to terminal G.
Three-Way Switching
- Connect the common wire (black) to terminal C.
- Connect the travelers (red and white) to terminals X and Y.
- Connect the neutral wire (white) to terminal N.
- Connect the ground wire (green or bare copper) to terminal G.
Precautions
- Before wiring the timer, turn off the power at the breaker or fuse panel.
- Make sure that all wire connections are tight and secure.
- Use wire nuts or connectors designed for the appropriate wire gauge.
- If you are not comfortable wiring electrical devices, consult a qualified electrician.
Programming the Intermatic Timer
1. Understanding the Timer Dial
The Intermatic timer dial is divided into 24 equal segments, each representing one hour. The current time is indicated by the black arrow. The white arrows indicate the on/off times.
2. Setting the Current Time
To set the current time, align the black arrow with the correct hour on the dial. Turn the dial clockwise or counterclockwise until the arrow points to the desired time.
3. Setting the On/Off Times
To set an on/off time, locate the white arrow corresponding to the desired time. Push the arrow inward and slide it to the desired hour segment. Repeat for the other on/off time.
4. Advanced Programming Options
The Intermatic timer offers advanced programming options to enhance flexibility:
- Random Mode: When enabled, the timer will delay turning on/off by a random number of minutes to deter thieves.
- Astronomic Timer: Adjusts on/off times automatically based on sunrise and sunset times for your location.
- Seasonal Adjust: Allows you to adjust on/off times for different seasons, e.g., longer daylight hours in summer.
- Permanent On/Off: Set a specific time to manually override the timer and keep devices on/off indefinitely.
| Option | Description |
|---|---|
| Random Mode | Delay on/off times by a random number of minutes. |
| Astronomic Timer | Adjusts on/off times based on sunrise/sunset. |
| Seasonal Adjust | Adjusts on/off times for different seasons. |
| Permanent On/Off | Manually override the timer to keep devices on/off indefinitely. |
Setting the Clock on the Intermatic Timer
To set the clock on your Intermatic timer, follow these steps:
1. Locate the Clock Button
On the front of the timer, locate the Clock button. This button is typically located near the top or bottom of the timer.
2. Press and Hold the Clock Button
Press and hold the Clock button for about 5 seconds. The time will start to flash on the display.
3. Adjust the Hours
Use the up and down buttons to adjust the hours. The up button will increase the hours, while the down button will decrease them.
4. Adjust the Minutes
Once you have set the hours, press the Clock button again to adjust the minutes. Use the up and down buttons to adjust the minutes.
5. Press and Release the Clock Button
Once you have set the time, press and release the Clock button to save your changes. The time will no longer be flashing and will be displayed on the screen.
Setting the On/Off Times
Programming the on/off times for your Intermatic timer is a crucial step to ensure that your connected devices or appliances operate at the desired times. Follow these detailed instructions to set the on/off times accurately:
- Locate the On/Off Trippers: On the timer’s face, you will find two sets of trippers labeled “On” and “Off.” These trippers are adjustable pins that can be moved to set the on and off times.
- Set the Current Time: Turn the dial clockwise until the arrow aligns with the current time. This ensures that the timer will start counting from the correct time.
- Plan the On/Off Intervals: Decide on the time intervals when you want your connected devices to be turned on and off.
- Move the On/Off Trippers: For each interval, move the corresponding “On” tripper to the start time and the “Off” tripper to the end time.
- Repeat for Multiple Intervals: If you wish to set multiple on/off intervals, repeat steps 3 and 4 for each desired interval.
- Turn off the power to the device that you want to control.
- Remove the faceplate of the timer.
- Locate the trippers on the timer. The trippers are small, plastic tabs that are located around the edge of the timer dial. There should be one tripper for each day of the week.
- Set the trippers to the times that you want the device to turn on and off. To do this, simply push the trippers down until they are flush with the surface of the timer dial.
- Replace the faceplate of the timer.
- Turn on the power to the device that you want to control.
- Turn off the power to the device that you want to control.
- Remove the faceplate of the timer.
- Press and hold the “Reset” button until the LED lights on the timer turn off.
- Release the “Reset” button and then replace the faceplate of the timer.
- Turn on the power to the device that you want to control.
- Check the power to the timer. Make sure that the timer is plugged into a working outlet and that the power switch is turned on.
- Check the wiring to the timer. Make sure that the wires are connected properly and that there are no loose connections.
- Replace the timer. If you have checked the power and wiring and the timer is still not working, then you may need to replace the timer.
| Time Interval | On/Off Tripper Position |
|---|---|
| 6:00 AM – 8:00 AM | On tripper at 6:00, Off tripper at 8:00 |
| 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM | On tripper at 10:00, Off tripper at 12:00 |
| 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM | On tripper at 3:00, Off tripper at 5:00 |
Note: Ensure that the on/off trippers do not overlap for any interval, as this will result in unintended device operation.
How to Set an Intermatic Timer
Intermatic timers are commonly used to control outdoor lighting, pool pumps, and other electrical devices. Setting an Intermatic timer is a relatively simple process that can be completed in a few minutes. Here are the steps on how to set an Intermatic timer:
Your Intermatic timer is now set and will automatically turn the device on and off according to the schedule that you have programmed.
People Also Ask About How to Set an Intermatic Timer
How do I know if my Intermatic timer is working?
There are a few ways to tell if your Intermatic timer is working. First, check to see if the device that you are controlling is turning on and off at the correct times. If it is not, then the timer may not be working properly. You can also try manually overriding the timer by pushing the “Override” button. If the device turns on or off when you push the “Override” button, then the timer is working properly.
How do I reset my Intermatic timer?
To reset your Intermatic timer, simply follow these steps:
My Intermatic timer is not working. What should I do?
If your Intermatic timer is not working, there are a few things that you can try:
