Project of the Week #324

Project of the Week Archive

Installing a Programmable Wall Switch

Whether you are going to be away from home for just the evening or on vacation, it's important to give your home a "lived-in" look to confuse would-be intruders.

A home that has lights, TVs and/or radios going on and off, giving it the "lived-in" look, is MUCH less likely to become the target of a burglary.

There are many types of plug-in timers. However, you can now install a timer for an overhead light. They look much more complicated than a regular wall switch. However, they are not anymore difficult to install than an ordinary toggle switch.

What You Need:

• Switch
• Screwdriver
• Wire strippers
• Wire nuts (if not included with new switch)

These are the directions for the 7-day timer we installed (made by Intermatic). However, if you purchase a different brand, you need to follow the directions from the manufacturer of the switch you are installing.

• First, turn the power off to the switch you will be working on.

TIP: On the back of my switch and outlet covers, I write the circuit number that controls them so I know immediately which breaker to flip.

• When turning the power off, leave the switch in the "on" position - when the light controlled by that switch goes out, you have the correct circuit.
• Use a circuit tester to be 100% sure the power is off to this switch!
• Now, remove the existing wall switch by loosening screws on the wires securing them to the switch OR by removing the wire nuts - this depends on how the old switch is connected.
• If there is a "hook" in the wires (coming from the wall box) you just removed from the old switch that wrapped around the screws, using wire strippers, cut them off. Then strip off approximately ˝" of the insulation from the end of these wires.
• Connect one of the wires that was connected to the old switch to the black wire from the timer, using the wire nuts provided. (Twist the wires in a clockwise direction…)
• Connect the other wire to the blue wire from the timer.
• The red wire on our switch is used only if a second switch also controls the light.
• According to the directions, we just needed to cap the red wire with a wire nut.
• Be sure that all the wire nuts are secured.
• Tuck the wires into the wall box, leaving room for the timer.
• Using the screws provided, mount the timer to the wall box, then install the wall plate.

Then, set the PROGRAM! The one we installed is a digital 7-day timer with up to 6 daily on/off settings AND has an override button and battery back up. So, in case of a power failure, the program will be saved.