Lighting, Light Fixtures, Ceiling and Exhaust Fans - in-wall countdown timer install 4 wires into 3
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arobson
02-16-09, 08:34 PM
Tried to install a timer to control my bathroom fan (intermatic EI210 electronic countdown timer) which has 4 wires total: Intermatic Timers - In-Wall Timers - Electronic Timers - EI210 (http://www.intermatic.com/Default.asp?action=prod&pid=9309&sid=98&cid=53&did=5)
BLACK-Line/ RED-Load/ WHITE -Neutral/ GREEN-Ground
but the single pole switch it replaces only has 3 wires total: BLACK/ BLACK/ GREEN (Hot/Neutral/Ground).
So how can I figure out which wires are the Line/Load/Neutral when they are not color coded and what do I do with the 4th red wire which is the timer... i tried 2 into 1 with limited success (red/white fan pulses- red/black nothing). So I am figuring that I need to add a pigtail going to the red wire since the pulsing suggests that its only getting 1/2 the power it needs is this correct and if so how do I figure out which wire I add a line from.
Using a multimeter what readings should i get from the neutral wire, I know that black or line will show voltage.
BLACK-Line/ RED-Load/ WHITE -Neutral/ GREEN-Ground
but the single pole switch it replaces only has 3 wires total: BLACK/ BLACK/ GREEN (Hot/Neutral/Ground).
So how can I figure out which wires are the Line/Load/Neutral when they are not color coded and what do I do with the 4th red wire which is the timer... i tried 2 into 1 with limited success (red/white fan pulses- red/black nothing). So I am figuring that I need to add a pigtail going to the red wire since the pulsing suggests that its only getting 1/2 the power it needs is this correct and if so how do I figure out which wire I add a line from.
Using a multimeter what readings should i get from the neutral wire, I know that black or line will show voltage.
chandler
02-17-09, 05:03 AM
Clickable from the site you gave us. http://www.intermatic.com/images/instruction_sheets/158ei12086.pdf
All you have is a switch loop, line, load and ground. You need a neutral for the timer to operate. So as the instructions say, "additional wiring will be necessary". From your lighting fixture you will need to bring a neutral down to the switch location. Seeing you have black and black, is the wiring in conduit? Are they cables? If cable, you will need to replace the switch loop with a 12-3 or 14-3 depending on your OPD, in order to gain the neutral.
All you have is a switch loop, line, load and ground. You need a neutral for the timer to operate. So as the instructions say, "additional wiring will be necessary". From your lighting fixture you will need to bring a neutral down to the switch location. Seeing you have black and black, is the wiring in conduit? Are they cables? If cable, you will need to replace the switch loop with a 12-3 or 14-3 depending on your OPD, in order to gain the neutral.
wirenut1110
02-17-09, 06:20 AM
You may consider a spring wound mechanical timer which does not need a neutral
Intermatic Timers - In-Wall Timers - Spring Wound "Bypass" Timers (http://www.intermatic.com/?action=subcat&sid=96)
Intermatic Timers - In-Wall Timers - Spring Wound "Bypass" Timers (http://www.intermatic.com/?action=subcat&sid=96)
arobson
02-17-09, 11:13 AM
I guess i bought the wrong switch and I'm gonna scrap this project which is stupid anyway. Theres no way I'm going to start running wires all over the place, so thank you.