Contrary to some reviews/comments the product came with directions and installed without a hitch. I only have one gripe, the Random setting doesn't randomize event times. For example, I set my porch lights to turn off at 11pm with that option set which I believe allows up to 30 minutes variance so I should expect to see times like 10:30-11:30 or 10:45 to 11:15... something other than turning off exactly at 11pm. I know because my security cameras record the event when they change over to IR when the lights go out.
This was true for every switch installed, with single or three-way mode. I have to assume that it is a feature that is not quite ready for primetime or documented in such a way that I do not understand its function or expectations.
I hated having to remember to turn our porch light on at night and off in the morning, well never again! This timer was super easy to install, if you can install or replace a light switch, then you can install this timer. Installation and programming instructions are easy to understand and execute. The timer is extremely versatile in that you can program several on/off times for any days individually, weekdays or weekends. In addition, the random function is really useful, especially when you plan to be away from home. One of the best features is that it doesn't look out of place or obtrusive, like it belongs right beside the other light switches. Finally, Century's product support is awesome, they immediately answered the phone when i called and took the time to thoroughly answer my questions.
Works. The display does not stay lit up blue. Only lights blue when you push the buttons.
Frustrating when company doesn't include programming instructions; they just have a sheet for wiring. They don't even have a link to look up the programming instructions. Ended up using trial and error. Our lights for the first few nights either did not turn on at right time or did not turn off at programmed time. Finally figured out through experimenting and of trial and errors. For a less than $20 product I guess this is to be expected. The product itself worked when wired properly, has good features and a nice blue back light. But these were shadowed by the lack of instructions which wasted our time. Still recommend this product for the good price.
Wanted to replace one of my 3 way switches to a timer so I could have my outdoor lights come on at given times. Out of the box, looks pretty good with decent instructions.
There were 2 minor cosmetic issue with this new device. First, the "Reset" button didn't seem to be in place, like it was lopsided. Button still works, so I wasn't too terribly torn up. Second, the bottom left hand of the screen looks like a corner was clipped out of it. Again, not a big issue, as you have to look at the right angle with the right light to see it.
Installation took a bit of time, only cause it was a three way and the wiring I saw didn't make much sense to what the drawing was showing. Consulted with an electrician to verify a few things, got it setup, and we were good to go. It seems to work fine between the manual setting and automatic. Verified that via my camera system.
One side note for anyone interested in this device. After installation, the other switch on the 3 way becomes basically useless. It has to remain on, otherwise the timer will not turn on the lights. Have read around, and I haven't found anything that seems to give an useful solution to make both switches work with the timer. Not a big issue in my opinion, as that is why I got this timer. If anything, I will consider getting a wireless timer switch that I can control from my phone.
Feature Product
- ✓ EASY-TO-READ, BACKLIT DISPLAY: Our blue backlight display means you can easily control your timer even in the darkest locations. Set up to 18 On/Off programs, each with their own 7-day programming options. Settings can be as short as one minute. Choose your own individual days or simply select one of our convenient pre-set combination days.
- ✓ FULL CONTROL: Press and hold on the door to shift easily between AUTO (timed on/off) or MANUAL (manual on/off) modes. A backup battery keeps your settings even in the event of a power outage, and our Daylight Savings Time mode makes time changes headache-free
- ✓ PROTECT YOUR HOME: Activate our timer's "Random" vacation mode to randomize your home's programmed lights. Make your home look "lived in" even when you're away.
- ✓ SAVE ENERGY & MONEY: Save costs on electricity. Use for lights, ceiling fans, and more
- ✓ SINGLE-WAY & 3-WAY COMPATIBLE: Neutral wire is required. Compatible with SPDT. This timer is ETL listed and rigorously controlled for quality and safety. Conforms to UL Std.60730-1, 60730-2-7. Rating: 15A/1875W, 10A/1250W Tungsten, 10A/1250W Ballast, 1/2HP, 125VAC, 60Hz. Operating temp.: -15°C (5°F) to 50°C (122°F). Storage temp.: -20°C (-4°F) to 60°C (140°F)
Description
Quick shipping in 2 days and well packaged item. I am using this timer because my X-10 controller wouldn't work any longer. Yes I needed to use the 3 way function and it came with great instructions for all your electrical hook-up needs. The installation was easy to follow and on my end I had to identify which of the locations was the load/hot sides of the wiring. I followed the wiring per the included schematic and it worked first time. I did have some trouble finding which of the buttons was the manual push button because it is the only one not labeled. Once I figured out it was the button the door pushed it was a snap to program. It now controls my outside light with 18 different settings, of which I only need 2 for now. First set the clock then press the program button for on then off settings, Hold the manual button to change back to the current day! It is working with a combination of LED and Incandescent bulbs about 40 watts total. I like the blue lighted background for easy reading of the settings. I also like the fact it says when you are on Manual or Automatic modes. Great price and I would buy it again.
This was a nice upgrade for my exterior porch light to save energy instead of being on 24 hrs a day. Comes with everything you need with easy to follow instructions. I'm not very handy when it comes to home maintenance but I was still able to get this switch installed and programmed in less than 30 minutes. I set the timer to be on at nights but I still have the option of using this as a regular light switch. There's lots of different ways to program the lights for different on/off times and there's even a random setting. Very satisfied with this switch and will eventually get another one to upgrade the lights in my back yard.
I especially like the blue backlit display, which I was unable to find at any big-box/big name stores. It definitely makes it easier to see the display when programming or checking the status, without having to bend over and/or put your face right into the switch.
I also like the lock feature which makes it more difficult to inadvertently switch the timer between MANUAL and AUTO modes (you have to press and hold the switch for "4 seconds or longer" to toggle between auto and manual modes). This is significant to me because I have a similar programmable switch that I purchased years ago (from a big-box store, at over twice the price, without backlit display) that doesn't require a "press and hold" action to toggle between AUTO and MANUAL. What this means is that when someone (with little fingers) inadvertently (or out of curiosity) presses the switch the right number of times, it may toggle from AUTO to MANUAL (indefinite) ON, thus potentially having the lights turned on for an unnecessary and extended amount of time, until I discover the lights are unnecessarily turned on- (I use that timer for my outside garage/driveway lights, and prefer not to have them burning up the light bill all day long).
With this Century switch, since I have it "locked" in AUTO, the worse thing that could happen if someone with curious little fingers presses it is that the lights may get turned on early during the day (before they are scheduled to turn on at night), but the timer will AUTO turn them off at my scheduled off time, rather than potentially being left on for days before I notice (like my other, older programmable switch). Alternatively, those same little curious fingers may toggle the switch to AUTO OFF from AUTO ON, which would turn the lights off before they are scheduled to turn off- something that I wouldn't mind, since the lights would automatically turn on at the scheduled time the following night. :-) If ever those curious little fingers figure out the method to defeat the "lock", and then purposely set the switch to MANUAL ON, I will then install a hidden camera surveilling the switch 24x7x365 until I catch the culprit.
I am using this Century switch for my front door welcome light, and am very happy with my decision to purchase, and am considering ordering another one to replace the other, older programmable switch that I have in my garage, that I clearly abhor.
Install is straight forward, and pretty simple for any typical DIY homeowner/tenant. As with most other programmable type switches, the depth of the switch can be burdensome, and may require some finagling of wires/wire nuts, but not a huge deal. I'm hardheaded and sometimes think I can figure out almost anything, but did find myself having to read the instructions (after cussing a bit, because I had it stuck on MANUAL, and it wouldn't go back to AUTO when I was finished programming it), which, ironically, led me to discovering the AWESOME "4 seconds or longer" requirement to toggle between MANUAL and AUTO.
I use 2 of these switches to control a couple of things on my pool pumps. I found the instructions to be good, I have used several programmable switches so I am used to each one being a bit different. I like the ability to set different days and this were flexible enough for what I do. I use fixed times, so I have not tried other features. (I do like the ability to choose all weekdays and the weekend days, because for us power rates are different and I can set the programs to accommodate that. I replaced my old switches because they had batteries that seemed to go out every 6 to 8 months, where these switches have a rechargeable battery for backup. ( I am not sure what you do when the internal battery wears out, I assume you have to replace the switch, but I may be wrong about that. By the way, I do not use these to directly power my pool pumps, they simply control relays that switch the power and control signals to the variable speed pumps.
Prime time for bad guys to come lurking outside is roughly 2-5am, so I programmed mine for multiple on/off times during the night within this time slot (it has 18 programs). The idea is make them think you're awake so maybe they'll walk away. Programming instructions were pretty good and straightforward. Set the clock, then what days/hours/minutes you want for on/off times. After you're set up, you just close the cover, then press on it to manually turn the light on/off. The backlight comes on for several seconds after touching it. The only improvement I would have liked is an option for the backlight to stay on permanently as the whole thing looks sort of high tech.
The install wasn't too bad except that my light switch box is only 2" wide and 3" deep. Not a whole lot of room for 3-4 wires and wire nuts, and the ONLY place they'll fit is behind this switch, not on top/bottom or sides, plus the ends of the Romex cables are also in the back of the box taking up even more room.
I tried to wire it as clean and neat as possible, setting up the two hot wires on the left and neutral/ground wires on the right, so the four wire nuts are lined up side by side in the back of the box instead of overlapping/crisscrossing. I had to shorten the wires from this switch as it was such a tight fit and you really don't want to cut your house wiring, (I imagine there's a building code about that).