How to Install an Electronic Time Switch
Electronic timer light switches are a great investment because they help you turn the lights off even if you forget (or your kids do). Installing your own electronic timer switch doesn't require years of electrician's training. With some basic tools, you should be able to add the switch in about a half an hour. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
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1
Shut off the power to this switch at the breaker box. Place a note on the box with "Do Not Touch. Working on Circuit!"
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2
Unscrew the cover plate of the light switch and cut the wires attaching it to the base with the wire cutters. Segment all the wires.
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3
Turn the circuit breaker back on and return to the wall switch. Test the black and white wires with the voltage tester to see which wires cause the voltage tester to glow (usually the black).
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4
Return to the circuit breaker and once again shut off the power. Replace your note.
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5
Strip the ends of the wires. Use the wire strippers to pull the plastic protective coating off of each end. Give yourself about a half inch of exposed wire to work with in the next step.
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6
Splice each wire with the corresponding color of the timer box. The green lead wire (in the wall) should be spliced with the green wire on the box, the white lead should be spliced with the white on the box and the black power lead should splice to the black wire in the box. If you have not spliced wires before, twist the wires together and place them securely in the wire nuts.
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Tips & Warnings
Always be careful when dealing with electricity and make sure everyone in the house knows you are working on a closed circuit and not to touch the circuit breakers.
