How to Wire a Pool Timer
A pool timer determines when and how long the pool's filtration system runs. Most pool timers use a mechanical timer -- the timer style with a dial -- to operate a switch that sends electricity to the pool's pump motor. Some pool timers use a circuit board -- the timer style with a push-button readout -- to operate the switch. Pool timers also have a manual override switch. The manual override switch allows an operator turn the pool's filtration system on during periods of high usage or for routine maintenance and cleaning. Does this Spark an idea?
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Instructions
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Disconnect the electricity to the pool timer at the circuit breaker. The correct circuit breaker uses a "Pool" or "Pool Pump" label.
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Open the pool timer's lid and remove the wire terminal's protective cover from the timer's housing. The protective cover, located at the bottom of the timer's housing, snaps into place.
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Remove 1/2 inch of the insulation covering the four insulated wires, with wire strippers. Two insulated wires enter the timer's housing from the circuit breaker, and the remaining two insulated wires deliver electricity to the pool's pump motor. Each wire set also contains an uninsulated wire, used as a ground wire.
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Examine the timer's wiring diagram, usually found on a sticker located inside the timer's lid. The wiring diagram labels each wire terminal, usually labeled 1 through 4, and identifies the terminal's function. The wires from the circuit breaker connect to the terminals with the "Line 1" and "Line 2" functions. The pump motor's wires attach to the terminals with the "Load 1" and "Load 2" functions. The ground wires connect to the terminal labeled "GND" or "GRD."
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Loosen the pool timer's wire terminals with a slotted screwdriver.
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Route both uninsulated wires to the pool timer's ground terminal in such a way that they do not interfere with or touch any other wire terminal. The ground terminal, often located on the timer's housing, uses a green colored screw. Insert the uninsulated wires into the terminal or wrap them around the terminal screw, depending on the timer model, and tighten the screw with the slotted screwdriver.
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Insert the black wire from the circuit breaker into the pool timer's Line 1 terminal, often the terminal with the "1" label. Tighten the terminal screw with the slotted screwdriver.
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Insert the white wire from the circuit breaker into the pool timer's Line 2 terminal, often the terminal with the "3" label. Tighten the terminal screw with the slotted screwdriver.
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Insert the black wire from the pool pump's motor into the pool timer's Load 1 terminal, often the terminal with the "2" label. Tighten the terminal screw with the slotted screwdriver.
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Insert the white wire from the pool pump's motor into the pool timer's Load 2 terminal, often the terminal with the "4" label. Tighten the terminal screw with the slotted screwdriver.
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Replace the terminal's protective cover. It snaps into place. Turn on the circuit breaker and test the pool timer.
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References
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