Intermatic EJ500C Indoor Digital Wall Switch Timer
by Intermatic
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List Price: Our Price: $22.36 You Save: $10.59 (32%) Availability: Usually ships in 2-3 business days Buy Used: from $18.48 (click here) Category: Tools See more product details |
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Tools and Hardware Reviews of Intermatic EJ500C Indoor Digital Wall Switch Timer
Customer Review: NOT FOR FLUORESCENT!!!!
Summary: 3 Stars
We didn't get a chance to try this product because we needed it to operate a fluorescent light fixture. Even on Intermatic's own web site we had to search through the PDF manual to find any mention that it won't work in this application. From the package: "Do not use with starter, compact fluorescent or other electronic ballasts." "Not for use with appliances, radios or televisions. Not recommended for PAR lamps for for single bulbs with over 150 watt rating." "500 watts single gang or two gang installations (40 watt minimum) 4A Tungsten (Incandescent) 4A Ballast (Inductive) 120 VAC, 60Hz" Hope this saves other people from wasting their time and money by ordering something online and then going to the hassle and expense of sending it back, essentially paying $10 for nothing.Customer Review: Yes, we can control time.
Summary: 4 Stars
For the most part these timers work well and are very reliable. They save me money and add security to my house. There are several reservations or negatives: (1) Slightly complicated to program, but the instructions are adequate. (2)This particular model does not work well with a circuit of lights using all compact fluorescent light bulbs. The variation in current causes flickering or flashing of the CFLs. You must buy a much more expensive timer switch or just add one incandescent bulb to each circuit of CFLs. (3) Don't forget to flip off the circuit breaker before the DIY installation. Sometimes installation is a challenge because of the size of the switch and its wires. Once installed, the switches are compact and look great. The price is a little steep but definitely worth it.Customer Review: Works great
Summary: 5 Stars
For years I had a Intermatic SS5 controlling a 4 light/fan kitchen fixture. It would work with 2 incandescents + 2 CF bulbs but no more than 2 CFs. I decided to remove it and replace it with a regular light switch (so I could use 4 CFs) and install an Intermatic EJ500 wall timer to control a single 65W incandescent bulb over our kitchen sink. The installation was easy (you do need a "decora" wall plate) and the programming went well except that you need a magnifying lens to see the buttons and the readout. The unit does NOT work with CFs. My only complaint was the LoBatt reading I got when it was all installed. I replaced the LR44 backup batteries and, when I checked the originals, they were fine(?). I think this is a good unit. Just read the instructions before programming.Customer Review: Good but difficult
Summary: 5 Stars
I love this timer. It does exactly what it says it does -- it adjusts for the changes in dailylight. It fits flush in the space.
Downsides are several but worth overcoming. Just be aware.
The writing on the unit is VERY small and hard to see.
The spaces are tight for fat fingers.
The unit fills the entire half of a switch box and in my case with new, thick wires and twist caps inside, I had to finagle and bend and adjust to make it fit the space. I had to remove the light switch next to it, use some of that space, and put the switch back in.
The programming is a touch confusing. So much so, that after I had given it my best shot, my wife had to do it to make it work.
But I'm glad I have it and would buy another the instant I had a need.
Customer Review: a waste of money !
Summary: 1 Stars
I once again made the mistake of buying an Intermatic programmable timer for my front porch lights, and it was the simpler rotary dial kind, but, I also have purchased the full digital version in the past for the same location. My take is that Intermatic cannot make a timer that (1) is easy to program, or (2) that can last. This last rotary dial programmable model lasted only 30 days; the digital device shown here lasted about a year, that's it.
Do you feel like spending $30+ a year for a new timer ? If you do then Intermatic is your product. What I can't figure out is how can Intermatic in 2009 manufacture such a worthless device ? There is a real quality control problem going on with Intermatic. I'll never buy any products from Intermatic again.