Intermatic EJ500C Indoor Digital Wall Switch Timer
by Intermatic
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Tools and Hardware Reviews of Intermatic EJ500C Indoor Digital Wall Switch Timer
Customer Review: Terrible to Program
Summary: 3 Stars
I ordered 2 and they arrived promptly. Installation was easy, just as any other switch. They work fine for manual use. Programming them for automatic operation is quite another matter. The instructions are in very tiny print, the screen is also very tiny and very hard to read, the instructions are long and complicated, and after two programming tries they still don't work automatically. I will have to get a magnifying glass to read the screen and I will copy over the instructions with a scanner and enlarge them. Maybe then they will work, but I am doubtful because I think they are programmed per the instructions.Customer Review: So far, So good!
Summary: 5 Stars
The installation was simple enough and the programming was easier than expected. The product works precisely as described and I have had no problems with it. One of my favorite features is the internal battery that retains the time so it does not have to be reprogrammed every time the power goes out. I have only had it 2 months but so far so good.
One of the cons in my book is having to find the correct wall plate for this thing to fit in. I think the type is called decora and they aren't as plentiful as one would like (I had to find a 3 switch + 1 decora in white and it was not easy).
Customer Review: Careful with compact fluorescents
Summary: 4 Stars
The timer is electronic and works well with incandescent lighting. The reviews differ on using this timer with compact fluorescents, and the labeling states that it is NOT compatible.
Like many other electronic timers, it appears to "leak" current through the circuit even when off. That's ok with incandescents and the old magnetic ballasts, but CF with electronic ballasts flash when the switch is off.
A workaround if there is more than one bulb: include one ordinary incandescent bulb in the circuit (40 watt may be the minimum), and the compact fluorescents stop flashing.
Customer Review: Does not know about new DST dates
Summary: 4 Stars
This device is cool, but now out-of-date, as it does not know the new dates for changing to DST, as we just have, three weeks earlier than before in the sping, and switching back to standard time one week later in the fall. The Intermatic website says 2007 is a test year for this so they will probably not produce a new version of this switch until 2008. This means that you have to switch it to DST yourself and back, which is just twice a year. Or, you could let it be out-of sync for those transition 4 weeks total per year, and keep on using the auto feature for DST.Customer Review: Will upgrade with ST01C model soon
Summary: 3 Stars
Pros:
- easy to install
- works
- looks good
Cons:
- CFL lights work only with a regular incandescent added. Otherwise lights keep flashing all the time and run hot even if they are off. I use 40W incandescent light to save cost which produces marginal amount of light. Apparently, timer tends to produce power spikes since I have replaced the incandescent light 4 times in 2 months period
- ST01C Intermatic timer which Amazon sells for $29.99 can control CFL and heavy loads, so even for $10 less it isn't worth to buy this one