Swylite LST100-W Single Event Digital In-Wall Timer Switch, White
by Swylite
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List Price: Category: Tools See more product details |
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Tools and Hardware Reviews of Swylite LST100-W Single Event Digital In-Wall Timer Switch, White
Customer Review: Not as eay as they say - need electrician to install in standard three way usage
Summary: 1 Stars
This product, according to at least two Swylite employees, requires an electrician to install it if the current three-way switch has three wires (as many do) because the Swylite product has four wires. The three wires for a three way switch is a standard enough set up that the competitors to this product all have three wires for an easy drop in replacement. Why Swylite does not support that setup easily is beyond me. If there is an easy answer, they did not provide it in my two phone calls or three emails to them, and actually told me that the Swylite is not a drop in replacement for many three ways.
If I chose not to hire the electrician (so much for an easy product) I was told I could return it. I chose the latter, and Swylite (who apparently is a Builder Depot partner) tried to charge return shipping and a restock fee - despite the fact that they advertise this product as easy to use, and that it supports three-way usage. I have filed a dispute with my credit card based on Swylite's claims of three-way usage and ease of use.
I wanted this product to work. I tried to make it do so. But Swylite was not helpful, and the product is apparently not devised for easy use in a three-way setup with three wires. Since it does not work at all for what I purchased it for, and does not match the way it is advertised (standard three way does not work), I am compelled to give it a rating of 1.
This product is being replaced by the Intermatic SS8 (hopefully more reliable than the SS7). Since I like the compact fluorescent lights, I really have no other options, and the SS8 is a three-wire switch for an easy drop in replacement.
EDIT: The Intermatic installed easily and has more features than the Swylite. I am happy it worked out this way. If you don't mind its larger size, I would strongly recommend it over the Swylite, especially when Intrematic's weak point is reliability. Reliability and quality control seem to be problems with the Swylite, as well, judging by other reviews....
Customer Review: Great idea, poor quality control
Summary: 2 Stars
The product is definitely innovative. However the quality of the units are very low. Also, the warranty is only 1 year. (many competitors have 3 year warranty)
I bought 4 units for my renovation project on Swylite's e-bay store. Although, I had some problems installing one of the devices due to lack of a neutral wire, the installation is pretty straight forward. I liked the units at first for smart design and innovative features. I liked that the timers had variable mode and did not require any internal battery to be installed. The timer has a 7W minimum load and works perfectly with CFL.
However, the quality of the units is a different story. After one year of very light use, three of the four units failed. The units on-off switch began to become unreliable. The light would flash on and off even at slight vibration or tapping on the wall near the timer. I had to replace the units with regular switches because of totally erratic behavior. Two months later, the forth unit in the basement failed. So, after a little more then one year, I'm out of $130. Shame on Swylite's 1 year warranty. I though about replacing the units with new LST200 model, but decided against it due to short 1 year warranty. I would not recommend this product because of poor quality and short warranty.
Customer Review: Outstandingn product and service
Summary: 5 Stars
I purchase two of the LST200 models a few months ago and am extremely pleased. Works very well. It is nice to have a variable timer -- you set an on and off time and each day it varies 10 minutes around that on and off time to make it appear as though you are home. Installation was easy and all the necessary parts were included (such as wire nuts).
Of note, the blue LCD display developed some bad crystals after 1 month of use in one of the devices (the other continues to work perfectly!). It functioned correctly, but the display was hard to read. I emailed the company and a replacement was sent the same day via priority mail with return postage paid.
The other advantage is that this device will run low-wattage lines. THIS IS DIFFERENT than other similar products that won't run low-wattage (e.g. lines that are hooked up to fluorescent lights). This WILL effectively run fluorescent lights on the line because it completely dampens the electricity in the line. Other products only reduce the voltage to the points where the lights just turn off. Not the case here. These are better.
It is rare these days to have such excellent customer service. This is a great product (I think the LCD problem was a fluke) and I highly recommmend it.
Customer Review: Very Happy!!
Summary: 4 Stars
I bought the Swylite a few weeks ago based on the overwhelmingly positive reviews I read. So far, I have to agree this product is great and exactly what I was looking for. I installed two - one for an indoor light and the other outdoor.
The variable timer is a great feature since I was bought it for security purposes. I set it for 9pm and is turns on between 8:45 and 9:15 every night. I also come home to a well lit front door - I used to forget to turn a light on before I left and had to fumble with my keys in the dark. The timer is easy to set as well. The directions are easy and clear.
The only reason I gave 4 out of 5 stars was the installation. It took me some time to figure out the electrical work. The directions were clear enough, but my house's electrical system is a bit old and I had to test all the wires regardless of their color. The wires come out of the side of the box, which makes for a very tight squeeze, but it all fit after some maneuvering.
This is my first electrical work EVER and if I can figure it out, I think any do-it-yourselfer or weekend warrior could figure it out as well. For two switches and old electrical work, it took me just over an hour to complete. Hope this is helpful!
Customer Review: Great, simple to use and install!
Summary: 5 Stars
This is a great product and works as advertised. I have (5) units (different models) in my home and have installed them in single-pole and 3-way switch applications (1 of which is a 4 gang switch box with 2 timers and one fan control switch, all fit, no problem) with no problems whatsoever. They control my indoor and outdoor CFL's, fish tank, and carriage lights effortlessly every day. My oldest unit is also now 4 years old.
These units do not require batteries (my old Intermatic used $[...] of batteries every year, making it very expensive to keep) and cost less than 50 cents a year to operate. Some of the newer units from China (Stanley, GE and Woods) have large heat sinks dissipating power (heat) and probably use around $10.00 a year in electricity alone just to have in the wall. Plus, the Swylite timers do not have cheap doors that always break and can be used as a manual switch every day without any special tools.
Some people say these timers are hard to install which is not true. If you can use a screwdriver and are not afraid to shut off your power, you can do it. The instructions are simple to follow and the Swylite Tech Support people absolutely great!
Highly recommended. A quality MADE IN USA Product!