Swylite LST100-W Single Event Digital In-Wall Timer Switch, White
by Swylite
|
List Price: Category: Tools See more product details |
|---|
(Click here)
Tools and Hardware Reviews of Swylite LST100-W Single Event Digital In-Wall Timer Switch, White
Customer Review: A newer version of this switch is the Honeywell Econoswitch RPLS740B 7-Day Solar Time Table Programmable Switch
Summary: 3 Stars
I originally ordered this Swylite LST100-W but after a 10 days wait without a ship date schedule from Amazon, I cancelled the order and ordered the RPLS1740B instead. The RPLS1740B is easy to install and program. I programmed mine to turn-on/off my outdoor accent light on sunset/sunrise. Here's the basic wiring explanation for wiring this device:
When the switch is on (or closed), the line (or phase) is connected to the load (IE: light, motor, etc...) so the voltage between the line and the load is 0-volts, however, the voltage between the line (or the load since they are shorted when the switch is on) and the neutral is 120-volts. When the switch is open, the voltage between the line and the load is 120-volts and the voltage between the line and the neutral is also 120-volts, however, the voltage between the load and the neutral is 0-volts. The neutral is usually tied to a bus that is also tied to earth ground. So, for this device, the blue and the load (black wire) should be connected together and the white wire from the device should be tied with the white neutral in your home wiring. The line (also black) must be tied to the line of your home wiring.
Customer Review: So far, so good
Summary: 5 Stars
I owned two Intermatic brand switches, both died in months. Hopefully this one will not, I'll update this review if something goes wrong.
This switch works with compact flourescent bulbs, which should be mandatory. What in the world is the point of a using a timer switch to save electricity if you have to use incandescent bulbs? It's more than 50% cheaper to leave CF bulbs burning 24 hours a day than it is to have incandescents on for 12 hours a day...
Anyway, this product isn't quite worth 5 stars, maybe 4.5, because it doesn't know when dawn and dusk are like some other brands. But it does have a 10 minute delay feature to leave the light on when you leave the house.
It didn't work correctly when i first installed it because I followed the two switch installation instructions. However, I had early bipassed the second switch so that I couldn't accidentally hit and then think there was something wrong with the timer switch. When I followed the one-switch installation instructions it worked perfectly.
Customer Review: Not reliable
Summary: 1 Stars
Bought one last March, installed it shortly thereafter to replace the last in a series of Intermatic units that only lasted a few years until the main on-off switch became worn and difficult to operate. Sorry to say, this unit's on-off switch began to become unreliable after a couple of months - the light would flash on and off, with the light staying on in either position of the switch, and as often as not, triggering the 10-min auto-off mode instead of the regular turn-on. It finally ended up so touchy that tapping the wall with a fingertip would cause the light to flash madly on and off. Judging from another reviewer, looks like quality control leaves something to be desired.
It was also excruciating to install because the body was absolutely as large as allowable and the wires left the body in the worst possible place.
I just replaced it with the current version of the Intermatic that shows slight hints of a redesign, and so maybe will last longer than its predecessors.
Customer Review: Self Installed with Excellent Advice from Company
Summary: 5 Stars
I am afraid of electricity, but was able to correctly install this switch without hiring an electrician. After turning off the power to the old switch at the circuit breaker, I opened the switch and saw that the instructions referenced different colored wires than what I saw. I went to the website for further instructions, then called the support number. A very nice man listened to the description, then told me how to connect the switch, properly.
It was easy to set the time, to program the on/off settings, and to operate manually. It has been controlling one light with two CFLs in it for about a week. No problems. Lights come on at 5:30pm and turn off at 10:30pm, just like we want.
[UPDATE AFTER FOUR MONTHS OF USE]
This switch has worked perfectly. The internal clock has been accurate. Reprogramming the "on" times for seasonal sunset changes is easy. Reprogramming the clock is also easy (for daylight savings).
Customer Review: Best that I've Found
Summary: 5 Stars
I've gotten several switch timers over the years and this has proven to be about the best that I've found in terms of ease of programming and reliability. I've had two installed for well over a year now without any problems and recently added two more. The installation is pretty straightforward, just hook up the wires like any similar hardwired item. Programming is self-explanatory ... as is evident by the fact that I can figure out how to reprogram every six months with day-light-savings-time. Some other models can be a major hassle to figure out how to program especially after the instructions are long gone, but this one is easy to figure out. Too, it's nice being able to easily turn on or off the switch out-of-cycle just by flipping the toggle switch. I have another Levitron switch and it will automatically revert back to the program after 15 minutes which can be a hassle.