An outdoor light timer like the Intermatic is a useful device that allows you to automatically turn lights on and off at set times. This eliminates the need to manually turn lights on every evening and off in the morning. Using a programmable outdoor light timer can save time and effort while also helping to deter burglars by making it look like someone is home even when you’re not.
Setting up an Intermatic or other brand outdoor light timer is usually simple, though the specific steps can vary slightly by model. Here is a comprehensive guide on how to program an Intermatic outdoor light timer for lighting control.
Choosing the Right Intermatic Timer
Intermatic makes various timers for outdoor lights, including analog dial timers, digital timers, and astronomical timers that adjust for seasonal sunrise/sunset changes. The right model depends on your specific needs and lighting setup.
Consider the following when choosing an Intermatic outdoor light timer:
- Type of lighting – Make sure the timer is rated for the lighting you want to connect, whether incandescent, LED, etc.
- Number of outlets – Outdoor timers often have multiple outlets to control several lights. Choose the number needed for your lights.
- Programs – Many Intermatic timers have multiple on/off programs for various lighting schedules. Choose accordingly.
- Weather resistance – Outdoor timers must withstand weather. Intermatic makes various weather/water resistant models so check product specs.
- Power handling – Verify the timer can handle the total wattage you need to control. This is important with multiple connected lights.
Once you’ve selected the appropriate Intermatic outdoor light timer for your needs, it’s time to install and program it.
Installing an Intermatic Outdoor Light Timer
Installing an Intermatic or any brand outdoor light timer involves basic electrical work. If you are at all unsure of your abilities, it’s best to hire an electrician to install the outdoor timer. Otherwise, be sure to follow these steps:
Safety Precautions
- Turn off power to the circuit you’ll be working on at the main breaker panel. Verify it’s off by testing with a non-contact voltage tester.
- Use caution when working in a wet outdoor environment. Use a weatherproof cover and gloves when making wiring connections.
Wiring the Timer
- Mount the timer to the exterior wall according to the manufacturer instructions. Make sure it’s protected from rain/sprinklers.
- Connect the incoming power wires to the timer wires, matching hot-to-hot, neutral-to-neutral, and ground-to-ground. Secure with wire nuts.
- Connect the outgoing wires from the timer to the light fixture wires in the same manner. Follow the wiring diagram in the user manual.
- Make sure all wire connections are secure and enclosed in a weatherproof junction box per local code.
Once wired properly, the Intermatic outdoor light timer will be ready to program. Restore power and test briefly before finalizing the on/off settings.
Programming an Intermatic Mechanical Dial Timer
Many Intermatic outdoor light timers have an old fashioned dial timer design. Here are the steps to set the on/off times on this style mechanical Intermatic timer:
- Remove the dial cover if there is one.
- Look for any tabs around the dial that must be pressed to slide and adjust the dial.
- Rotate the dial clockwise until the arrow points to the current time of day. This synchronizes the timer.
- Slide the tabs on the dial outward to adjust on/off set points. Typically there are trippers or pins.
- Adjust trippers/pins outward for ON times and inward for OFF times as desired.
- Align on/off set points with time markings on the dial. Double check spacing.
- Replace the cover if there is one.
Test the mechanical dial timer settings and observe the lights turning on and off at the set times. Adjust if needed until the lighting schedule is correct.
Setting an Intermatic Digital Timer
Intermatic also makes many digital outdoor light timers. These provide added features like multiple programs, astronomic options, and battery backup. Here are some tips for setting this style Intermatic timer:
- The display will flash 12:00AM on initial startup. This prompts you to set the time of day which is essential for proper operation.
- Press the button to change time until the display matches the current time. Hold to fast forward.
- Next press the Program or Schedule button to enter timer mode to set on/off events.
- Use the arrow buttons to select a program (some models have A, B, C). Choose unused or clear one.
- Press On/Off button for first set point. Adjust time with arrows. Press again to set Off time.
- Repeat to add more on/off set points as needed. They will display sequentially.
- Press Done when finished programming a schedule. Review and test.
- Additional modes like Random or Astronomic may be available on some models.
The specific steps can vary, so always consult the Intermatic outdoor light timer user manual for full instructions. Programming a digital timer enables more flexibility in custom lighting schedules.
Setting Up an Intermatic Astronomic Dial Timer
For ultimate convenience, Intermatic makes astronomical light timers that automatically adjust for seasonal sunrise and sunset changes. Here’s how to set up this type of Intermatic outdoor timer:
- Start by rotating the dial to align the current time of day with the arrow indicator.
- Look for sunrise and sunset adjustment dials located on the timer. There are typically offset settings from -60 min to +60 min.
- Turn the sunrise offset dial to desired minutes BEFORE sunrise for the ON time.
- Adjust the sunset dial to desired minutes AFTER sunset for the OFF time.
- This automatically creates an On/Off lighting schedule relative to seasonal sunrise/sunset.
- Note that astronomical timers require initial calibration and latitude/longitude setup for maximum accuracy. Refer to the user manual.
Once aligned with both current time of day and latitude/longitude, an Intermatic astronomical outdoor light timer will turn lights on and off earlier or later as the seasonal sunrise/sunset times change. This ensures optimal automation of outdoor lighting based on natural daylight cycles.
Troubleshooting an Intermatic Outdoor Light Timer
Intermatic outdoor light timers are generally durable and reliable, but issues can occur. Here are some troubleshooting tips if your Intermatic timer is not working properly:
Lights Won’t Turn On At Set Time
- Check for power to the timer. Examine connections and test voltage.
- Verify the current time of day is set accurately on the timer dial or display.
- Ensure the ON tripper or programming is properly set for the desired times.
- Try temporarily setting an On event 1 minute in the future as a test.
Lights Won’t Turn Off
- Check that the OFF tripper or programming is properly set relative to ON settings.
- If using an astronomical timer, recalibrate latitude/longitude settings which may have shifted.
- Examine the state of internal switches and trippers for any damage or malfunction.
Lights Flickering
- Inspect all wire connections from the timer to lights and make sure they are properly secured.
- Check for any short circuits in the timer wiring which can cause power fluctuations.
Display Not Working
- Check batteries in digital timers and replace if depleted.
- Turn power off and back on to reset the timer.
- Most Intermatic outdoor light timer issues can be addressed by carefully re-examining the setup and programming steps. But for any problems persisting beyond basic troubleshooting, consult an electrician. The timer may need replacement if defective.
FAQs About Intermatic Outdoor Light Timers
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about using Intermatic programmable timers for outdoor lighting:
What are the benefits of using an outdoor light timer?
Outdoor light timers offer convenience by automatically turning lights on and off as desired. This saves having to manually flip switches daily. Timers also help deter crime when away by making it appear someone is home.
How do you set the time on an Intermatic mechanical dial timer?
Rotate the analog dial clockwise until the arrow aligns with the current exact time of day. The dial must be synchronized to real time for automatic functions to work properly.
Can I connect multiple lights to an Intermatic timer?
Yes, most Intermatic outdoor light timers have multiple outlets to control several lights. Just ensure the timer has sufficient wattage capacity for all connected lights.
How do I choose between a digital or dial Intermatic timer?
Digital timers offer more features like multiple programs and astronomic options. Dial timers are manual but simpler to set. Choose based on the specific lighting control needed.
Is it easy to install an outdoor light timer?
Basic wiring is required, so hire an electrician if you are not experienced with electrical work. Always turn off circuit power at the breaker before wiring a timer. Follow the instructions.
How do I reset an Intermatic astronomical timer?
Astronomical timers need periodic recalibration of longitude/latitude to sync with seasonal sunrise/sunset changes. Refer to the user manual for resetting procedure.
Can I connect LED lights to an Intermatic timer?
Yes, Intermatic timers are compatible with LED lighting. Just check the timer specifications for the level of wattage supported. LEDs use less wattage than incandescent bulbs.
Why are my timer-controlled lights turning on late?
Double check the current time and make sure AM/PM is correctly set if applicable. Also verify the ON tripper is aligned properly with the desired time on the dial.
How do I know which Intermatic timer to buy?
Assess your lighting needs – type of bulbs, number of lights, schedule flexibility, etc. Refer to the many Intermatic timer options and product details to choose the appropriate model.
An outdoor light timer is a useful tool for automating lighting schedules. Intermatic offers a variety of programmable timers to control outdoor lighting. Just take care when installing the timer, and be sure to program ON and OFF settings accurately based on the user manual. This will ensure the proper automated operation of outdoor lights and maximize the convenience and security benefits.
Conclusion
Installing and programming an Intermatic outdoor light timer is usually a straightforward process. The key steps are choosing an appropriate timer model based on your lighting system, wiring the timer properly, setting the time of day accurately, adjusting on/off trip points or digital programming at the desired times, and testing the lighting automation. Mechanical dial timers involve aligning pins and tabs by time markings on the dial, while digital timers allow multi-program schedules and astro features. Taking the time to correctly set up an Intermatic outdoor timer provides the ultimate convenience of hands-free control over exterior lighting while saving energy and deterring crime. Just follow the user guide closely, and enjoy the benefits of automated outdoor lights with an Intermatic programmable timer.