Digital Timer Switch Electrical Wiring Instructions

Wiring a Timer Switch for Lighting: Requires four wires for the connections to the time switch.

Requirements for Most Digital Timer Switches
Electrical Question: I just bought a Pass & Seymour RT1W Digital Timer switch to replace my simple single-pole switch.

• My problem is that the installation instructions diagram doesn’t match my simple 1975 Constructed home,  switch-box configuration which is one wire set – white, black, unshielded ground connected to nothing in the box.

• My New Switch comes with Four Wires:
  • White (labeled Neutral)
  • Black (labeled HOT, power from circuit box)
  • Red (labeled LOAD, power to lamp or fan)
  • Green (labeled GROUND)

The ground is easy, but do I connect the other THREE(White, Black, and Red) RT1 switch wires to the TWO (Black & White) I have left in my old switch box?

Background: Ron, a Homeowner from Newberg, OR.
Additional Comments: I’m anxious to see how this site works out. If it is what it seems to be … this is really awesome !

Dave’s Reply:
Thanks for your electrical wiring question Ron.

How to Wire a Timer Switch for Lighting

• Ron, the digital time switch that you have requires a separate neutral wire.
• Your wiring configuration will not work with this timer unless there is a neutral wire in the switch box.
• As described above, the wiring will require four wires for the connections to the time switch.

I have provided the following that lead to fully detailed information on this website that will assist you with your Digital Timer Switch Project

• Light Switch Wiring
• Electrical Wire for the Home
• This link is helpful as a Homeowner
  • Do-It-Yourself Electrical
• Make sure not to miss these Resources for: Wiring Diagrams
  Wiring Diagrams

The following may also be helpful for you:

Dave's Guide to Home Electrical Wiring: » You Can Avoid Costly Mistakes! « Wire It Right with the help of my Illustrated Wiring Book Great for any Home Wiring Project. Complete Guide to Home Electrical Wiring Perfect for Homeowners, Students, Handyman, Handy Women, and Electricians Includes: Wiring GFCI Outlets Wiring Home Electric Circuits 120 Volt and 240 Volt Outlet Circuits Wiring Light Switches Wiring 3-Wire and 4-Wire Electric Range Wiring 3-Wire and 4-Wire Dryer Cord and Dryer Outlet Troubleshoot and Repair Electrical Wiring Wiring Methods for Upgrading Electrical Wiring NEC Codes for Home Electrical Wiring ....and much more. Learn more about Home Electrical Wiring with my Online Video Course: Basic Home Electrical Wiring by Example

Be Careful and Be Safe - Never Work on Energized Circuits!
Consult your Local Building Department about Permits and Inspections for all Electric Wiring Projects.

Electrical Tips to Help You Wire it Right The Safest Way to Test Electrical Devices and Identify Electric Wires! The Non-Contact Electrical Tester This is a testing tool that I have had in my personal electrical tool pouch for years, and is the first test tool I grab to help identify electrical wiring. It is a Non-contact tester that I use to easily Detect Voltage in Cables, Cords, Circuit Breakers, Lighting Fixtures, Switches, Outlets and Wires. Simply insert the end of the tester into an outlet, lamp socket, or hold the end of the tester against the wire you wish to test. Very handy and easy to use. The Quickest Way to Check for Faulty Electrical Wiring! The Plug-In Outlet Tester This is the first tool I grab to troubleshoot a problem with outlet circuit wiring. This popular tester is also used by most inspectors to test for power and check the polarity of circuit wiring. It detects probable improper wiring conditions in standard 110-125 VAC outlets Provides 6 probable wiring conditions that are quick and easy to read for ultimate efficiency Lights indicate if wiring is correct and indicator light chart is included Tests standard 3-wire outlets UL Listed Light indicates if wiring is incorrect Very handy and easy to use. Strip Off Wire Insulation without Nicking and Damaging the Electric Wire! The Wire Stripper and Wire Cutter My absolute favorite wire stripping tool that I have had in my personal electrical tool pouch for years, and this is the tool I use to safely strip electrical wires. This handy tool has multiple uses: The wire gauges are shown on the side of the tool so you know which slot to use for stripping insulation. The end of the tool can be used to grip and bend wire which is handy for attaching wire onto the screw terminals of switches and outlets.. The wire stripper will work on both solid and stranded wire. This tool is Very Handy and Easy to Use.

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