GE digital timer. Instructions say to: 1) connect Hot/live wire of main to black wire of timer, 2) connect neutral (White) wires together, 3) connect Hot/live wire of load to red from timer. 4) green to green ground. My old switch has a black and red wire, the white wires are twisted together with a wire tie,(not connected to switch). How do i connect?

Question 1

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Wiring diagram sunsmart. I am replaceing a timer swithch of a differnt brand. I have a single pole installation, but the power enters the fixture and then comes to the switch. The diagram in the box...

Sounds like you have the GE sunsmart timer, and are wiring the timer for single-pole.
Following information does not apply to 3-way timer wiring.
Add a comment if you have different timer.

Start with previous timer:
The previous timer was connected to two wires: Hot wire and Load wire.
Hot wire carries power from circuit breaker.
Load wire connects to fan,light, or motor.

How to wire Sunsmart:
1) Only one wire in the electrical box is Hot. That wire is usually black. Connect black Hot wire to timer-black wire.
2) Load wire connects to timer-blue wire.
3) Timer-red wire is capped off for single-pole wiring.
4) Timer-green wire connects to bare copper wire.
5) Timer-white wire connects to Neutral wire. This will power the timer electronics. The previous timer probably had a battery to power timer electronics. Neutral wires are white wires that are twisted together and covered with wire nut and pushed to back of box.
6) If box does not have Neutral wires, then connect timer-white wire to bare copper ground wire until neutral wire can be run from any nearby outlet box.
7) Try the timer, and if timer does not work, then reverse timer-blue and timer-black.

Resources:
http://waterheatertimer.org/GE-timers-and-manuals.html#15312

Add a comment for more help

Take a moment and rate answer for accuracy:
And take advantage of fixya expert assistance live.
For a price, expert works with you while you work on timer or any do-it-yourself project.
Fixya is always less expensive than a service call.

Oct 01, 2011 • Hardware & Accessories

tip

How to wire Intermatic T103 and T104 timers

VERY IMPORTANT: Understand that in US residential wiring the WHITE wire is _NOT_ ALWAYS_ the neutral wire. Additionally, prior to 1999 the National Electric Code (NEC) did not require that these white wires be re-identified with black tape or similar means when used for purposes other than neutral. The white wire is sometimes used as a hot, especially when wiring Intermatic T103 and T104 timers.

Also understand that the WHITE neutral wire and the bare (or green) equipment grounding wire are connected together ONLY at the main electric power panel and must _never_be connected together _again_. Once those two wires leave the main electric panel, the WHITE neutral wire must _always_ remain insulated from the bare or green equipment grounding wire. This is very important for safety considerations.

If your wiring is very old and does not have a bare equipment grounding conductor, you _must_ protect the circuit with a GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interupter). GFCI wiring is not difficult but is beyond the scope of this post.

DETERMINE WHAT CABLE YOU HAVE:
Usually one will find one of the three following scenarios for the incoming supply cables when wiring a T103 or T104 Intermatic timer:

1...A 120 volt cable with 3 wires: black, white, and bare. The black is LINE (hot), white is neutral and bare is equipment grounding. Black to white is 120 volts. This scenario can be used with the T103, but not the T104.

2...A 240 volt cable with 3 wires: black, white, and bare. The black is LINE(hot), the WHITE is LINE (HOT), and the bare is equipment grounding. Black to white is 240 volts. This scenario is used with the T104 ONLY.

3...A 120/240 volt cable with 4 wires: Black, red, white, and bare. The black and red are (LINE) hot, white is neutral and bare is equipment grounding. Black to red is 240 volts. Black to white is 120 volts. Red to white is 120 volts. This scenario can be used with either the T103 or the T104.

The only difference between the T103 and the T104 is the timer motor voltage rating. The T103 uses a 120 volt timer motor and the T104 uses a 240 volt timer motor. The T103 timer motor is connected to terminal "A" and terminal #3 during manufacturing. The T104 timer motor is connected to terminal #1 and terminal 3# at the factory.

Also, when connecting the bare or green wires to the "GR" terminal, it is best to wirenut the wires together with a pigtail, then connect the pigtail to the "GR" (GRound) terminal, WHICH IS THE GREEN SCREW ON THE LOWER PART OF THE CASE.

WIRING THE TIMER:
The wiring diagram for the T103 is here:
http://www.progressive-growth.com/wiring/T103.pdf
___________________________________________________________________
WIRING THE T103 USING AN INCOMING 120/240 VOLT CABLE WITH 4 WIRES (scenario #3):

Incoming (LINE) wires from 240 volt circuit breaker:
Connect the black (LINE)(hot) wire to terminal #1. Connect the red (LINE) (hot) wire to terminal #3. Connect the white (neutral in this case) wire to terminal "A".
Connect the bare equipment grounding wire to the "GR" terminal, which is the green screw on the case.

Outgoing wires to 240 volt load:
Connect one (hot) wire to terminal #2 and the other (hot) wire to terminal #4. The bare or green wire goes to the "GR" terminal.
___________________________________________________________________
WIRING THE T103 USING AN INCOMING _120_ VOLT CABLE WITH 3 WIRES (scenario #1):

Incoming wires from 120 volt breaker or source:
Black (LINE) to terminal #3. White (neutral) to terminal "A". Bare to the "GR" terminal.

Terminals #1 and #2 are NOT used in this case.

Outgoing wires to 120 volt load(s):
Black(hot) to terminal #4. White(neutral) to terminal "A". Bare to the "GR" terminal.

The wiring diagram for the T104 is here:
http://www.progressive-growth.com/wiring/T104.pdf
______________________________________________________________
WIRING THE T104 USING AN INCOMING 240 VOLT CABLE WITH 3 WIRES (scenario #2):

Incoming (LINE) wires from breaker:
Connect the black (LINE) (hot) wire to terminal #1. Connect the white (LINE) (hot in this case) to terminal #3. Connect the bare wire to the "GR" terminal.

The "A" terminal is _NOT_ used.

Outgoing wires to load:
Connect one (hot) wire to terminal #2 and the other (hot) wire to terminal #4. Connect the bare or green wire to terminal "GR".

The "A" terminal is _NOT_ used.
______________________________________________________________
WIRING THE T104 USING AN INCOMING 240 VOLT CABLE WITH 4 WIRES:
Same as above, except the white wire is not used. Just tape or wirenut it off.
Comment by gotgeek2, posted on Jan 08, 2010ckuzkuz, I'm a licensed master electrician in 2 states with 30 years in the trade. I've installed a lot of Intermatic timers over the years. I wrote this tip because I saw that a lot of folks were having problems wiring them.

on Mar 07, 2010 • Garden

tip

How to wire Intermatic T103 and T104 timers

These instructions are for USA residential wiring only.

VERY IMPORTANT: Understand that in US residential wiring the WHITE wire is _NOT_ ALWAYS_ the neutral wire. Additionally, prior to 1999 the National Electric Code (NEC) did not require that these white wires be re-identified with black tape or similar means when used for purposes other than neutral. The white wire is sometimes used as a hot, especially when wiring Intermatic T103 and T104 timers.

Also understand that the WHITE neutral wire and the bare (or green) equipment grounding wire are connected together ONLY at the main electric power panel and must _never_be connected together _again_. Once those two wires leave the main electric panel, the WHITE neutral wire must _always_ remain insulated from the bare or green equipment grounding wire. This is very important for safety considerations.

If your wiring is very old and does not have a bare equipment grounding conductor, you _must_ protect the circuit with a GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interupter). GFCI wiring is not difficult but is beyond the scope of this post.

DETERMINE WHAT CABLE YOU HAVE:
Usually one will find one of the three following scenarios for the incoming supply cables when wiring a T103 or T104 Intermatic timer:

1...A 120 volt cable with 3 wires: black, white, and bare. The black is LINE (hot), white is neutral and bare is equipment grounding. Black to white is 120 volts. This scenario can be used with the T103, but not the T104.

2...A 240 volt cable with 3 wires: black, white, and bare. The black is LINE(hot), the WHITE is LINE (HOT), and the bare is equipment grounding. Black to white is 240 volts. This scenario is used with the T104 ONLY.

3...A 120/240 volt cable with 4 wires: Black, red, white, and bare. The black and red are (LINE) hot, white is neutral and bare is equipment grounding. Black to red is 240 volts. Black to white is 120 volts. Red to white is 120 volts. This scenario can be used with either the T103 or the T104.

The only difference between the T103 and the T104 is the timer motor voltage rating. The T103 uses a 120 volt timer motor and the T104 uses a 240 volt timer motor. The T103 timer motor is connected to terminal "A" and terminal #3 during manufacturing. The T104 timer motor is connected to terminal #1 and terminal 3# at the factory.

Also, when connecting the bare or green wires to the "GR" terminal, it is best to wirenut the wires together with a pigtail, then connect the pigtail to the "GR" (GRound) terminal, WHICH IS THE GREEN SCREW ON THE LOWER PART OF THE CASE.

WIRING THE TIMER:
The wiring diagram for the T103 is here:
http://www.progressive-growth.com/wiring/T103.pdf
___________________________________________________________________
WIRING THE T103 USING AN INCOMING 120/240 VOLT CABLE WITH 4 WIRES (scenario #3):

Incoming (LINE) wires from 240 volt circuit breaker:
Connect the black (LINE)(hot) wire to terminal #1. Connect the red (LINE) (hot) wire to terminal #3. Connect the white (neutral in this case) wire to terminal "A".
Connect the bare equipment grounding wire to the "GR" terminal, which is the green screw on the case.

Outgoing wires to 240 volt load:
Connect one (hot) wire to terminal #2 and the other (hot) wire to terminal #4. The bare or green wire goes to the "GR" terminal.
___________________________________________________________________
WIRING THE T103 USING AN INCOMING _120_ VOLT CABLE WITH 3 WIRES (scenario #1):

Incoming wires from 120 volt breaker or source:
Black (LINE) to terminal #3. White (neutral) to terminal "A". Bare to the "GR" terminal.

Terminals #1 and #2 are NOT used in this case.

Outgoing wires to 120 volt load(s):
Black(hot) to terminal #4. White(neutral) to terminal "A". Bare to the "GR" terminal.

The wiring diagram for the T104 is here:
http://www.progressive-growth.com/wiring/T104.pdf
______________________________________________________________
WIRING THE T104 USING AN INCOMING 240 VOLT CABLE WITH 3 WIRES (scenario #2):

Incoming (LINE) wires from breaker:
Connect the black (LINE) (hot) wire to terminal #1. Connect the white (LINE) (hot in this case) to terminal #3. Connect the bare wire to the "GR" terminal.

The "A" terminal is _NOT_ used.

Outgoing wires to load:
Connect one (hot) wire to terminal #2 and the other (hot) wire to terminal #4. Connect the bare or green wire to terminal "GR".

The "A" terminal is _NOT_ used.
______________________________________________________________
WIRING THE T104 USING AN INCOMING 240 VOLT CABLE WITH 4 WIRES:
Same as above, except the white wire is not used. Just tape or wirenut it off.

on Dec 28, 2009 • Hardware & Accessories

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1answer

I the manual wiring doesn't match what I have in the switch box. This switch is to operate 2 outside porch lights., previously wired to a single pole switch as follows.. one black wire to one screw and 2...

I test these timers.
GE 15071 timer has internal clock that runs on electricity. That's why timer has extra wire.
Intermatic, GE, Tork, Leviton, Sylvania, Woods, Utilitec etc in-wall timers each wire the same way.
The only tiny difference is GE doesn't have green ground wire.
http://waterheatertimer.org/Program-wire-Utilitec-0192773.html

Here's what to do:
1) Old switch has two screws (excluding green ground screw)
One screw on old switch has 2 black wires >> these are hot wires > timer black wire connects to these hot wires. This will power the timer.
2) The other switch wire connects to timer red wire. This will send timer signal to lights.

3) Timer white wire is for the timer clock.
Timer white wire connects to other white wires that are twisted together and covered with wire nut >>> these are neutral wires, and now timer clock will operate
4) For EZ connection to other white wires, strip back another inch on timer white wire so stranded wire can wrap like a candy cane around solid copper wires. Then twist wire nut on very tight.

5) When wiring is complete, push door on timer for manual override. Lights should turn ON-OFF. If lights do not turn on, reverse timer red and timer black wires. Make sure outdoor bulbs are working.

Add a comment any time

Dec 14, 2010 • Intermatic Inc. ST01C Digital In-Wall...

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1answer

Am replacing an old wall timer with a GE Smart Digital Timer. The old timer had two black wires connected to two black wires from the wall. The new timer however has red, black, white and green wires. I...

I've tested these timers.
Here's what to do:
1) Connect green to bare copper
2) Switch has 2 wires. For now, connect these two wires to timer-black and timer-red. Choose either one.
3) In back of wall box are white neutral wires twisted together and covered with wire nut. Timer-white wire connects to these white neutral wires. This action gives power to time clock.
4) If wall box does not have white neutrals described above, then connect timer-white to bare ground wire. Bare ground connects to neutral busbar in breaker box.
5) Turn on power and click manual override button or switch. If lights turn on, timer is wired correctly. If lights do not turn on, then reverse timer-red and timer-black wires.

Nov 16, 2010 • GE 60minute Automatic ShutOff Timer Switch...

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1answer

New switch GE model 15265 ... to light up 2 lightbulbs outside. Old switch all cables are black. Those who light up the tester are the hot=Red/black?? Those which do not light up are white?? Green I know...

Manual for GE 15265
http://waterheatertimer.org/pdf/GE-15265-manual.pdf
15A timer works fine on two bulbs, up to 1440 total watts.

If old switch has 2 screws plus green ground screw, then timer is right.
If old switch has 3 screws plus green ground screw, 15265 doesn't replace 3-way switch.

Timer-green wire connects to bare ground wire

Old switch has 2 screws with wires on each.
One wire is Hot-from breaker and this connects to timer-black wire.
One wire Goes-to-lights and this connects to timer-red wire.
If you get these two wires reversed, timer will not work, so reverse them.
It will not blow circuit if the timer-red and timer-black wires are reversed.

Timer-White wire is the confusing wire for everybody:
Timer-white wire runs clock motor located inside timer.
In back of electric box are neutral white wires that are twisted together and covered with wire nut.
Connect timer-white to these neutral wires.
If box does not have neutral white wires, connect timer-white to bare ground wire.

Nov 13, 2010 • Intermatic Inc. EJ500C Digital Wall Switch...

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1answer

Trying to install digital timer 15265. No instructions with unit. We are in a 1929 house. There are two black wires only. Which color do we add the white wire to? We assume the green is a grouding...

Your switch has two wires. Hot wire from breaker box, and wire going to Load.

GE timer has 3 wires plus a green ground wire >>> it has extra wire because tiny clock inside timer needs power just like alarm clock ... so here we go

Hot wire connects to Timer black wire
Wire going to Load connects to Timer red wire
If you get these reversed, the timer will not work, so switch them or read testing steps below.

Timer white wire connects to Neutral ... which is usually 2 white wires twisted together and pushed to back of box. IF your box does not have a neutral, connect timer white wire to bare ground wire ... until you can have electrician add another line into box.

Suppose you want to test your wires to see which is which:
Remove wires from switch
Separate wires
Use ordinary tester, tape leads to wood sticks to keep hands away from electricity
Turn on power
Test each wire to bare ground
Tester lights up on Hot wire

Now test for Neutral wire
Test Hot wire to other wires in box
Tester lights up on Neutral

Oct 05, 2010 • Garden

2helpful

1answer

I am replacing an old intermatic model EJ341 spring wound timer with a GE15086 digital in wall timer. The old intermatic timer has two black wires from each side (I dont know which one is hot). Each of the...

GE 15086 is a 7-day programmable timer. It has more wires than spring-wound timer because clock motor runs on 120V circuit, just like ordinary electric clock. The clock on spring wound timer operated by a spring.

If I understand correctly, the old timer has 2 wires. One of these wires is the Hot wire ... and that wire will connect to GE timer black wire.
The other wire from old timer goes to Load ... and that wire will go to GE timer red wire.

Instructions on a lot of these timers say, it timer doesn't work, then reverse the two wires described above ... this is because timer only works when Timer black connects to Hot.

You can also turn on power and test each wire that came off old switch to bare ground wire. When tester lights up, that is Hot wire.

GE timer Green wire connects to bare ground wire.

Moving on to GE timer white wire. This wire is necessary for the clock to run. This wire connects to Neutral wire which is usually white. You can test for Neutral by testing Hot wire to each white wire in box ... when tester comes on, that is Neutral.

If you do not have a white Neutral wire, then connect GE timer white wire to bare ground wire. This is not code, but it will work fine until you hire electrician to run Neutral into box.

Oct 03, 2010 • GE Electrical Supplies

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1answer

I'm trying to replace an intermatic EJ341 spring wound timer with a GE 15086 digital in wall timer. The intermatic timer has two black wires connected to my wall outlet (black to black). House is built in...

EJ341 has 2 wires

Oct 03, 2010 • Kitchen Ranges

0helpful

1answer

Installing a GE digital wall timer. Instructions say" connect Hot/live wire of main to black of timer. Connect Hot/live wire of load to red of timer. connect white of (neutral) to white of timer. green...

Review:
Black goes to Hot wire from breaker box
Red wire goes to Load (light, fan, motor)
White wire goes to Neutral
Green to bare copper ground wire

Orientation:
Your original switch had 2 wires plus bare ground.
One of these wires is Hot, the other goes to Load.
You said original wires are Red and Black

How do you find Hot wire?
-Your original switch had 2 wires.
-Remove timer from box.
-Pull original 2 wires out where you can test them
-Turn on power
-Use regular tester
-Tape tester leads to wood sticks so your hands stay away from voltage
-Power is on
-Test each original wire to bare ground wire
-When tester lights up, that is Hot wire ... this wire connects to Black wire on timer
- The other wire goes to Load so it connects to Red wire on timer

How to test for Neutral wire
Test Hot wire to your white wires - No need to untwist them.
When tester lights up, that is Neutral
White wire from timer connects to Neutral.
Green goes to ground wire.

How to reset timer
I'm not sure which timer you have. Probably GE 15086. Reset is small round button below HOUR button. Use paper clip and push-in reset until timer flashes 12 o'clock.

Sep 25, 2010 • Intermatic Inc. EJ500C Digital Wall Switch...

Question 2

Anonymous

Find the Hot wire:
Your switch has 2 wires. One of these wires is Hot, and one goes to load. Disconnect wires from switch. Turn on power. Do not stand on wet surface. Test each wire to bare copper wire. When tester lights up, that is Hot wire. The other wire goes to load.

Connect wires:
Hot wire goes to Black timer wire
Wire to load goes to Red timer wire
White wire connects to white wires that are twisted together
Bare copper wire connects to Green wire from timer

How to connect white wire to white wires that are twisted together.
a) Strip white timer wire so you have 1-1/2 " of bare wire. Stranded wire will wrap around other wires easily.
b) Remove wire nut. DO NOT UNTWIST wires.
c) Hold all whites together so bare copper lines up. Wrap stranded copper around the twisted wire.
d) Replace wire nut, or use larger wire nut. Twist real tight. Do not use tape. You can solder the connection.
e) When done, pull on white time wire to make sure it is held tight. Push whites back into box.

Anonymous May 07, 2012

I think this answer is closest to my situation. In your explanation, what do I do with the blue wire on the timer switch?

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Wiring diagram sunsmart. I am replaceing a timer swithch of a differnt brand. I have a single pole installation, but the power enters the fixture and then comes to the switch. The diagram in the box...

How to wire Intermatic T103 and T104 timers

How to wire Intermatic T103 and T104 timers

I the manual wiring doesn't match what I have in the switch box. This switch is to operate 2 outside porch lights., previously wired to a single pole switch as follows.. one black wire to one screw and 2...

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Anonymous

Add Your Answer

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Related Questions:

Wiring diagram sunsmart. I am replaceing a timer swithch of a differnt brand. I have a single pole installation, but the power enters the fixture and then comes to the switch. The diagram in the box...

How to wire Intermatic T103 and T104 timers

How to wire Intermatic T103 and T104 timers

I the manual wiring doesn't match what I have in the switch box. This switch is to operate 2 outside porch lights., previously wired to a single pole switch as follows.. one black wire to one screw and 2...

Am replacing an old wall timer with a GE Smart Digital Timer. The old timer had two black wires connected to two black wires from the wall. The new timer however has red, black, white and green wires. I...

New switch GE model 15265 ... to light up 2 lightbulbs outside. Old switch all cables are black. Those who light up the tester are the hot=Red/black?? Those which do not light up are white?? Green I know...

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I am replacing an old intermatic model EJ341 spring wound timer with a GE15086 digital in wall timer. The old intermatic timer has two black wires from each side (I dont know which one is hot). Each of the...

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