How do I wire the timer in a 3-way switch? - Woods Hardware & Accessories

Utilitec can only replace single-pole switch.
Open following link for typical Utilitec single-pole wiring:
http://waterheatertimer.org/Program-wire-Utilitec-LW60419.html

Aube timer has internal battery that runs clock mechanism and does not require neutral wire.
The Aube battery lets timer replace single-pole or 3-way switch.
Utilitec timer does not have battery, so clock mechanism requires neutral wire, just like plugging in electric clock.
Without battery, timers like Utilitec can only replace single-pole switch.

Open following link to see list of timers that can be used for 3-way:
http://waterheatertimer.org/Aube-timers.html#3-way

When installing 3-way timer, the timer replaces one 3-way switch but other 3-way switch remains.
The remaining 3-way is rewired to accommodate the specific timer being used.
SOME brands of timer cannot replace either 3-way switch, but instead can only replace the 3-way that receives hot wire from breaker: Read manual before selecting timer.

Note: Battery-operated timers can be used for 3-way application, but cannot operate in cold environment.

Woods 59208 is single-pole timer.

Open following link to see list of timers used for 3-way application:
http://waterheatertimer.org/Woods-timers-and-manuals.html#59028

When replacing 3-way switch, some timers can replace either switch. For example Aube and GE.
Other timers can only replace switch that receives power from breaker. For example Intermatic.

The timer replaces only 1 of the 3-way switches.
The other 3-way switch remains.
But in all cases, the remaining 3-way switch has to be rewired to accommodate the timer.
3-way timers cannot replace 3-way switch wire-for-wire.
3-way timers mimic 3-way operation. When 2 of the timer wires are connected, the timer reverses programming. When those two wires are disconnected, the timer programming resumes. So off becomes on, and on becomes off.
The remaining 3-way switch has to be rewired so that switch connects and disconnects the two timer wires that mimic 3-way operation.

Woods 59208 is single-pole timer.

Open following link to see list of timers used for 3-way application:
http://waterheatertimer.org/Woods-timers-and-manuals.html#59028

When replacing 3-way switch, some timers can replace either switch. For example Aube and GE.
Other timers can only replace switch that receives power from breaker. For example Intermatic.

The timer replaces only 1 of the 3-way switches.
The other 3-way switch remains.
But in all cases, the remaining 3-way switch has to be rewired to accommodate the timer.
3-way timers cannot replace 3-way switch wire-for-wire.
3-way timers mimic 3-way operation. When 2 of the timer wires are connected, the timer reverses programming. When those two wires are disconnected, the timer programming resumes. So off becomes on, and on becomes off.
The remaining 3-way switch has to be rewired so that switch connects and disconnects the two timer wires that mimic 3-way operation.

Woods 58018 is White-colored 120Volt 7-day programmable timer that replaces single-pole switch only.
I am not certain what is meant by 3-pole circuit.
If you mean 3-way circuit where more than one switch control same light, as you find with hallway light, then 59018 is not correct timer.

Open following links to see list of timers suited for 3-way switch replacement.
http://waterheatertimer.org/Woods-timers-and-manuals.html#59028
http://waterheatertimer.org/GE-timers-and-manuals.html#15312
http://waterheatertimer.org/ST01C-program.html#ST01C

Timers that work for 3-way do not replace 3-way switch wire-for-wire.
Read manual carefully.
When you replace 3-way switch with a timer, one 3-way switch is replaced, and other 3-way switch remains.
The remaining 3-way switch is always rewired so the 3-way timer works. AND each brand of timer requires slightly different wiring parameter.
Some 3-way timers can only replace the 3-way switch located closest to circuit breaker box, commonly called the LINE side. Others can replace either LINE side or LOAD side 3-way., and wiring is different for each. Some timers require neutral wire and some are battery-powered.

Add a comment with exact information about switch and wiring you are working on for suggestion of best timer for that purpose.

You posted under ST01C and are wiring timer to replace 3-way switch.
Open following link for specific illustrations:
http://waterheatertimer.org/ST01C-program.html#ST01C
http://waterheatertimer.org/pdf/ST01C-explanation.rtf

1) The timer replaces one of the 3-way switches. The other 3-way switch remains, but must be rewired.
2) The timer must replace the 3-way switch that receives power from breaker box. It cannot replace the other 3-way switch. This is because the timer Black wire must always receive power.
3) The timer blue wire must connect to Load (light)
4) The ST01C red wire is only used when wiring for 3-way.
5) When the red wire and blue wire are connected together, they reverse the timer program. When timer red and blue are disconnected, the timer resumes programming. Connecting and disconnecting the red and blue wires is how the timer mimics 3-way operation.
6) The remaining 3-way switch must be wired so it will connect and disconnect the red and blue timer wires. So the remaining 3-way switch has to be rewired to meet specific timer wiring.

ST01C timer replaces one 3-way switch and the other 3-way switch remains.
The ST01C timer does not work exactly like a 3-way switch.
When the timer blue and red wires are connected together, they reverse whatever program is in effect.
When the timer is wired for single-pole, the red wire is capped off. When timer is wired for 3-way, the red wire is used to reverse the timer, thus causing the 3-way effect.
So if timer is ON, and red and blue wires are put together, the timer turns OFF.
That's why the remaining 3-way switch has to be rewired.
The remaining 3-way switch is rewired so it will connect and disconnect the red and blue wires, causing the timer to reverse program each time, and creating 3-way effect.
Other requirements of ST01C is that the black wire must connect to Hot wire, and the blue wire must always connect to Load. This means that you have to correctly pick which 3-way switch to replace, where the hot wire from breaker arrives.
Open following link for wiring diagram showing how to wire for 3-way:
http://waterheatertimer.org/ST01C-program.html#ST01C
All 3-way timers require rewiring second 3-way switch to create 3-way effect.

You have ST01C timer.
If I understand correctly, timer is wired for 3-way and was working fine before.
Now, the timer is no longer letting the 2nd 3-way switch operate.

I tested this timer.
When the red and blue wires on timer are connected, the timer reverses.
When the red and blue wires are disconnected, the timer reverses back.
So the 2nd 3-way switch merely connects and disconnects the red and blue wire on timer.
This is why wiring is different on 2nd 3-way switch, and not like ordinary 3-way wiring.
http://waterheatertimer.org/images/ST01C-EJ500-w-3-way-450.jpg

This means that a) Timer has gone bad or b) 2nd 3-way switch has gone bad.

1) Replace 2nd 3-way switch

2) ST01C instructions say as last resort, reset timer.
However all timer programs will be lost.
Open following link to read steps for resetting and reprogramming timer, plus wiring diagrams.
http://waterheatertimer.org/ST01C-program.html

3) Replace timer
Amazon:
http://www.amazon.com/Intermatic-ST01C-Digital-wall-Timer/dp/B0045D3D16
Aplussupply
http://www.aplussupply.com/intermatic/timer.htm

Add a comment for more free help.
Also take advantage of fixya phone service.
For a price, expert speaks with you over phone while you work on timer or any do-it-yourself project.
Fixya is always less expensive than a service call.

If I understand correctly, your switch has 3 poles, which makes it a 3-way switch.
You confirm this by saying light fixture has two switches.

There are two brands of in-wall timers that will work in 3-way situation. Intermatic and Aube. But only specific models of these timers work for 3-way.

The Intermatic EJ500 and ST01C battery-operated timers can work with 3-way switch. But wiring is tricky to impossible in some cases without extra wiring.
http://waterheatertimer.org/ST01C-program.html#ST01C


The easiest timer to wire for 3-way switch is Aube model T1032 which is a 500 watt timer.
http://waterheatertimer.org/Aube-timers.html
T1032 manual:
http://waterheatertimer.org/Aube-T1032-timer.pdf

Look at the wiring diagrams carefully.
Note that you are replacing one switch with the timer.
The second switch needs additional jumper wire added to circuit between dark-colored screw and the brass-colored screw that connects back to #1 wire from the timer.

Add a comment if you have this timer, or buy this timer, and need help with wiring.

Swylite LST100 timer has 4 wires. Red, Blue, Black, White
Timer has more wires than wall switch because timer has electric clock inside. And with + series Swylite timer, it also has led bulb that needs power.

Timer can replace ordinary on-off switch
-On-off switch has 2 screws, so 2 wires (plus ground wire) connect to on-off switch
-Three of the four timer wires are used when replacing on-off switch
-Red wire is not used, it is capped off

Timer can replace 3-way switch
-Three way switch has 3 screws, so 3 wires (plus ground wire) connect to 3-way switch
-One of the screws on 3-way switch is colored dark (it is crucial to identify the wire that comes off dark screw so timer can be wired correctly)

Lets replace on-off switch see diagram
Timer black goes to Hot wire
Timer blue goes to Load (light, fan, motor)
Timer white goes to Neutral
Timer red is capped off.

How to check which wire is Hot, Neutral and Load
Switch you are replacing has 2 wires > one is Hot, the other goes to Load
Remove these two wires. Separate wires so you can test. Turn on power. Tape tester leads to wood sticks so hands are away from power. Test each wire to bare copper wire.
When tester lights up >> that is Hot wire >> please connect this wire to Timer black wire
The other wire goes to Load >> please connect this wire to Timer blue wire.
Now test for Neutral. Test Hot wire to other wires inside box. Neutral should be white. When tester lights up, that is Neutral. Please connect Timer white wire to neutral. IF YOU DO NOT have a neutral, you can connect Timer white to bare ground wire until you have time to drop a Neutral into the box.

Replace a 3-way switch see diagram
Three-way switch has 3 wires.
Identify which wire connects to Dark screw on switch >> and then please connect this wire to Timer Black wire.
Timer white wire connects to Neutral
Timer blue and red wires connect to other two wires that came off switch ... they connect to either one.

Open following link to identify timers that work with 3-way.
http://waterheatertimer.org/GE-timers-and-manuals.html#15071

If you have ST01C timer and are connecting to three-way, then open following link:
http://waterheatertimer.org/ST01C-program.html#ST01C

ALL timers that work with 3-way switching will replace 1 of the two 3-way switches.
The remaining 3-way switch wiring must be altered so the timer works.
The reason is this:
The 3-way timer has extra wire, and when electricity flows to that wire, it reverses program status of timer, so ON becomes OFF for example, or OFF becomes ON..
The remaining 3-way switch is wired so it will send power back to the extra timer wire that reverses the timer program.
So the remaining 3-way switch performs a different function when 3-way timer is installed.