Posts: 1,688
Threads: 0
Joined: Oct 2001
I need to run a single wire from a service panel down to a light switch. When the original electricians ran the wire to the switch they only ran the black wire. They want me to replace the wire with a timer so they can set it to, say, 15 minutes, to allow them to get to their cars at night. I found the switch to do the job, but it requires both the black and white wires. I was hoping there was some alternative to running conduit.
Mike
I work on the 50-50-90 rule: If there's a 50-50 choice, I'll pick the wrong one 90% of the time!
Posts: 16,604
Threads: 0
Joined: Oct 2002
Location: Ra-cha-cha, NY
02-12-2019, 06:31 PM
(This post was last modified: 02-12-2019, 06:36 PM by TDKPE.)
Sounds like a switch leg to a switch. A mechanical timer doesn’t require a neutral.
Like this one:
https://www.lowes.com/pd/intermatic-20-a...gICivD_BwE
And this one (same, but from Amazon):
https://www.amazon.com/Intermatic-FD60MW...9203&psc=1
And there are others.
Tom
“This place smells like that odd combination of flop sweat, hopelessness, aaaand feet"
Posts: 1,688
Threads: 0
Joined: Oct 2001
02-12-2019, 07:06 PM
(This post was last modified: 02-12-2019, 07:08 PM by Scouter.)
(02-12-2019, 06:31 PM)TDKPE Wrote: Sounds like a switch leg to a switch. A mechanical timer doesn’t require a neutral.
Like this one: https://www.lowes.com/pd/intermatic-20-a...gICivD_BwE
And this one (same, but from Amazon): https://www.amazon.com/Intermatic-FD60MW...9203&psc=1
And there are others.
Yes, but for what they want to do a mechanical won't work, has to be one of the electronic ones. They want the timer, but to also be able to keep it on until turned off.
Mike
I work on the 50-50-90 rule: If there's a 50-50 choice, I'll pick the wrong one 90% of the time!
Posts: 22,494
Threads: 0
Joined: Feb 2005
Location: Regina Saskatchewan Canada
So parallel a mech timer to a normal switch. Either will turn it on but both need to be off to kill it. Easy peasey in a 2 gang box.
Blackhat
Bad experiences come from poor decisions. So do good stories.
Posts: 2,192
Threads: 1
Joined: Oct 2003
(02-12-2019, 06:31 PM)TDKPE Wrote: Sounds like a switch leg to a switch. A mechanical timer doesn’t require a neutral.
Like this one: https://www.lowes.com/pd/intermatic-20-a...gICivD_BwE.....
And there are others.
(02-12-2019, 07:47 PM)blackhat Wrote: So parallel a mech timer to a normal switch. Either will turn it on but both need to be off to kill it. Easy peasey in a 2 gang box.
Yes, I would suggest one like this.
We installed a mechanical timer in a restroom to control the exhaust fan (custodians continually forgot to turn them off at night) similar to the one TDKPE posted. It got twisted too far and would't wind down. The one with the knob and metal cover plate allowed me to drill a hole and insert a #4 screw at the 8 hour mark so it couldn't be over wound.
Posts: 16,604
Threads: 0
Joined: Oct 2002
Location: Ra-cha-cha, NY
(02-12-2019, 07:06 PM)Scouter Wrote: Yes, but for what they want to do a mechanical won't work, has to be one of the electronic ones. They want the timer, but to also be able to keep it on until turned off.
Use one with a "hold" position. 15, 30, or 60 minute versions available.
https://www.amazon.com/Intermatic-FD30MH...B003A5CQ4A
https://www.intermatic.com/en/timer-cont...rs/fd30mhw
I like blackhat's suggestion though, especially if it will be turned on and off a lot with the switch. Save the timer for when the timer is actually needed. But you'd need a two-gang box.
Tom
“This place smells like that odd combination of flop sweat, hopelessness, aaaand feet"
Posts: 1,688
Threads: 0
Joined: Oct 2001
(02-12-2019, 10:52 PM)TDKPE Wrote: Use one with a "hold" position. 15, 30, or 60 minute versions available.
https://www.amazon.com/Intermatic-FD30MH...B003A5CQ4A
https://www.intermatic.com/en/timer-cont...rs/fd30mhw
I like blackhat's suggestion though, especially if it will be turned on and off a lot with the switch. Save the timer for when the timer is actually needed. But you'd need a two-gang box.
I like that one! Thanks! ?
Mike
I work on the 50-50-90 rule: If there's a 50-50 choice, I'll pick the wrong one 90% of the time!
Posts: 24,327
Threads: 0
Joined: Feb 2002
Location: Elizabethtown, KY
I'd go with a motion detector instead of timer. Somebody might be running late, etc.
Works in my garage
"Truth is a highway leading to freedom" --Kris Kristofferson
Wild Turkey
We may see the writing on the wall, but all we do is criticize the handwriting.
(joined 10/1999)
Posts: 17,348
Threads: 0
Joined: Jul 2006
Location: Milwaukee area
Well as long as we're sharing opinions, I'd switch to an LED lamp that costs next to nothing to operate, and never turn it off.
Posts: 2,170
Threads: 1
Joined: Sep 2003
Location: Maryland
I just installed a motion sensing light switch. Doesn't need a neutral, runs off the black wires and ground. It's in the garage...turns 6 cosco shoplight LEDS on when a car or person enters. Turns off 5 minutes after no motion detected. Turn off time can be adjusted. Lutron brand, about $20 I think...