want to replace a non functioning on-the-wall light timer controlling some exterior landscape lights. The timer being removed has only 2 wires connected in the outlet box and the outlet box has 2 wires available, a red and a black. New timer has a white, red, and black and ground and instructions want all wires matched up to power supply wires but with no white wire waiting in the box to attach to,wondering how to make this 3 on 2 connection work?
Discussion Forum
Discussion Forum
Up Next
Video Shorts
Featured Story
Source control, ventilation, and filtration are the keys to healthy indoor air quality. Dehumidification is important too.
Featured Video
SawStop's Portable Tablesaw is Bigger and Better Than BeforeHighlights
"I have learned so much thanks to the searchable articles on the FHB website. I can confidently say that I expect to be a life-long subscriber." - M.K.
Replies
Pull new wire, or find a different timer. The old timer must have had a mechanical clock mechanism, or perhaps an internal battery or such to run the clock while the light was on.
The old timer was powered through the load. Your new one has a neutral connection. You need a similar timer
ok just wanted to know if I I had to search for a different timer and whether they even made one to match the characteristics of the 20 year old timer with only 2 active wires, that has failed. Internet search coming up--thanks
can't find a two wire lead timer at any of the big box stores or ace hardware type of stores-all timers seem to be made now with 3 wires, a red, a black , and a white (plus ground). Any idea if anyone even makes a a timer that would work in this wall box that has a red and a black only in it? probably installed 20 or so years ago?
https://www.amazon.com/Honeywell-RPLS530A-Programmable-Requires-minimum/dp/B004SOZHR0
I don't see anywhere where it says that doesn't require a neutral.
In the description: it says two wire single pole. Installation instructions also show two wire install: https://customer.honeywell.com/resources/techlit/TechLitDocuments/69-0000s/69-2458EFS.pdf
Yeah, the diagram does show using only two wires. The Amazon listing, however, says "Connection: Single pole (2 wire) or multiswitch (3 way)", which could easily be used to decribe a "two-way" vs "three-way" switch, regardless of whether neutral is required.