Woods 59018 In-Wall 7-Day Digital Timer, White Reviews

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I've purchased this seven day electronic timer to use on my front porch light. The installation of this device requires three wire connections. It requires the white wire or neutral as well as the hot and switch leg. The green wire is to be connected to the electrical outlet box and is optional. I was fortunate with my installation that there is a neutral wire in the box. Otherwise, I would had to install the neutral wire in the outlet box before I can use this timer. The timer has its own rechargeable battery backup. This device uses an actual relay to do the switching on and off, so it is compatible with all loads whether it be compact fluorescent lighting or motor loads up to 15 amps. This device is kind of bulky that it requires quite a lot of space inside the electrical box. It occupies up to 1 5/8 inch in depth or about the same as a GFCI device.

The timer is fairly easy to program. First you have to set the clock by lifting the cover that happened to be the push button for the light switch by prying it up with a small screwdriver. Once you have it open, press and hold the clock button until it starts blinking. When that happens, you can press the hour button to advance to the correct hour. Next, do the same for the minutes. Finally set the week day. Next, press and hold the timer button to set the time when you want the light to come on and off. Repeat this, if you want the light to come on at different time on another day. Otherwise just leave it on one day setting. Using just the first day setting. The timer will turn on and off the light the same time every day.

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I have not seen the circuit diagram of the module content but I presume the load is controlled by an SCR (silicon controlled rectifier). Having said that, the heavier the load, the shorter the timer life since the timer is rated for 15A and 1,800 watts. Keep in mind the type of load and the surge currents can shorten the life of the timer considerably. The one year warranty specified by the manufacturer is based on "worst case" load usage.

If used to switch high efficiency bulbs (CFL), say four or less, I think it is safe to say that the timer will last forever...as much as 10 years or more. There again, if you are controlling a heavy load, it will probably last a year or so. It all depends how the timer is used.

Should the settings be changed because of daylight savings time? Probably not because of the delicate buttons and the hassle of making the change. Savings of $3.00 for six months per unit (depending on the load) can be realized if the reprogramming is done but I do not recommend making this change. The usage of the timer with incandesced, old fashioned, lamps will also shorten the timer life because of the high transient, inrush currents.

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I purchased three of these Woods timers in November 2010. While installation instructions were clear, I chose to use an electrician. He had all three installed in about 45 minutes. I did the programming. It is important to follow the instructions exactly; otherwise, you will have to start over and may need to push the reset button, which I had to do on one of the units. All three units functioned perfectly out of the box. However, programming keys are pretty small and for older eyes such as mine, a magnifying glass and high intensity flashlight were helpful. I'm using the timers with CFL outside lights and so far they are working well.

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I'm on my second one, and both have been problems. When it is hooked up correctly, the light flashes. That's two of these in a row, over a one year period. Obviously a poorly-constructed Chinese product. I'm taking mine back for a refund from Loews. Conversely, my Intermedics worked great for years, and they only have two wires to connect. Simple and efficient. Too bad Intermedics seems to be backing away from the business.

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Before purchasing this wall switch timer, I would have to leave the light on all day while at work.

I leave for work while it is still dark out, and this time of year, I don't get back til after it's dark again.

Not only was I wasting electricity, but shortening the life of the light bulb by leaving it on all day M-F.

Since I installed the programmable switch, I can now have exterior light when I leave in the morning, and again when I return, without leaving the light on all day long.

I would estimate that in a matter of just a couple months, this timer will have paid for itself.

In my case, the only negative mark I would give this item is the small, hard to read LCD display.

For me, I must provide direct light (such as a flashlight) and then kneel to obtain the optimal viewing angle for standard wall switch height placement.

Perhaps the manufacturer will see this review, and consider developing a back-lit version for easier viewing.