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Customer reviews for 15 Amp In-Wall Smart Digital Timer
15 Amp In-Wall Smart Digital Timer
This CFL ready GE 15 Amp In-Wall Smart Digital Timer automates lights, fans, heaters, pumps and other indoor electrical devices. It automatically adjusts for daylight savings time and features a random vacation setting for extra security while you are away. The timer comes with easy preset options but is also programmable.
Overall rating:
(49 reviews) 49
Rating breakdown 49 reviews
5 stars
11
4 stars
5
3 stars
3
2 stars
6
1 star
24
16 out of 47(34%)reviewers recommend this product.
Customer reviews for 15 Amp In-Wall Smart Digital Timer
Review 1 for 15 Amp In-Wall Smart Digital Timer
Overall rating
Quick tips to help prevent perceived failure.
,PostedApril 4, 2012
DIYandStillAlive
Quality
5
/
5
Value
5
/
5
What I find a lot of times is we are so excited with our new gadget that we expect the device to be intuitive enough to manage without reading the instructions. So I, against every bone of my compulsive desire, try to make it a habit to read all instructions before using\installing a device, because you never know. With this device there a three critical never knew's that I would guess are cause for a least a few of the negative posts.
I initially bought one of these years ago, and used it for my XMAS lights - still running perfectly. Worked so well I bought a few more to control my yard fountains, outside lights, and internal home lights. Not one has ever failed, and my faimly has gone on to buy them and also had very good success.
Some helpful tips for others:
CONFIGURATION:
Do not use a metallic object to adjust this timer. Always use a non-metallic object such as a wooden pencil [I use a wood Shish Kabob screwer - hey what ever works]
Do not use a metallic object to adjust this timer. Always use a non-metallic object such as a wooden pencil [I use a wood Shish Kabob screwer - hey what ever works]
MEMORY BACK UP:
This timer is equipped with a rechargeable Ni-Mh battery which will protect your programs during power failure for up to 30 days. No need to replace battery. Note that the screen blanks if the battery is discharged completely. [if you replace the battery with a non-rechargeable one, don't complain when the screen blanks]
This timer is equipped with a rechargeable Ni-Mh battery which will protect your programs during power failure for up to 30 days. No need to replace battery. Note that the screen blanks if the battery is discharged completely. [if you replace the battery with a non-rechargeable one, don't complain when the screen blanks]
AMPs
This is for 15AMPs or less (do not use for 20 AMP outlets - the switch will fail)
This is for 15AMPs or less (do not use for 20 AMP outlets - the switch will fail)
NOTE THE AM/PM INDICATORS:
This is done with an "A or P" indication of font size 1. Failure to note this will mess up your on/off cycles.
This is done with an "A or P" indication of font size 1. Failure to note this will mess up your on/off cycles.
Yes, I recommend this product.
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+3points
5out of 7found this review helpful.
Review 2 for 15 Amp In-Wall Smart Digital Timer
Overall rating
Many Options
,PostedJanuary 24, 2011
All-right, let me try to explain how these switches from GE work. What I needed was a programmable wall switch. When I was home I expected that I could use it just like any other wall switch you have at home, it turns lights on and off. Then when I was going away for a day week, whatever, I could enable the timer and the lights would go on and off according to my programming.
NO, that is not how this product from GE works. There is an “Off/TIMER” select switch. When you select OFF the switch does “NOTHING”. Can’t turn the lights on. When you select TIMER your lights will go on and off according to your program and you can manually switch them on/off if you want them on/off. Great, I always like to get out of bed at 2 AM to turn my bedroom lights off. OR Great, I always like to get out of bed at 2 AM and not have any bedroom lights unless I switch this thing to “TIMER”.
This is not the only product that works like this, so beware.
WRONG” = “This indoor timer can replace a standard in-wall switch or an older spring-wound timer”. Buy the older timer.
No, I do not recommend this product.
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+4points
4out of 4found this review helpful.
Review 3 for 15 Amp In-Wall Smart Digital Timer
Overall rating
GE "Smart" Digital Timer
,PostedNovember 14, 2010
TarponHunter
The only thing "Smart" about this timer is in its name. Yes it is an easy install. Unfortuantely it has no life expectancy. I first purchased four of these in December '09. I had to replace all four in July '10. The internal battery, which cannot be replaced, failed on all four units. Once that happens the units will no longer work. I brought them back to Home Depot and they replaced them without question. In October another one failed and again Home Depot replaced it. I called the manufacturer and they offered to inspect the units for me but I needed to buy four more so I could ship them back to the manufacutrer. I chose to go the Home Depot and get the warranty replacement. Another one failed in November and Home Depot again replaced it. In less than 1 year I am on my tenth unit. I have been using in wall timers for years and have never had this issue with any other product. I have several Intermatic timers in various properties, some going on 5 years old. I am switching all four of these GE "Smart" to Intermatic units.
No, I do not recommend this product.
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+3points
3out of 3found this review helpful.
Review 4 for 15 Amp In-Wall Smart Digital Timer
Overall rating
Can be improved
,PostedJune 7, 2010
The device is pretty good. Easy to install and easy to program. However, there are two areas that I think can be improved:
1. When the switch is moved from timer to off, the whole unit basically is shut down. It would be nice to allow manual on/off by pushing on the big cover. With that, one can normally operate the lights without worrying about the programmed on/off time. When you are out for vacation, it is simply to switch to timer to activate the pre-programmed on./off times. It makes it more convenient so that you do not have to program the timer every time you are on vacation.
2. The random mode is actually varying the on or off time from you pre-programmed times. Honeywell timers in their random mode actually turn lights on and off a number of times randomly in the evening after sunset. I suppose with the GE, one can set a few programs of on-off pairs together with the random mode to simulate the same behavior, but it is just not as convenient.
1. When the switch is moved from timer to off, the whole unit basically is shut down. It would be nice to allow manual on/off by pushing on the big cover. With that, one can normally operate the lights without worrying about the programmed on/off time. When you are out for vacation, it is simply to switch to timer to activate the pre-programmed on./off times. It makes it more convenient so that you do not have to program the timer every time you are on vacation.
2. The random mode is actually varying the on or off time from you pre-programmed times. Honeywell timers in their random mode actually turn lights on and off a number of times randomly in the evening after sunset. I suppose with the GE, one can set a few programs of on-off pairs together with the random mode to simulate the same behavior, but it is just not as convenient.
Yes, I recommend this product.
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+1point
1out of 1found this review helpful.
Review 5 for 15 Amp In-Wall Smart Digital Timer
Overall rating
A good product once wiring is figured out!
,PostedJune 22, 2010
diyrookie
If you are replacing an Intermatic timer (like we did), the key thing to note is that the wiring is completely different. Follow these 4 easy steps:
1. Dig out the bundle of neutral wires in the back of the switch box. The Intermatic did not require it, and it may be hidden. It's most likely white. Connect the white timer wire to the nest of neutrals wirenutted together.
2. Get a voltmeter and confirm which of your wires in the switch box is live. Hook that up to the black timer wire. This step is important, because if you get your black wires swapped, you may fry the timer.
3. The other black wire in your box is your switch. It should have no voltage. Connect that to the red timer wire. Note that the GE red timer wire has a different usage than the red in the Intermatics, which was used only for 3-way switches.
4. Hook up the green timer wire to your ground.
Yes, I recommend this product.
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+2points
3out of 4found this review helpful.
Review 6 for 15 Amp In-Wall Smart Digital Timer
Overall rating
"Automatic" adjust is a misnomer
,PostedAugust 16, 2010
This timer works well - especially if you have CFL or LED lights.
But it does not "automatically adjust" for daylight savings time. It has no idea when DST starts or ends. You need to press a button and then all it does is adjust its current time back or forward by one hour. This feature may save a few button presses but it's not automatic and it's certainly not worth the extra money.
I would recommend the 15086 model which is basically the same thing without the DST button.
I would recommend the 15086 model which is basically the same thing without the DST button.
As other reviewers have noted, both models require four connections - hot power wire, wire to the fixture, neural wire and a ground wire. This makes it a little more effort to install but avoids the timer have to send a small amount of current through the light fixture to operate. This is what allows the timer to work for CFL as well as LED lights.
No, I do not recommend this product.
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0points
1out of 2found this review helpful.
Review 7 for 15 Amp In-Wall Smart Digital Timer
Overall rating
GE Sun Smart Digital Timer
,PostedMarch 20, 2012
MM57
Quality
4
/
5
Value
4
/
5
This is the third timer I have installed in the same location. The first Intramatic digital worked well but failed after a year. The second Intramatic would not fit in the electrical box and it was hard to see the display.
Just installed the GE unit and it's working as advertised. Programming is easy, but the directions are poor. What isn't said, but should be, is that only one program can be active at a time (i.e. no prog. conflicts). I only use the timer to turn on the outside lights at dusk, and off at dawn - Program 1. Deleted (inactivated) the other 6 alternative programs. Works fine. Lighted face plate and ability to change to face plate colors a big plus. The timer fits in the electrical box. Jasco (maker of GE unit) support line is excellent. I will probably buy a spare unit I am so happy with Sun Smart Timer.
Yes, I recommend this product.
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0points
1out of 2found this review helpful.
Review 8 for 15 Amp In-Wall Smart Digital Timer
Overall rating
Does not have a good track record
,PostedJune 23, 2012
Wellhoney
Age:55 to 64
Gender:Male
Home improvement profile:Professional
Level of expertise:Advanced
Length of ownership:6 months
Quality
1
/
5
Value
2
/
5
I bought the first GE timer two years ago, after 7 months it did all kinds of crazy things, it went on and off rapidly, stayed on for over the programmed length of time and then finally stopped working. I called up GE / Jasco to have it replaced, and they replaced it free of charge. Installed the second one and the same thing happened again in a matter of 8 months. This time I going to purchase the one from a company that has better track record on programmable things, like for instance, 7 day thermostats. The name is easy to remember, it's what bees make and you find water in this deep pit below ground surface. I have a thermostat by them that is programmable and its going on the tenth year.
No, I do not recommend this product.
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+8points
8out of 8found this review helpful.
Review 9 for 15 Amp In-Wall Smart Digital Timer
Overall rating
Good, but not very "Smart"
,PostedMarch 13, 2010
I replaced another brand digital timer with this one because my old one couldn't handle CFL bulbs. The Intermatic timer I had before had a setting to turn on lights at dusk and off at dawn, plus it allowed you to set a random 20 minute window at dusk and dawn so the lights didn't come on at the exact time. This, in addition to manual programming was fantastic. The GE can support CFL lights, but it doesn't have dusk or dawn settings - only fixed times or random operation. It would be nice if I could find one with the features of the Intermatic with the CFL capability of the GE. If it had dusk/dawn settings, it would get 5 stars.
No, I do not recommend this product.
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+1point
1out of 1found this review helpful.
Review 10 for 15 Amp In-Wall Smart Digital Timer
Overall rating
terrible instructions
,PostedNovember 29, 2011
Lawrdent
Age:35 to 44
Gender:Male
Home improvement profile:DIYer
Level of expertise:Intermediate
Length of ownership:1 year or longer
Quality
4
/
5
Value
4
/
5
Easy to install BUT terrible instructions on how to set up. Have no idea which program it is on..Most products will have a p1 or p2 showing somewhere on display but this one does not. Also, wasted an hour trying to trouble shoot but what was happening was everytime I installed on the wall, I was pusing on the cover which automatically turned the system on/off. So now, I have to be careful that no one accidentally bumps into unit. Inexpensive BUT would rather spend a few more dollars to get one that is more instructive and has some protection on accidentally turning unit on/off by bumping into it.
No, I do not recommend this product.
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+1point
1out of 1found this review helpful.
Review 11 for 15 Amp In-Wall Smart Digital Timer
Overall rating
Broke after 10 months
,PostedOctober 1, 2010
I installed one of these in an outdoor (waterproof) box to control my pool lights (CFLs - <50 w total). The timer worked OK for 10 months and then just died completely. I say OK because the clock wasn't very accurate - it would gain a few minutes each month. Now the display is blank and the lights don't come on, even if I try to operate it manually. There's current flowing to the circuit; the outlet connected in parallel with the switch is operational.
I realize this isn't intended for outdoor use, but it was in a sealed enclosure and the climate here is very mild.
No, I do not recommend this product.
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+1point
1out of 1found this review helpful.
Review 12 for 15 Amp In-Wall Smart Digital Timer
Overall rating
Oh so easy
,PostedMarch 4, 2010
OMG....reading reviews about timers had me very aprehensive about trying this sort of instalation myself. I need not have. It was a breeze. 4 wires and 5 mins later I was trying it out. OK, the LED screen is a little small and the one issue I did have was not entering minutes when programing it. I thought hours alone would be fine but this is not the case. Now I am looking at moving on up and taking on more demanding tasks. One last note, my house is only 2 years old so that may have something to do with the ease I had!
Yes, I recommend this product.
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-1point
0out of 1found this review helpful.
Review 13 for 15 Amp In-Wall Smart Digital Timer
Overall rating
Easy installation and have not had a problem like others.
,PostedFebruary 16, 2012
TomT
Age:35 to 44
Gender:Male
Home improvement profile:DIYer
Level of expertise:Advanced
Length of ownership:1 year or longer
Quality
5
/
5
Value
5
/
5
Purchased 2 of these to control my front and back porch lights as i was tired of coming home to a dark house. In short, I made my initial purchase in October, 2010 and both have been working without a problem since then. Maybe I am just lucky as I have seen the horrific reviews detailing the problems that so many have had. However, I am a good customer and feel that it's incumbent on me to take the time to write my account. They have worked as advertised since my initial purchase.
Yes, I recommend this product.
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+1point
1out of 1found this review helpful.
Review 14 for 15 Amp In-Wall Smart Digital Timer
Overall rating
excellent product
,PostedJanuary 6, 2012
Gandalf
Quality
5
/
5
Value
5
/
5
I read all the reviews before buying this product. After installing one and seeing how easy it was to install & program, I bought two more and installed them too. They have been working for over two months now without any problems. I went on vacation for 3 weeks and they performed a expected. Only problem in installing is that the unit is deep and makes the J-box crowded. I mitigated this by splicing the wires instead of using wire nuts and I was in business!
Yes, I recommend this product.
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0points
0out of 0found this review helpful.
Review 15 for 15 Amp In-Wall Smart Digital Timer
Overall rating
Poor Product
,PostedJune 20, 2011
PamelaE
I recently installed this, after a couple days, lost all programming. Reprogrammed, couple days later and out of town, lost the programming. I was out of town and no lights on! Returned it, bought a new one, and the same problems. I checked with an electrician who said the battery is bad and cannot be changed per the Home Depot department. I was told, probably a bad batch of batteries in the products! So two installed and zero work! I bet burglars like them!
No, I do not recommend this product.
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+3points
3out of 3found this review helpful.
Review 16 for 15 Amp In-Wall Smart Digital Timer
Overall rating
I'm stuck
,PostedSeptember 14, 2012
judy
Gender:Female
Home improvement profile:Other
Length of ownership:1 week
An electrician installed this for me, but didn't have his reading glasses on (the excuse), so he didn't set it for me. I've read the instructions, gotten out the flashlight to see if anything has happened, but absolutely nothing makes sense. I bet the electrician realized his mistake and used the glasses as an excuse. I can not program this at all. There is no phone number for technical help. Don't buy this unless you have owl eyes.
Cons: Complicated, read outs are too small
No, I do not recommend this product.
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+1point
1out of 1found this review helpful.
Review 17 for 15 Amp In-Wall Smart Digital Timer
Overall rating
Defective when installed! Do not buy this.
,PostedNovember 28, 2011
Peggy
After I paid an electrician CA rates to install, the reset button didn't work. I couldn't get the reset button to enable a flashing screen so I could program it. Also, my second wall switch (needed for the 3-way feature) does not have a neutral wire, so I can't override the lights from the second switch. This product doesn't work for me, even if it hadn't been defective when purchased.
No, I do not recommend this product.
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0points
1out of 2found this review helpful.
Review 18 for 15 Amp In-Wall Smart Digital Timer
Overall rating
Kills CFL's
,PostedSeptember 16, 2012
dennis
Age:45 to 54
Gender:Male
Home improvement profile:DIYer
Level of expertise:Intermediate
Length of ownership:1 week
Quality
3
/
5
Value
3
/
5
Purchased one for my garage. Runs 3 LED bulbs outside my garage doors. So, I got another for my front porch. It has 6 candleopera type CFL bulbs. All 6 pull less then 2 of it's 40W condesent bulbs. Within a week, it KILLED all but one bulb. You can pay extra for the "deluxe" model that is rated for CFL's but should it have killed the bulbs? So, I won't be buying these or recommending.
Pros: Easy Installation
Cons: incompatability
No, I do not recommend this product.
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+1point
1out of 1found this review helpful.
Review 19 for 15 Amp In-Wall Smart Digital Timer
Overall rating
These are total junk - do not buy
,PostedJuly 2, 2012
jdvm
Quality
1
/
5
Value
1
/
5
I bought three of these about a year ago, and so far two of then have had to be replaced: one of them suddenly went dead; the other kept resetting, showing a blinking 12:00 and had to be re-programmed, only to happen again a week or two later. Now the third one is acting up, and I'm replacing it, too -- obviously not with the same brand. Do not waste your time or money on these!
No, I do not recommend this product.
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+6points
6out of 6found this review helpful.
Review 20 for 15 Amp In-Wall Smart Digital Timer
Overall rating
Great product works exactly as described
,PostedMay 26, 2010
this product was a little tricky for my installation cause I was hooking it up to a 3 way switch so I had to call a friend over who had better electric experience but it was still a breeze once i figured out what i need to hook to what.. I have had this installed for about a month and it comes on and shuts off when suppose to 7 days a week!!!
Yes, I recommend this product.
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0points
0out of 0found this review helpful.