Intermatic EJ351C 120 Volt 24-Hour Programmable Mechanical Security Timer

by Intermatic

Product Description

From the Manufacturer

Designed for energy savings and security, this 120 Volt programmable 24-hour security timer replaces any standard wall switch will randomly turn lights ON/OFF at slightly different times each day to avoid predictable timer controlled look. Features up to 24 ON/24 OFF settings per day, memory protection during power outages and self learning feature. Use with existing decorator style wall plate. Rated for 500 Watts incandescent loads.

Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 2.8 x 7.9 x 5.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Shipping: This item is also available for shipping to select countries outside the U.S.
• ASIN: B000Q9YUGU
• Item model number: EJ351C
• Average Customer Review: 3.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (79 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #562 in Home Improvement (See Top 100 in Home Improvement)
  • #3 in Home Improvement > Electrical > Dimmer Switches
  • #5 in Home Improvement > Electrical > Timers

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

20 of 20 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars I have several, February 26, 2010

By 

D. Bolz "BigDave" (Birmingham, AL) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Intermatic EJ351C 120 Volt 24-Hour Programmable Mechanical Security Timer (Tools & Home Improvement)

These work great! it is a little intense setting it up the first couple of times but they usually work very well. i have 3 in my current home and they operate my outside lighting, which by the way are all cfl's. the power outage reset is a drawback, but think of it as an oportunity to stay trained on how to set it up. if it is not working correctly, remember to reset it and a very important step is rotating the dial ALL the way around.
Set-up: 1) push the reset lever to the right and hold it to a count of 5 and release. 2) Set the time: determine if the white is before lunch and black is after lunch, the colors change at 12 noon or midnight, whatever. Spin the dial at least 360 degrees, do not push in while turning, stop at the current time. push in and release, current time is now set. 3) ON Time: Next turn the knob 360 degrees+ stopping at the "ON" time, push in on knob. Look at the light, is it on? If yes move on, if not, start over. 4) Set OFF time: Turn knob at least 360 degrees stopping at the time you want the light to go off, push in on knob. Look at light, is it OFF. Good Job! 5) Not done yet, turn the knob at least 360 degrees, where you end is unimportant. All done. Remember, rotate knob 360 degrees each time, only push knob in to set times, current time, "ON" time and "OFF" time. that should do it. i love them because they fit in a standard wall plate. Normally outside lights are in 2, 3, or 4 gang boxes and replacing all the switches and wall plate with the deorator unit so you can use the new type timer is more than i want to invest.

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars works fine, January 21, 2009

By 

HC (Houston, TX USA) - See all my reviews

I have two of these. It wasn't too difficult to install, just make sure you turn off the circuit breaker to the wall switch before you start for safety. After installation, once you get the hang of programming it, you won't need the instruction sheet. Just be careful NOT to press the dial AND rotate--only one or the other at any one time. Once set, just push the dial to manually turn the light on or off at any time; it doesn't disturb the programming. Time is not precise, of course but I didn't need fine adjustment; plus/minus half an hour is good enough for me. I'd estimate the timer to be within 15 minutes of your settings. The LED indicates whether you've a blown bulb, which is a handy indicator. Since it doesn't have independent (battery) power, after a power outtage you will need to redo your settings. It's good enough for my other property which I check weekly. When I go over there, I look for an indication of whether there as been a power outtage and I check to see if the bulb is still good. I've had them for over two years with no problems.

More information at manufacturer's site:[...] their specs indicate that it cannot be used with flourescent bulbs or anything with ballasts.

5/5/2010 update: The first one I installed failed because I had used a CFL bulb (doh!). These are not meant to be used with CFL bulbs. I now have a digital timer switch sold at the local hardware store. I am happier with the replacement; check out the newer switch timers.

9 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars Impossible to use, March 25, 2009

By 

Dave (Bronxville, NY) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Intermatic EJ351C 120 Volt 24-Hour Programmable Mechanical Security Timer (Tools & Home Improvement)

My landlady installed this timer for the exterior lighting. My problem: I can't figure out how to even make the blasted thing turn the lights on. I downloaded the manual, which specifies that the timer will operate like a light switch once it is in automatic mode. But I can't get it into automatic mode - when you turn it on, it is in "being programmed" mode and you have to program it before you can do anything. I've tried both ways to program it suggested by the manual but the steady red light indicative of automatic mode simply doesn't appear.

The profusion of modes in this innocuous-looking little timer (manual, automatic, rapid programming, 24-hour self programming, program review) is a user interface nightmare and far too complex to express effectively with a single red light. Without the manual it's unlikely you could even figure out that most operations are done by depressing the time dial. Advice to the manufacturer: next time do some usability testing.