Customer Reviews

Swylite LST100 Digital In-Wall Timer Switch with Wall Plate - White

5 star:		(9)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I installed this timer switch 6 months ago and it has worked without any problems. With this switch, I automatically control two compact flourescent bulbs for outdoor night lighting of my patio. This Swylite wall switch timer is far superior to the Intermatic Digital wall switch timer (model SS7C) which I previously used. The Intermatic switch uses a AAA battery to operate a solenoid switch that eventually sticks in the "on" position with no way of turning off except removing from the wall. (Side note - not sure why some reviewers do not mention competing companies like I just did. This would help us consumers more quickly identify good products and bad products. Please let us know all the company names of similar products tried if you review - thanks! :^)

Pros
* Simple single event programming (allows 1 "on" time and 1 "off" time for daily operation)
* Easy to read LCD panel
* Big, easy to use manual override switch
* No battery needed for operation or program memory
* Program memory is not lost during power outage

Cons
* Simple single event programming (does not allow for multiple on/off times each day or different on/off times for unique weekend operation)
* Wiring exits from side of unit instead of back of unit for somewhat tougher installations when space in electrical box is an issue.

UPDATE 11/7/2011
This timer switch is still working just fine after more than 5 yrs of use. I had actually installed two of these timer switches back in May 2006 and both are indeed working (one for the back patio and one for the front porch). I've been very satisfied with these timers and even the original CFL bulbs are still working with these switches! The only thing I would like to see improved is for these timers to have an feature that would automatically adjust as the days get longer or shorter, not to mention Daylight Savings changes like the one we just had this past weekend. I have seen other companies with wall switch timers that do automatically adjust as the length of daylight changes over time. However, the cost would probably go up and the reliability might decrease; but I don't know. Just so you know, I'm still very much against buying any Intermatic timer switch. That bad experience back then still lingers. Now for the corny line: "Swylite, you're alright!" :^)

I had mixed results and can only recommend to proceed with informed caution. There are unique positives to be considered as well.

First, the unit has a 7W minimum load, which is quite low compared to some competing brands that require a 40W minimum load. So if you have compact flourescents, this is one of a few that will work on such a small load. Others don't actualy cut off all the power and rely on the "load" to supply the resistence. My lights flickered even when off with competing brands. A single compact flourescent worked fine on this time with the tiny minimum load. However, I recommend that if you have any problems, throw a 40W incandescent bulb in and see if the problem goes away.

Second, the wires stick out the the right-side, which can be very difficult to work with compared to competing brands that stick out the back. If you have a tight box, planning on placing it on the right-side, or if you have other bulky switches (like other timers or dimmers) to the right of this, you might have signficiant trouble. If you have to force it, that could cause it to malfunction. I really wish the wires came out the back.

Third, Swylite's customer service is oustanding, responsive, and helpful if you have any technical problems. Unfortunately I did have trouble with two units I had purchased. At the first sign of faulty behavior on one of the two units (just a few days after installation) I had contacted Swylite through email. They promptly replied as we exchanged a few emails and quickly offered to sent out a replacement at no cost. Eventually the specific unit quicky deteriorated and significantly misbehaved, but since they did quickly replace that, let's consider that nicely resolved. The replacement unit is functioning perfectly for about two weeks now.

I said I purchased two units. Both failed to operate every now and then (every other week or so) and would start working again if you flipped the timer off and on once. I bet Swylite would replace the other if I asked, but instead bought a competing brand's timer that I am trying out for now.

Final thoughs: So again, the one replaced Swylite timer that I am still using has been functioning great. The company certainly backed it up promptly when I had a problem. My other timer from a competitor is absolutely outstanding, but it uses batteries for backup (provided) and has a 40W minimum load.

I installed this timer switch in a single pole and 3-way installation and it worked great. Sure, the switch has a big profile, but it should fit into any normal junction box.

The compact fluorescent (CFL) bulb makes a difference. I originally had problems when using a compact fluorescent bulb from Ikea. The minimum wattage is 7W, and my Ikea bulb was 11W. It was very erratic. Sometimes it wouldn't turn on automatically. When switched to a 10W GE bulb, it has worked perfectly. CFL bulbs may be higher than the minimum required, but the wattage varies during start-up, that brief moment they are powering up. If you have problems switch to incandescent to prove that it is not a switch problem.

SWYLITE Digital Timer LST 100W

The use of this great timer goes beyond just operating lights. My application is a motorized operation of rolling shutters to block out afternoon sun light which should take place in my absence just by programmed timer operation.

That requires an in-wall timer which is equipped with a SPDT (Single pole double throw) relay contact operation for the separate UP and DOWN motor windings. It has not been easy to find such a timer. The SWYLITE product is the only unit I could come up with on the domestic market which has that function.

Since my shutters have limit switches which interrupt the circuit whenever the shutter reaches the end position, they would only work correctly with the timer when the minimum load (7watts) is maintained.

I called the company and talked to Kim P. Fallon, who offered to reprogram my switches to operate without the minimum load requirements at no charge. Now there is a company who really cares for their customers!!

It should be mentioned, that the entire encounter I had with this company in obtaining information for my specific application had been very enjoyable. Not only that I got the required info right away without having to go through an automated phone system in numerous loops for several minutes, but the personnel was precise and to the point every time in any instance. Even the receptionist answered technical questions to a degree which was simply astounding.

Should anyone need a good, reliable contact timer or has an application going beyond just timing an incandescent light, the SWYLITE product is the solution. Plus there is accessible, resident expertise to help and accommodate your needs.

Great product, outstanding service, excellent company!

I bought the LST 100W Digital Wall Switch Timer to control a mercury vapor light near the downstairs entrance to our home. I was impressed with the appearance of the switch, its instructions, and the ease of installation. It does require a full depth electrical box because it is fairly deep. The connections are made via pig tails emerging from the switch rather than screw terminals so there is a fair amount of wire to cram back into the box when the connections are completed. We have had it in daily use for about two weeks and it works reliably. It is easy enough to set that the directions are almost redundant. If I could think of an excuse I'd buy another one.

I got my LST 100 and had difficulty installing it. Then I e-mailed Kim at Swylite. He called me back within an hour and his instructions were perfect.

Great product and great customer service.

You can't go wrong with this product. If you have problems installing like I did, just call Kim and he'll talk you through it.

H.Y.
Sacramento, California.

I have had this timer for about three years. It has never failed. I really like the random function, where it turns on/off randomly within 15 minutes of the time you set it. It never turns on/off at same time. I am out of town a lot, and installed this for the front door outside light. It turns on and off each night, giving appearance of me being home. The light is on when I get home in the evening, and shuts off after I go to bed. I don't have to worry about forgetting to turn the thing off, and have it running for days.

The switch is exactly what I needed. When I go away for days at a time it's nice to know the lights will come on and go off at pre programmed times at night. I especially like the 10 minute function that works when you switch it off and on within 1 sec. The lights will stay on for 10 minutes and then go out. I've owned it for about a year and I love it. The switch is wired to 6 flourescent flood lights in my kitchen

I purchased this timer for the outside lights on my home. Since I use CFL's on the fixtures, I did some research and found this product. After reading the favorable reviews, I decided to try it.

I installed it this afternoon and had some questions about the installation. Kim at Swylite was very helpful. The installation took less than 1 hour, even with the request for technical assistance from Swylite.

I set the time and the on and off settings and it is working perfectly so far. I will update this review after a couple of weeks.

The ONLY timer for use with compact fluorescent bulbs! I had used Intermatic timers bought from Homedepot and those just blow my CF bulbs up. Although it took some googling to find this timer, it does what it describes. Easy to program, variable on/off feature, clear LCD display though lacking backlight.

The programming buttons are a tad small but the on/off switch is large for manual overriding. A deserving 5 star product.