Customer Reviews

Swylite LST100-I Single Event Digital In-Wall Timer Switch, Ivory

5 star:		(25)
4 star:		(9)
3 star:		(4)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

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've gotten several switch timers over the years and this has proven to be about the best that I've found in terms of ease of programming and reliability. I've had two installed for well over a year now without any problems and recently added two more. The installation is pretty straightforward, just hook up the wires like any similar hardwired item. Programming is self-explanatory ... as is evident by the fact that I can figure out how to reprogram every six months with day-light-savings-time. Some other models can be a major hassle to figure out how to program especially after the instructions are long gone, but this one is easy to figure out. Too, it's nice being able to easily turn on or off the switch out-of-cycle just by flipping the toggle switch. I have another Levitron switch and it will automatically revert back to the program after 15 minutes which can be a hassle.

I installed one of these in July, 2006 (about a year ago now), and I have been extremely pleased with the results.

It has been very reliable, and has worked flawlessly with my outdoor lighting. As a plus, it looks great. I use it with traditional CFLs.

It was very easy to install. However, if you have a tight switch box, it will take some pushing and juggling, as it is physically bigger than a three-way switch. However, since the LST100 was my replacement for a non-CFL-compatable wall timer, it was just a drop-in for me.

Bought one last March, installed it shortly thereafter to replace the last in a series of Intermatic units that only lasted a few years until the main on-off switch became worn and difficult to operate. Sorry to say, this unit's on-off switch began to become unreliable after a couple of months - the light would flash on and off, with the light staying on in either position of the switch, and as often as not, triggering the 10-min auto-off mode instead of the regular turn-on. It finally ended up so touchy that tapping the wall with a fingertip would cause the light to flash madly on and off. Judging from another reviewer, looks like quality control leaves something to be desired.

It was also excruciating to install because the body was absolutely as large as allowable and the wires left the body in the worst possible place.

I just replaced it with the current version of the Intermatic that shows slight hints of a redesign, and so maybe will last longer than its predecessors.

This product, according to at least two Swylite employees, requires an electrician to install it if the current three-way switch has three wires (as many do) because the Swylite product has four wires. The three wires for a three way switch is a standard enough set up that the competitors to this product all have three wires for an easy drop in replacement. Why Swylite does not support that setup easily is beyond me. If there is an easy answer, they did not provide it in my two phone calls or three emails to them, and actually told me that the Swylite is not a drop in replacement for many three ways.

If I chose not to hire the electrician (so much for an easy product) I was told I could return it. I chose the latter, and Swylite (who apparently is a Builder Depot partner) tried to charge return shipping and a restock fee - despite the fact that they advertise this product as easy to use, and that it supports three-way usage. I have filed a dispute with my credit card based on Swylite's claims of three-way usage and ease of use.

I wanted this product to work. I tried to make it do so. But Swylite was not helpful, and the product is apparently not devised for easy use in a three-way setup with three wires. Since it does not work at all for what I purchased it for, and does not match the way it is advertised (standard three way does not work), I am compelled to give it a rating of 1.

This product is being replaced by the Intermatic SS8 (hopefully more reliable than the SS7). Since I like the compact fluorescent lights, I really have no other options, and the SS8 is a three-wire switch for an easy drop in replacement.

EDIT: The Intermatic installed easily and has more features than the Swylite. I am happy it worked out this way. If you don't mind its larger size, I would strongly recommend it over the Swylite, especially when Intrematic's weak point is reliability. Reliability and quality control seem to be problems with the Swylite, as well, judging by other reviews....

I replaced an Intermatic unit with the Swylite. One needed an advanced degree in electrical engineering in order to program the Intermatic timer, and it was never quite successful. The Swylite was simple to install and I was amazed at how easy it was to program--so easy that I originally thought that I had missed something. But no. Simplicity wins out.

Also, unless you have the fingers of an infant, don't try to program the Intermatic. I had to resort to a stylus from my Palm handheld in order to push the buttons, but when the instructions called for pushing two buttons at once, I was short one stylus (and one hand). The buttons on the Swylite are scaled for a human adult.

Purchased item from maker through Amazon with low $5 shipping. Comes with great installation and operating instructions. Had trouble installing in a 3-gang box due to lots of wiring (not a fault with product).

Only product certified for use with compact flourescent lighting.

Simplicity: single event timer with optional random on/off (15-minute)

Although I've had for only a week, it looks much better made than anything available from Intermatic, the only wall timer brand available from Home Depot. Went through two Intermatic timers. The rocker switch on the Swylite is sturdy while the push button on the Intermatic is cheap and flimsy.

Recently installed the LST100 timer to be used with our outside light. It setup so easily my wife did it on her first try. It works like a champ. I will be installing another one in my daughters house.

Took less than 30 minutes to replace my X10 timer. I replaced my lights
with CFL to save energy but found my X10 doesn't work with CFLs.
I must say though that my Radio Shack X10 was 10+ years old and was still
working great. Anyway, the instructions are clear for 3-way switch and
it is simple to program. It works fine with CFLs. I have 4 CFLs which
are 9 watts each that are controlled by this timer. Yes it is a tight
fit but not impossible. I hope it is built to last.

Product has worked for several months now without problems. I'm happy with it.