Intermatic’s EJ500 timer offers convenient control of lights, fans, and other devices․
Understanding its manual and instructions is key to proper installation and operation, resolving common issues like failing to power on․
What is the Intermatic EJ500?
The Intermatic EJ500 is a versatile, wireless switch timer designed for indoor use, offering automated control of lighting and appliances․ It replaces conventional toggle switches, providing scheduling capabilities without extensive wiring changes․ This device utilizes a remote switch, communicating wirelessly with the main timer unit․
Users can program ON/OFF schedules, enhancing convenience and energy savings․ Common searches include finding the Intermatic EJ500 manual and PDF versions for installation guidance․ The timer operates in both MANual and AUTO modes, with an override function for temporary adjustments․ Installation requires careful attention to wiring considerations, particularly distance limits – no more than 100 feet – and avoiding underground wiring to the remote switches․
Common Issues with the EJ500 Timer
Users frequently encounter issues with the Intermatic EJ500, including the timer failing to turn on or repeatedly switching between ON and OFF states․ A primary cause is often depleted batteries; the display should flash 12:00 AM in MANual mode if batteries need replacing (LR44, SR44, A76, or equivalent)․
Display problems also indicate low battery power․ Incorrect wiring, exceeding the 100-foot distance limit between the timer and remote switch, or buried wiring can also cause malfunctions․ Referencing the Intermatic EJ500 manual is crucial for troubleshooting․ Installation issues are common, emphasizing the need to carefully follow the provided instructions and ensure proper connections․
Unboxing and Components
The Intermatic EJ500 package includes the timer unit itself and a remote switch․ Familiarize yourself with each component before beginning installation, per the instructions․
Timer Unit Overview
The Intermatic EJ500 timer unit serves as the central control hub for your lighting or appliance schedules․ Its compact design houses the programming functions and battery compartment․ The front panel features a digital display, crucial for setting the current time and programming ON/OFF cycles․
Pay close attention to the mode selector switch, allowing toggling between MANual and AUTO operation․ The display will initially flash 12:00 AM, indicating readiness for time setting․ Ensure batteries (LR44, SR44, A76, or equivalent) are correctly installed for proper functionality․ If the display doesn’t flash, battery replacement is necessary before proceeding with installation․ The unit’s back provides wiring terminals for connecting to the remote switch and power source, as detailed in the instructions․
Remote Switch Details
The Intermatic EJ500 system utilizes a wireless remote switch, offering flexibility in controlling devices․ This switch communicates with the timer unit, enabling on/off functionality without direct wiring to the timer itself․ It’s crucial to note a maximum distance limit of 100 feet between the timer and these remote switches for reliable operation․
Wiring to the remote switches must not be buried underground, as this can interfere with the signal․ The remote switch replaces your existing wall switch, integrating seamlessly into your home’s electrical system․ Proper wiring is essential; the instructions emphasize differences compared to conventional toggle switches․ Ensure secure connections to prevent intermittent operation or signal loss, maintaining consistent control․
Installation Guide
Carefully follow the EJ500 installation instructions, as wiring differs from standard switches․ Distance limitations apply, and wiring must not be buried underground․
Wiring Considerations ⎯ Distance Limits
Important wiring considerations are crucial for the reliable operation of the Intermatic EJ500 timer․ The wiring configuration differs significantly from traditional toggle switch setups, demanding careful attention to the provided instructions․ A key limitation is the maximum distance allowed between the timer unit itself and any connected remote switches․
Specifically, the total wiring run must not exceed 100 feet․ Exceeding this distance can lead to signal degradation and unpredictable timer behavior․ Furthermore, it is strictly prohibited to bury the wiring underground․ This restriction is in place to prevent damage from moisture, soil conditions, and potential accidental digging, all of which could compromise the electrical connection and safety․
Adhering to these distance and installation guidelines ensures optimal performance and longevity of your EJ500 timer system․
Installing the Timer with a Single Switch Setup
For a straightforward installation, the Intermatic EJ500 timer excels in single switch setups․ Begin by ensuring power is completely disconnected at the breaker before commencing any wiring․ Identify the existing switch controlling the desired load – this will be replaced by the timer unit․ Carefully disconnect the wires from the old switch, noting their positions․
Connect the line (hot) wire to the “LINE” terminal on the EJ500, and the load wire to the “LOAD” terminal; The neutral wire remains unchanged․ Grounding is essential; connect the ground wire to the designated ground terminal on the timer․ Securely mount the timer in the switch box, ensuring sufficient space for wiring․
Finally, restore power and proceed to the initial setup and programming steps detailed in the instructions․
Installing the Timer with Multiple Switches
When utilizing the Intermatic EJ500 with multiple remote switches, careful wiring is crucial․ Remember, the total distance between the timer and any remote switch must not exceed 100 feet, and wiring cannot be buried․ Connect the “LINE” wire from the power source to the “LINE” terminal on the EJ500 timer unit․
Each remote switch connects to the timer using a two-wire configuration․ Run a separate two-wire cable from the timer to each remote switch location․ Connect these wires to the appropriate terminals on both the timer and the remote switches․ Ensure all connections are secure and properly insulated․
Adhering to these instructions guarantees proper functionality and avoids potential issues․
Initial Setup and Programming
Begin by installing batteries (LR44, SR44, A76) and verifying the display initializes, flashing 12:00 AM in MANual mode․
Battery Installation and Display Check
Before beginning installation, ensure the Intermatic EJ500 timer has fresh batteries․ The device requires LR44, SR44, A76, or equivalent battery types for optimal performance․ Carefully open the battery compartment, typically located on the back of the unit, and insert the batteries according to the polarity markings inside․
Once the batteries are installed, the display should initialize․ It will flash “12:00 AM” indicating it’s ready for time setting in MANual mode․ If the display does not flash, this strongly suggests the batteries are either dead or incorrectly installed․ Replace them and double-check the polarity before proceeding․ A functioning display is crucial for successful programming and operation of the timer․
Setting the Current Time (MANual Mode)
With fresh batteries installed and the display flashing “12:00 AM”, the Intermatic EJ500 is in MANual mode, ready for time setting․ Press and hold the “HOUR” button to advance the hour display until the correct hour is shown․ Release the button, then press and hold the “MINUTE” button to adjust the minutes accordingly․
Continue pressing the “MINUTE” button until the correct minute is displayed․ The timer automatically advances through AM and PM cycles with each press of the “HOUR” button․ Ensure accuracy, as the correct time is fundamental for accurate scheduling in AUTO mode․ Once the correct time is set, allow a few seconds for the display to stabilize before proceeding to programming ON/OFF schedules․
Understanding the Display
The Intermatic EJ500’s display provides crucial information at a glance․ Initially, a flashing “12:00 AM” indicates the timer is in MANual mode and ready for setup․ Once the time is set, the display shows the current time in a 12-hour format, including AM or PM․
The display also indicates the current operating mode – MANual or AUTO․ When in AUTO mode, programmed ON/OFF times will be visible․ A small indicator may illuminate to show if an override is active․ If the display doesn’t initialize or fails to show a flashing time, it likely indicates dead batteries requiring immediate replacement with LR44, SR44, A76, or equivalent types․
Operating Instructions
The EJ500 timer allows switching between MANual and AUTO modes, programming schedules, and utilizing an override function for temporary control adjustments․
Switching Between Modes (MANual, AUTO)
The Intermatic EJ500 timer operates in two primary modes: MANual and AUTO․ In MANual mode, the timer functions as a simple on/off switch, allowing immediate control regardless of programmed schedules․ This is useful for temporary operation outside of set times․
To switch to AUTO mode, press the “MODE” button on the timer․ In AUTO mode, the timer follows the programmed ON/OFF schedules․ The display will indicate the current mode․ Ensure the correct time is set before relying on AUTO mode for accurate scheduling․ Remember that in MANual mode, programmed schedules are bypassed, providing direct control․
Returning to MANual mode is achieved by pressing the “MODE” button again․ The timer will revert to immediate on/off functionality, overriding any existing schedules until switched back to AUTO․
Programming ON/OFF Schedules
To program ON/OFF schedules on the Intermatic EJ500, first ensure the timer is in AUTO mode․ Utilize the “SET” and “HOUR/MINUTE” buttons to define desired ON times․ Pressing “SET” cycles through programming options․ The display will guide you through setting the hour and minute for each ON time․
After setting an ON time, the timer automatically prompts for an OFF time․ Repeat the process using “HOUR/MINUTE” to establish the desired OFF time․ The EJ500 allows for multiple ON/OFF cycles within a 24-hour period, providing flexible scheduling options․
Confirm each setting by pressing “SET” again․ Review the programmed schedule to ensure accuracy before relying on the timer for automated control․
Using the Override Function
The Intermatic EJ500’s override function allows temporary control, bypassing the programmed schedule․ To activate, press the “OVERRIDE” button․ This immediately switches the connected device to the ON position, regardless of the current schedule․ The display will typically indicate “OVERRIDE” is active․
The override remains in effect until either a specific duration elapses (often 24 hours) or you manually deactivate it․ To cancel the override, press the “OVERRIDE” button again, returning the timer to its programmed AUTO mode․
This feature is useful for unexpected needs, providing instant control without altering the established schedule․ Remember to deactivate the override to resume automated operation․
Troubleshooting
Common EJ500 issues include failure to power on or erratic switching․ Check batteries, wiring, and ensure the distance to remote switches is within 100 feet․
Timer Not Turning On
If your Intermatic EJ500 timer isn’t powering on, the first step is to verify the battery installation․ Ensure you’re using the correct type – LR44, SR44, A76, or an equivalent – and that they are inserted with the correct polarity․
A dead battery is a frequent cause of this issue; the display should flash 12:00 AM in MANual mode if functioning correctly; If the display doesn’t initialize and flash, immediately replace the batteries․ Double-check all wiring connections to ensure they are secure and properly connected according to the installation instructions․
Confirm that the wiring distance between the timer and any remote switches doesn’t exceed the 100-foot limit․ Finally, inspect the wiring for any damage or breaks that might be interrupting the power supply․
Timer Switching ON/OFF Repeatedly
If your Intermatic EJ500 timer cycles on and off repeatedly, it often indicates a programming conflict or an issue with the wiring․ First, review your programmed ON/OFF schedules to ensure there aren’t overlapping or conflicting settings causing the unwanted behavior․
Carefully examine the wiring connections, particularly at the remote switches․ Loose or improperly connected wires can create intermittent signals, triggering the timer to switch unexpectedly․ Ensure the wiring isn’t exceeding the 100-foot distance limit, and isn’t buried underground․
Try resetting the timer to its factory defaults and re-programming the schedules․ This can resolve any internal programming errors․ If the problem persists, consult the instructions for further troubleshooting․
Display Issues and Battery Replacement
If the Intermatic EJ500 display isn’t functioning correctly, or doesn’t initialize and flash “12:00 AM” upon power-up, the batteries are likely depleted․ The timer requires LR44, SR44, A76, or equivalent batteries for operation․ Before installing the timer, always verify the batteries are fresh to ensure proper functionality․
To replace the batteries, carefully open the battery compartment (refer to the manual for specific instructions)․ Ensure correct polarity when inserting the new batteries․ A weak battery can cause erratic behavior, inaccurate timekeeping, and display problems․
After replacement, the display should initialize․ If issues persist, double-check the battery contacts and ensure they are clean and making good contact․
Safety Precautions
Electrical safety is paramount when installing the EJ500․ Always disconnect power before wiring, and adhere to local codes for safe and effective operation․
Electrical Safety Guidelines
Prioritize safety during EJ500 installation․ Always disconnect the main power supply at the breaker box before commencing any wiring work․ This prevents electrical shock and potential damage to the timer and connected devices․
Ensure hands are dry and you are wearing appropriate insulated tools․ Never work with electrical wiring in wet or damp conditions․ If you are unfamiliar with electrical work, consult a qualified electrician․
Verify that the voltage and amperage ratings of the timer and connected load are compatible․ Incorrect wiring can create a fire hazard․ Double-check all connections for tightness and proper insulation․ Following these guidelines will ensure a safe and reliable installation․
Wiring Best Practices
When installing the Intermatic EJ500, adhere to specific wiring practices for optimal performance․ Maintain a maximum distance of 100 feet between the timer unit and any remote switches; avoid burying wiring underground․
Use appropriately sized wire gauge for the load being controlled, consulting electrical codes for guidance․ Secure wiring connections firmly within the terminal blocks, ensuring no exposed conductors․
Clearly label all wiring for easy identification during future maintenance or troubleshooting․ Avoid sharp bends or kinks in the wiring, which can damage insulation․ Proper wiring ensures reliable operation and minimizes potential hazards․
