Intermatic EJ500C Flush Mount Programmable 24 Hour Timer
by Intermatic
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List Price: Our Price: $25.62 You Save: $7.33 (22%) Availability: Usually ships in 4-5 business days Buy Used: from $25.14 (click here) Category: Tools See more product details |
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Tools and Hardware Reviews of Intermatic EJ500C Flush Mount Programmable 24 Hour Timer
Customer Review: So Far, So Good
Summary: 4 Stars
After going through three Intermatic SS8Cs in three years, I gave up on them and bought one of these. It's only been in a month so I can't speak to its long term reliability, but so far it's been working better than the SS8C. It's quieter - no mechanical switching (I guess it must be all electronic), it offers all the same programming options as the SS8C, plus it looks a bit sleeker on the wall. Not only that, it's cheaper than the SS8C by about $14. I did take off one star, though, because it's not DST 2007 compatible. I had to turn off its built-in DST feature and now I'll just manually spring forward and fall back.
Regarding compact fluorescent bulbs, last night we bought eight 40 watt-equivalent "n:vision" brand soft white compact fluorescent bulbs (9 watts, 550 lumens, green and white package) from Home Depot and installed them this morning. I was concerned they might not work since the packaging says the EJ500C is not compatible with compact fluorescent bulbs, but happily they do work absolutely fine! I took down eight 60 watt bulbs and am now saving 408 watts of electricity. The only thing I can think that might not make the EJ500C work with compact fluorescent bulbs is that it supposedly requires a load of at least 40 watts, so possibly too few compact fluorescent bulbs might not be enough of a power draw. For me, though, I'm happy to be saving electricity and hopefully I've got a porch light timer that will stay working more than one year.
Customer Review: Does not know about new DST dates
Summary: 4 Stars
This device is cool, but now out-of-date, as it does not know the new dates for changing to DST, as we just have, three weeks earlier than before in the sping, and switching back to standard time one week later in the fall. The Intermatic website says 2007 is a test year for this so they will probably not produce a new version of this switch until 2008. This means that you have to switch it to DST yourself and back, which is just twice a year. Or, you could let it be out-of sync for those transition 4 weeks total per year, and keep on using the auto feature for DST. Customer Review: Great Product!!
Summary: 5 Stars
The astrological feature is superb! It adjusts to the changing time of the setting sun according to the location you live without a photoelectric mechanism. This feature a big plus since I no longer have keep adjusting the time during the changing seasons and daylight savings time. I owned the mechanical version of this timer a few years back but it tends to lasts about 2-3 years and I constantly have to reset the time. Because its digital, there are no moving parts, reliability is big improvement. It blends in beautifully with the Decora and Lutron Maestro dimmers I have thoughout my home. A bit complicated to program though.Customer Review: NOT FOR FLUORESCENT!!!!
Summary: 3 Stars
We didn't get a chance to try this product because we needed it to operate a fluorescent light fixture. Even on Intermatic's own web site we had to search through the PDF manual to find any mention that it won't work in this application. From the package: "Do not use with starter, compact fluorescent or other electronic ballasts." "Not for use with appliances, radios or televisions. Not recommended for PAR lamps for for single bulbs with over 150 watt rating." "500 watts single gang or two gang installations (40 watt minimum) 4A Tungsten (Incandescent) 4A Ballast (Inductive) 120 VAC, 60Hz" Hope this saves other people from wasting their time and money by ordering something online and then going to the hassle and expense of sending it back, essentially paying $10 for nothing.Customer Review: Great Product and price
Summary: 5 Stars
Very good product. As written in the description. You can have up to seven choice on and off programs and choice of variable times +or- 20 minutes for when you are away from home. the guality is good too. Had a bit difficulty programming in the begining but once you read the manual it's easy as 123.