Leviton 612-6230M-W Decora 30-15-10-5 Preset Minute Electronic Timer, White
by Leviton
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List Price: Category: Tools See more product details |
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Tools and Hardware Reviews of Leviton 612-6230M-W Decora 30-15-10-5 Preset Minute Electronic Timer, White
Customer Review: Solved a moisture problem for us
Summary: 5 Stars
I installed this switch 18 months ago in our bathroom (a room isolated from any outside venting thanks to a peculiar design decision made by the previous owners). Previously the exhaust fan had been operated by a standard toggle wall switch, and all of us would forget either to turn it on or turn it off while running the shower.
The installation was simple, and the "decora"-style block modernizes the room in a snap. The switches are labelled "30-15-10-5-Off" and that's what they do -- push one of them and the fan stays on for that length of time, in minutes. Each switch has an LED indicator next to it, and the time remaining is indicated by the LEDs lighting in turn, from top to bottom (e.g., when 10 minutes remain, the 15 minute LED extinguishes and the 10 minute LED lights). When two minutes remain, the 5 minute LED begins to flash. The OFF LED is a positive indicator that the device is off, and doubles as a night locator (good for our bathroom without windows!). It is unfortunately set a little too far into the lamp housing, which means it can't be seen unless one is facing the switch nearly head on.
As with other Leviton products, the circuitry is commercial-grade and reliable. Unlike some mechanical timers, this switch does NOT have an option to "hold" in the ON position. This may make it unsuitable for applications such as outdoor safety lighting where it is sometimes desirable to keep the lights on (say, when you're expecting company).
For a bathroom exhaust fan, it is close to perfect, and I recommend it without reservation.
Customer Review: Great Timesaver
Summary: 5 Stars
This is a great time and money saver. You can't leave an exhaust fan on all day and risk burning out the fan motor. We already had two timer switches like these installed, one for each bathroom but we needed a third for the master bath. Luckily, the electricians installed the largest outlet box possible in the bathrooms, because these devices and their connections take up quite a bit of room in the box.
Wiring is not difficult. The only tricky part is hooking up the two black wires -- one is for the line input (power) and one is for the load (fan). I used a voltage "sniffer" to determine which was the line input. I turned off the circuit breaker for switch, unhooked both black wires from the switch, spread them apart so they wouldn't touch, then temporarily turned on the power and used the "sniffer" to see which black wire was hot (the "sniffer growls in the presence of voltage). That one was the "line" supply. Ground and white neutral connections were obvious. I also shortened the four wires on the switch so I wouldn't have to stuff so much wire back into the outlet box. Oh, we also removed the long aluminum tabs on the sides of the switch so that it could coexist in the same outlet box that houses the light switch.
I only wish they had one that worked on the exhaust hood over our cooktop.
Customer Review: Very satisfied
Summary: 5 Stars
Just installed two Leviton Decora Preset Timers in our master bathroom. So far they are working great. They look better than a dial timer.
Installation does require a neutral (4 wires: Neutral, Load, Line, and Ground). The box is bigger than normal switches but I had no problem installing it. Very pleased with the purchase.
My only complaint, which another reviewer mentioned, is that there is a metal plant around the switch that is designed to fit under the plastic cover. If you are installing it into a multiple switch gangbox, the neighboring switch will overlap it. If you are installing it in a single switch gangbox this will not be an issue. I found this to be annoying when trying to make the switches flush with the cover. I actually got a hacksaw and cut off the excess metal and it worked fine. This is a small criticism.
Overall I am very happy with the purchase and have ordered 3 more for the other bathrooms in our home.
Customer Review: Great switch
Summary: 5 Stars
I ordered 3 of these switches and installed them in an afternoon...I am not an electrician so if I can do this then I believe anyone can handle it.
I did run into a couple of problems that were not listed in the reviews that I read so I will touch on these problems:
1) metal flange: the switch will arrive with a metal flange on the left and right of the switch...this flange can be broken off with a pair of pliers. I had trouble fitting the switch into the wall receptacle until I broke off this flange, then the switch fit perfectly.
2)excess wiring: the switch is a lot deeper then the old switch that it replaced. I had a problem placing the excess wiring back into the wall receptacle, it would not fit behind the switch so I had to maneuver it to the side of the switch.
The switches work perfectly. My wife was totally amazed that I could handle this without hiring an electrician.
Customer Review: Easy, effective, safe
Summary: 5 Stars
This is a fantastic addition or easy upgrade to your existing bathroom fan. Replace a regular toggle switch or "twist dial" style timer with this electromic timer.Select your run time, 5, 10, 15, 30 minutes. A red LED shows you time remaining, flashing when it nears the end of its cycle. You can bump the time up or down at any time or override and turn it off.
A small locator LED at the base helps you find it in the dark if you plan to use it as a lighting timer in a seldom-used corridor or garage.
For your bathroom or kitchen fan, the major advantage is that you can leave the fan running for a while after you leave, helping to reduce moisture due to steam buildup.
Combine this with a quiet fan and enjoy a steam-free bathroom, year-round.