Applies To
Intermatic ET70000 Series (Next Generation Timers).
Note: The ET70000 Series is discontinued. Intermatic agents no longer provide live technical support or replacement parts. The current production replacement is the ET90000 Series. These self-help instructions are provided so you can support your existing ET70000 timer yourself.
Question / Problem
How do I program my ET70000 timer to turn lights ON automatically at sunset using astronomic timing and OFF at a fixed time each day?
Answer
This setup is useful for outdoor or landscape lighting that should turn on automatically at dusk and turn off at a consistent time each night, regardless of the season.
If your timer already has programming that conflicts with this schedule, perform the optional reset first. Otherwise, skip to the programming steps.
Step-by-Step Resolution
Optional: Reset the Timer
Prepare the Timer
Make sure the RUN/SET switch is in RUN. Enable only the circuits you want to program and disable all others.
Trigger the Reset
With the switch in RUN, press and hold CLEAR. While continuing to hold CLEAR, press and release the RESET button (the small recessed button in the upper-left corner). Release CLEAR when the display reads RESET. The display then shows 1 and 12:00.
Complete the Setup Wizard
Flip the RUN/SET switch to SET. The timer prompts you for each value. Enter each and press OK to advance: current date (MM-DD-YY), current time (HH:MM AM/PM), zone number, confirm sunrise time, and confirm sunset time. The zone number is your location zone from the ET70000 ASTRO Zones map, not a time zone.
Note: Some firmware versions prompt for day of week and current time before the date.
Save the Setup
Move the RUN/SET switch back to RUN to save the setup.
Program Astronomic ON at Sunset and a Fixed OFF Time
Enter Programming Mode
Move the RUN/SET switch to SET, then press PROG.
Select All Seven Days
Press ALL/0 to select all seven days of the week, then press OK.
Select ASTRO ON at Sunset
Press ASTRO once to select ON at Sunset, then press OK.
Enter the Fixed OFF Time
Enter the OFF time in HH:MM AM/PM format and press OK.
Save the Programming
Move the RUN/SET switch back to RUN to save the programming.
Tips / Additional Notes
- This configuration turns lights ON every day at sunset and OFF at the fixed time you choose, regardless of season.
- If your OFF time is after midnight, add a second ON event at 12:00 AM. This ensures lights resume after a power loss before sunrise.
- For accurate sunset timing, the correct ASTRO zone must be set during the setup wizard. Look up your zone on the ET70000 ASTRO Zones map.