Applies To
Intermatic EI-501 Series Digital In-Wall 7-Day Programmable Timers
Question / Problem
How do I install and wire an EI-501 Series timer in a single-pole or three-way circuit?
Safety Warning
Warning: Always turn off power at the circuit breaker before servicing or wiring electrical equipment. Use a voltage tester to confirm power is off. Installation must comply with national and local electrical codes. Only qualified personnel should perform this work. Use the timer indoors and in a dry location. Do not use it to control receptacles, heating appliances or loads that exceed the timer ratings.
Common Installation / Application Conditions
- The timer requires a 120 VAC, 60 Hz circuit with a neutral connection.
- The timer supports single-pole and three-way installations.
- Identify and label the line, load, neutral, ground and traveler wires before disconnecting the existing switch.
- Use the three-way procedure that matches whether the timer is installed on the line side or load side.
Step-by-Step Resolution
Option 1: Single-Pole Installation
Disconnect and Verify Power
Turn off the circuit breaker and use a voltage tester to confirm that power is off at the wall box.
Remove and Label the Existing Switch Wires
Identify the line (incoming power), load (wire going to the controlled device), neutral and ground wires.
Connect the Timer Terminals
Connect line to LINE, load to LOAD, ground to GROUND and the white neutral wire to NEUTRAL.
Tighten the Connections
Tighten each terminal screw to 8.85-12.39 lbf-in. Confirm that each conductor is secure.
Mount the Timer
Carefully fold the wires into the wall box, secure the timer with the captured screws and install a decorator-style wall plate.
Restore Power and Test the Timer
Restore power at the breaker. Press the Power/Countdown button and confirm that the connected load turns on and off.
Option 2: Three-Way Installation With the Timer on the Load Side
Disconnect and Verify Power
Turn off the circuit breaker and use a voltage tester at both wall boxes.
Prepare the Line-Side Switch
Remove and label the line wire from the common terminal and Traveler 2 from its hot terminal.
Install the Line-Side Jumper
Connect a jumper to the switch common terminal. Join the other end of the jumper, the line wire and Traveler 2 with a twist-on wire connector. Remount the switch.
Remove the Load-Side Switch
Label and disconnect the load wire, Traveler 1, Traveler 2 and ground wire.
Connect the Timer on the Load Side
Connect the load wire to LOAD, Traveler 1 to TRAVELER, Traveler 2 to LINE and ground to GROUND.
Connect the Neutral
Connect the included white jumper to NEUTRAL. Join its other end to the neutral bundle with the included twist-on wire connector.
Mount and Test the Timer
Tighten the terminal screws to 8.85-12.39 lbf-in., mount the timer and wall plate, restore power and test manual operation from both switch positions.
Option 3: Three-Way Installation With the Timer on the Line Side
Disconnect and Verify Power
Turn off the circuit breaker and use a voltage tester at both wall boxes.
Prepare the Load-Side Switch
Remove and label the load wire from the common terminal and Traveler 2 from its hot terminal.
Install the Load-Side Jumper
Connect a jumper to the switch common terminal. Join the other end of the jumper, the load wire and Traveler 2 with a twist-on wire connector. Remount the switch.
Remove the Line-Side Switch
Label and disconnect the line wire, Traveler 1, Traveler 2 and ground wire.
Connect the Timer on the Line Side
Connect the line wire to LINE, Traveler 1 to TRAVELER, Traveler 2 to LOAD and ground to GROUND.
Connect the Neutral
Connect the included white jumper to NEUTRAL. Join its other end to the neutral bundle with the included twist-on wire connector.
Mount and Test the Timer
Tighten the terminal screws to 8.85-12.39 lbf-in., mount the timer and wall plate, restore power and test manual operation from both switch positions.
Tips / Additional Notes
- Contact a qualified, licensed electrician if the wall-box wiring does not match these configurations or no neutral bundle is present.
- Label both travelers before removing a three-way switch.
- Allow up to 30 minutes for the internal backup battery to charge after power is connected.
Troubleshooting
- If the timer does not power on, disconnect and verify power, then recheck the line and load connections.
- If the relay clicks but the load does not operate correctly in a three-way circuit, disconnect power and recheck the jumper and traveler connections. If the remaining wiring matches the instructions, interchange Traveler 1 and Traveler 2 at the timer.