Ratings & Reviews for Utilitech 15 -Amps 125-volt Programmable Countdown Digital Lighting Timer

easy to install and works as advertised. Easy to set and change time

Might need 2!

I don't usually write reviews, but thought I would throw out my 2 cents. Other reviewers noted that the clamps that hold the wires into the timer would not tighten down, and the screws seemed to be stripped. I ran into the same problem. Returned it to Lowe's and informed them of the problem, they refunded my money with no problem. (I probably would have given this a higher rating, but the inconvenience of running back to the store to complete the return, when it should have been completely unnec...

Terminals screws strip out

As others have complained, the threads on screw terminals were stripped and would not clamp down on the wire. Don't waste your money. Total garbage!

Junk Do not buy

You can not tighten down on the terminal screws tight enough to hold the wire in without stripping them. The older versions that used to be for sale a year ago were better.

Poor programming and damaged from package

You cannot set this timer to come on at dusk and shut off at a specific time. If you use the dawn or dusk option, it stays on all night from dusk to dawn. Also one terminal was stripped before it was removed from package. Terrible product.

Good Switch when properly installed

I bought this switch to regulate my driveway/porch lights while away at night. There are 3 13 watt CFL fixtures and a 13 watt LED fixture on the circuit. I was very hesitent as the reviews show weakness around the switch plate retainment holes and some other complaints that I dismissed as unimportant. It is made in China. I believe that was my greatest fear but after looking closely at this unit and the competitor sold by Home Depot, I decided to give this a try. It was easy to install. Ju...

Instillation comments

This unit definitely requires a neutral wire. Also, be very careful how much you back out the screws to attach the wires in the appropriate slots in the back because if you pull them out too far, you will not be able to tighten them down. If you have an electrician install, it would be easier but you can do this yourself. Hopefully this saves someone time during installation as it shouldn't be this difficult.

could not use due to bad terminal connectors - 2x

i might try exchanging for a second time, making it the third one i'll try. the terminal connector on the incoming hot wire would not tighten/crimp down on the copper wire. it would tighten without the wire inserted, but not with the wire. same experience on two of them today. based on good reviews below, i will exchange and try a third one. hopefully 3rd time will be a charm, i like the unit of what i can find out there. is there something i've missed?

Horrible product

Difficult to install. Finally called electrician who installed ($85) but warned that this item would stop working in days, weeks, or months. He was right...3 weeks. Returned to Lowes.

Replace a switch with a timer

This very handy replacement switch allowed me to turn on my outdoor lights automatically in the evening and better in the morning when departing for work. Programming requires a bit of reading but once you get it, the options are very flexible.

SCREWS STRIP OUT

I had read some of the reviews that said "even their electrician had a hard time figuring it out" and poor instructions, etc. The connections are pretty straight forward actually. The TOTAL FAIL is the clamp style wire connections, they strip out at slightest amount of torque on the screws. I was using 12 AWG with it but I suspect it would have done the same with 14 AWG. I even went as far as opening it up to replace the stripped screw and then another one stripped when trying to reinstall it...

SCREWS STRIP OUT

I had read some of the reviews that said "even their electrician had a hard time figuring it out" and poor instructions, etc. The connections are pretty straight forward actually. The TOTAL FAIL is the clamp style wire connections, they strip out at slightest amount of torque on the screws. I was using 12 AWG with it but I suspect it would have done the same with 14 AWG. I even went as far as opening it up to replace the stripped screw and then another one stripped when trying to reinstall it...

great little timer

With basic wiring knowledge these timers are easy to install and easy to set and program (just remember the set/re button is a momentary contact button. You can't hold it down more than a second or it won't take the setting). The installation and programing instructions were easy to follow and understand. I bought 2 of these timers, one for the front porch and one for the back porch. They keep good time and are great for what they were meant to do (turn a light on and off). I highly recommend th...

Units came out of the box defective twice

I an an electrical engineer. I have an older model like this and love it. The problem is the screws used to attach the wires. There are holes to insert the wires but the screws have a taper on then and will not tighten adequately to hold the wires secure from popping out. They just spin like a stripped screw. I bought one on Wednesday exchanged it on Friday. The second unit had the same problem. There is no way these are safe. Maybe the store got a defective batch. Lowe's Bedford VA. store gladl...

Impossible programming

The directions are poorly translated into English. The astronomical setting is way off from real sunrise and sunset. Spend the money for a major brand timer.

A bit confusing at first

I have a light sensitive lantern outside. I set the lantern to dawn to dusk. Then I set the timer for the hours I really want. This controls when the lantern gets electricity which for me is dusk until 11 PM. The only change I ever have to make is the start time.

“Works Good (For Now), Has Issues though”

Right off the bat it does have some issue. 1) Had to exchange the first one because the screw for the hot lead would not tighten. Very frustrating having to run back out to replace a defective item especially after spending over an hour re-wiring. 2) Timer is configured to work with only ONE wiring setup. My existing 40 year switch only had 3 wires, Ground, & 2 Hot where the hot lead split at the switch, 1 in 1 out. Fortunately I was able to snake another set of wires from the switch box t...

How old is your wiring?

I can't review this switch on its merits - I was unable to complete the installation. I wanted this switch to control a hallway light that was evidently wired when my 100 year old house was first electrified. The junction boxes used then were a bit smaller than those in use now, and the body of this switch simply cannot fit inside. If I decide I must have an in-wall timer to control that light, I'll swap out the box. For now let me simply warn potential purchasers that the body of this sw...