Wall Timer Light Not Working

[MoKelly]

I’m praying for some simple answer.

I have a wall light timer switch to control 2 sets of outside porch lights. Isn’t working. It’s an Intermatic.

It’s:

- single pole.
- in manual mode
- new battery
- unit only 6 months old. Worked for sure a week ago
- outside bulbs still work in different fixture
- circuit breaker on
- porch light on same circuit works with on/off switch
- All GFI’s are working - none tripped.

Anything I’m missing here? I even tried a new switch I had. The new switch does not work either.

Thanks.

MoKelly

 

[Industrial Toys]

New switch? So the switch probably works, but you have no light?

It worked as is, then just stopped working?

A simple check for power at the timer?

I'm kinda still thinking GFI. Did you trip and reset it. Do you even know for sure which one runs this light?

 

[MoKelly]

New switch? So the switch probably works, but you have no light?

It worked as is, then just stopped working?

A simple check for power at the timer?

Yes - new switch.

I have power at the timer. No doubt there as I got a slight shock. But - no power at the outdoor light - since s known good bulb does not work.

I guess I need to take the light fixture down to see if it’s hooked up ok or something messed up there.

MoKelly

 

[Industrial Toys]

Amazing how something so simple can occupy so much time! Yep, another ten minute project.

 

[grsthegreat]

you need to test both hot and neutral legs going out to lights and switches. if a neutral gets knocked out under a wirenut, nothing will work.

 

[MoKelly]

Amazing how something so simple can occupy so much time! Yep, another ten minute project.

Well - I now must admit I am a fool.

I went out to take the outside fixture off. I climb up the ladder - this time to the top of the light to get to the screws.

I notice a photocell. Never saw that before and where did it come from? I googled the fixture. Well - the fixture comes with the photocell plugged. If the consumer wants to use the photocell they remove the plug.

Somehow, the photocell plug came out. So, the light didn’t react to the timer switch during the day. I guess had I tried it at night it would have worked.

I feel pretty useless right now. Never thought of that aspect.

I plugged the photocell and all is good.

Sorry folks.

MoKelly

 

[Industrial Toys]

Why? Just be happy it didn't take another four hours of your life.

 

[grsthegreat]

ha... been there done that. those pesky 1/2" round hidden photocells.

 

[MoKelly]

Why? Just be happy it didn't take another four hours of your life.

You should exactly like my wife. She said the same thing.

I am glad it’s fixed and I am finished. But - I like to think of myself as smarter.

MoKelly

 

[Industrial Toys]

It's all the ten minute jobs that aren't, that are the bain of my existence. Not the big projects. I don't even start them. lol

Sad too, when you kind of think of yourself as a handy guy, yet come across more and more stuff, you can't even open, don't know what you are looking at, and in the end, can't repair.