1. Product Overview
The Intermatic E1020 is a heavy-duty in-wall mechanical time switch designed for controlling lights, fans, pumps, and other heavy-duty electrical loads. It provides energy savings, enhanced security, and convenience by automating the operation of connected devices. This timer features a multiple program dial and is capable of accommodating up to 12 ON and 12 OFF trippers for precise scheduling.

Figure 1: Front view of the Intermatic E1020 24-Hour Mechanical Timer, showing the dial and manual override switch.
2. Safety Information
WARNING: Risk of electric shock. Disconnect power at the circuit breaker or fuse box before installation or servicing. Installation should be performed by a qualified electrician or in accordance with local electrical codes.
- Always ensure the main power supply is disconnected before handling electrical wiring.
- Verify that both hot and neutral wires are present in the junction box for proper operation.
- Ensure all wire connections are secure and properly insulated.
- This product may contain chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm (Proposition 65 warning).
For detailed safety guidelines and electrical diagrams, refer to the official installation manual: Intermatic E1020 Installation Manual (PDF).
3. Package Contents
The Intermatic E1020 package typically includes:
- 1 x Intermatic E1020 24-Hour Mechanical Timer unit
- 2 x ON Trippers (pre-installed or included separately)
- 2 x OFF Trippers (pre-installed or included separately)
- Mounting screws
- Wire connectors
4. Installation
Follow these steps for proper installation of your Intermatic E1020 timer. It is highly recommended to consult the full installation manual for detailed diagrams and safety instructions.

Figure 2: Diagram and text outlining the installation steps for the Intermatic E1020 timer.
Installation Steps:
- Disconnect Electrical Power: For safety, disconnect your electrical power at the circuit breaker or fuse box before beginning installation.
- Remove Wall Plate and Disconnect Light Switch: Carefully remove the existing wall plate and disconnect the light switch. Ensure both "hot" (usually black or red) and "neutral" (usually white) wires are present in the junction box. If not, additional wiring may be necessary.
- Connect Timer Wires:
- Connect the red timer wire to the wire from the fixture using a wire connector.
- Connect the black timer wire to the "hot" wire in the junction box using a wire connector.
- Cut the white wire in the junction box (or open splice) and strip 1/2 inch of insulation from both ends. Connect the white timer wire to the white wires in the junction box using a wire connector.
- Grounding: If the wall switch being replaced had separate grounding conductors connected to a GREEN screw, ensure these wires are now securely connected to the METAL wall box. If your box is non-metallic (plastic), the wires should be securely tied together.
- Secure Connections: Check that all wire connections are secure.
- Fit Timer and Install: Place all wires inside the junction box. Fit the timer over the junction box first, ensuring all wires are neatly tucked and wire connectors are twisted behind the timer motor. DO NOT FORCE. Next, install the timer using the provided mounting screws.
- Reconnect Power: Reconnect your electrical power. Proceed to set the timer as per the operating instructions.
5. Setup and Programming
The E1020 timer uses a 24-hour dial with movable trippers to set ON and OFF times. The dial rotates clockwise, completing one full rotation every 24 hours.
Setting Current Time:
Rotate the outer dial clockwise until the current time aligns with the arrow indicator located on the stationary part of the timer. The dial is marked with AM and PM hours. For example, if it's 3 PM, align '3 PM' with the arrow.
Programming ON/OFF Times:
The timer comes with two ON trippers (gold/brass colored) and two OFF trippers (silver colored). Additional trippers can be purchased if needed, up to a maximum of 12 ON and 12 OFF trippers.
- Install Trippers: Locate the small slots around the edge of the dial. Insert the trippers into these slots at the desired ON and OFF times. The ON trippers will activate the connected device, and the OFF trippers will deactivate it. Ensure they are firmly seated.
- Adjust Trippers: Trippers can be easily moved by hand to adjust the program schedule. Each segment on the dial represents a specific time interval.
- Verify Program: Once trippers are set, manually rotate the dial through a full 24-hour cycle to observe the trippers engaging the internal mechanism, ensuring they are set correctly for your desired schedule.
Note: There are no official seller videos available for this product demonstrating the setup process. However, customer-submitted videos often show the manual adjustment of the timer dial and trippers. For example, a video titled "Intermatic E1020 24-Hour 15-Amps Multiple Program Heavy Duty Mechanical Timer, Color" (ID: amzn1.vse.video.4215b5f1130a465fa5a0a92541536e25) illustrates a hand rotating the dial and adjusting the small white tabs (trippers) around the perimeter to set the desired on/off times. The video shows the audible click as the internal mechanism engages when the trippers pass the activation point.
6. Operating Instructions
Once installed and programmed, the Intermatic E1020 timer operates automatically according to the set ON and OFF times. The dial continuously rotates, activating and deactivating the connected load as the trippers engage the internal switch.
Manual Override:
The timer is equipped with an easy-to-use manual override switch (on/off toggle) located on the side of the unit. This allows you to manually turn the connected device ON or OFF, overriding the programmed schedule without affecting the timer's internal clock or program settings. Simply toggle the switch to the desired position.
7. Maintenance
The Intermatic E1020 mechanical timer requires minimal maintenance. To ensure optimal performance and longevity:
- Cleaning: Periodically wipe the exterior of the timer with a soft, dry cloth to remove dust and debris. Do not use abrasive cleaners or solvents.
- Inspection: Occasionally inspect the trippers to ensure they are securely in place and have not shifted.
- Avoid Obstruction: Ensure nothing obstructs the rotation of the dial or the movement of the trippers.
8. Troubleshooting
If you encounter issues with your Intermatic E1020 timer, consider the following:
| Problem | Possible Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Device does not turn ON/OFF at programmed times. |
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| Timer makes a loud ticking or grinding noise. |
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| Manual override switch does not work. |
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If problems persist after attempting these solutions, contact Intermatic customer support or consult a qualified electrician.
9. Specifications
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Model Number | E1020 |
| Brand | Intermatic |
| Type | 24-Hour Mechanical Timer |
| Voltage | 125 Volts |
| Wattage | 1500 watts |
| Amperage | 15 Amps (implied by wattage/voltage) |
| Material | Plastic |
| Product Dimensions (D x W x H) | 1.38"D x 3.25"W x 4.25"H |
| Item Weight | 0.74 Pounds (approx. 11.8 ounces) |
| Number of Settings | Accommodates up to 12 ON and 12 OFF trippers |
| Mounting Type | Wall Mount |
| Switch Style | Toggle Switch (for manual override) |
| Certification | CSA |
10. Warranty and Support
Warranty: The Intermatic E1020 comes with a 1-year warranty. This warranty typically covers replacement of the unit but does not include labor costs for removal or reinstallation.
For warranty claims, technical assistance, or further inquiries, please contact Intermatic customer support directly. Refer to the official Intermatic website for the most current contact information.
You can also find additional resources and product information on the Intermatic Store on Amazon.





