1. Product Overview
The Intermatic EJ500 Indoor Digital Wall Switch Timer is designed to replace a standard indoor wall switch, offering automated control for lighting. It is specifically intended for use with standard base incandescent light bulbs only. This flush-mounted timer includes a replaceable battery backup for settings retention during power outages.
Key Features:
- 24-hour in-wall timer for effortless scheduling of various lighting types (hallway, entryway, landscape, deck, etc.).
- 7-day programmable schedules with 14 ON/OFF events.
- Astronomic clock feature determines dawn and dusk times based on GPS location.
- Automatic Daylight Saving Time (DST) adjustment.
- 4 Amp timer switch, compatible with standard base incandescent light bulbs only.
- Durable plastic housing with a convenient on/off toggle button for manual override.
- Includes 2 LR44/SR44 batteries for memory backup.
2. Important Safety Information
WARNING: Risk of Fire or Electric Shock.
Turn off electricity at the circuit breaker panel before proceeding with installation or maintenance.
This product is intended for installation in accordance with the National Electrical Code and local regulations by a person familiar with the construction and operation of the product and the hazards involved. To assure full compliance with local codes and regulations, check with your local electrical inspector before installation.
Always ensure the "Air Gap" slide switch at the top of the timer is in the ON (center) position before operation.
This image displays the Intermatic EJ500 Digital Wall Switch Timer unit removed from its wall plate. It highlights the internal control panel with buttons for mode, day/DST, next on/off, hour/year+, and minute/year+, along with a small reset button. The digital screen is visible at the top.
3. Installation Guide
The EJ500 timer is designed to replace a standard single-pole or 3-way wall switch. It must be connected to a permanently wired light fixture, not a wall receptacle.
Wiring Instructions:
- Turn off power: Before beginning, ensure power is OFF at the circuit breaker or fuse box to avoid electrical shock.
- Remove old switch: Carefully remove the existing wall switch from the electrical box.
- Identify wires:
- Line (Hot) Wire: Typically black, brings power from the circuit breaker.
- Load Wire: Typically black, goes to the light fixture.
- Neutral Wire: Typically white, provides a return path for current. (The EJ500 requires a neutral wire for operation).
- Ground Wire: Typically bare copper or green, for safety.
- Traveler Wires (for 3-way installation): Two wires used in conjunction with another switch to control the same light fixture.
- Connect wires: Follow the wiring diagram provided with your product packaging. Securely connect the timer's wires to the corresponding house wires using wire nuts. Ensure all connections are tight.
- Mount timer: Carefully push the wired timer into the electrical box. Secure it with the provided screws.
- Install wall plate: Attach the decorator-style wall plate (not included) over the timer.
- Restore power: Turn power back ON at the circuit breaker.
This image shows the Intermatic EJ500 Digital Wall Switch Timer as it appears when installed in a standard wall plate. The digital display shows the current time and day, while the large lower button allows for manual override of programmed settings.
4. Operating Instructions
Initial Setup and Programming (Astronomic Schedule):
The EJ500 features an Astronomic clock that automatically adjusts for dawn and dusk based on your selected zone. Follow these steps to set up your timer:
- Open the door: Gently open the small door on the timer to reveal the programming buttons.
- Reset the timer: Press and hold the "NEXT ON/OFF" button. While holding it, use a pointed object (like a pencil) to press the "RESET" button for 3 seconds. Release "RESET" but continue holding "NEXT ON/OFF" for another 3 seconds. The display will flash "12:00".
- Set the Year: Press the "MODE" button repeatedly until "YEAR" flashes on the display. Use the "YEAR+" button to set the current year.
- Set the Date: Press the "NEXT ON/OFF" button. "DATE" will flash. Use the "M+" button to set the current month, and the "DAY/DST" button to set the current day.
- Set Daylight Saving Time (DST): Press the "NEXT ON/OFF" button. "AUTO" or "DST" will display. If you observe DST, select "AUTO". If not, press "DAY/DST" to select "MANUAL".
- Select your Zone: Press the "NEXT ON/OFF" button. "ZONE" will display. Use the "ZONE+" button to cycle through "NORTH", "CENTER", and "SOUTH" zones. Refer to the map in your product manual for the appropriate zone for your location.
- Verify Sunrise/Sunset Times: Press the "NEXT ON/OFF" button. The timer will display the calculated sunrise ("SUNUP") and sunset ("SNSET") times for your selected zone. If these times are incorrect, use the "HOUR+" and "MIN+" buttons to adjust them to your local sunrise/sunset.
- Program ON Event (Sunrise): Press the "MODE" button to enter the program section. Press the "DAY/DST" button repeatedly until "SUNUP" is displayed with all days of the week shown below it. This sets the timer to turn ON at sunrise for all selected days.
- Program OFF Event (Sunset): Press the "NEXT ON/OFF" button to move to the OFF event. Press the "DAY/DST" button repeatedly until "SNSET" is displayed with all days of the week shown below it. This sets the timer to turn OFF at sunset for all selected days.
- Exit Programming: Once programming is complete, press the "MODE" button to return to the auto mode with the current local time displayed.
Official video from Intermatic demonstrating the astronomic programming for the EJ500 Digital Wall Switch Timer. This video guides users through setting the year, date, DST, zone, and programming sunrise/sunset events.
Daily Use:
Once programmed, the timer will automatically turn your lights ON and OFF according to the set schedule and astronomic times. The large button on the front of the timer acts as a manual override. Pressing it will toggle the light ON or OFF, temporarily overriding the current program. The timer will resume its schedule at the next programmed event.
Note: Closing the door to the timer may turn your lights on. You may need to press the door once more to turn the lights back off.
5. Maintenance
Battery Replacement:
The EJ500 timer includes two LR44/SR44 batteries for memory backup. These batteries help retain your programmed settings during power outages. If the display becomes dim or the timer loses settings frequently, it may be time to replace the batteries. Refer to your product manual for specific battery replacement instructions.
Cleaning:
To clean the timer, wipe the surface with a soft, damp cloth. Do not use abrasive cleaners or solvents, as they may damage the finish or internal components.
6. Troubleshooting
If you experience issues with your Intermatic EJ500 timer, refer to the table below for common problems and solutions:
| Problem | Possible Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Timer display is blank or dim. | No power to the timer or low backup battery. | Check circuit breaker. Ensure wiring is correct. Replace backup batteries. |
| Lights do not turn ON/OFF at programmed times. | Incorrect programming, manual override engaged, or incorrect zone/DST setting. | Review programming steps (Section 4). Ensure manual override is not active. Verify correct zone and DST settings. |
| Lights flicker or pulse. | Incompatible bulb type (e.g., LED or CFL instead of incandescent). | Ensure only standard base incandescent light bulbs are used with this timer. |
| Timer does not respond to button presses. | Timer is locked or internal issue. | Perform a full reset (Section 4, step 2). If problem persists, contact customer support. |
7. Technical Specifications
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Model Number | EJ500 |
| Brand | Intermatic |
| Color | White |
| Material | Plastic |
| Voltage | 120 VAC, 60 Hz |
| Current Rating | 4 Amp Tungsten |
| Wattage | 500-Watt Incandescent |
| Number of Settings | 7 ON/7 OFF per day (14 total events) |
| Product Dimensions | 1.75 x 1.44 x 4.13 inches |
| Item Weight | 3.2 ounces |
| Included Components | In-Wall Timer, 2 LR44/SR44 batteries |
| Switch Style | Toggle Switch |
| Mounting Type | In-Wall (replaces standard wall switch) |
| UPC | 078275135185 |
8. Warranty Information
Intermatic products are designed for durability and reliability. For specific warranty terms and conditions applicable to your EJ500 timer, please refer to the warranty documentation included with your product packaging or visit the official Intermatic website.
9. Customer Support
If you require further assistance, technical support, or have questions regarding your Intermatic EJ500 timer, please visit the official Intermatic website for comprehensive support resources, FAQs, and contact information.
