Intermatic SS7 Series Installation and Operating Instructions
Features
- Automatic or manual operation via clear cover/switch.
- Programmable up to 6 ON/OFF setting pairs (12 automatic switch settings).
- Flexible scheduling: weekly, daily, weekdays, or weekends.
- LCD Digital clock and readout.
- Random feature for a "lived-in" look.
- One AA Alkaline battery powers time, timer, and program for up to 3 years without utility power.
- Compatible with flood (PAR) and compact fluorescent lamps and dimmers.
- "Hard contact" output switch controls most 120 VAC loads, and loads from 12 to 277 VAC and 12 to 28 Volts DC.
Introduction
The Intermatic SS7 Series timer replaces standard or 3-way light switches to control lighting for security or convenience. It can also control outlets for various 120VAC loads, incandescent, fluorescent, flood lights (PAR lamps), stereos, or appliances like air conditioners. It supports loads from 12 to 277 VAC and 12 to 28 Volts DC. The timer is not compatible with lighted switches and requires a Decorator style wall plate (not supplied).
This document covers installation for replacing existing switches and refers to "Other Installations" for new construction, multi-location switching, or dimmer integration.
Installation Instructions - Single Switch or 3-way
- Turn off power by removing the fuse or switching off the circuit breaker.
- Remove the existing wall switch. Prepare building wires by trimming ends to 7/16 inch (approx. 11mm).
- Single Switch Installation: Connect one building wire to the timer's black wire using a wire nut. Connect the other building wire to the timer's blue wire. Cap the timer's red wire with a wire nut as it is not used in single-switch installations. Ensure all wire nuts are secure.
- 3-way Switch Installation: The wire from the original switch's common location connects to the Timer's Black wire. The Timer's Red wire connects to the COMMON terminal of the REMOTE 3-WAY SWITCH. A JUMPER WIRE connects the REMOTE 3-WAY SWITCH's COMMON terminal to one of its other terminals. The Timer's Blue wire connects to the LOAD.
- Tuck wires into the wall box, leaving space for the timer.
- Mount the timer to the wall box using the provided screws and install the wall plate.
- Battery Installation: Grasp the battery holder at the side bumps and pull it out. Insert a standard AA alkaline battery with the "+" end towards the front of the timer. Tuck the battery under the plastic tab of the holder. Insert the battery holder into the timer until it clicks into place.
- Remove the clear cover/switch by pulling at the top notch to access programming buttons.
- To stop a flashing display and turn the switch OFF: Push the RESET button. Push MODE until 'CLK' is displayed. Push H+ to stop flashing. Push MODE twice until 'MAN' is displayed. Push ON/OFF EVENT until the display shows 'OFF'. The timer motor may run and click.
- Return power to the circuit at the service panel. The timer is now ready for use.
Programming and Operating Instructions
Introduction to Operation and Programming
The timer functions as a programmable switch. The clear cover/switch allows manual ON/OFF control at any time, unless the mode is set to CLK or PGM. Up to 12 ON/OFF events (6 ON, 6 OFF) can be programmed for automatic switching. Events can be set for specific times on specific days, every day, weekdays, or weekends.
Ensure the timer is installed and the battery is inserted before programming.
Manual Override
The clear cover/switch acts as a manual ON/OFF control. Push and release it to toggle the connected load ON or OFF. This works in AUTO, AUTO RAND, and MAN modes. You may hear a motor/clicking sound, and the ON/OFF display will change. The program remains active in AUTO or AUTO RAND modes.
Controls and Displays
- Cover/Switch: Manual ON/OFF control. Pull at the top notch to remove for access to buttons. Replace by setting the bottom in first, then clicking the top.
- Battery Holder: Pull out to remove/install battery. Ensure correct orientation ("+" towards front) and secure insertion.
Push Buttons
- RESET: Recessed button. Resets the timer to MAN mode, switch ON, clock to MO 12:00 AM (flashing), and all programmed times to null (no switching). Requires clock and program to be reset. If 'noOp' appears, ensure battery is seated and press RESET.
- MODE: Cycles through modes: CLK (set time), PGM (set/review programs), AUTO (programmed times active, manual override works), AUTO RAND (programmed times active with +/- 15 min random offset, manual override works), MAN (only manual override works). Skips AUTO modes if time/programs are not set.
- DAY: In CLK mode, cycles through days (MO, TU, WE, TH, FR, SA, SU). In PGM mode, cycles through day settings: all week (MO-SU), weekdays (MO-FR), weekends (SA-SU), individual days, or null (-:--) to cancel an event. Does nothing in AUTO, AUTO RAND, or MAN modes.
- H+ (Hour): In CLK and PGM modes, advances the hour. Push and hold to cycle quickly. AM/PM switches at 12.
- M+ (Minute): In CLK and PGM modes, advances the minute. Push and hold to cycle quickly.
- ON/OFF EVENT: In CLK mode, does nothing. In PGM mode, cycles through the 12 programmable events (1 ON, 1 OFF, ..., 6 ON, 6 OFF). In AUTO, AUTO RAND, and MAN modes, manually turns the switch ON or OFF.
How to set or change the clock
- Remove the clear cover/switch.
- Push MODE until 'CLK' is displayed.
- Push DAY until the correct day of the week is displayed.
- Push H+ until the hour and AM/PM are correct.
- Push M+ until the minutes are correct.
- Push MODE to select AUTO, AUTO RAND, or MAN.
- Replace the clear cover/switch.
- Manually switch the load ON or OFF using the cover/switch if needed.
How to set, change, or review ON/OFF times
- Remove the clear cover/switch.
- Push MODE until 'PGM' is displayed.
- Push ON/OFF EVENT to select the event (e.g., 1 ON) to set/change, or cycle through all events to review.
- Push DAY to select the desired day or group of days for the event, or select '-:--' to cancel the event.
- Push H+ to set the desired event hour and AM/PM.
- Push M+ to set the desired event minutes.
- Push ON/OFF EVENT to move to the next event (e.g., 1 OFF).
- Push MODE to select AUTO, AUTO RAND, or MAN.
- Replace the clear cover/switch.
- Manually switch the load ON or OFF using the cover/switch if needed.
Battery Replacement
The AA alkaline battery typically lasts over 3 years. Replace when the display is dim, shows 'lobAt' (LOW BATTERY), or the timer malfunctions. Pressing any button clears 'lobAt'. The timer has memory protection for at least 15 seconds during battery changes. Do not operate the timer while the battery is out, as settings will be lost.
Error Messages
- 'lobAt': Low battery. Replace with a standard AA alkaline battery.
- 'noOp': No operation. May occur in very cold temperatures; normal operation should resume when warmer. If 'noOp' persists at normal temperatures with a good battery, the timer may need replacement. Press any button to clear messages.
Other Installations
Multiswitch applications require different wiring than conventional switches. Read instructions carefully.
Multiple timers can be mounted in adjacent junction box slots without derating.
Wiring Diagrams
- Wiring diagram, 2 switch installation (3-way): LINE power connects to the Timer's Black wire. Timer's Blue wire connects to the LOAD. Timer's Red wire connects to the COMMON terminal of the REMOTE 3-WAY SWITCH. A JUMPER WIRE connects the REMOTE 3-WAY SWITCH's COMMON terminal to one of its other terminals. The wire from the original switch's common location connects to the Timer's Red wire.
- Wiring diagram, 2 switch installation (3-way) using a single pole remote switch: LINE power connects to the Timer's Black wire. Timer's Blue wire connects to the LOAD. Timer's Red wire connects to the SINGLE POLE SWITCH. The SINGLE POLE SWITCH also connects to the LOAD.
- Wiring diagram, 3 switch installation: LINE power connects to the Timer's Black wire. Timer's Blue wire connects to an ADDITIONAL WIRE, which then connects to the LOAD. Timer's Red wire connects to NEUTRAL. The diagram shows two 3-way switches. The common terminal of the first switch is connected to the wire from the original switch's common location, the Timer's Red wire, and the ADDITIONAL WIRE.
- 4 or more switch installation: Use the 3-switch diagram and wire 4-way switches between the two 3-way switches.
Notes on Remote Switches: Remote switches may not function reliably if wire length to them exceeds 30 feet or if wiring is buried underground. Used remote switches from conventional installations might not work reliably with this timer; try a new switch if performance is intermittent.
Installations including a Dimmer:
- Load size and type must not exceed dimmer rating (typically 600W, 120VAC, 60Hz, incandescent only).
- If the dimmer is OFF, the timer cannot operate the lights.
- If the dimmer is set too low, lights may not turn on under timer control. Use a premium dimmer that can turn on at low settings.
- Multi-switch installation using a dimmer: A 3-way dimmer should not be used. For multi-switch installations with a dimmer, use the following diagram: LINE connects to the Timer's Black wire. Timer's Blue wire connects to the DIMMER. Timer's Red wire is capped (not connected). The DIMMER connects to the LIGHT. A REMOTE SWITCH is also shown connected to the DIMMER.
Special Applications
The timer's "hard contact" switch feature allows use with dimmers, without utility power, on circuits other than 120V, controlling relays/contactors, or controlling DC voltage (e.g., in RVs). Reduced load ratings apply for DC and high voltage applications; consult the factory for details.
Troubleshooting Guide
| Symptom | Possible Cause | Remedy |
|---|---|---|
| Timer does not operate, display is dim, blank, unreadable, shows nonsense, or operates erratically. | Battery is worn out, missing, installed backwards, or timer was operated while battery was removed. | Install a fresh AA alkaline battery correctly. Press RESET, then reprogram. |
| Timer does not switch, but display is normal. | Timer not in AUTO, AUTO RAND, or MAN mode. | Use MODE button to select the desired operating mode. |
| Timer works manually but does not follow scheduled program. | Timer not in AUTO or AUTO RAND mode. Time of day and/or switching times are not programmed. | Use MODE button to select AUTO or AUTO RAND. Ensure time of day and at least one scheduled activity are programmed. |
| Timer won't enter AUTO or AUTO RAND modes when MODE button is pushed. | Time of day and/or switching times are not programmed. | Ensure time of day and at least one scheduled activity are programmed. |
| Timer switches at incorrect times or skips switching times. | Programmed schedule(s) are incorrect. | Review/revise all 6 ON/OFF switching time pairs by repeatedly pushing ON/OFF EVENT while in PGM mode. |
| Load state doesn't match programmed state immediately after programming time or schedule. | Timer is in AUTO RAND mode (varies times +/- 15 min). Timer does not "catch up" to programmed load state. Load remains in its state prior to PGM mode. Timer follows program at next contrary ON/OFF time. | Use MODE to select AUTO mode. After returning to AUTO modes, push ON/OFF EVENT to change load state if necessary. |
| Display shows 'noOp'. | Mechanism is inoperative. May occur in very cold temperatures. | If in cold, try when warmer. If not, and battery is good, timer may need replacement. Push battery cover until it clicks, press RESET, then reprogram. Replace device if 'noOp' persists. |
| Timer operates, but light doesn't come on in dimmer applications. | Dimmer is OFF or set too low to turn on, or bulb is burned out. | Ensure timer display shows 'ON'. Check dimmer at full brightness. Use a premium dimmer if timer control is needed at very low brightness settings. |
| Load only operates when remote (3-way) switch is in one position or timer ignores remote switch. | Remote switch is wired incorrectly. | Recheck wiring, especially the jumper, per installation instructions. |
| Timer ignores remote (3-way) switch even though wired correctly. | Excessive wire length (>30 ft) or buried wiring to remote switch. Remote switch is defective or worn out. | Eliminate condition (replace buried cable, omit remote switch, or consult factory). Replace remote switch. |
| Load turns off immediately after being turned on. | Remote switch or timer wired incorrectly, excessive wire length, buried wiring, or defective timer. | If problem persists with red wire disconnected or remote switch temporarily connected at timer, replace timer. Otherwise, try other remedies. |
| Battery holder is difficult to snap in place. | Battery not seated in holder, holder misaligned, or contact tabs bent. | Ensure "+" end of battery is under plastic tab. Align holder tabs with timer notches. Straighten bent contact tabs. |
Full One Year Warranty
Intermatic Incorporated warrants this product against defects in materials or workmanship for one year from the date of purchase. The warranty does not cover damage from accident, abuse, misuse, unauthorized repair, improper use, or damages exceeding product cost. Specific legal rights may vary by state. Service is available by returning the product to the dealer or mailing it postage prepaid to the authorized service station.
Authorized Service Station:
Intermatic Incorporated
Intermatic Plaza
Spring Grove, Illinois 60081-9698
