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I have a GE Smart Digital Timer and it only works on Manual. I programmed it according to the instructions, but the upper left of the screen always shows "Man". How do I switch it to "Auto" ?
Optional Information: Make: GE Model: ? Already Tried: I read the programming instructions over and over. I pressed the reset and reprogrammed it. It doesn't come on the "Auto" mode, always "Manual".
A Master Electrician here to help. I am a double qualified; USA & UK electrician. Please give me a moment to formulate a reply.
Please give me the part number of this timer
Also has it ever worked to your knowledge?
I don't have a part #. It is a bit of an older vesion of the GE Smart Digital Timer # XXXXX. Very similar but the inside Panel is a bit different. There is no "clock" button.
It has worked for a while, but out of control. I would come home in the afternoon to find it on and wouldn't come on at the programmed time. Weird...
very often people make a mistake installing these GE smart timers. The fact is that most model 3's require a neutral and a neutral is not available in most Switch boxes. There will often be a white wire present in the box but this is NOT a neutral. This causes problems and additionally GE timers are not reliable in the long term. A fellow expert here actually had a recorded converstaion with a GE rep who admitted these timers had problems but declined a replacement if more than 12 months old.
I see...! If I was going to purchase a new one to replace it; is there a more reliable one you could suggest in a similar format?
I would strongly suggest you change out your timer for an Intermatic ST01 series if this is an in wall timer. Additionally this one does not require a neutral connection which in the GE rep's own words were "House neutrals cause problems"
We get this same issue with GE in wall timers here probably hundreds of times a year.
Is this "Intermatic" timer available in most hardware stores, (Home depot) ?
Home Depot sells it in two styles = 7 day and 7 day astronomical. Cost about $20 to $25 US
I think it is ST01A and ST01AC not sure which is which
OK. I guess that's the best solution. It has all the components in the box for installation?
Yes everything you will need
Sounds good! Thanks.
GE states your problem is due to fluactuations in the neutral current of bad home wiring. I think that is TOTAL BS. They have a bad product.
Thank you for using Just Answer
OK then. With the fee I am paying today, will I be able to ask more questions if I need to when I install the new one or does it cover just this one instance?
Normally it is just this one question but if you have questions related to this question (ie the install) then just come back to me and I will answer at no additional charge.
O.K. Thanks for your help and have a good day!
Thank you, please click on "accept" if you are happy with my answer.
Sorry I missed that
Experience: US State Certified & UK Electrical Contractor for all electrical fields/disciplines
Thanks to fellow expert Mike the below is a transcript of that online Chat with a GE rep;
GE Smart Timer This is a copy of a Chat with GE tech services on a failure. 10/22/2010 Matt> Hi, my name is XXXXX XXXXX can I help you today? Mike> I have 2 smart timer and the displays are blank - dead battery? Matt> It's a possibility; We have seen where too much static/noise in the house wiring can cause damage to switches using a neutral wire. Switches using neutral wires are fairly new and there isn't a filter yet to stop the switch from being affected Matt> I only mention that because it was 2 of them and we haven't had many issues with this timer other than installation questions Mike> If damaged will they be replaced - no charge? Mike> They worked fine for a year. Matt> These timers only have a 1 year warranty from the original date of purchase, so unfortunately they would just need to be replaced. Mike> That's not good. If there is a design problem with noise, shouldn't the warranty be extended? Matt> Our warranty can't cover outside elements I'm afraid. The issue isn't with the timer, it's the static/noise in the house wiring, there isn't anything that can fix that issue on the timer. We are currently looking for a way to make a timer without a neutral wire for houses with older wiring but there isn't one currently on the market and it will be sometime before they are. Mike> Are you still online? Mike> OK I guess the only solution is to get a timer not requiring a neutral connection - correct? Use an Intermatic Timer that doesn't require a neutral connection.
GE Smart Timer
This is a copy of a Chat with GE tech services on a failure. 10/22/2010
Matt> Hi, my name is XXXXX XXXXX can I help you today? Mike> I have 2 smart timer and the displays are blank - dead battery? Matt> It’s a possibility; We have seen where too much static/noise in the house wiring can cause damage to switches using a neutral wire. Switches using neutral wires are fairly new and there isn’t a filter yet to stop the switch from being affected Matt> I only mention that because it was 2 of them and we haven’t had many issues with this timer other than installation questions Mike> If damaged will they be replaced - no charge? Mike> They worked fine for a year. Matt> These timers only have a 1 year warranty from the original date of purchase, so unfortunately they would just need to be replaced. Mike> That's not good. If there is a design problem with noise, shouldn't the warranty be extended? Matt> Our warranty can’t cover outside elements I’m afraid. The issue isn’t with the timer, it’s the static/noise in the house wiring, there isn’t anything that can fix that issue on the timer. We are currently looking for a way to make a timer without a neutral wire for houses with older wiring but there isn’t one currently on the market and it will be sometime before they are. Mike> Are you still online? Mike> OK I guess the only solution is to get a timer not requiring a neutral connection - correct?
Use an Intermatic Timer that doesn't’t require a neutral connection.