Aube Timer Switch with Sunrise Sunset Single or 3 Way TI072-3W neutral required Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)As far as I know, there is nothing even close to this on the market.
I have had a few of these for many years. None have ever failed. Setup is straightforward and programming is reasonable.
Having the lights automatically adjust for sunrise/sunset is great. If we leave the house at 4pm and come back at 9pm, the front lights are on.
There is a little bug in the programming (TI034). It screws up if it is programmed to turn on before midnight and turn off after midnight. I forget now how it screws up, because I changed mine to turn off just before midnight. I think it just stayed on.
I would like more flexible programming, but that usually comes with complexity. There isn't much space there for a display.
1. Be able to set an offset (sunset +/- nn minutes).
2. A random feature where it would vary the actual on/off times by +/- nn minutes. This is a minor point, because it already vary some because of changing sunset/sunrise times.
3. Automatic adjustment for daylight savings. That may be a problem, because they could change the cutover date, so maybe it's better as it is.
This also allows me to synch the clock twice a year. The timer does not keep perfect time, which is surprising. I would think it could use the 60 Hz from the grid to stay perfectly in time. Maybe an upgraded model could include a received for the time signal from Colorado? :-)
This is one of my favorite gadgets. It used to be very hard to find. I am glad that Amazon is now carrying it. I often give them away as gifts.
07/30/10 Update: Aube makes quite a few models. It took me awhile to figure out the differences and I bought one wrong model. Some of them are designed for more heavy-duty work and controlling motors (033 & 035). I see that they now have a few new models with more programming options and higher wattage ratings. Most of mine are the 034. These are fine for porch lights. Our front porch light is also wired in with the front outside plug so it can control external Christmas lights. The 500 watt max for the 034 is limiting. I may get the new 071 or 072 to replace that one.
Here's a summary of the model from the Aube website (aubetech dot com). Please excuse the (. . .). That's the only way I could find to make a table.
. . Model . . . . . . . . . . . Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Programs
. TI032-3W . . . 500 W @ 120 V, 40 W minimum . . 7 manual
. TI032-3W-5 . .500 W @ 120 V, 40 W minimum . . 7 manual
. TI034-3W . . . 500 W @ 120 V, 40 W minimum . . Sunset/sunrise
. TI070-3W . . . 500 W @ 120 V, 40 W minimum . . 7 manual + Sunset/sunrise
. TI073-3W . . . 500 W @ 120 V, 40 W minimum . . 21 manual + Sunset/sunrise
. TI033 . . . . . . 2400 W max., 1 HP @ 120 V . . . . 7 manual
. TI035 . . . . . . 2400 W max., 1 HP @ 120 V . . . . Sunset/sunrise
. TI071 . . . . . . 1800 W @ 120 V, 0 W minimum . . 7 manual + Sunset/sunrise
. TI072-3W . . . 1800 W @ 120 V, 0 W minimum . . 21 manual + Sunset/sunrise
The 3W means 3-way. The -5 is almond color.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Aube Timer Switch with Sunrise Sunset Single or 3 Way TI072-3W neutral required

This Aube TI072-3W electrical time switch can be used to schedule lighting on/off times including incandescent, halogen, fluorescent lights. Programmable on/off times or based on sunrise/sunset offsets. Can be used in single pole or 3 way installations. Can operate in manual, automatic and random modes for that lived in look. Back-lit display and confirmation LED indicating load status.

Get 33% OFF

Click here for more information about Aube Timer Switch with Sunrise Sunset Single or 3 Way TI072-3W neutral required

GE 15086 In Wall, 7-Day Digital Timer Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)Installed GE Model 15086 unit ~ 2 mo ago. Installation & programming easy and unit initially worked well. Immediately found it to be unreliable due to extreme sensitivity (understatement) to lightning which knocked unit off line (blinking display)3 or 4 times. All wiring properly/securely installed. After most recent incident, unit will turn lights on but WILL NOT turn them off. Removing/replacing unit today, hopefully with non-digital (elec motor driven)type.

Click Here to see more reviews about: GE 15086 In Wall, 7-Day Digital Timer

AUTOMATE INDOOR OR OUTDOOR LIGHTS USING EASY PRESET OPTIONS OR CUSTOM SETTINGS FOR EACH DAY OF THE WEEK; 7-DAY PROGRAMMABLE TIMER; REPLACES STANDARD WALL SWITCH; MANUAL OVERRIDE ON/OFF SWITCH; IDEAL FOR LIGHTS, FANS, HEATERS & PUMPS; CFL READY; HELPS REDUCE POWER USAGE & SAVE MORE ENERGY DOLLARS

Get 53% OFF

Click here for more information about GE 15086 In Wall, 7-Day Digital Timer

Intermatic ST01AC Heavy Duty In-Wall Timer with Astronomic Feature, Almond Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)Purchased ST01AC for the porch light and it works great. Instructions are good, easy to install and program. Even comes with a quick program instruction sheet so you can have it working in minutes. I replaced a single pole switch with it but it can be used with a 3 way switch also. Can be set for the new DST and can even be adjusted. i.e.: I set it to come on at Dusk but I advanced the sunset time 15 minuets so it comes on 15 minuets after sunset (saves about 2 hrs. burn time a week) then turn off at a certain time rather than burn all night and turn off at sunrise, which it can also do. Overall a good switch for the money, I would buy another one and I just might for the driveway lights.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Intermatic ST01AC Heavy Duty In-Wall Timer with Astronomic Feature, Almond

Sold as each. Same settings Monday through Friday, Saturday & Sunday. All 7 days of the week or individual daily settings. Set it once and never set it again. Sunrise/sunset times. Up to 6 on/off settings per 7-day period a total of 42 on/42 off settings per week. To the minute setting accuracy. LCD digital clock and readout. Battery backup. Manual override feature. Almond color . Manufacturer number: ST01AC. SKU #: 3239076. Country of origin: China. Distributed by Intermatic, Inc.

Click here for more information about Intermatic ST01AC Heavy Duty In-Wall Timer with Astronomic Feature, Almond

Aube by Honeywell TI070-3W/U ECONO Switch Programmable Timer Switch, White Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)The timer works as most people have already discussed in their reviews, and is great because no other timer I have found will control compact fluorescent bulbs (CFL's). However, please be VERY careful wiring it.
A distinction that should be clarified is that this TI070 model must have a load OVER 40 watts in order to function. If you are controlling CFL's (as I am) that is more than 3 bulbs since a 60W incandescent equivalent draws just 13 watts. I actually had to add a fourth bulb to bring the total load from 39 watts to 52 watts (slightly wasteful). However, the TI071 model can handle loads less than 40 watts according to the instructions. But, apparently that model requires a neutral wire, which the TI070 model does NOT.
So, to summarize:
TI070 model: Needs a load of at least 40 watts, does NOT need a neutral wire connection
TI071 model: Can handle a smaller load below 40 watts, DOES need a neutral wire connection
Hope this is helpful!
UPDATE (8/1/10): I also recently bought a TI071 model (for loads below 40 watts) and it also works great. I am very pleased with these products because they can control CFL bulbs, and with our high electric rates here in CA, that is important.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Aube by Honeywell TI070-3W/U ECONO Switch Programmable Timer Switch, White

Offering easy installation and flexible seven-day programming, the Aube by Honeywell TI070-3W ECONOSWITCH Seven-Day Solar Programmable Wall Switch helps save money by ensuring that your lights come on only when you need them. This eco-friendly unit works with incandescent, halogen, and fluorescent lighting, making it ideal for indoor or outdoor use.
Customized Lighting Saves Money and EnergyWhether you want your outdoor floodlights to come on once the sun goes down, or your indoor lights to randomly turn on and off when you're away from home, the ECONOSWITCH is a great way to gain peace of mind. This programmable timer switch can help make you feel more secure and can also save you money on energy costs.
The ECONOSWITCH'S three modes of operation make it easy to create a customized lighting program that fits your lifestyle. The manual mode operates via a conventional on/off switch. The automatic mode turns lights on/off at sunset and sunrise, or on at sunset and off at your own programmed time--this mode also adjusts for daylight saving. You can also choose vacation mode, which randomly activates your lights to simulate a presence when you're away from home.
Fast Installation and Easy ProgrammingThanks to clear instructions and labeled wires, the ECONOSWITCH is quick and easy to install and program. The intuitive three-button interface makes it simple to create up to seven programs per week--the programs can apply to a single day or the entire week via a single-pole (two-wire) or multi-switch (three-way) connection (500-watt maximum and 40-watt minimum). Additionally, for each day of the week, you can choose sunset/sunrise programming, specific on/off times, or both.
And when the seasons change, you can count on your lights turning on only when outside conditions warrant--automatic daylight saving updates mean you don't have to reprogram.
Versatile Unit Features Backlit Display and LEDDesigned for versatility, the ECONOSWITCH works with incandescent, halogen, and fluorescent lighting (compatible with electronic ballasts). For further convenience, a large, white backlit display includes a night light mode for easy reading in dark areas. There's also a confirmation LED for at-a-glance load status (on or off).
Dimensions and Warranty InformationSA and UL certified, with a sleek design that fits flush against a standard wall plate (not included), the ECONOSWITCH measures a compact 1.7 by 2.7 by 1.7 inches (W x H x D).
The Aube by Honeywell TI070-3W ECONOSWITCH Seven-Day Solar Programmable Wall Switch is backed by a three-year warranty.
About Aube: Comfort, Quality, and SavingsSince 1991 the Aube brand has symbolized quality, precision, and trust. In September 2008, it became part of Honeywell--an industry leader in energy-saving products. Today, Honeywell's Aube line includes programmable switches, thermostats, relays, electronic timers, digital thermometers, and hygrometers. No matter what your energy management needs may be, there's an Aube product that's right for you.
Designed in Canada, Aube products provide comfort and consistent energy savings. Whether you want to cut heating costs or have your lights turn on only when you need them, choosing Aube is a smart way to help the environment and improve your home.
What's in the BoxSeven-Day Solar Programmable Wall Switch and instruction manual.

Get 29% OFF

Click here for more information about Aube by Honeywell TI070-3W/U ECONO Switch Programmable Timer Switch, White