instructions for westinghouse outdoor timer

Overview of Westinghouse Outdoor Timer

Westinghouse outdoor timers combine durability with smart scheduling. The 28442 model lets you set time‚ day‚ and on/off cycles via the Clock‚ Prog‚ and Minute buttons. Dawn/Dusk modes and multi‑program options make outdoor lighting effortless.

Its design fits post‚ LED display clear .

Model Identification and Compatibility

Westinghouse outdoor timers come in several series‚ the most common being the 28442‚ 28499‚ and 28442‑T models. Each unit is designed for 120‑V residential use and can handle up to 15 A continuous load‚ making them suitable for porch lights‚ landscape fixtures‚ and small appliances. The 28442 features a 7‑day programmable schedule‚ while the 28499 adds a 24‑hour timer and a built‑in dusk‑to‑dawn sensor. The 28442‑T is a compact‚ weather‑sealed version that includes a remote‑control outlet for added convenience. Compatibility is determined by the device’s voltage rating‚ amperage capacity‚ and the presence of a built‑in sensor. For example‚ the 28442 can be paired with a 120‑V‚ 15 A outdoor receptacle‚ whereas the 28499’s dusk‑to‑dawn function requires a clear sky view of the horizon to accurately detect sunset and sunrise times. All models support the standard 120‑V AC input and can be wired to a 15‑A circuit breaker. When selecting a timer‚ verify that the load’s power rating does not exceed the timer’s 15 A limit and that the wiring is rated for outdoor use (e.g.‚ UF‑B cable). The timers are also compatible with most LED‚ halogen‚ and incandescent fixtures‚ but high‑power LED fixtures may require a separate ballast or driver that can handle the timer’s inrush current. Finally‚ the Westinghouse 28442 series can be integrated with a HomeKit‑compatible smart hub via a compatible relay module‚ allowing voice control and remote scheduling through a smartphone app. This feature expands the timer’s utility beyond simple on/off programming‚ enabling users to create dynamic lighting scenes that respond to weather conditions and time of day. Installation requires a neutral wire‚ a ground connection‚ and a dedicated circuit to ensure safety and compliance with local electrical codes. If the timer’s built‑in dusk‑to‑dawn sensor is not functioning correctly‚ users can manually adjust the sunset and sunrise times via the programming mode‚ ensuring accurate lighting schedules even in cloudy conditions. For advanced users‚ the timer’s firmware can be updated through the manufacturer’s support portal‚ providing new features such as extended memory for custom schedules and improved energy‑saving algorithms.

Safety Precautions Before Installation

Before mounting a Westinghouse outdoor timer‚ turn off the circuit breaker that supplies power to the load. Use a voltage tester to confirm no voltage is present at the wiring terminals. Wear insulated gloves and safety glasses to protect against accidental contact with live wires. Verify that the wiring gauge matches the timer’s rating—14‑AWG for a 15‑A circuit. Ensure the neutral and ground conductors are properly connected and that the ground wire is bonded to the enclosure. The timer’s housing should be mounted in a ventilated location; avoid areas with excessive moisture or direct exposure to rain. If the timer is installed in a weather‑sealed enclosure‚ confirm that the sealant is intact and that the enclosure is rated for the local climate. Use only UL‑listed or equivalent wiring and connectors. When connecting the load‚ double‑check polarity: the line (L) and neutral (N) must be wired correctly to the timer’s input terminals. For outdoor installations‚ use UF‑B cable or conduit to protect wiring from moisture. Secure all connections with appropriate wire nuts or crimp connectors‚ and torque them to the manufacturer’s specifications. After wiring‚ perform a continuity check between the ground and the enclosure to ensure a low‑resistance path. Finally‚ before powering the system‚ review local code requirements for outdoor receptacles and timer installations‚ and obtain permits; Following these precautions helps prevent electrical shock‚ short circuits‚ and hazards during and after installation. Stay safe!All

Required Tools and Materials

Below is a concise list of items you’ll need to install a Westinghouse outdoor timer safely and efficiently. Gather each tool before starting to avoid interruptions.

• Voltage tester or multimeter – to confirm zero voltage at the wiring terminals.
• Insulated wire cutters/strippers – for cutting and stripping UF‑B or THHN/THWN cable.
• 6‑to‑8‑mm wrench set – to tighten the mounting brackets and terminal screws.
• Adjustable spanner – useful for tightening the enclosure’s mounting bolts.
• Heat‑shrink tubing or electrical tape – to insulate spliced connections.
• Wire nuts (10‑20 mm) – for secure wire splices.
• Grounding clamp – to attach the ground wire to the enclosure.
• Level and stud finder – to ensure the timer is mounted square and on a solid surface.
• Drill with drill bits – for pre‑drilling holes in the mounting surface.
• Safety glasses and insulated gloves – to protect against accidental contact with live wires.
• UL‑listed conduit or UF‑B cable – for outdoor wiring protection.
• Weather‑sealed enclosure (if not integrated) – to house the timer in harsh conditions.
• Manual or quick‑reference guide – for programming steps and troubleshooting.
• Cable crimper – to secure connectors on UF‑B or THHN/THWN cable.
• Torque wrench – to ensure terminal screws are tightened to spec.
• Screwdriver set (Phillips and flathead) – for mounting hardware.
• Cable ties – to bundle and secure wiring neatly.
• Label stickers – to identify line‚ neutral‚ and ground wires.
• Cable gland – to seal cable entry points against moisture.

When selecting cable‚ ensure it meets the voltage rating of the circuit and is rated for outdoor use. For residential applications‚ 14‑AWG UF‑B is common‚ but larger circuits may require 12‑AWG or 10‑AWG. The enclosure should be rated at least IP65 to resist water ingress. Use a 3‑way switch or a dedicated timer outlet if you plan to control multiple loads. Label each wire with color codes: red for line‚ black for neutral‚ green or bare for ground. Keep the timer’s internal fuse within the recommended amperage to protect the device. Use a labeled diagram to trace the wiring path from the breaker to the timer and then to the load. Store any unused wire in a separate cable tray to prevent tangling. Finally‚ keep a copy of the manufacturer’s data sheet handy for reference during troubleshooting.

Mounting the Timer on a Wall or Post

Choose a location that is both accessible for programming and protected from direct rain or snow. Use a level to ensure the mounting plate is horizontal‚ and a stud finder or metal detector to locate a solid stud or metal post behind the wall. Mark the drill points with a pencil‚ then pre‑drill holes that match the size of the mounting screws (usually 3/16” or 1/4”). Insert the mounting screws‚ tightening them with a wrench until the plate is firmly attached. If mounting to a metal post‚ use a mounting bracket that includes a clamp or set screw to lock the timer in place. Slide the timer into the enclosure‚ aligning the screw holes with the plate‚ and tighten the enclosure screws‚ making sure the timer is snug but not over‑tightened. Attach the weather‑seal gasket around the enclosure’s perimeter‚ then snap the cover on. Verify that the timer is level and that the cover is sealed against moisture. This mounting procedure ensures the timer remains stable‚ protected‚ and ready for power connections.

When routing the cable keep it short to reduce voltage drop. Use a conduit or burial cable rated for outdoor use and secure it. At the enclosure strip the cable ends attach wire nuts and connect to the line neutral and ground terminals. Use a grounding clamp to secure the ground wire to the enclosure’s grounding screw. Apply heat‑shrink tubing or electrical tape to all splices for added protection. Once the wiring is complete‚ close the enclosure‚ double‑check the seal‚ and test the timer’s on/off function before finalizing the installation. If the timer is mounted on a post‚ consider adding a protective sleeve or housing to shield it from wind and debris. Always follow the manufacturer’s torque specifications for all screws to avoid over‑tightening‚ which can compromise the enclosure’s integrity!!

Connecting Power and Load Wires

Before connecting‚ verify that the power source is de‑energized. Strip the insulation on the line‚ neutral‚ and ground wires to about ¾ inch. Twist the bare conductors together and secure with a wire nut. Connect the line to the “L” terminal‚ neutral to “N”‚ and ground to the green grounding screw. If the timer has a separate load terminal‚ attach the load wires in the same manner. Use heat‑shrink tubing or electrical tape over each splice to prevent corrosion. Route the cable through a weather‑proof conduit or burial cable rated for outdoor use‚ ensuring the cable is secured with clamps every 4‑6 feet. At the enclosure‚ use a grounding clamp to fasten the ground wire to the enclosure’s grounding screw. After all connections are made‚ double‑check the polarity and tighten all terminals to the manufacturer’s torque specifications. Finally‚ close the enclosure‚ seal the gasket‚ and restore power to test the timer’s operation. If the timer is mounted on a post‚ consider adding a protective sleeve or housing to shield it from wind and debris. Always follow the manufacturer’s torque specifications for all screws to avoid over‑tightening‚ which can compromise the enclosure’s integrity!!

Refer to the wiring diagram in the manual’s appendix for exact terminal placement. Use a multimeter to confirm continuity before sealing the enclosure. By following these steps‚ you’ll achieve a secure‚ code‑compliant installation that protects both the timer and the connected load from electrical hazards.

Always double‑check that all wires are securely fastened and that the enclosure’s gasket is sealed to prevent moisture ingress. Check connections before use.

Basic On/Off Functionality

The Westinghouse outdoor timer’s core function is to control power delivery to connected devices by switching them on and off at programmed times. To start‚ press the Prog button once; the display will flash the current hour‚ indicating the timer is ready for a new program. Use the Hour and Minute buttons to set the desired start time‚ then press Prog again to lock the on‑time. Repeat the same steps to set the off‑time‚ ensuring the timer knows when to cut power and when to restore it. The timer supports single‑cycle and multi‑cycle programs‚ allowing separate on/off windows for each day of the week. When the timer reaches the programmed on‑time‚ it energizes the load; at the off‑time it de‑energizes‚ providing a reliable‚ automated solution for outdoor lighting‚ irrigation‚ or HVAC systems. Users can manually override the schedule by pressing the Manual button‚ which temporarily bypasses the programmed times until the next scheduled cycle. This feature is useful during power outages or when testing the system. For safety‚ always verify that the timer’s status LEDs reflect the correct state—green for on‚ red for off—before relying on the schedule. The timer’s built‑in surge protection safeguards connected equipment from voltage spikes‚ making it suitable for harsh outdoor environments. Finally‚ reset the timer to factory defaults if persistent issues arise; this clears all stored programs and restores the original settings‚ giving a clean slate for new configurations. Remember to check the timer’s manual for model‑specific quirks before finalizing schedule.

Setting the Current Time and Date

To synchronize the Westinghouse outdoor timer with the real‑world clock‚ begin by pressing the Clock button. While holding the Day and Hour buttons simultaneously‚ the display will cycle through the available time values. Release the Day button first to lock the hour‚ then release the Hour button to confirm the hour selection. Next‚ use the Minute button to fine‑tune the minutes; each press increments the minute value by one. When the desired minute is displayed‚ press the Clock button again to confirm the time setting. The timer’s internal clock will now reflect the correct hour and minute‚ ensuring that all scheduled programs trigger at the intended moments. For models that support date configuration‚ the Day button can be used to cycle through the days of the week. Hold the Day button until the desired day appears on the screen‚ then press Clock to lock the day selection. This feature is particularly useful for programs that vary by weekday versus weekend. After setting the time and date‚ double‑check the display to confirm that the correct values are shown. If the timer’s display shows an incorrect time‚ repeat the process‚ making sure to release the buttons in the correct order. Once the time and date are verified‚ the timer is ready to accept new on/off schedules. Keep in mind that the timer’s clock runs continuously‚ even when the device is powered off‚ thanks to a small backup battery. This allows the timer to maintain accurate time over long periods of inactivity. If the backup battery is depleted‚ the timer will reset to a default time‚ so replace it promptly to avoid schedule disruptions. Proper time and date configuration is essential for reliable operation‚ especially when using dawn/dusk or day‑of‑week programs that depend on precise timing. By keeping the timer’s clock accurate‚ you eliminate the risk of missed lighting schedules‚ ensuring both safety and energy savings throughout the year. If the timer’s internal clock drifts‚ it can cause programs to run at wrong times‚ so it’s advisable to check the time now and adjust as needed

Programming a Simple On/Off Schedule

Begin by ensuring the timer’s clock is correct; the on/off program will reference this time. Press the Prog button to enter programming mode. The display will show a blinking “ON” indicator. Use the Day button to cycle through the days of the week until the desired day appears. Once the day is selected‚ press Prog again to lock the day. Next‚ press Hour to set the start hour; each press increments the hour value. After the hour is correct‚ press Prog to confirm. Then press Minute to fine‑tune the start minute; each press adds one minute. Confirm the start time by pressing Prog once more. The display will now show the scheduled start time. To set the end time‚ repeat the same sequence: press Prog‚ use Hour and Minute to choose the desired off hour and minute‚ and press Prog to lock each value. When both start and end times are set‚ the timer will automatically toggle the load on and off at the programmed times. The timer’s LED will flash during the active period‚ indicating the program is running. If it does not flash‚ verify the load connection and power supply. The internal memory keeps the program after power loss‚ thanks to a backup battery; if the battery fails‚ the timer resets to factory defaults and must be re‑programmed. This simple setup saves energy and enhances safety. Check the LED for program status now!

Configuring Day-of-Week Specific Programs

To tailor the Westinghouse timer for weekly variations‚ use the built‑in day selector. Press the Prog button; the display will blink “ON” for the first day slot. Cycle through Monday to Sunday by repeatedly pressing the Day button until the desired day lights up. Once the day is chosen‚ press Prog again to lock that day. The timer now awaits the start time for that specific day. Set the hour by pressing Hour until the correct value appears‚ then press Prog to confirm. Adjust the minute with Minute‚ pressing it until the desired minute is shown‚ and press Prog to lock. Repeat the same procedure for the end time: press Prog‚ set the hour‚ confirm‚ set the minute‚ confirm. The LED will flash at the programmed start and stop at the end‚ indicating the load is active only on that day. To create a different schedule for another day‚ simply return to the Prog entry‚ press Day to select the new day‚ and repeat the hour/minute steps. The timer stores each day’s program separately‚ so you can have a 6‑hour operation on weekdays and a 12‑hour operation on weekends without conflict. Always verify the LED status after each change; a steady light means it is ready‚ while a blinking light indicates programming mode. This day‑specific configuration allows precise control over outdoor lighting‚ ensuring energy savings and consistent ambiance throughout the week. Additionally‚ the timer supports the Dusk button after setting the day program. It turns the load on at sunset and off at sunrise times.!!!??

Using Dawn/Dusk Settings for Outdoor Lighting

Westinghouse outdoor timers feature a dedicated Dawn/Dusk mode that automatically activates your lights at sunset and deactivates them at sunrise‚ eliminating the need for manual scheduling. To enable this feature‚ press the Dusk button while the timer is in programming mode. The LED will flash twice indicating that the timer has entered dusk‑setting mode. Next‚ use the Hour and Minute buttons to set the sunset time for your location. Once the desired time is displayed‚ press Prog to confirm. The timer will now turn the connected load on at that sunset time. To program sunrise‚ press the Sunrise button‚ set the desired time using hour and minute controls‚ and press Prog again. The LED will blink to confirm the setting. After both times are programmed‚ the timer will automatically switch the load on at dusk and off at dawn each day. If you need to adjust for seasonal changes‚ simply repeat the process on the day that the sunset or sunrise shifts. The timer’s internal clock must be accurate; use the Clock button to sync the date and time before setting dawn/dusk. For locations with daylight‑saving adjustments‚ remember to update the clock accordingly. The Dawn/Dusk feature is ideal for landscape lighting‚ security fixtures‚ or any outdoor appliance that benefits from natural light cycles. By leveraging this automatic mode‚ you reduce power consumption and ensure consistent lighting without daily intervention.

Implementing Multiple Programs per Day

Westinghouse timers support up to eight on/off programs per day. To add a program‚ press Prog until the LED flashes‚ set the day with Day‚ then use Hour and Minute for start time‚ press Prog‚ set end time and confirm. Repeat for each slot. The timer’s memory stores all entries‚ which run automatically on the selected days. To delete‚ press Prog until flashing‚ select the day‚ and confirm removal. Overlapping schedules are merged into a single period; to avoid this‚ schedule non‑overlapping times or use the Off program during the overlap. The Mode button switches between Day and Night operation‚ allowing the same programs to run during daylight or nighttime hours. The Repeat feature lets a single program run on multiple days by selecting Repeat during setup‚ reducing the number of entries needed. To review the active schedule‚ press View; the display scrolls through each day’s programs. For daylight saving adjustments‚ sync the internal clock with Clock before reprogramming. The timer will shift all times‚ keeping the schedule without manual recalculation. If you need to change the schedule for a holiday‚ simply press Prog‚ select the day‚ adjust the times‚ and confirm. The timer will remember the new settings until you reset it to factory defaults

Resetting to Factory Defaults

To restore a Westinghouse outdoor timer to its original factory settings‚ locate the small reset button on the back of the unit. With the timer powered‚ press and hold the button for 10 seconds until the LED blinks rapidly. Release the button; the display flashes repeatedly‚ showing that all programmed schedules‚ time‚ date‚ and custom settings have been cleared. The timer reboots‚ resetting the clock to the factory time zone and clearing any day‑of‑week or dawn/dusk configurations. After reboot‚ set the current time and date with the Clock function‚ then re‑program your desired on/off schedules. If the timer does not respond‚ double‑check the power connection and ensure the reset button is fully depressed. In rare cases‚ a power cycle (disconnect for 30 seconds) may be needed before the reset takes effect. Once reset‚ the unit runs with default parameters: 12‑hour display‚ no scheduled programs‚ and standard on/off behavior. This process is useful when troubleshooting persistent errors or preparing the timer for a new installation. After resetting‚ verify the internal clock against a reliable time source; if it is off‚ adjust it using the Clock button. Some models let you set a default power‑on behavior‚ such as turning the load on immediately after power is restored; press the Mode button during reset to configure this. Finally‚ always test the timer after reprogramming by manually switching the load to confirm the schedule functions correctly. If any anomalies persist‚ refer to the troubleshooting section for advanced diagnostics.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

When a Westinghouse outdoor timer behaves oddly‚ start with the most common culprits. First‚ verify the power supply: the unit requires a 120 V AC source with a neutral connection. A loose or corroded terminal can cause intermittent operation. Check the load wiring; ensure the hot‚ neutral‚ and ground are correctly connected to the timer’s terminals. If the timer’s LED remains off‚ the device may have tripped its internal fuse; replace it with a 10 A fuse of the same rating. Next‚ confirm the time setting. The timer will not execute a program if the internal clock is off by more than a few minutes. Use the Clock button to reset the time‚ holding Day and Hour for 5 seconds‚ then adjust minutes with the Minute button. After setting the correct time‚ re‑enter any scheduled programs. A common error is mis‑entering the day code; the device uses 1–7 for Monday–Sunday. If a program is scheduled for a non‑existent day‚ it will be ignored. Another frequent issue is the “Dawn/Dusk” mode. The timer calculates sunrise and sunset based on the latitude set in the manual; if the latitude is incorrect‚ the light may turn on too early or late. Adjust the latitude in the settings menu‚ then test the schedule. Finally‚ if the timer still does not switch the load‚ test the output relay by measuring the voltage at the load terminals while the timer is in the “on” state. A missing voltage indicates a relay failure; replace the unit. If voltage is present but the load does not activate‚ the load itself may be faulty. Always follow the manufacturer’s safety guidelines when working with electrical components.