[kettle0fish]

Replacing an old timer which runs the jets on a whirlpool tub.

Wall has 2 wire bundles, each with black, white, bare copper.

Current timer uses the 2 black wires only. No markings on timer indicating anything about the wires.

New timer has connections for black, white, and red. Can I use this timer? How do I connect it?

Thanks

[tkrussell]

Need to know the make and model number of the new timer, so we know what it does, and how it works. and figure out how to connect it, providing we can find the instructions at the manufacturers website.

Otherwise we will just be guessing.

[kettle0fish]

GE Indoor Auto Shut-Off Timer model 15069.

Thanks.

[tkrussell]

I tried but nt able to find a manual or instructions for this timer. It is sold at Home Depot among other places, but GE does not acknowledge it. GE probably just sells its name to someone else who makes it.

With it having a white wire, I suspect it needs a neutral to work the timer. One black wire will be the hot feed to the Line of the timer, the other black will be the Load.

What do the timer instructions say?

[kettle0fish]

All it has is a diagram as follows:

Wires on the Switch to Wires in Wall

Line (hot) - Black to Black (line)
Neutral - White to White (neutral)
Load - Red to To Load


I guess I really have the following questions:

How do I determine which black is line and which is load?
Do I need to attach both neutral (white) to the switch?
Should I hire someone to do this instead of attempting it myself?

[medic-dan]

Skipping the bare ground wires for now, you only have 2 black and 2 white wires in the box, correct?

The two white wires are connected together? If so they are most likely the neutral.

The two blacks go to the switch, correct?

Do you have a voltmeter or a test light? Are you comfortable powering up the circuit to check for power? If so, you need to remove the cap on the white wires but leave them twisted together. If you have to, use a short jumper to make this test.

Make sure the wires aren't touching anything at all, turn the power on.

Then, carefully test between each black lead and the 2 whites, You should have 120 volts on only one of them. Mark it as line. The other is the load.

If anything isn't as I described STOP and let us know what you find.

So, line goes to black on switch, load goes to red on switch, and white goes to the two whites.

[kettle0fish]

Thanks! I think I can borrow a test light from my neighbor. Your instructions sound like something I can do.

[hkstroud]

What is the voltage of the old timer, what is the voltage of the new timer? How is the old timer wired?

[medic-dan]

Kettle,

The possibility exists that this is a 240 volt circuit. If it is a single breaker, then it should be 120 volt. If it is a double, handles tied, then it is a 240 volt circuit.

A 240 volt timer will normally have 4 wires, to break both legs of the circuit.

If you have any doubts from looking at the breaker, use the voltmeter.

[kettle0fish]

Thanks to everyone for your help. I bought a test light and was able to correctly identify the wires and connect the timer. It seems to be working just fine.