Intermatic FD60MWC 60-Minute Spring Loaded Wall Timer, White

This is my third Intermatic spring timer. More expensive than other brands but very reliable

Sturdy & reliable timer

Our bathroom timer finally gave out after eight years of use, after checking the big box stores all I could find were the digital timers. After doing some reviews on these digital timer they seem to have a short lifespan. Found the lntermatic spring wound timer here on amazon and it’s the exact same replacement for the one I have. I give this timer five stars for ease of installation and use. Time will tell if it last as long as my old one.

Had one of this exact model in a previous residence and it worked for over 20 years. I have every expectation that this one will continue working for that long and likely both will work until the entire system is replaced for other reasons. This timer is simple to install (about ten minutes of actual install work) and simple to use (just turn the dial). If you need a timer that is really accurate, you may need to look into a digital one, since this relies on a spring and no amount of factory calibration will make it that accurate through its entire range, and make it stay that way for decades. I am using this strictly for DC continuity control. What this does provide is a no-power, no-"smart" switch that works right every time, doesn't need your wifi password, doesn't need a subscription, doesn't lose its marbles if you have a power outage, doesn't send your data and usage habits to an aggregator... on and on. I installed this in a junction box, even though in this application it only provides continuity for 24VDC to control a furnace fan. The spring tension also would tend to twist it out of drywall if it were not adequately secured, so a J-box is a good plan. It may also be required per local code; if you're in doubt, check yours before completing your installation.

I just purchased this switch and installed it on my bathroom fan so that I could leave it running for a while after showering. Previously we have been doing this manually, but I usually leave the house right after showering in the AM and so the bathroom was getting mildew. Before buying this switch I bought an electronic timer to install however it turned out my electrical box did not have a neutral connection (as whoever installed my light/fan unit only ran the hot down to the switch box), so using this mechanically (spring) driven switch was the solution. In general I would say the switch is reasonably well made. I see these same brand switches all over the place so they are extremely popular. It was annoying during the install to get the switch lined up in exactly the right spot so that the decora cover plate fit over it. I ended up installing it once with the switch not tightened into the electrical box (so it could move to the right place when I put on the cover), but then once I put the knob on the switch I realized it felt pretty loose and so I went back and tightened down the screws to hold it to the box (just guessing what the alignment should be). Really, the time dial piece of plastic is pretty annoying to install outside of the switch plate - I think they should just build the time dial into the switch (but I think they are riding the fence trying to make one part that works in "classic" light switch face plates and decora style ones. I do have to agree with another commenter that the press-fit dial handle on the front was very hard to put on (plus you don't really know how deep it is supposed to go and when you should stop applying force - breaking the switch is a real possibility). As stated above, I installed the switch twice trying to get the alignment right and pulling the dial handle off was very difficult (resorted to prying with a screwdriver which could mar the switch or the faceplate). This is where I would consider it to be poor quality. (hence only four stars) I also need to call out the instructions from in the box and also posted on this product info page as being poor quality. Specifically, from what I can infer, they offer at least three versions of this switch: Single pole single throw (this one I bought and wrote the review of - it is your basic light switch), single pole double throw (3 way switch), and double pole double throw (i.e. 240v applications where you need to break both "hots"). From what I can glean from the instructions in my package and the wiring examples on this site, the single pole double throw switch actually can do a lot more than that. It seems to have two current paths through the switch, one of which the current is broken when the switch is "on" and one that is closed when the switch is "on". By wiring this switch in different ways you can use it to turn something off during the timed interval, or use it in 3 way situations. They really badly need to provide a series of diagrams that shows the electrical operation of each type of switch rather than just providing specific wiring examples (which they don't explicitly tell you which type of switch you need to buy to accomplish). This is the right switch for a lot of use cases, but I wish there was a slightly higher quality option, better documentation, and a little easier installation in decora style faceplates. -Eric