Honeywell RPLS540A1002/U ECONOSwitch Programmable Timer Switch (White)

While this is the only timer I have ever purchased/installed/used...I can honestly say that this is a relatively inexpensive, easy, and functional home improvement project. I have two of these. One is installed to control the exterior lights out front of my garage, while the other is installed to control the light outside the front door. They both turn on at sunset...with the front door light turning off at 830pm...and the lights outside the garage turning off at 11pm.

While as others have noted, the setup and use of the unit is pretty easy...the installation can be a little difficult depending on the depth of the electrical boxes installed in your home, along with how much wiring is already in there. The Honeywell switch is much deeper and wider than the standard light switch, so you MAY have difficulty getting it to fit into the electrical box.

I installed the the one in my garage first, which is a triple-gang box. The fit was pretty tight...but I was able to squeeze it in there by man-handling some of the wiring that was already in there.

When I went to install the one controlling my front door lights, however, which was in a double-gang...I simply couldn't get it to fit, despite a liberal dose of cussing. After some research, however, I ordered an Arlington BES2 Gang Extender, which expands the box outwards by ~3/4 of an inch. Installation was MUCH easier with that additional space. I am uploading a picture of my timer with the BES2 installed for reference. As of right now, unfortunately, the BES2 is not available on Amazon. I purchased mine through Safemart for about $10.

Also be aware that you'll likely need a new wallplate to install this timer. You'll need one that will have the same number of gangs that you're desired install site has...and can fit a GFCI sized component. For my two-gang install, I used a
Leviton 80405-W 2-Gang 1-Toggle 1-Decora/GFCI Device Combination Wallplate, Standard Size, Thermoset, Device Mount, White

I was really excited to find this product as it is a more elegant solution than a light sensor or an analog timer. I intended to use this switch with an exterior light circuit having two 13 W CFL light bulbs. So I was disappointed when the packaging and instructions said that the switch required 40 W minimum and that it was not compatible with CFLs (missed that in the product description). But so far (only 3 days in) the switch is working fine with the CFLs and 26 W load (have not observed dimming or irregularities in the display as the manual warned if operated with less than 40 W). No idea if the switch or CFL life will be affected, but I will revise my review when/if either fails. I found the installation and programming of the unit to be very straight forward. So far I am very happy with this product

I purchased this switch because I don't have a neutral wire available and wanted a timer switch. Some people (and packaging) say this switch will not work with CFL type bulbs. I installed this switch and it works flawlessly with a total load of 90W on 5 CFL bulbs. I would guess the manufacturer wants a 40W minimum load regardless of bulb type but it will work with CFL's.

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