Honeywell TI032 Timer Switch Review

Honeywell TI032 Timer Switch Review

Aube by Honeywell TI032-3W/U 7-Day Programmable Timer Switch

Note this particular time WILL NOT WORK unless the load is at least 40W- which could be a problem with CCFL bulbs. I ordered the timer, and this warning is prominent on the back of the package, but not clear in the Amazon product description.

This is a high-quality timer, well-designed with all the features you would want. Easy to program, and easy to override the program. But make sure to read the fine print before ordering. There are several similar models, but they differ in wattage requirements and neutral-wiring requirements. You have to dig deep into the product details to discover this.

I have had 4 of these switches installed for over a year now, and they have been simply excellent. They are straightforward to program, and they have worked flawlessly. They also look great.

I bought these instead of the intermatics, which are simply AWFUL units. The Intermatics use mechanical timers, and they burn out all the time (I have many friends who moan about them regularly). These units are MUCH better, being digital. No problems, no complaints.
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. 
 
Honeywell TI032 Timer Switch Review – This is a very easy to install timer. It installs in a two wire arrangement, where there is a hot wire, and a wire coming from the light fixture and each one comes to the switch. This is how 99% of the switches are wired in the US, so if you aren’t sure which of the timer models, this is the model to buy first.

It will also install on a three-way circuit. Such circuits are common at either end of a hallway, where two switches operate the same light fixture. In that case, there are three wires running to each of the two switches. Note that if you are installing a brand new circuit, you only need one timer, and the second switch need only be an inexpensive single pole switch, the cheapest you can buy, as the second switch just signals this unit to turn the fixture on or off.

As other posters have noted, the minimum wattage is 40 watts. If you have a single fluorescent bulb on the circuit, this timer probably won’t work, unless the bulb is 4′ long tube. Maximum is 500 watts, and the instructions say it will get very warm at 500 watts, so that may be pushing it.

Once installed, the instructions step you through setting the clock, and then programming the settings. Programming is simple, but note that the programming leaves a little to be desired. The reason is this: each of the 7 settings (one setting includes an on time and an off time) either is used for a single day, or all 7 days. There is no option to set a single program entry for Monday – Friday or Saturday-Sunday. If you want the lights to come on in the early morning, go back off, come back on in the evening and go back off in the late evening, but only M-F and stay off on weekends, you’re out of luck. That would require ten program settings (2 for each of the 5 days) and you only get 7.

Programming is protected during power outages by a rechargeable battery that is supplied. The lights will not work nor will the clock display during an outage, but programming is held. I didn’t see any instructions on replacing the rechargeable battery, so I assume this function will only work for the first 4-5 years until the battery conks out and then it will lose programming at a power outage. Honeywell TI032 Timer Switch Review –  The programming is fast and easy – not a big issue.

The plate under the clock can be pressed to turn the fixture on or off while the program is running. At the next program event, on or off, the switch will take over again. There is a setting to suspend operation of the program without losing the programming, so that you can operate it manually and the program will not take back over at the next event.

Instructions are extremely clear.

The clock is not lit, so you can’t use the unit as a night light.

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.

I would like more flexible programming, but that usually comes with complexity. There isn’t much space there for a display. Features that I would appreciate but are lacking: option to set an offset (sunset +/- nn minutes), a random feature where it would vary the actual on/off times by +/- nn minutes (minor point, because it already vary some because of changing sunset/sunrise times), automatic adjustment for daylight savings. The timer does not appear to keep perfect time.

This timer is easy to install, fits perfectly in the electrical box, wiring was simple to understand and it is easy to program. Great for lights coming on/off when you are away or arrive/depart in the dark.
Great option for ensuring your outside lights are on, whether you’re home or not.