SwitchLinc Timer Owner’s Manual
•
Be sure that you have turned off the circuit breaker or removed the fuse for the circuit you are
installing SwitchLinc in. Installing SwitchLinc with the power on will expose you to dangerous
voltages.
•
Connect only copper or copper-clad wire to SwitchLinc
•
SwitchLinc may feel warm during operation. The amount of heat generated is within approved
limits and poses no hazards. To minimize heat buildup, ensure that the area surrounding the rear
of SwitchLinc has adequate ventilation by clearing away excess insulation.
•
SwitchLinc requires a small amount of power to operate, which it receives from a connection to
the NEUTRAL electrical wire (usually white). If you are replacing a standard mechanical switch
with SwitchLinc, the switch you are replacing may not normally have a connection to the
NEUTRAL wire. However, most junction boxes will contain a NEUTRAL wire that you can
connect SwitchLinc to. If the junction box does not contain a NEUTRAL wire, please contact the
INSTEON Gold Support Line or consult an electrician.
•
Each SwitchLinc is assigned a unique INSTEON ID, which is printed on the device’s label. It is
recommended that you prepare a list of all the devices you are installing, including their
INSTEON ID and their location (e.g., 01.F7.G5, Mike’s bedroom light). It is only necessary to
know the INSTEON IDs if you will be using optional automation software (such as Smarthome’s
HouseLinc) to program and control your devices. However, it will be helpful to have a list of your
devices, should you choose to use automation software later. Creating a list prior to installation
will prevent you from needing to re-open all the junction boxes and fixtures to determine the
INSTEON IDs.
IMPORTANT!
If you are not knowledgeable about and comfortable with electrical circuitry, you should have a qualified
electrician install SwitchLinc for you. If you have any questions, please consult an electrician or call:
INSTEON Gold Support Line
800-762-7845
Identifying the Electrical Wires in your Home
To install SwitchLinc, you will need to identify the following four wires:
•
LINE - usually black, may also be called HOT or LIVE, carries electricity
into
the switch
•
LOAD - usually black, red, or blue, carries electricity
away
from the switch and to the load
•
NEUTRAL - usually white, may not previously be connected to mechanical switches
•
GROUND - bare copper wire
You can usually identify the wires based on color. If you are unable to distinguish the wires by color alone
(LINE and LOAD wires are often the same color), you will need a voltage tester to find the LINE wire:
1) Be sure no exposed wires are touching anything and then enable power to the switch from the circuit
breaker or fuse panel
2) Use a voltage tester to find the wire that carries 110 – 120 Volts. This is the LINE wire.
3) Once you have identified the LINE wire, be sure to disable power at the circuit breaker before
resuming installation
If you are having difficulties identifying wires, consult an electrician to help you.
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