How to Install Hardwired Countdown or Programmable Timer

This video will demonstrate how to install the Leviton VPT24 programmable timer and the Leviton LTB series countdown timer switches. Please be certain to follow all wiring instructions and diagrams provided with these products. If you're unsure about any part of the instructions, or if you're not comfortable or familiar with working with electrical wiring, it is advisable to contact an electrician.

When installing and terminating these Leviton devices, have the following tools on hand: a flathead screwdriver, a Phillips head screwdriver, electrician's pliers, a wire stripper, electrical tape, a handheld voltage tester, and properly sized wire connectors. This installation takes approximately 15 minutes. The process shown follows general guidelines, but local codes take precedence. Be sure to turn the power off at the circuit breaker and use a voltage tester to ensure that the power is completely off.

Now we need to identify the hot wire. To do this, turn the circuit breaker back on and carefully use the voltage tester to test each wire. The hot wire will be indicated by the tester. Once identified, turn off the circuit breaker to shut off the power, and test again to ensure that the power is off. Use a small piece of electrical tape to label the hot wire. It is also important to identify whether the wiring application is a single pole or a three-way application. If the wiring in the wall box does not resemble either of these configurations, consult an electrician. For this demonstration, we will proceed with a single pole application.

Visit youtube.com/leviton to view a three-way installation video, including how to wire the matching remote. In this example, there is a black hot line wire, a black load wire, two white neutral wires, and a bare copper wire which serves as the ground. Keep in mind that the color of the wires can vary; the hot wire may be black or red, while the ground wire could be green or bare copper. If you're unsure about the wiring, it is best to contact an electrician.

Next, ensure that the wires are prepared for installation. These devices are equipped with pigtail leads, which require tying them together with the existing wires coming out of the wall and capping them with wire connectors for security. The ends of the wires on the device have been prepared so that a small piece of insulation can be easily removed to expose the correct amount of conductor needed for terminating. With your fingers, pull firmly on this insulation to remove the pre-stripped section.

After that, twist the exposed stranded copper wiring in a clockwise direction to prepare it for termination. Twisting it clockwise helps make it easier to secure with a wire connector. Make sure that the ends of the wires from the wall box are straight and stripped approximately 5/8 of an inch. If they are not, you may need to cut them. Connect the green ground lead to the green or bare copper wire in the wall box and twist in a clockwise direction. Insert them into a properly sized wire connector and twist the connector until the conductors bottom out inside and cannot be twisted further.

Repeat this step with the line wall box wire to the black lead and the load wall box wire to the red lead. Finally, connect the neutral wall box wire to the white lead. The wires are now terminated. Note that the timer switch's yellow-red lead should have a red insulation label affixed, which is only used for three-way installations. If the insulating label is not affixed, use electrical tape or a wire connector to cover it. Dress the terminated wires with electrical tape to ensure stability before the device is installed in the wall box.

The device is now terminated. Position all wires to provide room in the outlet wall box for the device, ensuring that the word "TOP" is facing up on the device. Partially screw in the mounting screws in the wall box mounting holes. Restore power at the circuit breaker, and we will now test the device. Press any timer button to turn the load on. If the load does not turn on, refer to the troubleshooting section of the instruction sheet.

Turn off power at the circuit breaker, tighten the mounting screws into the wall box, and attach the wall plate. Restore power at the circuit breaker. Your Leviton VPT24 Programmable Timer or Leviton LTB Series Countdown Timer Switch is now ready for use. For more information about the VPT24 Programmable Timer and the LTB Series Countdown Timer Switches from Leviton, visit Leviton.com/Timer.