 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
Tip #23: Installing Jumpers in a GE Timer
What is Home Depot thinking?
When I started out over 35 years ago, the two competing hardware stores were Scotty's and Handy City. You could find just about anything you needed, the staffs (staves?) were both friendly and reasonably informed. Buying stuff was good. It wasn't great, but it was good.
Then one day, Handy City was selling el crappo tools. Hard as you look, there wasn't a Scotty's Helper to find in any aisle. You couldn't fill a short shopping list in either store. And like that, both were gone.
Suddenly Home Depot burst from the heavens. Big, Bold and Everything you could imagine in a hardware Superstore! Have a problem you can't solve? Just roam the aisles of the Oracle of Depot and the solution would mystically manifest itself in your hands. Hunting for stuff was really great!
But nothing blooms forever.
Home Depot has forsaken one of the faithful products I've relied on lo, these many years. Friends, a stalwart Spartan ally has been deserted on the battlefield.
WHAT?
Yep, Home Depot dropped Intermatic timers. And here's what they're peddling now....
The GE Timer. It's cheap plastic instead of Steel. You make your own Jumper Cables (not included) for a 220 volt installation. We're trading tough mechanical parts that we know can last 30 years for delicate electronics that may not make it through the next rainstorm. It's an embarrassment.
Seriously, so no one gets hurt. Here is the official jury-rig to make this timer work on a standard 220 volt pool pump:
Cut two 8" sections of insulated #12 wire (did I mention you purchase these separately) and strip all four ends 1/2". Neatness counts 
Insert one end of wire '1' into slot 'A'. The other end of wire '1' goes into slot 'D'. Tighten securely.
Insert one end of wire '2' into slot 'B'. The other end of wire '2' goes into slot 'G'. Tighten securely.
Now, you're ready to work in the Lines (A & B) and Loads ( E & H) but if you need to make a cleaner pump timer slave to this master pump timer. Hmmmmm. Anybody seen a Home Depot Helper we can ask?
And don't secure the timer box too tightly to an uneven stucco- finish wall. The screw tabs snap off pretty easily, leaving this box dangling by the conduits.
Home Depot, tell me this isn't the start of a short, sad good-bye?
Neat ideas? Our
Return to the main Contractor's Corner Page, or go to Contractor's Page Index for more tips.
