Leviton timer switch dead?

[MEDTECH]

Just installed a new porch light. I had power to the Leviton VPT24 switch before I shut the breaker off to do the install. Went to turn the breaker back on and now the Leviton has no power, no display. I am trying to check continuity on the timer itself with a multimeter but, since the timer is sealed, there are no exposed terminals. Only the wires for Load, Line, Neutral and Ground exiting the housing. Can anyone tell me how to check if this switch is shot? Timer is 7 years old so maybe it is dead but the timing seems weird after installing the new light. And I double-checked the fixture wiring to make sure it is wired correctly. Thanks for any replies

 

[The Cobbler]

assuming you have power to the timer?
unhook the load side and see if the display lights

 

[MEDTECH]

assuming you have power to the timer?
unhook the load side and see if the display lights

I can try that but the timer worked perfectly since I installed it 7 years ago. The old fixture was dead but I still had power and display on the timer. I even checked the connections on the timer and they , wire-nutted and taped, were rock solid. Are you thinking the new light fixture is the issue? I thought about that but the previous fixture that crapped out didn't affect the power to the timer.

 

[The Cobbler]

just a suggestion. when something fails after doing something else. go back a step or 2 and see if that changes anything.
also be sure the breaker is on to the timer . could be coincidental fail, could be something silly

 

[MEDTECH]

just a suggestion. when something fails after doing something else. go back a step or 2 and see if that changes anything.
also be sure the breaker is on to the timer . could be coincidental fail, could be something silly

Thanks, Cobbler. Yes, breaker is on as I have other indoor lights on the same circuit and they are working. Just scratching my head to see if I overlooked anything and , since I double-checked my wiring, i am coming up empty. I'll probably pick up a new timer and install that. Could also return the fixture, too. Like you said, could be just coincidence or even gremlins. Maybe I'll just wire the timer in another location to verify if its good

 

[THF409]

These timer switches have a internal battery for the clock and timer function. Try replacing the battery.

 

[MEDTECH]

These timer switches have a internal battery for the clock and timer function. Try replacing the battery.

I thought so, too but the battery is not user replaceable, according to Leviton

 

[alfredeneuman]

I've had several Leviton timer switches lose their program, and show no display after 6 mos.

 

[THF409]

I thought so, too but the battery is not user replaceable, according to Leviton

I installed one on my garage several months ago and it has a replaceable internal battery. I purchased the switch from Amazon.

 

[ddawg16]

Use your meter to check between ground and hot. You have to have a good ground connected for them to work.

 

[MikeF2316]

Did you try a "device reset"? Usually there is a small hole to push a paper clip through or an obscure key combination that will reset the device.

 

[yatg]

Planned obsolescence. Battery dies, gotta buy a whole new switch. If you can't get it reset I'd crack it open and see if you can replace the battery. No doubt its soldered to the circuit board.

Honestly, that's a pretty cool switch. Beats that crappy timer dial thing I had 30+ years ago for a front porch light.

 

[klassenl]

I have read about the Honeywell timers having the same problem. After 5 years the internal component that holds a charge (battery or capacitor) is shot and once you remove the power it won't come back on.

 

[MEDTECH]

Honestly, that's a pretty cool switch. Beats that crappy timer dial thing I had 30+ years ago for a front porch light. Agreed. I've used it for 7 years and it worked flawlessly up until noI have read about the Honeywell timers having the same problem. After 5 years the internal component that holds a charge (battery or capacitor) is shot and once you remove the power it won't come back on. That was probably what happened here. Wired in a new switch today and everything is back to normal. Can't say I'm really annoyed , tho. Lasted 7 years ...which will probably be longer than my water heater....and much cheaper to replace. Thanks to everyone, as always, for the great advice

 

[Chilliwack Murray]

One other point to add is that many of those timers use the load when it’s not on to complete the circuit to power the timer and charge the battery.

Older timers were designed with incandescent bulbs in mind and don’t work well / won’t charge their battery with CFL or especially LEDs. The ones I have cause the CFLs to flicker for several hours in the morning after they shut off. With LEDs they just stop working after a couple days.

 

[MEDTECH]

One other point to add is that many of those timers use the load when it’s not on to complete the circuit to power the timer and charge the battery.

Older timers were designed with incandescent bulbs in mind and don’t work well / won’t charge their battery with CFL or especially LEDs. The ones I have cause the CFLs to flicker for several hours in the morning after they shut off. With LEDs they just stop working after a couple days.

Something I thought, as well. The new switch is compatible with CFL/LED according to the manual. Not sure about the older model. The fixture I got takes incandescent and CFL but, for now, I'm using incandescent as I have a shitload when I cleaned out my dad's house.