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Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 9,923
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G
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I am arguing with an installer about the T103 timer.
This thing is clearly in a NEMA 1 case (indoor only) but there is nothing in the instructions (sticker) or on the box that says so. In fact the box says
Parking lot lighting
Billboard lighting
Commercial lighting
Pools/Spas/Fountains
Electric Water Heaters
Outdoor Lighting

How can you enforce 110.3(B) when the label is wrong?


Greg Fretwell
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 943
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The "installer" needs to be smart enough to know the can is NEMA 1.

"Parking lot lighting
Billboard lighting
Commercial lighting
Pools/Spas/Fountains
Electric Water Heaters
Outdoor Lighting"

It does not mean your have to stick the can outside........

Last edited by NORCAL; 12/19/09 06:32 PM.
Joined: Jul 2004
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G
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It is pretty hard to make that case when 5 of the 6 recommended uses are "outside" applications and the label says nothing about "indoor only". I know it is a NEMA 1 can but it is hard to prove, based on anything available in or on the package.


Greg Fretwell
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 764
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Could the box with the part number that the timer came in still be kicking around somewhere?
No idea why they don’t label their individual timers or mention it in the listed instructions, but for what it's worth, the Intermatic product page says T103 is the part number for the timer with the standard drawn steel case.
So the T103 timer with the optional NEMA 3R case would be T103R and with the optional plastic case, it would be a T103P.
Looks like it is also available with an optional see-thru plastic cover, which would be part number T103PCD82.

Here is the product info:
Intermatic T103

Joined: Jan 2005
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Cat Servant
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I'll say this based entirely on my first-had experience with actually performing "wet location" tests (NEMA, UL, and others):

That basic Intermatic enclosure might just pass the NEMA 3R test. I's a very close call. The test applies a strong rain at a 15-degree angle to the enclosure. At the end of the test, it's only required that there not be an 'objectionable' amount of wather having accumulated in the enclosure. With the connections a good inch above the bottom, and all KO's located below them, it just might pass.

Still, the Intermatic web site, in discussing this timer, refers to it as a NEMA-1 case. Whether you can buy a new case separately, or have to get the whole assembly is another issue - but there is a NEMA-3R case available. (This case may be plastic).

It should be pointed out that the 'outdoor' model has a different part number, T103R.

In Nevada, the standard case has proven more than adequate outdoors and unprotected. I'm not justifying the practice - this is just an observation after seeing decades-old installations continue to perform well.

Of course, you get a wee bit more rain in Florida .... and salt corrosion may be a factor. The NEMA-3R metal boxes are made of a heavier steel.

I'd consider all the circumstances, including whether the timer is sheltered by the building, etc.

Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 4,294
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The T103R can is gasketed and has a hasp closure.....Like an ammo can.

The T103 can is not gasketed and has a padlockable tab that fits through a hole in the face of the cover, similar to what might be at the bottom of a 3R cover on a panel.

Joined: Jul 2004
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G
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I know the difference and in Florida the plastic case is the one I would recommend because, even the 3R case will be rusted out pretty fast.
I was just disappointed that there wasn't more guidance on the box or the installation label. Of course Home Depot, where the installer ("maintenance" sort of guy) bought this, sold it is "outside" based on the box.
I will take this to Intermatic.com and see what they say.


Greg Fretwell
Joined: Apr 2002
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Greg:
Is there not a label on the inside of the door with any info? I ask, as I have not checked a 101/103 enclosure out lately.



John
Joined: Jul 2004
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G
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There is nothing on the box, on the label or on the enclosure that indicates the weather rating.
I would expect it on the product spec label on top of the box, even if it was nowhere else.
The only place I could find the rating was in the catalog, in the chart referenced above that has the model numbers for each timer model. I don't carry one of those catalogs, does anyone else?

My big problem is these are in a "retail" box, not something you would expect at a supply house and they are marketed directly to consumers at the big box stores.
If the customer read anything available on the box they would assume this was OK outside (3R) and wouldn't ever be told any different until a "code geek" like me told them wink
I am still not sure I convinced the guy and I know he used it. I did talk him into going around the corner under cover with it so it was "damp" and not "wet" but I bet it is rusted out in a couple years.
I do see a lot of these outside and I have replaced more than a few that were falling apart.


Greg Fretwell
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 300
M
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Seems to me that you don't need to prove it's not a 3R case, the installer needs to show the label that shows that it is a 3R case.

No 3R label, not 3R.

A listing outdoor applications isn't a 3R label.

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