I need to replace a programmable light switch that was fried when a contractor plugged a compresser into the outlet it controls. I am trying to decide between these two Honeywell (Aube) programmable sunset/sunrise switches.
The 540A:
and the 740B:
The 540A is similar to the one I've had for 10 years that was fried:
It is designed to replace a standard toggle switch. The problem is that it can only handle 500 watts, which is why it was fried by the compressor motor.
It also requires a minimum load of 40 watts. Why is that? Why would it be damaged if the load were just a 25 watt bulb or a few 5 watt LED candelabras?
The newer model above (540A) has a little safety switch on the front to cut power to the switch while changing light bulbs to prevent a short.
The 740B has a limit of 1800 watts and no minimum, but it requires a neutral line. The receptacle where I want to put it has just three wires, which I think are the line (hot), the load (lights), and the ground (bare wire).
Is there any way to use the 740B in that receptacle?