My hot water heater timer must be obsolete... It is paragon model TC2 series A883-20. It looks as though the trippers X2772 would work. Can you advise?

Intermatic T101? uses 156T1978A tripper
Copy following link to identify timer.
http://waterheatertimer.org/Intermatic-trippers-and-parts.html#T100

I can find 1 example TC101 timer, and it looks like cheap knock-off of discontinued Paragon 4000 series that uses X2772 tripper:
http://waterheatertimer.org/Paragon-timers-and-manuals.html#4000

Add comment March 2013 and describe timer in detail.

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1) Paragon is no longer making X2772 trippers for the 4000 series timer.
Some places may still sell the X2772 tripper.
http://waterheatertimer.org/Paragon-timers-and-manuals.html#4000

2) I saw X2772 trippers for $60 spring 2011. And the ad did not say the trippers were new.

3) Buy replacement T101 Intermatic timer for less than that.
Example at Amazon showing T101 indoor timer: For outdoor timer, buy T101R.
http://www.amazon.com/Intermatic-T101-Hour-Dial-Timer/dp/B00002N5FN

4) Crossover wiring from Paragon 4001-00 to Intermatic T101:
Paragon terminal 1 goes to Intermatic 1
Paragon terminal 2 goes to Intermatic 2
Paragon terminal 3 goes to Intermatic A
http://waterheatertimer.org/How-to-wire-T104-Intermatic-timer.html#T101

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I've read an expert here say that Paragon is out of *this* business now and that they are making defrost timers exclusively. I'm not so sure about this however. I would contact Paragon directly to learn if they have trippers available still for your timer.

If not - they may have suggestions for a direct replacement timer that would fit into your existing timer box. I have replaced several this way as it is preferable than removing cables, etc. when the exterior box itself is fine.

Good luck!

Paragon 4000 series uses X2772 tripper.
Paragon is no longer making timers and parts, except defrost timers.
4000 is not defrost.
http://waterheatertimer.org/Paragon-timers-and-manuals.html#4000

Internet search for X2772 tripper shows results, and most are very expensive.
Some Intermatic timers sell for less than being asked for paragon trippers, depending on model.

Replace timer with Intermatic using cross-over reference:
http://www.intermatic.com/customer%20service/competitive%20cross%20reference.aspx

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Fixya is always less expensive than a service call.

1) Paragon is no longer making timers or parts except defrost timers.
4004-20 240V 24-hour mechanical timer is not a defrost timer.

2) paragon 4000 series uses X2772 tripper.
http://waterheatertimer.org/Paragon-timers-and-manuals.html#4000

3) Some sites still show the X2772 tripper.
Some sellers are seriously overcharging for the tripper.

4) If you want to buy new timer: Intermatic cross-reference guide shows T-104 240V 24 hour is correct replacement timer
http://www.intermatic.com/customer%20service/competitive%20cross%20reference.aspx

5) Amazon sells new T104 for 50$ which is cheaper than some folks are selling the paragon tripper:
http://www.amazon.com/Intermatic-T104-208-277-Volt-Mechanical-Switch/dp/tags-on-product/B000BQOX88

6) Change-over wiring from Paragon 4004-20 to T-104:
Hot wires from breakers. Paragon terminals 1 and 4. Intermatic terminals 1 and 3
Load wires. Paragon terminals 2 and 3. Intermatic terminals 2 and 4.
http://waterheatertimer.org/How-to-wire-T104-Intermatic-timer.html

Add a comment for more free help.
Also take advantage of fixya phone service.
For a price, expert speaks with you over phone while you work on timer or any do-it-yourself project.
Fixya is always less expensive than a service call.

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AVAILABLE NOW AT PATRIOT SUPPLY!

4000 series Paragon timer uses X2772 tripper
To check your model:
http://waterheatertimer.org/Paragon-timers-and-manuals.html

Midnight electric sells X2772 tripper
http://midlightelectric.com/firex/acatalog/FIREXPARAGONROBERTSHAW_X2772.html

That being said,
According to e-mail I got from Paragon last month, Paragon is no longer making timers or timer parts. Except for defrost timers. 4000 series is not a defrost timer.
This explains why some sellers of these trippers are asking $50 or more for $3 pair of trippers.

To change your timer to Intermatic.
Refer to Intermatic cross reference:
http://www.intermatic.com/customer%20service/competitive%20cross%20reference.aspx

You are not supposed to move the time arrow.
http://waterheatertimer.org/Paragon-timers-and-manuals.html

4000 series time arrow is pointed at 8:00.

To set current time, lift and rotate dial clockwise until current time lines up with pointer.
Put X2772 trippers on dial at times you want water heater to turn on.
Minimum on-off with Paragon 4000 is 1-1/2 hours because trippers are so fat.
You can replace 4000 timer with electronic timer and control exact on-off down to the minute:
http://waterheatertimer.org/Boxtype.html

Electric water heater heats about 21 gallons of water per hour.
Shower uses 6-9 gallons hot water.
Bath uses 10-12 gallons hot water.
Average water heater that is not connected to timer, runs about 3 hours a day. You can make timer pay off by keeping time schedule lower than 3 hours.

Following link shows how to figure cost for electric water heater:
http://waterheatertimer.org/Figure-Volts-Amps-Watts-for-water-heater.html

Following link shows several ways to save with water heater, plus general information to save money long-term:
http://waterheatertimer.org/9-ways-to-save-with-water-heater.html

The Paragon 4000 series uses the Paragon X2772 tripper
Google search for Paragon X2772 tripper turns up sellers
Pair of on-off trippers appear to sell for about 9$

http://waterheatertimer.org/Paragon-timers-and-manuals.html
http://www.paragontimecontrols.com/parts_accessories.htm

I think the 4001-00 takes the X2772 tripper
If you google Paragon X2772 tripper, there are a few sellers charging from $9-16 for a pair of trippers as if they are made of gold

http://www.nextag.com/tripper-paragon-x2772/stores-html