The infrared sensor on the Time Timer WASH will only activate when its beam is broken anywhere between 0 and ~4.5 inches (0 and ~11.5 cm) in front of the timer. In order to prevent the timer from activating when lights are turned on or people are passing closely by, the hand (or object) initiating the timer, must be in that close range and held there for at least half a second. This prevents most false activations.  

You can also force the timer to go into Sleep Mode by covering it or blocking the sensor for more than 90 seconds. Once you are ready to wake it from Sleep Mode, simply press the top button. After awakening, the timer can then be activated with the touchless operation. To read more about Sleep Mode, see “Sleep Mode.”