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Almost a fire!!
- Thread starter poohdo
- Start date
Sharp_Pain
Member
could just be a old timer with a damaged/worn internal wire. Definately scary I think we can all agree fire is up there with being raided as top concerns. Fire actually scares me more because it's silent but deadly
V
vaprpig
Older analog, rotary type plug in timers are notorious for starting fires. They are usually caused by a spark when the timer dial switches on. I try to use the digital ones or make sure I buy them new.
greenisgold
Member
Don't forget that these rotary timers are rated for certain a amount of watts. Did you get one that is rated for over 1000 watts?
rastagrass
Member
if you go to dollar general they have good digital stanley timers for like 7 bucks, but they only have them during christmas time thought, so if you need one id go get it before they stop selling them.
The heavy duty Intermatic rotary timers (which is probably what most people use) are rated for 1800W. That being said, with only a 434W T5 unit plugged into a fairly new one I get a spark each time it switches on.
They are notorious for starting fires, melting plugs, and being generally unsafe. It is far more likely with a 1000W light than anything else. I've never really had a problem with 600W or lower units melting the timers or cords, but they do spark.
Inline timers are the best to use on 1000W ballasts that are running on 110v. Switch over to 220V and those timer problems are a thing of the past- every 220v timer I've seen is super heavy duty.
They are notorious for starting fires, melting plugs, and being generally unsafe. It is far more likely with a 1000W light than anything else. I've never really had a problem with 600W or lower units melting the timers or cords, but they do spark.
Inline timers are the best to use on 1000W ballasts that are running on 110v. Switch over to 220V and those timer problems are a thing of the past- every 220v timer I've seen is super heavy duty.
D
Darkstarlive
I had timers go bad, like they never shut off or no power but luckily never any fire. Fire is a double wammy, first you have the fire that at the very least causes some minor damage and ruin some equipment or at worse you have major fire damage that the firemen and police respond to and you lose your house and get busted. Scary shit thats why I'm so anal about safety and cleanliness.
Peace...
Peace...
I had one melt down an extension cord this year also. Do you have a fire extinguisher in your grow? You should, and be able to find it in the dark.
Warning - DO NOT buy the brinks brand digital timers they are selling at wallyworld now, they either have memory flaws, bad built in batteries, or some other defect. 2 out of 2, same fault, same exact problem, loose the program, worthless.
H
Warning - DO NOT buy the brinks brand digital timers they are selling at wallyworld now, they either have memory flaws, bad built in batteries, or some other defect. 2 out of 2, same fault, same exact problem, loose the program, worthless.
H
Budweiser13
Active member
Use a contactor..........
texasluv said:
Spark? You mean like a blue light when you plug in from inside the device?
It is normal.
I can't explain it in english, but if you ask your electrician why your plug does spark he'll explain to you.
So what is the difference between an inline timer vs a digital timer?
Over the years I have seen a few different digital times at Walmart. I have 2 different ones that have held up without issue. One is battery based and the other has some capacitor that stays charged for a day or so if it's unplugged to keep the settings.
If I recall they were like 5 times cheaper then the same similar made in China ones at the hydro store.
Over the years I have seen a few different digital times at Walmart. I have 2 different ones that have held up without issue. One is battery based and the other has some capacitor that stays charged for a day or so if it's unplugged to keep the settings.
If I recall they were like 5 times cheaper then the same similar made in China ones at the hydro store.
Poodo
Member
I hate the noise that the rotary timers make. I have had three that don't work right like they would turn on and then five minutes later it was off again, and when it does turn off man timers can piss you off!
nice name poohdo man its my tag and gamer name also works like pudu I saw it that way in a movie.
At the pet shop they have power bars that have timers built in i think it was pet-co.
My 65 wat cfls say not to use with a digital timer now what?
Im on 12/12 at 12am and 12pm<when I wake up. so I'm the steady timer, today they tested the tornado siren at noon wierd to hear first thing.
nice name poohdo man its my tag and gamer name also works like pudu I saw it that way in a movie.
At the pet shop they have power bars that have timers built in i think it was pet-co.
My 65 wat cfls say not to use with a digital timer now what?
Im on 12/12 at 12am and 12pm<when I wake up. so I'm the steady timer, today they tested the tornado siren at noon wierd to hear first thing.
G
Guest
The spark that you see is called arcing and occurs when the contacts make connection under load.The best timers for HID growing IMO are mechanical timers rated at 40A.I like the WH40 for 240V
Rolling_Stoned
Member
Wow thanks guys ya'll could have saved my house! All I use are these shitty old analog timers, but now im gonna switch them out for shure 
Holy shit you guys...... the best advise that has been given here is this.
OK some blunt info.
Melted extension wires are not due to timers. You are running the extension passed it's rating and they are heating up.
Now as for timers.... DO NOT CMEMORY OUT. I cant stress this enough.
The smaller cheap timers are not made for handling the type of amps that are being drawn with a HPS lighting. In the retail stores you want to buy the timers that are made for car block heaters your gonna spend at least 30-50 $. Always check what power rating any given timerthey can handle and make sure your 30 % below this rating. Extension wires same rule of thumb.. DO NOT CMEMORY OUT. The safest ones to are used by constuction contractors. They are designed to handle high current draws(power equipment) again you are not going after CMEMORY, your going after QUALITY.expect to pay a good price for these extension cords.
I understand not everyone has a electrician in their back pocket but this is the best way to get solid equipment designed for high power draw. Go to an electrical supplier and communicate your looking at installing MH lighting for a shop with timer...what do i need??
This doesnt mean one has to be unsafe. Spend the money on high quality power items in the stores if telling a white lie doesnt appeal to ya. This is just as safe, and more low key.
Fire is catastrophic. BE SAFE.
OK some blunt info.
Melted extension wires are not due to timers. You are running the extension passed it's rating and they are heating up.
Now as for timers.... DO NOT CMEMORY OUT. I cant stress this enough.
The smaller cheap timers are not made for handling the type of amps that are being drawn with a HPS lighting. In the retail stores you want to buy the timers that are made for car block heaters your gonna spend at least 30-50 $. Always check what power rating any given timerthey can handle and make sure your 30 % below this rating. Extension wires same rule of thumb.. DO NOT CMEMORY OUT. The safest ones to are used by constuction contractors. They are designed to handle high current draws(power equipment) again you are not going after CMEMORY, your going after QUALITY.expect to pay a good price for these extension cords.
I understand not everyone has a electrician in their back pocket but this is the best way to get solid equipment designed for high power draw. Go to an electrical supplier and communicate your looking at installing MH lighting for a shop with timer...what do i need??
This doesnt mean one has to be unsafe. Spend the money on high quality power items in the stores if telling a white lie doesnt appeal to ya. This is just as safe, and more low key.
Fire is catastrophic. BE SAFE.
