cheap timers

[Guest]

for a 400w light

Would the cheaper rintermatic timers work?? like this one:

Or do I have to get the more expensive one?, like this:

 

[Tokabowl]

Now im not entirely sure about all the electrical jargon, but you have to make sure you dont exceed the load (in Amps) the timer can handle.
When i first started my last grow, i had bought 3 of these cheap mechanical timers you can find anywhere... i plugged a 150w hps in one of them, and a 200w envirolight in each other one, and they all broke within a day or two.
I cant remember the load these timers had but whats certain is that it wasnt enough, im lucky it didnt burn my house down...
Now i have two digital 13A timers, one of them is specifically for fluorescent lighting (up to 400W, perfect for my 2 200W enviros), and the other i just have my 150w hps plugged in and everything is fine now.
Im pretty sure a 13A timer will do the job for a 400W, but you have to check the induction load of your light to be sure...
Better safe than sorry

I hope this makes some sense, im sure someone here can explain it better
for you

 

[Guest]

Ive been using cheapo 9$ timers from walmart for years with a 400w..
none have ever crapped out/blew etc, i just replace them once or twice a year

just my 2c


(not that i dont want a nicer timer.. just no loot, but in my experience theyve worked fine for me)

 

[Guest]

The cheap $8 timer like in the photo above says 15A, and the ballast at 120v is 3.80A. So it should be cool right? That's the only thing that'd be on the timer, is the lights. The fan would run 24/7.

 

[Chronic Newfie]

I'm gonna have this same problem. I have those same ass cheapo timers. I guess I need one thats gonna be able to handle the 400w.

 

[MTF-Sandman]

I've seen plenty of pictures of the "Heavy Duty" plastic intermatics like that top pic that melted or caught fire with HID lighting on them to not worry about spending a few extra bucks for the safety of the T100 series timers.

If you're feeling lucky and like to gamble go with the cheaper one...you'll PROBABLY be fine.

I'd rather not have a weak link that could cause a fire tho...what's your safety & security worth to you?

 

[purrpullkush]

yes, go T-104 or WH40, anything less, is not worth the risk.

 

[Guest]

But the thing is, as small as it may sound to you folks, I really dont have an extra $30-$40 bucks to spend if it's not really really necessary. Of course I wouldn't risk burning my house down, but the thing is rated at 15amps/1700w, so I'd think a 3.80 amp/ 400 watt load would be fine.


damnit

 

[BOFH]

I picket up a Intermatic 7-Day/7-Event Programmable Timer HB88RC from home depot for about 9 bucks. I also found a Intermatic DT-17 on the ground believe it or not which is on a seperate circuit for all my environmental needs.

I personally believe you'll be fine. I also recommend checking ebay for items like these.

http://cgi.ebay.com/Intermatic-Shor...8QQihZ002QQcategoryZ73367QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

 

[Guest]

I think you'll be OK because I use one for my 9000BTU portable AC,I wouldnt use it on a 1K fixture though.

 

[Aoxomoxoa]

timer

timer

We started out with an Intermatic 7-Day/7-Event Programmable timer being careful to only use one light per. 4 of 5 craped out in two weeks.
then we came across <EcoPlus
15 Amp Grounded
Digital
Plug-In Timer
For use with HID and fluorescent light fixtures, and ideal for ebb & flood hydroponic systems, this timer features the ability to switch power on and off up EcoPlus Heavy Duty UL/CSA 15 Amp Grounded Plug-In Digital Timer

to six times per 24 hour day. Individual day or multi-day timer settings. Battery backup (included) for the timer clock assures your systems stay on schedule even after a power outage. Can also be used with electrical appliances such as lights, radios, television sets, coffee makers, automatic water sprinklers, commercial signs, etc.

Minimum 'on' time is 1 minute. 3 prong grounded female receptacle, 3 prong grounded male plug.> available @ <http://homeharvest.com/hydroponictimers.htm>

The only bummer is that there are 2 auto settings, if timer dose not work just hit "the on-off-auto" button twice to cycle to correct auto mode they want 24.00us on the web but I found mine for 19.00 us at local indoor garden shop.
BTW its rated for 15amps (15a x120v=1800 watts) we ran (1) 1000 hps + (1) 400 hps plus (2) fans with no problems. Hope this helps

 

[Guest]

I ges its the same for you guys but i run 240v. The timer should have a rating at what it can switch and what the maximum it can take. I mention this because i bought some cheap timers that said rated at 15 amp. Of course on the bac i read that they switched 3 amp doh! and managed to kill 3 in a few months with only my 400w and fans.