Light timer issue. Only works 2 of every 3 days.

[Aksala]

So I've got a small space heater set up in my flower room during the winter months during lights out. I keep it on low...usually keeps the temps between 65-70 during lights out instead of 50-55.

The issue is that it clicks the heater on 2 days and then doesn't the next...keeps repeating this cycle. At first I thought it was the timer (push pin type) so I got a different one and it's doing the same thing. Swapped the heater and the same thing....

Any clue what could be causing it? So confused by this...and frustrated.

 

[_tessarecting]

Damn...this is the type of thing that makes me consider leprechauns

 

[rives]

The heater starts working again on the 4th day, every time, and does it without any intervention by you?

About the only thing that can consistently do that is another timer feeding the circuit. If there is no timer, then you've got something else going on that should be a lot more random and you will need to start by using a voltage tester to see if there is power getting to the heater. If not, is there power to the timer and not out of it? Does the wall socket have power?

Find out where you are losing it, and that will determine the next step.

 

[Aksala]

Seems to be the case...2 on 1 off then back on on the 4th day.

I have it plugged into an 8 outlet surge protector that runs my ballast on a timer and 2 full time fans for circulation. Never had a problem with any other electrical device but could it be my surge protector is going bad? Like is it maybe the outlet from my surge protector that I have the timer plugged into? I suppose I could plug it into a different outlet and see if the problem persists.

 

[rives]

I would be willing to bet that the problems is intermittent and you are seeing the effects at specific times.

There is a good chance that the problem is in the plugstrip/surge protector, with either a bad receptacle or an automatic reset circuit breaker. Most heaters are going to be in the 1500w range as a minimum, which is 12.5 amps. A couple of fair-sized fans could take you up to the 15a range, and it's unlikely that the plugstrip can take that load for extended periods.

 

[Aksala]

I run it on low which is 900w I believe. When the heater clicks on only the 2 fans are running (I have the heater click on about 15m after lights out and off about 15m before lights on). If that were the case I feel like it would happen when the lights come on as its less amps than the 1000w ballast. Either way...this didn't happen last winter so if something has changed it would probably be the surge protector I'm assuming. It's 5-6 years old so maybe it's just time for a new one.

 

[Aksala]

So like clockwork the heater clicked on this morning (I plugged it into a different outlet...had to try something) so if it doesn't click on friday morning I'm gonna try a new surge protector. If it does...I probably still should because it means one of the outlets is having issues (I have no electrical knowledge of course...so I might just sound dumb even saying that)

 

[rives]

Well, I do have a bit of electrical knowledge and what you are doing is called "easter-egging" in the trade. Hopefully you will get there eventually, but frequently it's only after you've looked under a lot of things. With a voltage tester, you can quickly work through where you have power and where you don't, and react accordingly.

Good luck.

 

[Jhhnn]

Well, I do have a bit of electrical knowledge and what you are doing is called "easter-egging" in the trade. Hopefully you will get there eventually, but frequently it's only after you've looked under a lot of things. With a voltage tester, you can quickly work through where you have power and where you don't, and react accordingly.

Good luck.

Yep. Homeowner grade electronic meters are extremely inexpensive & well worth the money. They're not as tough or versatile as pro grade stuff but work fine with proper handling.

Just a simple outlet tester can help a lot. For instance-

http://www.amazon.com/Power-Gear-50542-3-Wire-Receptacle/dp/B002LZTKIA

 

[Aksala]

Today marks the 3rd day in a row that its kicked on after lights out. So far so good on switching to a different outlet. Think I'm gonna order a new surge protector.

 

[Merrykushmush]

Hi, do you have the timer running to another timer? Maybe it's too obvious but if it requires power to keep time it will cease to do that and pickup where it left off when the other timer turns back on, throwing your days outta whack. Just a stoner thought, hope it's something that simple!

 

[Aksala]

Nah it's all running off the same surge protector. Both my timers (lights/heater) are plugged into it.