Reliable Timers

[LanesHortiMax]

Was looking to buy a bn-link or autopilot 8 outlet surge protector/timer.. But read some where the timer part quit working after a few months.

Im just running 600 hps,315cmh, 210 led...

What timers do you recommend and use. You guys like digital or mechanical?
Ive always used mechanical but digital seems conveniant....i got an old apollo ballastntimer somewhere around here.

Appreciate the recommendations!

 

[Frosty Nuggets]

I went with mechanical as when the power goes out I won't have to reprogram it and the lights come back on when the power does, all I have to do is spin the ring around to reset the time.

 

[f-e]

I don't trust any. Or relays pretending to be contactors.
If it don't clunk, I'm not using it for my funk.

 

[St. Phatty]

I went with mechanical as when the power goes out I won't have to reprogram it and the lights come back on when the power does, all I have to do is spin the ring around to reset the time.

I can definitely relate to that

but don't some of the digital timers have batteries etc. ? so they don't get fvcked up by a power glitch.

 

[Bud Green]

The Intermatic T-101 is the most reliable workhorse of a timer that's available...

It does have a drawback or two...
It cannot be set to the very exact time.
Figure about 5 minutes, plus or minus..but that's not extremely important to me..

It lasts forever...the one in this picture is more than 30 years old..

I wouldn't have a digital timer...

..

 

[Douglas.Curtis]

I've used the same digital timers for 15+ years now, HydroFarm TM01715D (or similar models in past years). No need to reset if the power goes out, internal, "re-chargeable by the outlet it's plugged into," battery. 1 timer per 1K HPS, PER YEAR. I date them when I start using them, and use them for lower wattage devices after a year.

They're under $30 each, so it's very cheap insurance. They never get warm, they work great, never had a failure yet. Literally have one in my lap, and about to program it for the 330w LED cab I'm building.



For high amp wiring? Definitely the Intermatic's mentioned previously.

 

[brickweeder]

The Intermatic T-101 is the most reliable workhorse of a timer that's available.....

Thanks for posting your timer set-up. Just downloaded the info sheet..sweet and simple with peace of mind. Would definitely wire it with 12g min, may use 10g since it would be on a 30A/10g circuit.

 

[AgentPothead]

If you are doing a 30 amp circuit you should use a minimum of 10 gauge wire. 12 gauge really shouldn't be used past 20 amps.

 

[Bud Green]

Agent is correct....It's hard to find 10 gauge stranded wire to use for your cord from the timer box to the plug, but that's what you need, to run 30 amps..

10 gauge wire is also tougher to work with inside the timer box, but again, that's what you need to use if you're gonna plug it in to a 30 amp circuit...

..

 

[brickweeder]

yep. although if I do go 12g, I'll make sure not to use a load that exceeds 80% of 20A and label the timer. I may pull a max of 6A through the timer at any given time, so 12 or 10 doesn't matter, just so long as the load doesn't exceed the timer's wire rating. Now, wiring up a socket box to a 30 breaker, that's a diff story.

 

[brickweeder]

If you are doing a 30 amp circuit you should use a minimum of 10 gauge wire. 12 gauge really shouldn't be used past 20 amps.

to clarify, I am wiring a timer, not a circuit (the 30A circuit that the time will plug into already exists). But your point is well taken, anyone that wires up a circuit needs to do so according to wire gauge v amperage ratings.

Wiring up an end use like an appliance or any load, make sure the wiring is rated for the load plus a safety factor, not the circuit you'll be plugging into. In my particular case, the timer is considered the limiting factor for the load (just like any plug in timer), not the circuit it plugs into. Sorry about opening up a small can of worms, hope this explains the situation.

 

[AgentPothead]

to clarify, I am wiring a timer, not a circuit (the 30A circuit that the time will plug into already exists). But your point is well taken, anyone that wires up a circuit needs to do so according to wire gauge v amperage ratings.

Wiring up an end use like an appliance or any load, make sure the wiring is rated for the load plus a safety factor, not the circuit you'll be plugging into. In my particular case, the timer is considered the limiting factor for the load (just like any plug in timer), not the circuit it plugs into. Sorry about opening up a small can of worms, hope this explains the situation.

Yeah sorry I'm just stoned and didn't want anybody to burn their house down Not necessarily you, but if a non member reads the thread and is like hey, I got this!

 

[Storm Shadow]

Intermatic T100 aka the best

 

[brickweeder]

Yeah sorry I'm just stoned and didn't want anybody to burn their house down Not necessarily you, but if a non member reads the thread and is like hey, I got this!

agreed...any would-be electricians wiring up a new outlet or running some wire should make sure to give the following well-written Sticky a thorough read before proceeding...

https://www.icmag.com/ic/showthread.php?t=117867

Intermatic T100 aka the best

I am digging the T101...

 

[watts]

https://www.icmag.com/ic/album.php?albumid=48834

 

[LanesHortiMax]

Great info! Great responses!