why do all digital timers suck?

[Hammerhead]

I agree none of these small digital timers are safe to use for Lighting control. I know many use them for this but there not rated for this kind of use. I would rather be safe then sorry. The intermatic t104 is perfect for this kind of use.. If your handy you can make your own controller like I did. You can use the cheap digitalis to switch your relay/contactors. I'm using a woods 50009 to switch my contacts...

 

[2buds]

I use a sprinkler system control box that allows overlap of programs and double pole 24vdc relays for lighting. Shit has been running for years, only had 1 relay burn out so far. Makes it easy to change the start times and length of the light cycle. With the smart meters these days, I try to move my start times around so I don't have loads hitting at the same times every day.

 

[RedEye_JeDi]

I'm hunting for an aeroponics timer that has over 40 programs and 1 minute intervals. Thanks for the suggestions, the Titan 734170 looks perfect (unlimited programs, 20 second intervals) but they look discontinued and only a few vendors have them. I'm buying one now

 

[Rondon]

Wow. Just read some posts a few pages back...some dumbasses thats for sure. Pleass dont use thoss cheap multi day programmable timers with a hydrofarm or titan logo (they are the same as harbor freight china junk) for controlling anything with under a constant load. Listen to the pros here you dummies. Just because it hasnt doesnt mean it wont. Use relays with a trigger to do it right. ...and to be honest...slme of the "hydro shop" relays are really crappy made. I know prp electricians that have looked inside some of the hydro store gear and laughed and cussed at the same time. Buyer beware...this shit can kill you or another. Do yiur research and stop fucking around.

 

[hvac guy]

AUBE timers are the best.

 

[leet]

I had many analogue timers fail on me too! But for sure use high quality timers ! No reason to cheap out there... doesn't worth the risk!

 

[Floridian]

Listen to the Hammerhead folks especially if you are running more than 1K.I have used the same t-104 for over a decade with 3 1K vertizontals the T-101 and 104 are the way to go with over 1K.I just realized 3 months and one day after this thread started the world did not end and I gave up cigarrettes

 

[Old Toker]

Just to be clear....you are better off screwing up the wiring on a good switch rather than taking a chance on the 15amp digital ones......or just don't grow.....or just manually flip your 1000w ballast off/on when you need it? Are there no affordable "plug and play" timers that can handle a 1000w ballast and do NOT need hard wire installations?