Switches - And On/OFF killing bulbs - Switch advice for HID growers

[Greggl102]

So I had my light connected to a surge protector.

After doing some reading, it appears the surge protector uses a rocker switch

I read something about a see-saw type of switch -- and I'm wondering if this is what resulted in my bulb failure
(from getting switch to OFF/ON/OFF)

I used to use a timer and I never had a problem with that, so I will likely go back to that, again I'm running my bulb 24/7, but occasionally will shut it off when I go out for an hour.
(so it might seem silly to use a timer if I just occasionally will turn it on or off?) -- What should I use?

What kind of switches exist in a typical mechanical timer?

Is this switch more surefire for disconnecting / connecting current

Is there an on / off switch on these devices? Or when I leave, would I have to reach back into my closet, pull a pin up and twist the dial? - what switch is this?


looking for advice as to what I should do? I'm worried that my rocker switch was flimsy and it may have done a accidental shut off / turn on

I'd like a heavy button, or something that won't on/off/on really fast and burn out my bulb


thanks everyone, hoping I gave enough background.

 

[Daino]

I would invest in a grow light contactor with the built in timer not 100% on price but take the constant load rather than a standard timer or power socket lots of power generated from HID and can sometimes short out a bulb or trip a switch in the mains power trip switches as an over load but with the contactor the it has a built in surge protector so won't trip anything it shouldn't at very most it will blow the fuse in the contactor in which you should replace with a 13amp fuse if not already suppkier with 1 best of luck hope you get it sorted ASAP

 

[StoneDHedgE]

So I had my light connected to a surge protector.

After doing some reading, it appears the surge protector uses a rocker switch

I read something about a see-saw type of switch -- and I'm wondering if this is what resulted in my bulb failure
(from getting switch to OFF/ON/OFF)

I used to use a timer and I never had a problem with that, so I will likely go back to that, again I'm running my bulb 24/7, but occasionally will shut it off when I go out for an hour.
(so it might seem silly to use a timer if I just occasionally will turn it on or off?) -- What should I use?

What kind of switches exist in a typical mechanical timer?

Is this switch more surefire for disconnecting / connecting current

Is there an on / off switch on these devices? Or when I leave, would I have to reach back into my closet, pull a pin up and twist the dial? - what switch is this?


looking for advice as to what I should do? I'm worried that my rocker switch was flimsy and it may have done a accidental shut off / turn on

I'd like a heavy button, or something that won't on/off/on really fast and burn out my bulb


thanks everyone, hoping I gave enough background.

Probably a light issue. HID...especially HPS when failing will sometimes turn on and off.

 

[Greggl102]

Its a known issue with HID lighting, they don't like to be turned on/off/on/off in quick succession - this will destroy the bulb

I need a switch that prevents this, I'll likely go with a timer, but am open to advice and information pertaining to the topic.

 

[StoneDHedgE]

Buy a solid state timer.