I know this is probably a silly question for most but as a first time grower I’m wondering if there’s a simpler solution for getting my lights all on the same time. I originally just had one cheap blurple light on a mechanical timer but with the help on this forum I realized that was not enough for the size of my grow. I’ve since just bought two hlg 100’s to add in the tent on top of my cheap blurple. Should I just buy two more mechanical timers and get them close as possible to be on the same time or how do you guys have your lights set up when you have more lights than just one? Like I said prob a dumb question but maybe there’s a simpler way
3 separate lights on the same timer?
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Grow So High
Well-Known Member
I use this as a timer, I can turn on/off the lights from an app on my phone. there are 3 outlets and you can create a timer for all 3 outlets. It does connect to WiFi though so not sure if that would be an issue for you. No complaints about this and it has worked every single time. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07RQNFL7R/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_on-xEbT3HYSZT
thumper60
Well-Known Member
PLug ya lights into a strip plug strip into timer, sounds like ya pulling less than 1k watts.
I would never trust my grow lamps to a cheap "smart" timer device. No way, no how. These things are far too unreliable. Besides, why do you need WiFi access to turn lamps on and off... they should be on a very specific routine.
You need to check what the amperage draw is for each light, and verify that all three of them won't be over 80% of the maximum rated capacity of the timer when they are all on. You can get the number of Amps drawn by dividing the output watts by your voltage.
.Smoke
Well-Known Member
Yep. Although I am an electrical engineer and have created my own timers for certain things, I still use good ol' fashion push/pull mechanical timers for most of my lamps.Agreed.
I use old school mechanical timers. Some things are better left un-fucked with
Also, you are at significant risk of shock or fire. Those devices, like much of the "smart" crap on Amazon isn't even electrically certified:
"There are no markings on the device or package that would suggest it is either UL Rated or listed."
Insurance likely won't pay out if it's determined that a fire started due to the use of a non-certified electrical device.
It's also rated at 10 Amps, not the standard 15A, and the product does not list a safety over-current protection. This means that it's likely to burn up if overloaded, at a current that wouldn't even trip the 15A breaker the "timer" is rated at.
Something to think about.
.Smoke
Well-Known Member
I worked on electronics in the Air Force and Yup.
Grow So High
Well-Known Member
It’s %100 reliable. Been using it for a couple years
it is ETL listed and is 100% reliable.
This is the mechanical timer I have.
BN-LINK BND-60/U47 Indoor Mini 24-Hour Mechanical Outlet Timer, 3-Prong, 2-Pack https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01LPSGBZS/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_fO-xEbVSGBSRJ
Currently the timer is plugged into a quality surge protector and my light is then plugged into the timer. So would I be able to plug all 3 of my lights into a 3 way plug and then plug that into my mechanical timer that’s plugged into my surge protector and it be safe?
Grow So High
Well-Known Member
It’s also a surge protector and I don’t use 10 amps plugged into it. And you don’t know my insurance coverage so why even speculate on that lol boomer
DarkWeb
Well-Known Member
Boomer? Speculate? Go ask mom what she has for insurance......
Boomer? How about very experienced grower, licensed electrician and electrical engineer?
Just because you use crap that can't even handle up to a typical rated outlet, doesn't mean I won't recommend against it.
Grow So High
Well-Known Member
Own my own condo paid off actually lol don’t get in your feelings
Grow So High
Well-Known Member
It’s a 15 amp smart surge protector what are you talking about. You are probably afraid of technology