POLISHSTONER
Member
I'm planning on using a 50w led for a micro grow. I have a standard timer that was used for aquarium lights, will this pose a fire hazard or something?
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Is it required to have heavy duty timers for grow lights.
- Thread starter POLISHSTONER
- Start date
PrometheanLeaf
Well-Known Member
The timers themselves have specific wattage ratings with them. Try to keep a 20% overage for power surges and you should be good.
POLISHSTONER
Member
Thanks, I will check the timer when I get home to the city
Stickydog90
Member
Presuming this is a dude, I like this guy, he knows his shit!
ChiefRunningPhist
Well-Known Member
Current, they're rated by amps.
If you're pulling high amperage you'll want a high amp timer. Look for a 3 prong timer over a 2 prong timer, and rated for 15A+. I've blown through a few timers till I learned to buy the "Heavy Duty" ones.
If you're pulling high amperage you'll want a high amp timer. Look for a 3 prong timer over a 2 prong timer, and rated for 15A+. I've blown through a few timers till I learned to buy the "Heavy Duty" ones.
GummyGreenBoy
Well-Known Member
From what I’ve read he’s guy. And yea, he def knows what he speaks... dam you @Renfro lol with all your knowledge and wisdom helping people with their grows (especially me) dam you to hell lol
I’ve learned and continue to learn a lot from you... thank you.
weed-whacker
Well-Known Member
No
HitemwiththeHine
Well-Known Member
I like the digital ones on Amazon. But I will say for quick adjustments the tabs are nicer. I don't pay attention to "heavy duty" because most all timers nowadays are rated for 15 amps and I'm never over 500 watts for a single tent.
Anything UL listed, 3 prong, you should be more than fine for any 50 watt appliance.
Anything UL listed, 3 prong, you should be more than fine for any 50 watt appliance.
kingromano
Well-Known Member
for 50w i think its ok ... LOL
but magnetic ballast when they start draw much amp
because of the condensor
so to avoid the timers to stay sticked, i always use heavy duty for hps
even if the cheap timer say it can go to 3600w, i wouldnt use them for this
but magnetic ballast when they start draw much amp
because of the condensor
so to avoid the timers to stay sticked, i always use heavy duty for hps
even if the cheap timer say it can go to 3600w, i wouldnt use them for this
Roger A. Shrubber
Well-Known Member
people still use magnetic ballasts? does anyone still manufacture those? i haven't even seen one advertised in years...
coreywebster
Well-Known Member
Just google contact timers. Its a mechanical switch that a standard timer switches on, it takes the surge so the timer doesn't break and end up with lights on or off all the time.
ChiefRunningPhist
Well-Known Member
@nikev
Most breakers are ~20A.
This means you want to run max 16A (80%) per breaker.
If you're going to be pulling 6A+ I'd buy a "Heavy Duty" labeled timer. One with 3 prongs instead of only 2. My experience stems from the push-tab kind (I haven't used digital). The green & red, tab, Christmas light timers broke on me when I ran HPS.
Here's an example of some of the ones I use and recommend so far..
16A...
Intermatic makes a 20A outlet timer, but you have to buy a "T-Blade" adapter to plug it into a normal outlet.
20A...
T-Blade adapter...
Most breakers are ~20A.
This means you want to run max 16A (80%) per breaker.
If you're going to be pulling 6A+ I'd buy a "Heavy Duty" labeled timer. One with 3 prongs instead of only 2. My experience stems from the push-tab kind (I haven't used digital). The green & red, tab, Christmas light timers broke on me when I ran HPS.
Here's an example of some of the ones I use and recommend so far..
16A...
SL Hydroponic 24 Hour Plug-in Mechanical Timer, Single Outlet Grounded, with 15 Minute Intervals, 120-volt, For Indoor Growing - - Amazon.com
SL Hydroponic 24 Hour Plug-in Mechanical Timer, Single Outlet Grounded, with 15 Minute Intervals, 120-volt, For Indoor Growing - - Amazon.com
www.amazon.com
Intermatic makes a 20A outlet timer, but you have to buy a "T-Blade" adapter to plug it into a normal outlet.
20A...
T-Blade adapter...
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70's natureboy
Well-Known Member
They don't advertise them because they last forever. I tried digital ballasts and they died after a year or two and they all mess up my radios. I guess if it ain't broke I don't try to fix it.
dandyrandy
Well-Known Member
Another option to make any cheap timer heavy duty is to buy an external relay. I used an ice cube relay and socket. 120v ac. Wire the output of the timer to the coil. I had a 4pdt in my shop so I used a bud construction box and rolled my own. I paralleled the contacts. The normally closed contacts can be used to power a humidifier or kick your exhaust fan to a lower speed using a speed controller.