Correct Timer plug for 400w HPS?

Hi all,

I've heard from a few people that I need to be careful when selecting a timer plug with a 400W HPS light as often the light currnet can blow the plugs.

I know there are contactor relays around to solve this problem but at £30 a pop I figure i could probably get a good timer plug for less than that but can handle the current.

My problem is I have no idea of what the requirement of a timer plug that could handle this load would be. I found one that has a max load of 3120W which seems pretty high for a timer plug.

Can anyone provide some advice on what to look for?

well, you need a contactor (mine cost about £25 from a well known growshop and can run 2x1kw lights iirc, tho i only use 1x400w). as for the timer, a lot of growshops sell the Grasslin 24hr mechanical timer, seems popular, i got one, maybe £14). there may well be a cheaper way to do it (getting a smaller contactor for a start) though.

pitchforksandtorches said:

well, you need a contactor (mine cost about £25 from a well known growshop and can run 2x1kw lights iirc, tho i only use 1x400w). as for the timer, a lot of growshops sell the Grasslin 24hr mechanical timer, seems popular, i got one, maybe £14). there may well be a cheaper way to do it (getting a smaller contactor for a start) though.

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What does this contactor do exactly?